2AM ET 07/14/2026 Newscast

Summary

Fox News Hourly Update – 2AM ET 07/14/2026 Newscast

Host: Sue Guzman, FOX News Podcasts
Date: July 14, 2026

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Episode Overview

This newscast provides the latest updates on escalating US-Iran tensions, military casualties, a controversial ICE shooting in Maine, political appointments following Senator Lindsay Graham’s departure, and domestic stories including legal challenges to a major media merger and celebrations around America’s 250th anniversary.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Ongoing US Strikes Against Iran

• US Conducts Third Night of Strikes:

  • The US carries out a third consecutive night of attacks targeting Iranian assets to halt threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • A submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran are hit; notably, this is the first use of sea drones in American combat operations.
    • "[US] Forces successfully striking a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations." (00:10)

• Administration Statements:

  • The US claims to be suppressing Iran’s offensive capabilities and reinstating control of the straits.
    • "We're knocking out all of their offensive capabilities and we're controlling the straits. We're putting the blockade back." (00:29)
  • Former President Trump (in the news context) declares the US “guardian of the Hormuz Strait,” announcing a 20% reimbursement fee on all cargo for security.
    • "Trump also said the US will be known as the guardian of the Hormuz Strait and that the US will be reimbursed 20% on all cargo shipped to cover the necessary costs of providing safety and security..." (00:36)

• Continued Threats:

  • President Trump warns of readiness to intensify attacks, naming Pickaxe Mountain as a possible future target.
    • "President Trump has issued a warning saying the US is prepared to hit Iran very hard, naming Pickaxe Mountain as a possible target." (00:51)

• Rising US Military Casualties:

  • Death toll among American service members in the Iran conflict now at fourteen; the most recent being a Navy pilot killed in a July 1 helicopter crash.
  • 414 service members have been wounded, with ongoing reporting as new injuries are confirmed.
    • “Military says the death of a Navy pilot in a helicopter crash earlier this month brings the number of dead in the Iran war to 14 service members... 414 service members have been wounded..." (01:04 – 01:21)

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2. Senate Seat Appointment: Graham’s Successor

• Darlene Graham Named as Interim Senator:

  • South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appoints Darlene Graham, sister to Lindsey Graham, to fill the remainder of his term.
    • "South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster naming Graham's sister Darlene to fill out the rest of her brother's term." (01:32)

• Reflections on Lindsey Graham:

  • The value of his seriousness, humor, and deep knowledge of state needs are highlighted.
    • "Seriousness of his work, but also the value of humor and a lighthearted spirit. Lindsey Graham understood the hopes, dreams and needs of his state..." (01:39)
  • A special election will later determine the next full-term senator.

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3. ICE Shooting Incident in Maine

• Shooting Summary:

  • Protesters gather after an ICE officer fatally shoots a 26-year-old man who allegedly tried to use his car as a weapon.
    • “Protesters gathering near the scene in southern Maine where a 26-year-old man was reportedly shot and killed by an ICE officer after trying to use his vehicle as a weapon…” (02:32)
  • Conflicting accounts: Local officials and witnesses dispute whether the deceased was the original target of ICE operations. The motive and circumstances remain under review.
    • "Maine Senator Angus King saying DHS Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen told him the person killed was not the target of the ICE operation..." (02:45)
  • ICE statement: Officers attempted a vehicle stop of a suspected illegal alien; the driver tried to flee, prompting an officer to fire fearing public safety was at risk.
    • "When the vehicle attempted to flee the scene and fearing for public safety, an officer discharged his weapon. The driver of the vehicle was struck. He passed away from his injuries." (02:45 – 03:21)

• Political Reaction:

  • Rep. Hakeem Jeffries sharply criticizes ICE, stating:
    • "ICE enforcement in this country would target the worst of the worst. But instead, billions of taxpayer dollars are being used by ICE to brutalize and kill American citizens." (03:26)

• Ongoing Investigation:

  • The Maine Attorney General’s Office states the ICE agent involved is on leave pending the inquiry.

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4. Celebrations and Legal Challenges

• Grand Prix and 250th Anniversary:

  • President Trump hosts a showcase for the upcoming “Freedom 250 Grand Prix” outside the White House, marking the nation's 250th anniversary.
    • "An awesome display of American patriotism and raw horsepower and ingenuity. You're going to see cars at the level that they've never been at before." (03:53)
  • The event follows a UFC fight at the White House as part of these national celebrations.

