Fox News Hourly Update – 8AM ET 03/13/2026 Newscast
Overview This episode delivers a concise, fast-moving roundup of major news stories as of March 13, 2026. The focus is on ongoing military tensions in the Middle East, including a tragic U.S. Air Force plane collision in Iraq, Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz, and developments in domestic security. The episode also covers U.S. political maneuvers regarding potential military action in Cuba, stalled Homeland Security funding, and related economic impacts.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. U.S. Military Plane Collision in Iraq
- Rescue Mission Status
- Two U.S. service members remain missing after a mid-air collision involving two KC135 refueling planes in western Iraq.
- "Central Command says four out of the six crew members aboard a U.S. Air Force KC135 refueling plane were killed following a mid-air collision in western Iraq." – Ainsley Earhart [00:10]
- Investigation Details
- The collision is under investigation, but was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
- Aftermath
- One of the planes managed to land in Israel; the other crashed.
2. Escalating Tensions with Iran
- Strait of Hormuz Closure
- Iranian forces have effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, blocking tanker traffic.
- "Nearby in the Strait over Hormuz, it's been effectively shut by Iranian forces say no tankers can go by as Iran keeps up the attacks today on Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia that house U.S. bases." – Ainsley Earhart [00:38]
- Presidential Response & Operation Epic Fury
- President Trump, in a Truth Social post, hinted at further military action:
- "Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today." – President Trump [00:45, paraphrased by Dave Anthony]
- Trump administration claims substantial damage to Iranian forces, promising more strikes in the coming week.
- "We've already damaged them so badly would take years for them to ever rebuild and we're going to be hitting him very hard over the next week." – President Trump, previewed by Brian Kilmeade [01:00]
- President Trump, in a Truth Social post, hinted at further military action:
- Oil Markets
- Oil prices dipped as U.S. temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil stranded at sea.
3. Domestic Security Incidents
- Detroit Synagogue Attack
- The attacker, a U.S. citizen from Lebanon, had family recently killed in Israeli airstrikes. He entered a synagogue armed with a rifle and explosives.
- Security guards intervened, shooting the attacker before further harm was done. One guard was injured but expected to recover.
- "But before the suspect was able to do any more damage on site, security guards shot him. Officials say one of those security guards was hit by the truck, knocked unconscious, but is expected to be okay." – DeAndre White [01:27]
- Virginia ROTC Students Stop Shooter
- At Old Dominion University, ROTC students stopped and killed a convicted ISIS-supporting terrorist who had killed an instructor and wounded two others.
4. U.S.–Cuba Tensions and Congressional Response
- Concerns about Military Action in Cuba
- President Trump indicated possible forthcoming military action against Cuba.
- "Cuba's at the end of line. They're very much at the end of the line." – Brian Kilmeade [02:44]
- Senate Democrats, led by Ruben Gallego, Tim Kaine, and Adam Schiff, filed a war powers resolution to require congressional authorization before military force could be used against Cuba.
- Chris Foster notes that despite constitutional requirements, President Trump has ordered military actions in several countries without congressional approval or public explanation.
- "Only Congress has the power to declare war under the Constitution, but ... President Trump operates with the belief that the US Military is a palace guard, ordering military action ... without Congress's authorization or any explanation for his actions to the American people." – Chris Foster [02:49]
- President Trump indicated possible forthcoming military action against Cuba.
5. Homeland Security Funding Crisis
- Senate Deadlock
- Funding for Homeland Security remains stalled, now at day 28 of the impasse.
- "Also at the Senate, another attempt to fund homeland security fails after the Republican and Democratic leaders sparred on the Senate floor." – Dave Anthony [03:18]
- Funding for Homeland Security remains stalled, now at day 28 of the impasse.
- Blame Game & Essential Worker Impact
- Democrats (Schumer) fault Republicans for refusing immigration reforms; Republicans (John Thune) argue a continuing resolution can buy time.
- The deadlock results in unpaid essential workers (e.g., TSA agents), causing staff shortages and long airport security lines.
- "With the support of my family, I'm able to fortunately attend my regular hours. Now other agents have not been able to do that and have not shown up, leading to hours long security lines at some airports." – DeAndre White (TSA agent) [04:01]
6. Financial Market Update
- Stock Market Recovery
- "Stock futures are rising up almost 200 points for the Dow, which in yesterday's sell off plunged more than 700 points." – Dave Anthony [04:19]
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
-
"We've already damaged them so badly would take years for them to ever rebuild and we're going to be hitting him very hard over the next week."
– President Trump (previewed by Brian Kilmeade), [01:00] -
"Nearby in the Strait over Hormuz, it's been effectively shut by Iranian forces say no tankers can go by as Iran keeps up the attacks today on Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia that house U.S. bases."
– Ainsley Earhart, [00:38] -
"With the support of my family, I'm able to fortunately attend my regular hours. Now other agents have not been able to do that and have not shown up, leading to hours long security lines at some airports."
– DeAndre White (TSA agent), [04:01] -
"Only Congress has the power to declare war under the Constitution, but ... President Trump operates with the belief that the US Military is a palace guard, ordering military action ... without Congress's authorization or any explanation for his actions to the American people."
– Chris Foster, [02:49]
Important Segment Timestamps
- [00:02] – U.S. military plane collision update
- [00:38] – Strait of Hormuz closure/Iran tension
- [00:45] – President Trump’s statement and Operation Epic Fury
- [01:27] – Detroit synagogue attack details
- [01:44] – ROTC students stop shooting at Old Dominion University
- [02:29] – Operation Epic Fury, 14th day; Senate move on Cuba
- [03:18] – Homeland Security funding stalemate and TSA impact
- [04:19] – Stock market update
Tone and Style
The tone is brisk, urgent, and matter-of-fact, reflecting the sensibility of fast-paced radio news. Hosts and correspondents deliver factual updates with occasional pointed commentary and verbatim quotes from political figures.
This summary covers all key developments and memorable moments from the FOX News Hourly Update, 8AM ET, March 13, 2026—distilling the urgency, ongoing crises, and political conflict reported in this newscast.
