Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

The O'Reilly Update – March 16, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Bill O’Reilly hosts the latest O'Reilly Update, featuring a news roundup with Mike Slater and O’Reilly’s signature commentary. Key topics include tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, notable crimes and political figures, changes to citizenship renunciation fees, St. Patrick’s Day traditions, and the history of Pocahontas. The episode blends breaking news, historical anecdotes, and O’Reilly’s classic messaging for listeners seeking concise yet insightful analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Headlines with Mike Slater

00:09 – 03:03

• Iran and the Strait of Hormuz

  • U.S. Energy Secretary predicts conflict with Iran will end “in the next few weeks.”
  • Iran controls the Strait where 20% of the world’s oil passes; currently blocks American and Israeli ships.
  • U.S. only receives 2% of its oil via the Strait, but global prices are affected.
  • President urging allied nations (China, France, Japan, South Korea, UK) to send ships and counter Iran’s actions.
  • Mike Slater:
    • "The Hormu Strait will no longer be a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated." (00:45)

• Old Dominion University Shooting

  • Arrest of Kenya Chapman in Virginia for selling a firearm to Mohammed Jala, who used it in a shooting despite prior conviction for supporting ISIS.
  • Jala was released early, should “still be in prison,” and was lawfully prohibited from having a firearm.

• Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett’s Security Scandal

  • Dallas SWAT killed Damon Mazar Robinson (aka Mike King), who was on Crockett’s security team.
  • Robinson had a criminal history and was under federal investigation for impersonating a police officer.
  • Used stolen license plates and drove a replica police car, raising questions about congressional security protocols.
  • Mike Slater:
    • "How did this guy make it on a congressperson's security team?" (01:50)

• Citizenship Renunciation Fee Reduced

  • State Department drastically reduced the cost from $2,350 to $450.
  • Slater offers a tongue-in-cheek comment:
    • "I'm okay with paying you $450 for your plane ticket if you promise to never come back." (02:32)

2. Bill O’Reilly’s Message of the Day: St. Patrick’s Day

04:31 – 05:52

• Urges listeners to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day responsibly, warning against binge drinking:
  • "Try to avoid getting inebriated. It does you and, if you're Irish, your race no good at all. Horrible to see these young people at the parades getting sick from alcohol. I mean, it really is depressing." (04:31)
• Shares historical trivia:
  • The first St. Patrick's Day parade was in St. Augustine, Florida, 1601, not Ireland.
  • St. Patrick was English, kidnapped at 16, enslaved in Ireland, escaped, became a priest, and returned.
  • Corned beef and cabbage tradition originates from immigrant adaptation; ham was too expensive.

3. Listener Mailbag

06:08 – 07:58

• Cartel Violence in Mexico

  • Listener considers leaving Puerto Vallarta:
    • O'Reilly’s advice: “Yeah, get out of there. There are other places to go that are much safer for you.” (06:22)

• Political Polarization

  • Clarifies that not all Democrats “hate the USA,” but attributes anti-American sentiment to the “radical left” (20-25% of Democrats).

• Economists and Tariffs

  • Briefly explains opposition comes from a pro-free market, anti-government interference stance.

• Show Announcement

  • Announces return of “The Factor” for a one-hour special on News Nation, March 4th at 8:00pm.

• Personal Touch

  • Well-wishes to a listener’s wife recovering from knee replacements and enjoying O’Reilly’s books.

4. "Something You Might Not Know": The Story of Pocahontas

08:34 – 11:16

• On the anniversary of Pocahontas’s death, O’Reilly recounts her story:
  • Born 1595, favored daughter of a tribal chieftain.
  • Famously intervened to save Captain John Smith.
  • Eventually abducted, converted to Christianity, married John Rolfe, and traveled to England.
  • Died at 22 in London, likely from pneumonia, on March 16, 1617.
• Notable descendants include Ed Norton, Edith Wilson, Nancy Reagan, and Jimmy Carter.
• O'Reilly:
  • "More than 20,000 people can legitimately claim the Native American princess and her husband as their ancestors." (10:44)

Notable Quotes

• On U.S. Security:

  • Mike Slater: "How did this guy make it on a congressperson's security team?" (01:50)

• On St. Patrick’s Day:

  • Bill O'Reilly: "Try to avoid getting inebriated. It does you and your—if you're Irish—your race no good at all." (04:31)

• On Political Division:

  • Bill O'Reilly: "The radical left hates the USA. And it's about 20 to 25% [of] Democrats." (06:37)

• On History:

  • Bill O'Reilly: "More than 20,000 people can legitimately claim the Native American princess and her husband as their ancestors." (10:44)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:09 – Mike Slater’s News Roundup: Iran, gun crimes, Congress security, citizenship
• 04:31 – O’Reilly’s Message: St. Patrick’s Day and drinking
• 05:11 – Historical background on St. Patrick and corned beef
• 06:08 – Listener mailbag: cartel violence, politics, tariffs, "The Factor" returns
• 08:34 – “Something You Might Not Know”: The Pocahontas story
• 10:44 – Modern descendants of Pocahontas revealed

Memorable Moments

• Sharp critique of government oversight regarding security hires (01:50).
• O’Reilly’s personal touch in responding to listener mail, blending policy advice with personal empathy.
• Unique St. Patrick’s Day history lesson, debunking common myths.
• Engaging retelling of Pocahontas’s story, culminating in the surprising list of modern descendants.

Summary:
This episode balances breaking news analysis with historical context and listener interaction. While Mike Slater provides a brisk survey of current crises and controversies, Bill O’Reilly delivers perennial advice and rich storytelling, rounded out by his signature, audience-focused commentary.