• Media Merger Lawsuit:

  • Twelve states file a lawsuit to challenge Paramount's acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery, citing employment concerns.
    • "Twelve states have filed a lawsuit challenging Paramount's takeover of Warner Brothers Discovery, saying that the plan would actually threaten jobs across the industry." (04:18)
  • The Department of Justice previously approved the merger.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On US-Iran Confrontation

  • "We're knocking out all of their offensive capabilities and we're controlling the straits. We're putting the blockade back." (00:29)
  • "Trump also said the US will be known as the guardian of the Hormuz Strait and that the US will be reimbursed 20% on all cargo shipped..." (00:36)
  • "President Trump has issued a warning saying the US is prepared to hit Iran very hard, naming Pickaxe Mountain as a possible target." (00:51)

• On ICE Shooting Controversy

  • "ICE enforcement in this country would target the worst of the worst. But instead, billions of taxpayer dollars are being used by ICE to brutalize and kill American citizens." – Hakeem Jeffries (03:26)

• On National Celebrations

  • "An awesome display of American patriotism and raw horsepower and ingenuity. You're going to see cars at the level that they've never been at before." (03:53)

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Important Timestamps

• [00:10] – Details on US strikes in Iran, first use of sea drones
• [00:36] – Trump’s statement on security fees for Strait of Hormuz cargo
• [01:04] – Tally of US fatalities and injuries in Iran conflict
• [01:32] – Appointment of Darlene Graham to Senate
• [02:32] – Reporting on ICE shooting in Maine
• [03:26] – Hakeem Jeffries condemns ICE
• [03:53] – Preview of Freedom 250 Grand Prix
• [04:18] – Lawsuit against Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger

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Summary Takeaway

This tightly packed newscast examines worsening US-Iran hostilities and military losses, the fallout from a deadly ICE incident in Maine, a significant Senate appointment, and upcoming celebratory and legal challenges during America’s semiquincentennial year. The episode features blunt political rhetoric and covers fast-moving national developments, providing listeners with critical updates and social tensions as they unfold.

Transcript

[Sue Guzman]

Another round. I'm Sue Guzman, Fox News. The United States conducting a third straight night of attacks against Iran, the third

[Fox News Reporter]

consecutive night of US Strikes against Iran to stop them from attacking ships going through the Strait of Hormuz. US Forces successfully striking a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations.

[Fox News Correspondent]

We're knocking out all of their offensive capabilities and we're controlling the straits. We're putting the blockade back.

[Fox News Reporter]

Trump also said the US Will be known as the guardian of the Hormuz Strait and that the US will be reimbursed 20% on all cargo shipped to cover the necessary costs of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the world.

[Sue Guzman]

And the attacks have concluded. But President Trump has issued a warning saying the US Is prepared to hit Iran very hard, naming Pickaxe Mountain as a possible target. Number of American service members who have died in the Iran conflict is rising.

[Lisa Lacera]

Military says the death of a Navy pilot in a helicopter crash earlier this month brings the number of dead in the Iran war to 14 service members. The Navy initially described the July 1 chopper crash in the Arabian Sea as an emergency landing. The remaining three sailors on that helicopter were rescued. A total of 414 service members have been wounded in the conflict, including a member of the Air Force added Monday. Lisa Lacera, FOX News and Republican South

[Sue Guzman]

Carolina Governor Henry McMaster naming Graham's sister Darlene to fill out the rest of her brother's term.

[Fox News Correspondent]

Seriousness of his work, but also the value of humor and a light hearted spirit. Lindsey Graham understood the hopes, dreams and needs of his state and delivered special

[Sue Guzman]

election will be held to fill the Senate seat. America's listening to FOX News.

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[Sue Guzman]

Protesters gathering near the scene in southern Maine where a 26 year old man was reportedly shot and killed by an ICE officer after trying to use his vehicle as a weapon against ICE agents. We have more from fox's Marianne Rafferty.

[Marianne Rafferty]

Administrators were met by a small group of pro ICE counter protesters. Things got pretty heated before local police stepped in to settle the situation down. The anti ICE group demanding answers, Maine Senator Angus King saying DHS Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen told him the person killed was not the target of the ICE operation. ICE did not directly confirm that, but a spokesperson did tell FOX agents were attempting a vehicle stop of a suspected illegal alien. When the vehicle attempted to flee the scene and fearing for public safety, an officer discharged his weapon. The driver of the vehicle was struck. He passed away from his injuries.

[Sue Guzman]

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries reacting that ICE

[Hakeem Jeffries]

enforcement in this country would target the worst of the worst. But instead, billions of taxpayer dollars are being used by ICE to brutalize and kill American citizens.

[Sue Guzman]

The main attorney general's office as the agent involved, has been placed on leave. President Trump holding a showcase outside the White House for next month's Freedom 250

[Fox News Correspondent]

Grand Prix, an awesome display of American patriotism and raw horsepower and ingenuity. You're seeing, you're going to see cars at the level that they've never been at before.

[Sue Guzman]

And the race comes after the president held a UFC fight at the White House in honor of the country's 250th anniversary. And 12 states have filed a lawsuit challenging Paramount's takeover of Warner Brothers Discovery, saying that the plan would actually threaten jobs across the industry. The Justice Department signed off on that merger just last month. I'm Sue Guzman. This is FOX news.

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