Fox News Hourly Update – 11AM ET 03/02/2026

Host: FOX News Podcasts

Date: March 2, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode provides a rapid-fire update on major global and national events, focusing on day three of Operation Epic Fury—a US aerial military campaign against Iran. It covers updates from government officials, reactions from US lawmakers, the military and diplomatic situation in the Middle East, recent acts of violence on US soil, and a look ahead to President Trump’s anticipated address and Medal of Honor ceremonies. The tone is direct, urgent, and matter-of-fact, matching the seriousness of the events reported.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Operation Epic Fury: US Strikes on Iran

• President Trump’s Anticipated Address: The episode opens with news that President Trump will soon speak from the White House regarding the operation.

  • (00:03) Dave Anthony: “We’re about to hear from President Trump… He’ll speak from the White House any minute now on day three of Operation…”

• Mission Specifics and Intentions:

  • (00:10) Pete Hegseth describes Operation Epic Fury as “the most lethal, most complex and most precise aerial operation in history.”
  • (00:16) War Secretary Hegseth clarifies: “This won’t be like Iraq. This isn’t nation building.”
  • (00:21) Hegseth further explains: “This operation is a clear, devastating, decisive mission. Destroy the missile threat, destroy the Navy, no nukes.”

• US Casualties and Iranian Response:

  • US loss so far: 4 Americans killed, others injured (00:33).
  • Iran has retaliated, targeting Israel and American facilities in the Middle East.

• Major Iranian Leadership Loss:

  • (00:42) Dave Anthony reports: “Iran’s supreme leader has also been killed along with 48 other senior officials.”

Political and Global Reactions

• President Trump’s Mindset and Timeline:

  • (00:48) Bret Baier relays: “[Trump] is pleased, does believe that this is going faster than they thought… four weeks is something… they had put as a kind of calendar.”

• Congressional Support and Dissent:

  • (01:01) Dave Anthony mentions bipartisan reactions—support from Republicans, pushback from Democrats.
  • (01:07) Senator Jeanne Shaheen questions strategy: “The question is, what is the strategy? The president has not been clear with the American people…on what his ultimate goals are.”

• Congressional Briefings Planned:

  • (01:15) Key leaders to receive a private briefing from Secretary of State Marco Rubio later in the day.

Escalation in the Middle East

• Further Israeli and Iranian Military Actions:

  • Israel has struck targets in Iran, Iran retaliated with missiles against Israel; at least 9 Israelis killed so far (01:15).
  • (01:39) Jeff Manaso quotes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: “If they get nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them… they will threaten all of humanity.”

• Hezbollah Involvement:

  • Hezbollah fired rockets from Lebanon; Israeli counterattacks killed at least 30 militants.

• US State Department Security Measures:

  • State Dept. issues worldwide caution alert; some US Embassies evacuated. Americans ordered to shelter in place around the globe.

Presidential Focus: Medal of Honor Awards

• Upcoming White House Event:
  • (02:16) Dave Anthony: “He’ll be back later to award Medals of Honor to three army veterans from past conflicts, too, posthumously.”
  • (02:27) Jared Halpern details recipients and their heroic actions from WWII, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.

Domestic Security: Recent Shootings

• Austin, Texas Shooting Investigated as Possible Terrorism:

  • (03:04) The FBI is investigating a deadly shooting just after US attacks on Iran.
  • (03:10) Ted Cruz: “It appears on the face of it to be terrorism.”
  • The assailant, from Senegal, wore clothing referencing Islam and Iran and was found with a Quran; two killed, 14 injured.

• Cincinnati Nightclub Shooting:

  • (03:32) Jeff Manaso reports: Nine injured at a music venue; witness describes the chaos:
    • (03:42) Nightclub Shooting Witness: “They did not stop shooting. I feel like until every bullet was out of that gun, I was lucky I could have bled out in that parking lot.”
  • Lax security and prior fights noted; suspect remains unidentified, gang involvement unconfirmed.

Markets

• Financial News:
  • (04:07) Dave Anthony reports: “The Dow’s down 117 points as oil surges up 6%.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pete Hegseth (00:21):
  “This operation is a clear, devastating, decisive mission. Destroy the missile threat, destroy the Navy, no nukes.”

• Jeanne Shaheen (01:07):
  “The president has not been clear with the American people. He’s not been clear with Congress on what his ultimate goals are.”

• Benjamin Netanyahu (via Jeff Manaso) (01:39):
  “If they get nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them… they will threaten all of humanity.”

• Ted Cruz (03:16):
  “He was wearing a sweater that said Property of Allah. He was wearing a shirt with an Iranian flag on it. There was a Quran in the car.”

• Nightclub Shooting Witness (03:42):
  “They did not stop shooting. I feel like until every bullet was out of that gun, I was lucky I could have bled out in that parking lot.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:03] – Anticipation of President Trump’s speech on Operation Epic Fury
• [00:21] – Hegseth on the mission and its objectives
• [00:48] – Bret Baier on Trump’s reaction and expectations
• [01:07] – Senator Shaheen raises concerns about strategy
• [01:39] – Israeli PM’s warning on nuclear weapons
• [02:16] – Preview of Medal of Honor recipients
• [03:04] – Investigation into Austin, TX shooting; terrorism suspected
• [03:32] – Report and witness account of Cincinnati nightclub shooting
• [04:07] – Market update amid global tensions

Summary & Takeaways

This episode gives listeners a concise yet comprehensive rundown of rising global tensions following US strikes on Iran, the domestic reverberations, mixed political reactions, and security dangers within the US—all against the backdrop of attempts to maintain normalcy, such as the upcoming Medal of Honor ceremony. It blends hard news with immediate analysis and first-hand accounts, capturing a country and world bracing for the unknown in quickly evolving circumstances.