Fox News Hourly Update – 7PM ET 03/16/2026 Newscast
Host: FOX News Podcasts | Date: March 16, 2026

Episode Overview

This evening’s Fox News Hourly Update delivers a fast-paced roundup of major weather events, political developments, and technological advancements affecting the U.S. and beyond. From record-breaking blizzards and disruptive heatwaves, to breaking news in U.S. politics and controversy on Capitol Hill, the newscast keeps listeners up-to-date on all the top stories of Monday, March 16th, 2026.

Major Stories and Key Discussion Points

1. Historic Midwest Blizzard & Widespread Severe Weather

(00:02 – 00:49)

• Lisa Lacera: Opens the update with breaking weather news.

  • "Millions in the path. The upper Midwest getting hammered with a late winter storm." (00:02)

• Weather Details:

  • FOX Weather reports "three feet of snow falling in some parts of the U.P. of Michigan and in the northern parts of Michigan looking into Green Bay, Wisconsin." (00:09)
  • Described as "the biggest snowstorm for them in 138 years and it’s still not over."
  • Blizzard warnings continue through the night and into Tuesday morning.
  • The storm's energy is moving eastward, bringing heavy rain and severe winds to the Northeast.

• Flight Disruptions:

  • At least 12,000 flights cancelled or delayed due to weather conditions.

• Contrasting Heatwave Out West:

  • Heat dome over the Southwest; Arizona temperatures to hit triple digits, while parts of California (San Francisco Bay and Sacramento) near 90°F.

Notable Quote:

"This has been the biggest snowstorm for them in 138 years and it's still not over." — FOX Weather Reporter (00:13)

2. U.S. Strikes Against Iran & Political Fallout

(01:12 – 01:33)

• Presidential Defense:

  • President Trump defends recent military strikes against Iran, three weeks after action began.

• Political Analysis:

  • "They're sending thousands of missiles into countries that didn't expect to be in the war because they wanted to take over the Middle East." — Political Analyst (01:12)

• Democratic Opposition:

  • Democrats criticize Trump for inconsistent messaging.
  • "Trump also claimed today, quote, 'they want to make a deal. They are talking to our people.' And then moments later, he said all their leaders are dead. We don't even know who they're dealing with. Which one is it?" — Political Analyst (01:23)

• Operational Impact:

  • Senate and House cancel all votes for the night due to severe weather.

3. Federal Vaccine Policy Blocked

(01:33 – 02:00)

• Judicial Ruling:
  • A federal judge temporarily blocks HHS Secretary RFK Jr.’s plan to reduce the number of child vaccine recommendations; cited possible violations of federal procedures in reshaping a pivotal vaccine advisory committee.

4. Calls For Federal Investigation of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

(02:39 – 03:29)

• Allegations by Congress:

  • Top Democrats accuse DHS Secretary Kristi Noem of perjury for statements made under oath about a $220 million ad campaign and DHS compliance with court orders.

• Official Responses:

  • DOJ calls the congressional referral "a political stunt," while DHS spokesperson asserts that "any claim that Secretary Noem committed perjury is categorically false." — Kristin Goodwin, Fox News (03:22)

5. AI Integration in Google Workspace

(03:29 – 04:13)

• Technology Update:

  • Google announces improved AI features (Gemini AI) for pro and ultra Workspace users, enabling auto-creation of documents, spreadsheets, and slide presentations by simple command.

• AI Utility Described:

  • "If you have a board meeting upcoming, you can ask Gemini to create the agenda, making use of last month’s meeting minutes… You can even have it create spreadsheets and slide presentations, all which can be further edited on command..." — Political Analyst (03:37)

6. Pope Leo to Receive Liberty Medal

(04:13 – 04:36)

• Award Announcement:

  • Pope Leo (the first American Pope) will accept the Liberty Medal remotely from Rome on July 3rd.
  • On July 4th, Pope Francis is set to visit a Sicilian island, symbolic for welcoming African migrants to Europe.

• Criteria Highlighted:

  • Liberty Medal recognizes individuals who promote liberty with "courage and conviction."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Historic Blizzard:

  "This has been the biggest snowstorm for them in 138 years and it's still not over." — FOX Weather Reporter (00:13)

• Political Messaging Confusion:

  "Trump also claimed today, quote, 'they want to make a deal. They are talking to our people.' And then moments later, he said all their leaders are dead. We don't even know who they're dealing with. Which one is it?" — Political Analyst (01:23)

• Perjury Allegations Against Kristi Noem:

  “Any claim that Secretary Noem committed perjury is categorically false.” — DHS response via Kristin Goodwin (03:22)

• AI in the Workplace:

  “You can even have it create spreadsheets and slide presentations, all which can be further edited on command, even asking it to match the format of a similar document you saw and liked.” — Political Analyst (03:39)

Segment Timestamps

• Midwest Blizzard & Weather Disruptions: 00:02 – 00:49
• Flight Cancellations & Western Heatwave: 00:49 – 01:12
• Iran Strikes & Political Fallout: 01:12 – 01:33
• Federal Vaccine Policy Blocked: 01:33 – 02:00
• Kristi Noem Investigation Calls: 02:39 – 03:29
• Google AI Enhancements: 03:29 – 04:13
• Pope Liberty Medal Announcement: 04:13 – 04:36

Conclusion

Tonight’s Fox News Hourly Update delivered comprehensive coverage of extreme weather events, political controversies in Washington, advances in digital productivity tools, and news of global leaders’ major plans. Each story is addressed with concise, rapid-fire reporting, making it essential listening for those seeking to stay informed on the day’s top stories.