Fox News Hourly Update – 5AM ET 03/02/2026 Newscast

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This episode delivers breaking updates on heightened geopolitical tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel, increasing concerns over terrorism on American soil following a mass shooting in Texas, and major security moves on Capitol Hill. The episode also highlights recent developments in Congress regarding war powers limitations, and wraps with the results of the newly rechristened Actor Awards.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Iran’s Refusal to Negotiate and US Concerns

• Iran's Stance: Iran’s top security official, Ali Larajani, states via X (formerly Twitter) that Iran will not enter negotiations with the US, blaming former President Trump for regional instability and emphasizing Iran’s defensive posture.

  • Quote, Ted Lindner at 00:03: “A top Iranian security official announced… that Iran will not negotiate with the US… President Trump plunged the region into chaos and... the Iranian nation is defending itself.”

• Homeland Security Concerns:

  • US authorities express heightened anxiety about the potential for retaliatory terrorist attacks, especially following this week’s mass shooting in Texas.
  • Quote, Ted Lindner at 00:21: “Officials in the US grow more concerned about retaliatory terrorist attacks on American soil after three were killed in a fatal mass shooting in Texas.”

Heightened Congressional Security & Texas Shooting Details

• Security on Capitol Hill:

  • Congressional authorities enhance security measures: increased patrols, canine searches, and altered routines for lawmakers.
  • No specific threats have been identified, but concerns are amplified by the Austin shooting.
  • Important context: at the time, the Department of Homeland Security funding has lapsed for nearly three weeks.
  • Quote, Chad Pergram at 00:29: “Lawmakers were told to alter their routines, but there is no concrete threat to the Capitol. This is all amplified by the mass shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas.”

• Austin Shooting Details:

  • The shooter was a naturalized US citizen from Senegal, wearing a “Property of Allah” hoodie. Investigated as potential terrorism.
  • Quote, Nate Foy at 02:46: “There were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism.”

Escalation in Iran & Israel Conflict

• Military Actions:

  • US and Israeli forces intensify attacks against Iranian targets. Israel launches airstrikes in Tehran after rocket attacks from Lebanon.
  • Over 1,000 Iranian targets hit, including (per FOX reporting) Iran’s supreme leader in an initial strike attributed to CIA intelligence.
  • Israel’s strategy involves both targeting military infrastructure and regime change, while the US focuses on military targets and infrastructure.
  • Quote, Nate Foy at 01:23: “This has been a phenomenally successful operation from a military perspective for the US and Israel. They've hit over 1,000 Iranian targets. Of course, in the opening, they killed Iran's supreme leader based on CIA intelligence… Israel is doing that. But also regime change.”

• Hezbollah Strikes in Lebanon:

  • Israeli strikes on Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, with the Lebanese health ministry reporting at least 31 killed.
  • Quote, Ted Lindner at 01:51: “Lebanon's health ministry saying at least 31 people were killed.”

Congressional Briefings & War Powers Debates

• Congressional Response:

  • Lawmakers demand Trump administration provide updates and clarification on US military actions in Iran.
  • Separate briefings scheduled for the House (Tuesday 5pm ET) and the Senate (Tuesday 3:30pm ET) with testimony from War Department Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and others.
  • Ongoing discussions about potential war powers resolutions designed to limit presidential authority for military engagement in Iran.
  • Quote, Jill Naito at 03:20: "Several lawmakers consider a war powers resolution that would restrain President Trump's attack on Iran. Both the House and Senate had already drafted resolutions long before the strike Saturday."

• War Powers Context:

  • Reference to the War Powers Act of 1973: requires notification to Congress and limits unauthorized military engagement.

Actor Awards (Formerly SAG Awards) Winners

• Notable Winners Announced:
  • Best Cast in a Motion Picture: Sinners
  • Best Female Lead: Jessie Buckley for Hamnet
  • Best Male Lead: Michael B. Jordan for Sinners
  • Best Drama Ensemble: The Pit
  • Best Male Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wylie for The Pit

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Iran’s Position — Ted Lindner, 00:03:
  “Iran will not negotiate with the US... President Trump plunged the region into chaos and that the Iranian nation is defending itself.”

• Mass Shooting Security Impact — Chad Pergram, 00:29:
  “Lawmakers were told to alter their routines, but there is no concrete threat to the Capitol. This is all amplified by the mass shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas.”

• US/Israeli Military Strikes — Nate Foy, 01:23:
  “...a phenomenally successful operation from a military perspective for the US and Israel. They’ve hit over 1,000 Iranian targets. Of course, in the opening, they killed Iran's supreme leader based on CIA intelligence.”

• FBI Investigation in Texas Shooting — Nate Foy, 02:46:
  “...there were indicators... that indicate potential nexus to terrorism.”

• War Powers Debate — Jill Naito, 03:20:
  “Several lawmakers consider a war powers resolution that would restrain President Trump's attack on Iran.”

Important Timestamps

• 00:02–00:25: Iran’s refusal to negotiate, US fears of terrorism following Texas shooting
• 00:25–01:07: Congressional security measures in response to shooting, funding lapse for Homeland Security
• 01:07–01:51: US and Israeli military escalation against Iran, Israeli strikes in Lebanon
• 02:32–03:00: Details on Austin, TX mass shooting investigation and terrorism concerns
• 03:16–03:59: Congressional actions: war powers debate and planned briefings
• 03:59–04:28: Actor Awards winners list

Final Notes

• For ongoing coverage: Listeners are urged to follow the Fox News Hourly Update and the deeper-dive Fox News Rundown podcasts.
• The episode’s tone is urgent and direct, reflecting the high stakes of the geopolitical and security situations.