Fox News Hourly Update — 4AM ET 03/31/2026 Newscast
Host: Sue Guzman, FOX News Podcasts
Date: March 31, 2026
Episode Overview:
This newscast provides a concise update on escalating conflicts in the Middle East, the ongoing struggle to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a terror attack in Michigan with international connections, and nationwide protests against the Trump administration. The segment captures urgent political and security concerns domestically and abroad.
1. Escalating Middle East Tensions
(00:03–01:11)
- U.S. Strike in Iran:
The U.S. is believed to have launched a massive military strike in Isfahan, Iran, resulting in a large fireball witnessed in the city. - Iran Responds:
Iran retaliated by striking a fully loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. - Diplomatic Gridlock:
President Trump asserts that "serious discussions are taking place." In contrast, Iran denies any such talks are ongoing. - Multilateral Attempts:
Foreign ministers met in Islamabad, trying to forge a framework for peace, with Pakistan’s foreign minister suggesting the hope for "meaningful talks."- Iranian Foreign Ministry: "There are no talks. The US demands have been very excessive, unrealistic and illogical." (00:45)
- Iran claims it has not participated in the diplomatic meetings led by Pakistan.
- Trump's Warning:
President Trump escalates rhetoric:"If Iran does not open the strait, we will conclude our lovely stay in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their electric generating plants, oil wells and Kharg island and possibly the desalinization plants." — President Trump (00:58)
2. Congressional Stalemate & Emergency Measures
(01:11–01:55)
- DHS Funding Bill Stalls:
Congress is on recess; no agreement has been reached on a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security.- Quote from Fox’s Kevin Cork:
"Pass the sunscreen, everybody. The Senate spring break plans were on a two week recess happening despite growing calls to get back to work and fund DHS and pass the Save America Act." (01:16)
- Lawmakers are absent until April 13, with uncertainty about how and when DHS funding will materialize.
- Quote from Fox’s Kevin Cork:
- TSA Workers Get Relief:
President Trump issued an emergency directive ensuring TSA employees receive pay — even retroactively for some — as over 500 officers have walked off the job since mid-February.- Quote:
"Thanks to President Trump and that emergency directive, TSA workers will receive pay, in fact, retroactively beginning for some this week." — Kevin Cork (01:38)
3. Michigan Synagogue Attack Linked to Hezbollah
(02:40–03:18)
- Attack Details:
The FBI announced that an attack on a Michigan synagogue was perpetrated by a suspect affiliated with Hezbollah.- The suspect rammed his vehicle into the synagogue and sent threatening videos to his sister beforehand, stating:
“I have booby trapped the car. I will forcibly enter and start shooting them. God willing, I will kill as many of them as I possibly can.” (02:56)
- The suspect rammed his vehicle into the synagogue and sent threatening videos to his sister beforehand, stating:
- Motivation & Evidence:
The incident is described as a "Hezbollah inspired act of terrorism purposely targeting the Jewish community and the largest Jewish temple in Michigan." (03:07)- Had the suspect survived, prosecutors had “ample evidence… that would prove in court that he was providing material support to Hezbollah.” (03:18)
4. Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests & Political Funding
(03:29–04:26)
- Protest Overview:
- Protests erupted across America under the banner ‘No Kings,’ directed at the Trump administration.
- Major demonstrations in cities like Los Angeles and St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Incidents & Arrests:
- In LA, demonstrators clashed with police outside a federal building; graffiti messages included “kill your local ICE agent.” (03:41)
- At least 74 people arrested in LA after failing to disperse.
- Funding and Coordination:
- Many protests were funded by Democratic networks, including the advocacy group Indivisible and connections to George Soros–linked foundations and Neville Roy Singham (businessman in China).
- Digital reporter Azra Nomani obtained a march permit in St. Paul and identified the lead coordinator as Indivisible.
- Many protests were funded by Democratic networks, including the advocacy group Indivisible and connections to George Soros–linked foundations and Neville Roy Singham (businessman in China).
- Organizational Scope:
- A Fox News Digital investigation found “a network of about 500 groups with an estimated $3 billion in combined annual revenues behind the ‘No Kings’ protests.” (04:26)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- President Trump’s Threatening Post:
"If Iran does not open the strait, we will conclude our lovely stay in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their electric generating plants, oil wells and Kharg island and possibly the desalinization plants." (00:58)
- TSA Workers Get Emergency Pay:
"Thanks to President Trump and that emergency directive, TSA workers will receive pay, in fact, retroactively beginning for some this week." — Kevin Cork (01:38)
- Hezbollah Attack Statement:
“I have booby trapped the car. I will forcibly enter and start shooting them. God willing, I will kill as many of them as I possibly can.” (02:56)
"Based on the evidence gathered to date, we assess this attack to be a Hezbollah inspired act of terrorism purposely targeting the Jewish community and the largest Jewish temple in Michigan." (03:07) - Protest Funding Insight:
"Her reporting also found a connection to a wealthy American in China named Neville Roy Singham connected to some of those protests." (04:09) "A network of about 500 groups with an estimated $3 billion in combined annual revenues behind the no Kings protests." (04:26)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Middle East Escalation: 00:03–01:11
- DHS Funding Crisis & TSA Compensation: 01:11–01:55
- Michigan Synagogue Attack Investigation: 02:40–03:18
- Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests: 03:29–04:26
This episode captures a day of growing international tension, legislative gridlock, a foiled domestic terror plot, and the complexity of political protest movements — all in under five minutes, reflecting Fox News Radio’s rapid-fire news style.
