Fox News Hourly Update – 4AM ET 03/13/2026 Newscast
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: March 13, 2026
Episode Overview
This hourly update delivers concise, fast-paced coverage of the latest international and domestic news headlines. Key focus areas include rising tensions between Iran and Israel amidst speculation over Iran’s new supreme leader, major disruptions in global oil markets, escalating violence in Afghanistan and Pakistan, two terror-related attacks in the United States, and a moderate earthquake in Turkey. The newscast maintains FOX News’ direct, urgent reporting style, emphasizing the national and international security implications of ongoing events.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Speculation and Instability in Iran’s Leadership
- Crisis of Visibility: The new Iranian supreme leader issued a written statement but has not appeared in public, fueling rumors about his health and safety after his wife and son were reportedly killed in a US strike that also killed his father.
- Chris DiMeo [00:03]: “Is he alive or not? ... His wife and son were reportedly killed in the US Strike that also killed his father.”
2. Netanyahu’s Warning and Rising Regional Tensions
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Israeli Rhetoric: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his first wartime news conference, pointedly warning Iranian leaders.
- Nate Foy [00:15]: “He said he wouldn’t issue any life insurance policies for any Iranian leaders... Netanyahu appeared on camera. Iran’s new supreme leader did not, which further fuels speculation about his health.”
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Iranian Retaliation Threat:
- Iran's new supreme leader, Mujtaba Khamenei, stated in writing:
- [00:37], Quoted: “We will exact reparations from the enemy and if it refuses, we will seize from its assets as much as we deem necessary.”
- Iran's new supreme leader, Mujtaba Khamenei, stated in writing:
3. Attacks and Global Economic Impact
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Ongoing Maritime Attacks:
- Continued assaults on shipping in and near the Strait of Hormuz, leading to severe interruptions in oil transport.
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Oil Prices Surge:
- The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles one-fifth of the world’s oil, drives gasoline prices up globally.
- Ainsley Earhart [01:04]: “The strait’s closure is leading to a spike in oil and gas prices.”
- The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles one-fifth of the world’s oil, drives gasoline prices up globally.
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US Strategic Response:
- The White House plans to release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve over four months and is considering Pentagon escorts for tankers.
- Ainsley Earhart [01:24]: “The Pentagon is also working on plans to have Navy escorts to oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz...”
- The White House plans to release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve over four months and is considering Pentagon escorts for tankers.
4. Escalation between Pakistan and the Taliban in Afghanistan
- Civilian Casualties Amidst Strikes:
- The Taliban accuses Pakistan’s military of striking civilian homes, killing women and children in Kabul and Kandahar.
- Chris DiMeo [01:38]: “Afghanistan’s Taliban government Friday accusing Pakistan’s military of targeting civilian homes in overnight strikes in Kabul and the southern province of Kandahar.”
- The Taliban accuses Pakistan’s military of striking civilian homes, killing women and children in Kabul and Kandahar.
5. Terror and Security in the United States
a. Synagogue Attack in Michigan
- Incident Details:
- Amon Mohammed Ghazali, reportedly motivated by recent family losses in Lebanon, drove a truck into Temple Israel Synagogue (with over 100 children inside for daycare), armed with a rifle and incendiary device. He was killed by armed security before harming others.
- Garrett Tenney [03:11]: “Ghazali’s family in Lebanon was killed in an airstrike this past weekend during the war with Iran, which may have prompted him to carry out this attack…”
- Amon Mohammed Ghazali, reportedly motivated by recent family losses in Lebanon, drove a truck into Temple Israel Synagogue (with over 100 children inside for daycare), armed with a rifle and incendiary device. He was killed by armed security before harming others.
b. Campus Shooting at Old Dominion University, Virginia
- Incident Details:
- 36-year-old Muhammad Jalo, previously convicted of supporting ISIS, opened fire in an ROTC classroom after asking for its location—fatally wounding instructor Colonel Brandon Shah before being killed in a struggle with students.
- Kevin Cork [04:07]: “He began to pull out a gun and start shooting, yelling Allah au Akbar... students in that class subdued him and ultimately killed him.”
- 36-year-old Muhammad Jalo, previously convicted of supporting ISIS, opened fire in an ROTC classroom after asking for its location—fatally wounding instructor Colonel Brandon Shah before being killed in a struggle with students.
6. Natural Disaster Coverage
- Earthquake in Turkey:
- A 5.5-magnitude quake shaken central Turkey; no damage or injuries reported, but residents were alarmed.
- Chris DiMeo [04:44]: "A moderately strong earthquake struck central Turkey on Friday. Emergency responders said it sent some residents rushing into the streets, but no damage has been reported."
- A 5.5-magnitude quake shaken central Turkey; no damage or injuries reported, but residents were alarmed.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Chris DiMeo [00:03]: “Is he alive or not? I’m Chris demayo, FOX News.”
- Nate Foy [00:15]: “He said he wouldn’t issue any life insurance policies for any Iranian leaders.”
- Mujtaba Khamenei (quote read by Nate Foy, [00:37]): “We will exact reparations from the enemy and if it refuses, we will seize from its assets as much as we deem necessary.”
- Ainsley Earhart [01:04]: “The strait’s closure is leading to a spike in oil and gas prices.”
- Garrett Tenney [03:11]: "[The attacker] drove a truck right through the doors of the Temple Israel Synagogue while more than 100 kids were inside at a daycare."
- Kevin Cork [04:07]: “[He] began to pull out a gun and start shooting, yelling Allah au Akbar... students in that class subdued him and ultimately killed him.”
Segment Timestamps
- Iran—Speculation about new Supreme Leader: 00:03–00:15
- Israel & Iran Tensions, Netanyahu’s Statement: 00:15–00:58
- Oil Market & US Response: 01:04–01:38
- Afghanistan—Pakistan Violence: 01:38–02:00
- (Advertisement Block Skipped)
- Michigan Synagogue Attack: 03:08–03:56
- Old Dominion University Shooting: 03:56–04:44
- Turkey Earthquake: 04:44–05:04
Summary
This newscast covers a turbulent period of international conflict and domestic terrorism, with spiraling violence affecting oil markets, geopolitical relations, and daily American life. The tone is urgent, focused on national security and rapid changes in world events, underscoring FOX News’ emphasis on facts and immediacy:
“America’s listening to FOX News.”