Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: Oil is Up and Stocks are Down
Date: April 2, 2026
Host: Chris Foster (Fox News Podcasts)

Main Theme

This episode centers on the sharp increase in oil prices and a significant decline in the stock market, set against escalating military tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The episode also covers political responses in Washington, new developments in prominent news stories, job market statistics, a medical breakthrough, and the debunking of a trending animal-related rumor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Oil Prices Surge, Stocks Plunge

• Host Chris Foster sets the stage: “Oil’s up, stocks are down. I'm Chris Foster, Fox News. The dow is down 428 points. Oil prices are up 13% since yesterday.” [00:03]
  • Stock market reacts negatively to rising oil prices and global uncertainty.
  • Oil prices have seen a sharp rise, impacting markets and economic outlook.

2. U.S. Military Operation in Iran & Presidential Address

• White House Correspondent Jackie Heinrich reports on President Trump’s national address:
  • The president underscores the urgency and seriousness of Iran’s nuclear threat.
• President Trump says:

  “For years, everyone has said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. But in the end, those are just words if you're not willing to take action.” [00:23]

  • The military operation is described as “nearly over,” but further action is forecast if a diplomatic resolution is not reached.
  • Aggressive strikes on Iran’s oil and energy facilities may occur over the next 2–3 weeks if no deal is made. [00:32]

3. International Response: European Leaders’ Virtual Summit

• Chris Foster: “European leaders are meeting virtually to talk about oil flow in the Strait of Hormuz.” [00:42]
• Greg Palkot in London explains:
  • The summit gathers major European countries and Gulf states to discuss safeguarding vital oil supply routes.
  • No action to protect or reopen the Strait of Hormuz will be taken until the US-Israeli-Iranian conflict ends.

  • "They have made the stipulation... any moves to open and or protect the strait would occur only after the conflict between the US Israel and Iran has ended." [00:46]

4. Congressional Update: Partial Government Shutdown

• Chris Foster: The Senate has approved a funding bill to end the partial government shutdown and sent it back to the House. [01:09]
• Griff Jenkins at the Capitol:
  • The House GOP must convince skeptics within their conference.
  • An 11am conference call is scheduled to discuss Senate changes.
  • Possible strategy: two-track funding—one for homeland security now, and one for immigration/border enforcement later, without key Democrat-demanded reforms.

  • "It's going to take selling some angry conservatives in the House GOP conference." [01:17]

5. Missing Person Found Alive After 32 Years

• Chris Foster: Christina Marie Plant, missing since age 13 in Arizona, has been found alive after 32 years. [01:32]
  • Details are limited to protect her privacy.
  • Plant had disappeared en route to a stable in her hometown.

6. Threats Against President Trump: Massachusetts Man Charged

• Reporter Chris Dimeo: Andrew Emerald, 45, is charged with making multiple threats to kill President Trump over Facebook. [02:04]
  • Notable details:
    • Mentioned elaborate threats such as “hanging him from the Statue of Liberty.”
    • Emerald brandished a sword at FBI agents during arrest.
    • Eight counts of interstate threats; faces up to 5 years in jail.
    • Weapons cache found during home search.

7. U.S. Unemployment and Job Cuts

• Economic update:
  • New unemployment claims: 202,000.
  • Continuing claims: up to 1.84 million.
  • March job cuts (60,000) higher than February, but down 78% from the prior year, reflecting fewer federal layoffs. [02:32]

  • "Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas says U.S. based employers announced more than 60,000 job cuts in March...down 78% from last March..." [02:32]

8. Medical Advancement: Digital Heart Twin

• Jenny Costolo reports progress in cardiac treatment:
  • Johns Hopkins University creates digital heart replicas for patients with life-threatening arrhythmias.
  • This enables doctors to map and treat dangerous heart rhythms with precision (procedure: ablation).
  • The New England Journal of Medicine publishes the results.
  • Quote:

    “Scientists at Johns Hopkins University using computers to create a digital replica of a diseased heart...after testing procedures on these digital replicas, the doctors...were to accurately locate the section responsible for the abnormal heart signals and treat with a procedure known as ablation.” [03:01]

9. Viral Rumor Debunked: Jonathan the Tortoise Alive

• Chris Foster: Reports of the death of Jonathan, the world’s oldest known land animal (193 years), are false. [03:41]
  • Officials on St Helena confirm Jonathan is still living.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump:

  “For years, everyone has said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. But in the end, those are just words if you're not willing to take action.” [00:23]

• Greg Palkot:

  “They have made the stipulation, though, that any moves to open and or protect the strait would occur only after the conflict between the US Israel and Iran has ended.” [00:46]

• Griff Jenkins:

  "It's going to take selling some angry conservatives in the House GOP conference." [01:17]

• Jenny Costolo:

  “Scientists at Johns Hopkins University using computers to create a digital replica of a diseased heart...after testing procedures on these digital replicas, the doctors...were to accurately locate the section responsible for the abnormal heart signals and treat with a procedure known as ablation.” [03:01]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:03] – Market updates: Oil and stocks move on Iran conflict
• [00:20] – President Trump addresses the Iran situation
• [00:42] – European leaders plan for Strait of Hormuz and oil flow
• [01:09] – Senate’s action on government shutdown bill
• [01:32] – House GOP response and political strategy
• [01:32] – Missing Arizona woman found after 32 years
• [02:04] – Arrest of Massachusetts man threatening President Trump
• [02:32] – Update on unemployment claims and job cuts
• [03:01] – Medical breakthrough in heart treatment
• [03:41] – Jonathan the tortoise alive, hoax denied

Tone:
The language is direct, news-driven, and measured, typical of Fox News updates. While significant events are covered quickly, the tone acknowledges the seriousness (Iran, threats, economic shifts) while also highlighting positive progress (medical science, lost person found, correction of misinformation).