Fox News Hourly Update – 2PM ET 03/01/2026 Newscast
Host: Ann Kerik, FOX News Podcasts
Date: March 1, 2026
Episode Overview
This newscast delivers the latest breaking developments on the escalating conflict between the US/Israel and Iran, the political fallout in Washington, global travel disruption, a major shooting incident in Austin, Texas, and international responses to the Middle East crisis. The reporting is fast-paced, detailed, and underscores both the human cost of the unfolding war and the profound global ramifications.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Middle East Conflict: U.S. and Israeli Casualties
- U.S. Service Members Killed:
- Three US service members killed, five seriously wounded in a missile strike (00:14).
- Additional Americans suffered from shrapnel injuries and concussions.
- These are the first American casualties in the newly declared US and Israeli war against Iran.
- Retaliatory Strikes:
- CENTCOM did not reveal which US base was targeted.
- Four B2 bombers flew a round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base to Iran, dropping dozens of 2,000-pound penetrator bombs on underground Iranian ballistic missile sites. (00:34)
- Bombers returned safely; targeting aimed at crippling Iran’s underground missile infrastructure.
- Israeli Toll:
- At least nine confirmed Israeli deaths from Iranian retaliation. (00:55)
2. U.S. Politics: War Authority Debate
- Congress Divided Over Presidential War Powers:
- Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA):
- Criticizes President Trump for launching a war without Congressional knowledge or approval. (01:05)
- Quote [01:14]:
"The president not only did not come to Congress to seek a debate or vote, he acted without even notification to the vast majority of us."
- Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC):
- Defends President Trump’s authority to order military action without Congressional approval. (01:28)
- Quote [01:28]:
"No, he has the legal authority to do it and these operations will continue until the threat is no longer there."
- Sen. Kaine is introducing a war powers resolution aiming to reaffirm Congress’ authority to declare war, with a vote scheduled this week. (01:35)
- Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA):
3. Potential for Diplomacy: Iranian Leadership
- White House Hints at Diplomatic Openings:
- Senior official reports new potential Iranian leadership may be open to talks with the US. (01:45)
4. Safety and Impact: For Americans Abroad & Travelers
- State Department Response:
- Advising US citizens in Israel to shelter in place due to ongoing strikes. (02:16)
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio establishes a federal task force to assist up to 300,000 Americans estimated to be in the region. This is designated a "top tier priority." (02:27)
- Quote [02:27]:
"It is made up of top officials from across the Trump administration's federal government to oversee efforts to try and help as many Americans as possible who are now stranded in the Mideast as this war has broken out."
- Quote [02:27]:
- Travel Chaos:
- Level 4 travel advisory issued for the region.
- Middle East airspace closures: Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain.
- More than 1,800 flights canceled, hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded or diverted.
- Emirates suspends Dubai flights. (02:55)
5. International Reactions
- Pope Leo on X (formerly Twitter):
- Expresses concern over the crisis, calls for dialogue:
- Quote [02:55]:
"Stability and peace are achieved only through reasonable, sincere and responsible dialogue. The use of weapons sows destruction, suffering and death."
- Quote [02:55]:
- Expresses concern over the crisis, calls for dialogue:
6. Domestic News: Austin Bar Shooting
- Incident Details:
- Shooting at an Austin bar leaves 3 dead, 14 injured; 3 in critical condition. (03:46)
- Police swiftly responded and killed the male shooter; the FBI is investigating as a possible act of terrorism.
- Austin Mayor Kirk Watson:
- Praises rapid police response.
- Quote [03:46]:
"I am very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded to this. I don't think there's any question that it saved lives."
Notable Quotes
- Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), on President Trump’s military action [01:14]:
"The president not only did not come to Congress to seek a debate or vote, he acted without even notification to the vast majority of us."
- Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), supporting presidential authority [01:28]:
"No, he has the legal authority to do it and these operations will continue until the threat is no longer there."
- Pope Leo, on pursuit of peace [02:55]:
"Stability and peace are achieved only through reasonable, sincere and responsible dialogue. The use of weapons sows destruction, suffering and death."
- Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, on police heroism [03:46]:
"I am very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded to this. I don't think there's any question that it saved lives."
Important Timestamps
- 00:14 — US military casualties in Iran strike detailed
- 00:55 — Israeli deaths confirmed
- 01:05-01:35 — Congressional debate on war powers: Kaine vs. Graham
- 01:45 — White House official on possible diplomacy with Iran
- 02:16-02:55 — State Department crisis response; travel chaos
- 02:55 — Pope Leo calls for peace
- 03:46 — Austin mass shooting coverage
Tone and Style
The episode keeps a measured, urgent tone, primarily factual, occasionally punctuated with sharp political criticism, appeals for calm, and calls for peace. Governments and institutions (US, Iran, Israel, Vatican, Austin PD) are foregrounded as key actors. Domestic and international consequences are woven together, underlining both the gravity and complexity of the developing crises.
In summary, this hourly update provides a concise yet comprehensive briefing on a rapidly evolving military conflict, its political repercussions, impact on American citizens, and poignant calls for restraint—interspersed with breaking domestic news. It is essential listening for anyone tracking world affairs as they unfold.