Fox News Hourly Update – 12PM ET, March 13, 2026

Episode Overview:
This Fox News Hourly Update covers breaking national and international news at midday, focusing on a fatal military plane crash in Iraq, ongoing geopolitical tensions with Iran, investigations into two violent domestic incidents, updates on the Charlie Kirk assassination case, and economic news impacting American farmers and the broader U.S. economy.

Key News Stories and Insights

1. U.S. Military Plane Crash in Iraq

• Details:

  • A U.S. refueling plane crashed in western Iraq, resulting in the deaths of all six crew members.
  • The crash is confirmed by Central Command to have occurred over friendly territory, not due to hostile or friendly fire.
  • The crew was on a combat mission.
  • Identities of those killed are being withheld until next of kin are notified ([00:02]–[00:27]).
  • President Trump vows, “Iran will be hit very hard over the next week,” amid ongoing tensions ([00:32]).

• Notable Quotes:

  • "All six crew members were killed when a refueling plane crashed in Iraq." – Alisa Brady [00:02]
  • “The plane was lost over friendly airspace and not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire.” – Ainsley Earhart [00:12]

• Current Toll:

  • 13 U.S. service members have died since the start of Operation Epic Fury, seven in combat ([00:32]).

2. Middle East Tensions and U.S. Policy

• Context:

  • President Trump does not rule out escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz as Iran continues missile and drone strikes on Gulf neighbors.
  • The U.S. is considering further responses ([00:32]).

• Notable Quote:

  • “President Trump says Iran will be hit very hard over the next week. Also still not ruling out escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz.” – Alisa Brady [00:32]

3. Michigan Synagogue Attack

• Incident Overview:

  • DOJ, FBI, and ATF are investigating an attack by a 41-year-old Lebanese national, Mohammed Ghazali, at Temple Israel.
  • Ghazali was shot by security after the attack ([00:57]).
  • Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer urges for calmer rhetoric, referencing increased antisemitism ([01:15]).
  • Ghazali’s relatives were recently killed in an Israeli airstrike, potentially serving as motive ([01:35]).
  • Ghazali entered the U.S. in 2011 and became a citizen in 2016; authorities are still probing whether he acted alone ([01:23]).

• Notable Quotes:

  • "We must lower the rhetoric, especially at this moment where we have seen such a rise in antisemitism and more attacks on the Jewish community." – Ainsley Earhart quoting Gov. Whitmer [01:15]

4. Deadly Attack at Old Dominion University, Virginia

• Details:

  • A naturalized citizen from Sierra Leone, previously convicted in an ISIS-related case, killed an ROTC instructor and wounded two others before being subdued and dying ([01:35]).

• Notable Quote:

  • "A naturalized citizen from Sierra Leone who went to prison in an ISIS related case killed an ROTC instructor, wounding two others before students subdued him and he died." – Alisa Brady [01:35]

5. Charlie Kirk Assassination Case Progress

• Legal Proceedings:

  • In Utah, pretrial hearings are underway for Tyler Robinson, accused in the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
  • Media access remains contentious; Robinson’s defense team has filed several sealed motions.
  • Upcoming hearing (April 17) will address whether cameras are permitted in the courtroom. Defense wants portions private due to claims of prejudicial coverage, while media argue for public access ([02:37]–[03:25]).

• Notable Quotes:

  • "Turning the public and the media away at the courthouse door breeds suspicion and distrust." – Media attorney, paraphrased by Matt Finn [03:07]

6. Economic Impact from International Conflict

• American Farmers:

  • Rising oil prices and disrupted fertilizer shipments—linked to the Iran conflict—are driving up corn, wheat, and soybean prices.
  • Farmers are selling off harvested crops and securing new contracts. The U.S. Agriculture Department has begun $12 billion in farmer aid distribution ([03:37]).

• Notable Quotes:

  • "Farmers who held onto corn and soybean harvests due to lower prices last year are selling them off now and signing more contracts to pre-sell crops they plan to grow this year." – Chris Foster [03:37]

7. U.S. Economic Update

• Macroeconomic Data:
  • U.S. GDP growth slowed sharply in Q4 to less than 1%.
  • Inflation slightly higher in January at 2.8% year-over-year, but in line with expectations.
  • Stock market mixed; the Dow only up 2 points after an early rally ([04:11]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "All six crew members were killed..." – Alisa Brady [00:02]
• “The plane was lost...not the result of hostile fire...” – Ainsley Earhart [00:12]
• “Iran will be hit very hard over the next week.” – Alisa Brady citing President Trump [00:32]
• “We must lower the rhetoric, especially at this moment where we have seen such a rise in antisemitism...” – Ainsley Earhart quoting Gov. Whitmer [01:15]
• "Turning the public and the media away at the courthouse door breeds suspicion and distrust." – Matt Finn paraphrasing a media attorney [03:07]
• “Farmers who held onto corn and soybean harvests...are selling them off now...” – Chris Foster [03:37]

Important Timestamps

• [00:02] – Fatal U.S. military plane crash in Iraq reported
• [00:32] – U.S. military death toll in Operation Epic Fury; Trump’s remarks on Iran
• [00:57] – Michigan synagogue attack details and ongoing probe
• [01:35] – Old Dominion University attack incident
• [02:37] – Update on Charlie Kirk assassination case, court access debate
• [03:37] – Farmer economic impact and aid
• [04:11] – Macroeconomic/stock market update

Summary:
This Fox News midday update delivers impactful breaking news across military, security, legal, and economic fronts, with a focus on the repercussions of international conflicts both abroad and domestically, as well as legal transparency and America’s economic resilience amid uncertainty.