Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

The O'Reilly Update – March 17, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of The O’Reilly Update delves into current events in the U.S. and abroad, with coverage ranging from immigration policy and international crises to sports updates and a cultural backgrounder on St. Patrick’s Day. Bill O’Reilly delivers his signature “Message of the Day,” focusing on social media feuds and personal lessons from cable news rivalries, which is followed by mailbag responses to listener concerns. The episode maintains O’Reilly’s tone of direct, opinionated commentary, prioritizing his “no spin” approach to the news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. News Briefs with Mike Slater (00:39 – 03:34)

• Immigration Policy and Court Rulings

  • A Minnesota judge blocked the deportation of illegal aliens to “safe third countries.”
  • The Department of Justice appealed, and the First Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the lower court’s decision, allowing deportations to resume.
  • Over 300 illegal aliens have been deported to countries such as Eswatini, Rwanda, and Ghana—primarily those whose home countries refused reentry.
  • “The Department of Homeland Security praised the ruling... DHS talked about these activist judges and accused them of interfering with the lawful authority of DHS to remove illegal aliens to a country willing to accept them.” – Mike Slater (01:35)

• Cuban Blackout Crisis

  • 11 million Cubans experienced a nationwide blackout due to a lack of oil shipments for three months.
  • Power sources included solar, natural gas, and thermoelectric plants.
  • Medical procedures have been postponed en masse despite Cuba’s universal healthcare.
  • Talks are reportedly underway between Cuba and the U.S. to address the crisis.

• Iran’s New Supreme Leader Survives Strike

  • Recent U.S. and Israeli missile strikes narrowly missed Iran’s new Supreme Leader, who survived by stepping outside minutes before his residence was hit.
  • The attack killed the former leader’s son.
  • “The president was briefed about the new supreme Leader and how he might be gay... Trump couldn’t contain his surprise and laughed out loud when he was briefed on the intel.” – Mike Slater quoting New York Post (02:49)

• World Baseball Classic

  • Team USA reached the championship after defeating the Dominican Republic.
  • Venezuela beat Italy, and the championship game is scheduled from Miami.
  • “Nolan McLean of the Mets from Willow Spring, North Carolina, will be our starting pitcher.” – Mike Slater (03:30)

2. Message of the Day with Bill O’Reilly: Social Media Feuds & Personal Reflection (03:34 – 08:39)

• Social media pundits’ feuding is likened to the Hatfields and McCoys—attention-grabbing and often profitable.
• O’Reilly recounts being targeted by NBC and MSNBC after declining a job offer, and the subsequent media “smear” campaign.
• He reflects on being sued by Al Franken over the book Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them, noting the publicity only benefited Franken.
• “If you are going to dine with the devil, bring a long spoon.” – Bill O’Reilly quoting Machiavelli (06:28)
• O’Reilly warns against engaging in public feuds for attention but notes the financial incentives for online personalities.

3. Mailbag: Viewer Questions & Opinions (08:39 – 09:09)

• Iran Conflict Prediction:

  • Listener Rick calls for the Iran conflict to end in five days and advocates for a pro-American leader.
  • O’Reilly deems this timeline unrealistic, expecting resolution by late March or early April.

• Political Opposition to War:

  • Comment that Democrats appear to hope for presidential and military failure.
  • O'Reilly re-emphasizes: "You’re a traitor if you do that. And you know who you are on the message board.” (07:54)

• Mexico’s President and Security Concerns:

  • Listener Colleen references President Sheinbaum’s fears given politician assassinations by the drug cartels.
  • O’Reilly: “If you’re afraid to carry out your sworn duties, then you resign. There’s no excuse for what she’s doing.” (08:22)

• Political Landscape of Washington State:

  • Renee laments one-party dominance, blames mail-in ballots.
  • O’Reilly clarifies: “State is blue because of Kings County, Seattle, the big county. Okay?” (08:34)
  • Advises: “If I’m in Washington state... I leave. That’s what I do... I’m gone in a moment.” (08:36)

4. Something You Might Not Know: St. Patrick’s Day Origins and Traditions (09:09 – 11:46)

• St. Patrick’s Day marks the legacy of the patron saint of Ireland—originally a kidnapped British teenager who became a missionary.
• Folklore (banishing snakes, shamrock as Trinity symbol) and early celebrations were deeply religious until the 18th century.
• Boston hosted the first U.S. parade in 1737.
• Today’s global celebrations include New York, Dublin, Montreal, and even Tokyo.
• Surprising fact: until the 1980s, Irish towns had laws restricting alcohol sales on St. Patrick’s Day.
• “In total, 20 million pints of Guinness will be sold in the USA alone.” – Bill O’Reilly (11:39)
• Closing advice: “I hope you don’t get inebriated and I want you to have a happy St. Patrick’s Day.” (11:43)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “The Department of Homeland Security praised the ruling... DHS talked about these activist judges and accused them of interfering with the lawful authority...” – Mike Slater (01:35)
• “Insults back and forth are attention getters, of course, and there are some legitimate grievances here. So it’s not all showbiz.” – Bill O’Reilly (03:54)
• “If you are going to dine with the devil, bring a long spoon.” – Bill O’Reilly quoting Machiavelli (06:28)
• “You’re a traitor if you do that. And you know who you are on the message board.” – Bill O’Reilly (07:54)
• “If you’re afraid to carry out your sworn duties, then you resign. There’s no excuse for what she’s doing.” – Bill O’Reilly (08:22)
• “State is blue because of Kings County, Seattle, the big county. Okay?... I’m gone in a moment.” – Bill O’Reilly (08:34, 08:36)
• “In total, 20 million pints of Guinness will be sold in the USA alone.” – Bill O’Reilly (11:39)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• News Round-Up with Mike Slater: 00:39 – 03:34
• Message of the Day: 03:34 – 08:39
• Mailbag (Listener Feedback): 08:39 – 09:09
• St. Patrick’s Day Feature: 09:09 – 11:46

This episode intertwines political analysis, international updates, and cultural context, delivering Bill O’Reilly’s signature blend of “no spin” commentary, historical reflection, and listener interaction. Perfect for listeners wanting succinct, direct news and a dash of personality-driven opinion.