Fox News Hourly Update: 4PM ET 03/13/2026 Newscast

Date: March 13, 2026
Host: Melissa Brady (with reports from Jennifer Griffin, Nate Foy, Ainsley Earhart, Kristen Goodwin, and others)

Episode Overview

This newscast provides a comprehensive update on major national and international news, including U.S. military movements in the Middle East, political tensions involving Iran, domestic policy developments on home affordability, a new high-profile shooting case, disruptions at TSA over a DHS funding freeze, and a legal battle over subpoenas related to a new Federal Reserve headquarters.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. Military Reinforcements in the Middle East

• Pentagon Deployment:
  • The Pentagon is sending the USS Tripoli, a Marine Amphibious Ready Group, and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (approx. 2,500 U.S. Marines and 2,500 sailors) to the Middle East.
  • The USS Tripoli is stationed in Japan and will take about two weeks to arrive.
  • “The Pentagon is sending the USS Tripoli, a Marine Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, about 2500 U.S. marines and 2500 sailors to the Middle East.” – Jennifer Griffin [00:09]
• Escalation Context:
  • More than 15,000 targets have been struck by the U.S. and Israeli forces so far.

2. Al Quds Day Demonstrations in Tehran

• Large-Scale Demonstrations:
  • Thousands gathered for Al Quds Day to show support for Palestinians and protest Israel.
  • American flags were burned, and several key Iranian leaders made appearances.
  • “Thousands rallied in Tehran today for Al Quds Day. It's a day of demonstrations in support of the Palestinians and against Israel.” – Nate Foy [00:38]
• Aftermath of Operation Epic Fury:
  • Despite recent Iranian leadership losses, President Masut Pezeshkian appeared publicly.

3. Updates on Iranian Leadership and U.S. Vice President's Comments

• Supreme Leader Injured:
  • U.S. Vice President J.D. V states U.S. intelligence is aware Iran's new Supreme Leader is injured; severity unknown after fatal strikes on his family.
  • “...the U.S. knows that Iran's new supreme leader is injured but doesn't know how badly after the strikes that killed his father, mother, wife and a son early on in the fighting.” – Melissa Brady [00:57]
• Vice President’s Agenda:
  • While in North Carolina, touts the Trump economic legacy, notably last year's "big beautiful bill," a major tax cut for those earning under $100k.
  • “Biggest tax cut for people making under $100,000 that we have ever seen in tax legislation in this country.” – Vice President J.D. V (reported by Nate Foy) [01:20]
• Ongoing Political Divide:
  • Democrats blame administration policies (tariffs, military conflicts) for increased costs.

4. Presidential Action on Home Affordability

• Executive Orders Signed:
  • One order to reduce federal regulatory burdens on housing.
  • Another to ease mortgage approval hurdles, enabling community banks to issue more home loans.
  • “The president just signing a pair of executive orders aimed at help to address home affordability concerns.” – Melissa Brady [01:27]

5. Stock Market Update

• Stock Decline:
  • The Dow fell by 117 points at closing.

6. Shooting at Old Dominion University

• Gun-Related Charges:
  • An accomplice faces federal charges for buying a gun for the ODU shooter—a naturalized U.S. citizen, ex-National Guard member, and convicted felon previously linked to ISIS.
  • Shooter allegedly sought out ROTC students before opening fire; killed an instructor, wounded two, subdued and killed by students.
  • “Shooter wanted to know if ROTC students were in the classroom before opening fire.” – Melissa Brady [02:15]

7. TSA Worker Shortages Amid DHS Shutdown

• Widespread Impact:
  • Over 300 TSA workers have quit since DHS funding halted in mid-February; tens of thousands still unpaid.
  • Increased sick-outs cause longer security lines and wait times.
  • TSA Officer Deondra White’s testimony:
    • “We are hurting and we deserve to be compensated for what we do. And I hope that we are heard because I think a lot of us are feeling very, very distressed.” – Deondra White [03:11]
• Funding Standoff:
  • Senate Democrats want ICE reforms before funding DHS; Republicans block bill.
  • Attempt to fund DHS without ICE also blocked by GOP.
  • “Senate Democrats won Immigration and Customs Enforcement reforms before funding DHS. The chamber blocking another bill to fund the agency Thursday.” – Ainsley Earhart [03:19]

8. Justice Department Legal Battle Over Fed HQ Subpoenas

• Contested Ruling:
  • DOJ to appeal a judge’s decision striking down subpoenas in an investigation of possible fraud and cost overruns for a new Federal Reserve headquarters.
  • D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro labels the judge an “activist” who is blocking grand jury access.
  • Judge Boasberg’s rationale: substantial evidence the subpoenas sought to pressure the Fed to cut rates.
  • “This judge has put himself at the entrance door to the grand jury slamming that door shut.” – Jeanine Pirro (paraphrased by Melissa Brady) [03:35]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “The Pentagon is sending the USS Tripoli… about 2500 U.S. marines and 2500 sailors to the Middle East.” – Jennifer Griffin [00:09]
• “Thousands rallied in Tehran today for Al Quds Day… Several American flags were burned during this.” – Nate Foy [00:38]
• “...the U.S. knows that Iran's new supreme leader is injured but doesn't know how badly after the strikes…” – Melissa Brady [00:57]
• “Biggest tax cut for people making under $100,000 that we have ever seen in tax legislation in this country.” – Vice President J.D. V (via Nate Foy) [01:20]
• “We are hurting and we deserve to be compensated for what we do. And I hope that we are heard because I think a lot of us are feeling very, very distressed.” – Deondra White, TSA Officer [03:11]
• “This judge has put himself at the entrance door to the grand jury slamming that door shut.” – Jeanine Pirro (paraphrased) [03:35]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:09 – Pentagon sends more forces to Middle East (Jennifer Griffin)
• 00:38 – Tehran’s Al Quds Day demonstrations & aftermath of Operation Epic Fury (Nate Foy)
• 00:57 – Iranian supreme leader injured & Vice President’s economic agenda (Melissa Brady & Nate Foy)
• 01:27 – Home affordability executive orders (Melissa Brady)
• 02:15 – Old Dominion University shooting update (Melissa Brady)
• 02:52 – TSA shutdown, worker resignations, and labor unrest (Ainsley Earhart & Deondra White)
• 03:19 – DHS funding fight breakdown (Ainsley Earhart)
• 03:35 – DOJ appeals subpoena ruling in Fed HQ case (Melissa Brady)

Summary

This episode covers major U.S. geopolitical maneuvers, Middle East tensions, high-profile domestic news, and sharp political divides over budgeting and law enforcement. It is marked by on-the-ground reports, firsthand accounts, and the typical brisk, matter-of-fact reporting style of FOX News, delivering a snapshot of a tense and rapidly evolving global and domestic landscape.