Fox News Hourly Update – 12PM ET 03/31/2026

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: March 31, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire update on major national and international news developments, from escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and fallout at home, to Supreme Court rulings and medical breakthroughs. Anchored by Peter Doocy and Ainsley Earhardt, key voices from Fox News, the tone is assertive, direct, and often urgent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.-Iran Tensions and "Operation Epic Fury"

• Pentagon Briefing:

  • Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized increasing U.S. firepower and warned Iran to seek a deal.
  • Quote: “US Firepower is only increasing and that Iran would be wise to make a deal.” (Peter Doocy, 00:15)

• President Trump’s Message to Allies:

  • Urged allies unable to secure jet fuel due to the Strait of Hormuz, especially the UK, to buy from the U.S. or act independently.
  • Criticized the UK for not supporting the U.S. in recent operations against Iran.
  • Quote:
    • “President Trump just said all of these countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran... build up some delayed courage. Go to the Strait and just take it... The USA won’t be there to help you anymore. Just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been essentially decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil.”
      (Ainsley Earhardt, 00:25)

2. Economic & Political Fallout

• Energy Prices:

  • U.S. crude oil price hits $104/barrel, and average U.S. gas prices top $4/gallon for the first time in years.
  • (Peter Doocy, 00:53)

• Diplomatic Strain:

  • Despite criticism and calls for cancelation, Britain’s King Charles maintains plans for a state visit to the U.S.
  • (Peter Doocy, 00:53)

3. Supreme Court Decision on Conversion Therapy Ban

• Ruling:
  • The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a law banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth in Colorado.
  • Sided with a Christian counselor over free speech concerns and remanded case to a lower court.
  • (Peter Doocy, 01:03)

4. Fentanyl Vaccine Human Trials

• Trial Commences:
  • Eight patients in the Netherlands begin trials for a vaccine aimed to prevent fentanyl from reaching the brain.
  • Remarkable 98% blockade success rate in animal studies cited.
  • “And we’re going to test how much of that fentanyl we can actually prevent from reaching the brain, therefore preventing overdose and addiction in animals. We’ve seen a 98% blockade, up to a 98% blockade of fentanyl from reaching the brains.”
    (Colin Cage, Armour Sciences CEO, 01:33)
  • (Peter Doocy, 01:46)

5. Probe into Self-Driving Car Crashes

• NTSB Investigations and Warnings:
  • Public meeting addresses deadly crashes of Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles using partial autonomy.
  • Focus on need for consistent driver engagement. Automakers stress these are not fully autonomous systems.
  • Quote:
    • “Automakers have also emphasized that these systems are not designed to replace the human driver sitting behind the wheel who must be ready to take control at any time. The NTSB saying that driver engagement will be a significant focus.”
      (NTSB Representative, 02:47)

6. Tiger Woods’ DUI Charges

• Sheriff’s Report Details:
  • After his Florida car accident, Woods was found with two pain pills, exhibited impaired behavior, and admitted using pain medication and being distracted by his phone and radio at the time.
  • Charges filed including DUI.
  • (Peter Doocy, 03:26)

7. U.S. Jobs Report and Market Response

• Job Market Analysis:

  • Job creation remains steady, with slight decline in new openings but a significant upward revision for the prior month.
  • Quote:
    • “Job creation appears to be holding up if you look at the big picture... 6.88 million new positions on the last business day of February... January’s job growth was revised much higher.”
      (Labor Department Analyst, 03:49)

• Consumer Confidence Despite Inflation:

  • Confidence edged up in March, even with surging energy prices, but pessimism persists about inflation.
  • The Dow rallied, up 462 points.
  • (Peter Doocy, 04:21)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ainsley Earhardt on Allies’ Need for Action:
  • “Build up some delayed courage. Go to the Strait and just take it... The USA won’t be there to help you anymore...” (00:25)
• Colin Cage on Fentanyl Vaccine Potential:
  • “We’ve seen a 98% blockade, up to a 98% blockade of fentanyl from reaching the brains.” (01:33)
• NTSB on Driver Responsibility:
  • "Driver engagement will be a significant focus..." (02:47)

Important Segment Timestamps

• U.S.-Iran Update & Trump’s Message: 00:03–00:53
• Supreme Court Conversion Therapy Ruling: 01:03–01:33
• Fentanyl Vaccine Human Trials: 01:33–01:46
• Self-Driving Car Crash Investigation: 02:37–03:26
• Tiger Woods DUI Case: 03:26–03:49
• Jobs Report & Market Reaction: 03:49–04:21

This summary captures the Fox News Hourly Update’s key news points and provides context, attributed quotes, and timestamps for a comprehensive overview.