Fox News Hourly Update: 8PM ET 04/12/2026

Date: April 13, 2026
Host: Ron Trustee Stern
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Episode Theme: The episode covers major breaking news, including a U.S. naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a political upset in Hungary, updates on the Artemis 2 lunar mission, and a developing scandal in California’s gubernatorial race.

Main Theme

This newscast delivers concise, urgent updates on developing world events, politics, space exploration, and U.S. domestic issues. The top stories include President Trump’s announcement of a U.S. blockade at the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions with Iran; the ousting of Hungary’s long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orban; the triumphant return of Artemis 2 astronauts; and sexual assault allegations upending Eric Swalwell’s California gubernatorial campaign.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Naval Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz

[00:03 – 01:00]

• Announcement: President Trump declares a full U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, set to commence at 10 AM Eastern Time the next day.
• Details (Mike Tobin reporting from Tel Aviv):
  • The blockade targets ships originating from Iranian ports.
  • Vessels from non-Iranian ports are exempt from interception.
  • Early demining efforts are underway, and a 'safe path' for commercial ships will be shared with mariners.
  • Iran’s Revolutionary Guard asserts control over the strait and threatens to view any warship entry as a ceasefire violation.
• Quote:
  • President Trump (with Maria Bartiromo):

    "We're putting on a complete blockade. We're not going to let Iran make money on selling oil to people that they like and not people that they don't like or whatever it is. It's going to be all or none." (President Trump, [00:49])

• Background: The blockade follows failed diplomatic talks in Pakistan.

2. Hungarian Election Upset

[01:03 – 01:45]

• Outcome: Viktor Orban, after 16 years in power and long considered an ally to both Trump and Putin, loses to Peter Magyar.
• Implications: Magyar pledges to strengthen ties with the EU and NATO.
• Reaction:
  • EU President Ursula von der Leyen's statement:

    "Europe's heart is beating stronger. In Hungary tonight."

• Additional Context: Orban had impeded Ukraine’s NATO bid; his defeat is seen as a shift towards Western alliances.

3. Sports Update

[01:45]

• Highlight: Rory McIlroy wins the Masters for the second consecutive year.

4. Artemis 2 Lunar Mission Return

[03:02 – 03:51]

• Coverage by Madison Scarpino:
  • The four-member Artemis 2 crew returns after a record-breaking 10-day lunar mission, with a celebrated homecoming at Johnson Space Center.
  • Commander Reed Wiseman expresses gratitude to family and reflects on the emotional journey.
  • The mission marks the deepest human voyage into space to-date.
• Quote:
  • Reed Wiseman:

    "This was not easy being 200,000 plus miles away from home. Like before you launch, it feels like it's the greatest dream on earth. And when you're out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends. It's a special thing to be a human and it's a special thing to be on planet Earth." (Reed Wiseman, [03:27])

• Finishing Note: The crew returned safely with a flawless Pacific splashdown.

5. Eric Swalwell Scandal & California Gubernatorial Campaign Collapse

[03:51 – 04:46]

• Reporting by Matt Gordon (from LA):
  • Eric Swalwell’s bid for California governor collapses after multiple sexual misconduct allegations.
  • All major campaign endorsements evaporate within 24 hours.
  • While Swalwell hasn't publicly withdrawn, Republican Steve Hilton claims sources tell him Swalwell’s exit is imminent.
• Quote:
  • Steve Hilton:

    "He is going to be dropping out. That's not confirmed yet. But that's what's coming into me from the Democrats who are sick of this guy because he is embarrassing them." (Steve Hilton, [04:24])

• Legal Developments:
  • Four women have accused Swalwell of misconduct; at least one alleges sexual assault while intoxicated.
  • Manhattan DA’s office is investigating.
  • Swalwell denies all allegations, suggesting potential political motivations.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump on the Strait Blockade:

  "We're putting on a complete blockade. We're not going to let Iran make money on selling oil… It's going to be all or none." (President Trump, [00:49])

• Commander Reed Wiseman on Artemis 2 Mission:

  "When you're out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends. It's a special thing to be a human and it's a special thing to be on planet Earth." (Reed Wiseman, [03:27])

• Steve Hilton on Swalwell Scandal:

  "He is going to be dropping out… that's what's coming into me from the Democrats who are sick of this guy because he is embarrassing them." (Steve Hilton, [04:24])

• Ursula von der Leyen on Hungary's Election Result:

  "Europe's heart is beating stronger. In Hungary tonight." (Ursula von der Leyen, [01:20])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S. Announces Strait of Hormuz Blockade – [00:03–01:00]
• Hungarian Election: Orban Defeated – [01:03–01:45]
• Masters Golf Tournament Update – [01:45]
• Artemis 2 Crew Returns Home – [03:02–03:51]
• Eric Swalwell’s Campaign Collapse – [03:51–04:46]

Memorable Moments

• The gravity of President Trump’s direct language about halting Iran’s oil trade.
• The emotional homecoming described by Artemis 2 astronauts, especially their gratitude for the human experience and connections.
• The rapid unraveling of Eric Swalwell’s political career in real time, accompanied by political and legal repercussions.

This episode delivers rapid-fire, high-impact updates on global security, political upheaval, space discovery, and scandal, reflecting the dynamic and at-times combative tone of Fox News reporting. Each segment gives a snapshot of significant ongoing stories, balanced between international affairs, American political drama, and inspirational achievements in science.