Fox News Hourly Update — 4AM ET 03/16/2026

Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Sue Guzman, FOX News Podcasts
Overview:
This hourly Fox News newscast delivers breaking updates on intensifying conflict in the Gulf region, widespread travel chaos due to a government shutdown and extreme weather, shifting oil prices, highlights from the 98th Academy Awards, and a world record-setting event in Mexico.

Key Discussion Points

Major Escalation in Gulf Conflicts

• Iran Strikes Neighbors

  • Explosions reported in Beirut as Israel strikes Lebanon; Israel also launches new attacks on Tehran.
  • Dubai International Airport briefly closed after an Iranian drone hits a fuel tank.
  • Sue Guzman (00:03): “Explosions echoing across Beirut early Monday as Israel struck the Lebanese capital. It also launched a new wave of attacks on Tehran. This as Dubai was forced to temporarily close its airport after an Iranian drone hit a fuel tank.”

• Missile and Drone Attacks on UAE

  • Ongoing bombardment reported by Lucas Tomlinson, FOX's UAE correspondent.
  • Past two weeks: Over 1600 Iranian drones and nearly 300 ballistic missiles launched (3x as many strikes as on Israel).
  • Iranian Foreign Minister claims American bases are the sole target; local residents dispute this after civilian buildings and hotels are hit.
  • Lucas Tomlinson (00:21): “That was a pretty quiet day here in the UAE. Just four ballistic missiles and six drones launched from Iran. For the past two weeks, Iran has launched over 1600 drones here and nearly 300 ballistic missiles... Now some residents here would like a word with Mr. Arachi. The other day a drone hit a building just two miles from where I'm standing.”

Political and Economic Fallout

• NATO Response and Strait of Hormuz

  • President Trump presses NATO allies to deploy forces to keep crucial oil passage open.
  • NATO official highlights recent support for Ukraine and calls maintaining Strait openness a “very small endeavor.”
  • Unnamed NATO Official (01:02): “Be interesting to see what country wouldn't help us with a very small endeavor which is just keeping the strait up.”

• Oil Price Surge

  • Global oil prices climb as conflict enters its third week.
  • Sue Guzman (01:20): "Oil prices rising as the war with Iran moves into a third week."

U.S. Travelers and Shutdown

• Airport Disrupted by Security Delays
  • Extended waits at airports countrywide, with some passengers waiting up to 90 minutes.
  • Ongoing partial government shutdown under scrutiny; major airline CEOs urge Congress to fund DHS to restore order and minimize disruptions.
  • Airlines offer accommodations: holding flights for late passengers, rebooking, but they urge a government solution.
  • Madison Scarpino (01:33): “We've been speaking to many people waiting in these lines who are frustrated, antsy and say this is all unfair. Major airline CEOs are sharing their open letter to Congress urging them to immediately find a way to fund DHS.”
  • Sue Guzman (01:58): "America's listening to fox."

U.S. Extreme Weather Alert

• Winter Storms and Heat Waves
  • Major blizzards impact the Midwest and Great Lakes: 11 million under warnings, northern Michigan could see up to three feet of snow.
  • Simultaneously, the Southwest faces record heat with temperatures above 100°F.
  • Severe weather (winds, hail, tornadoes) pounds the South and Midwest; thousands without power, more travel delays and flight cancellations.
  • Ashley Strawmeier (02:43): “11 million people in the Midwest and Great Lakes are under blizzard warnings, with parts of northern Michigan expected to see up to three feet of snow... people in the Southwest are bracing for dangerous heat. Desert areas could see temperatures soaring past 100 degrees this week.”

Culture & Events

• 98th Academy Awards

  • Ceremony themed around "battles."
  • Big Winner: “It Was One Battle After Another” takes best picture among six awards.
  • “Sinners” follows with four awards — Michael B. Jordan wins Best Actor, thanks actors of color who paved the way:
    • Ashley Strawmeier (03:39): “Thanking those that paved the way, Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx,”
    • Lucas Tomlinson (03:43): “Forest Whitaker, Will Smith.”
  • “Frankenstein” wins three awards, “K Pop Demon Hunters” highlighted in the In Memoriam segment.
  • Tributes to Rob Reiner by Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Kathy Bates; Barbra Streisand honors Robert Redford.
  • Oscar Awards Commentator (03:24–03:45)

• World Record: Largest Soccer Class in Mexico

  • 9,500 participants gather at Zócalo Square, Mexico City, ahead of the country's World Cup debut in June.
  • Sue Guzman (04:05): “Mexico setting the new Guinness world record for largest soccer class. 9,500 participants kicking the ball around in Mexico City's main square, Zocalo Square, on Sunday.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lucas Tomlinson, on the scale of attacks in UAE:
  • “For the past two weeks, Iran has launched over 1600 drones here and nearly 300 ballistic missiles... that's three times the number launched at Israel.” (00:28)
• Unnamed NATO official, on collective security:
  • “Be interesting to see what country wouldn't help us with a very small endeavor which is just keeping the strait up.” (01:12)
• Ashley Strawmeier, on weather extremes:
  • “Desert areas could see temperatures soaring past 100 degrees this week. The Midwest and South are being hammered by strong winds, hail and tornadoes.” (02:43)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Gulf conflict escalation / Iran strikes & missile attacks: 00:03–00:53
• NATO and Strait of Hormuz / Oil prices: 00:53–01:20
• Airport delays, shutdown crisis: 01:20–01:58
• Extreme weather coverage: 02:32–03:18
• Oscars summary & tributes: 03:18–04:05
• Mexico soccer world record: 04:05–04:33

This episode provides a fast-paced, comprehensive snapshot of ongoing geopolitical crises and their global ripple effects, severe domestic weather events, and uplifting cultural milestones — all in less than five minutes.