Fox News Hourly Update – 8PM ET 03/31/2026 Newscast

Host: Lisa Licera, Fox News Team
Date: April 1, 2026

Episode Overview

This concise news update covers the latest developments regarding the U.S. military operation in Iran, introduces new executive orders on voter records, highlights ongoing domestic issues—including a controversial police incident and updates on public figures—and gives a snapshot of economic data. The episode maintains FOX News' signature direct and news-driven tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Update on U.S. Strikes in Iran

• President Trump Signals Conclusion of Military Action

  • President Trump announces that U.S. military strikes in Iran are nearing their end.
  • Estimated timeline: completion within two weeks, unless a ceasefire is reached earlier.
  • Objective: eliminate Iran’s potential to develop nuclear weapons.

  “And I think within maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer to do the job. But we want to knock out every single thing there.”
  — President Trump [00:14]

  • Trump states a ceasefire deal may be possible but is not required for U.S. withdrawal.
  • Criteria for departure: Iran rendered incapable of making nuclear weapons for a “long period of time.”

  “When we feel that they are, for a long period of time put into the Stone Ages and they won't be able to come up with a nuclear weapon, then we'll leave.”
  — President Trump [00:31]

  • On securing the Strait of Hormuz: Trump emphasizes it's “not for the U.S. but for countries using the strait.”

• Next Steps:

  • Presidential address on Iran scheduled for 9pm the following night [00:53].

2. New Executive Order on Voter Eligibility Lists

• President Trump signs an executive order creating a nationwide list of eligible voters.

  • Justification: Curbing voter fraud, especially concerning mail-in ballots.
  • Resistance expected: Elections officials in Oregon and Arizona already pledging challenges.

  “Cheating on mail in voting is legendary. It's horrible. What's going on.”
  — President Trump [01:14]

• The order tasks the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration with compiling state-by-state lists.

3. Army Pilots Incident at Kid Rock’s House

• Secretary of War Pete Hegseth lifts the suspension of two Army helicopter pilots who hovered near Kid Rock’s swimming pool as he applauded and saluted.
  • No further investigation or punishment.
  • Announcement made via Hegseth’s social media [01:18].

4. Tiger Woods Legal Trouble

• Tiger Woods pleads not guilty to DUI after a car accident in Florida.
  • Court documents: Woods was distracted while driving.
  • Woods says he’ll seek treatment.

5. South Carolina Deputy Incident

• Viral video: School resource officer in Maran County, SC, caught hitting a high school baseball player with a stun gun.

• Key Details:

  • Deputy is unnamed; has been reassigned.
  • The state law enforcement division is investigating.

  “He was stepping on my foot.”
  — Deputy, as heard in video [02:31]

  “Far as him working around kids and being there, I don't think he should be there.”
  — Local resident (audio) [02:57]

• Concern raised by local witnesses about the appropriateness of the officer’s assignment to schools.

6. Jobs and Economic Indicators

• Job Market:

  • Labor Department’s JOLTS survey: 6.88 million new positions (as of last business day in February), a slight decline.
  • January revised upward to 7.2 million positions—an increase of 290,000.
  • Declines in accommodation (hotels, food services), and mining/logging sectors.

• Consumer Confidence & Markets:

  • Consumer confidence index rose to 91.8 in March, up from 91 in February.
  • Despite optimism, there is “increasing pessimism and expectations of higher inflation,” especially due to global energy price spikes amid the Iran conflict.
  • Wall Street reaction:
    • Dow up 1,125 points
    • NASDAQ up 795 points

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Iran:
  “When we feel that they are... put into the Stone Ages and they won't be able to come up with a nuclear weapon, then we'll leave.” [00:31]

• President Trump on Voter Fraud:
  “Cheating on mail in voting is legendary. It's horrible. What's going on.” [01:14]

• On the Deputy Incident:
  “He was stepping on my foot.” (Deputy heard in video) [02:31]
  “Far as him working around kids and being there, I don't think he should be there.” (Local resident) [02:57]

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:03 – Lead story: President Trump on end of US strikes in Iran
• 00:53 – Announcement: Upcoming Presidential address on Iran
• 01:14 – Trump’s executive order on national voter eligibility list
• 01:18 – Army pilots’ suspension lifted (Kid Rock incident)
• 01:46 – Tiger Woods DUI updates
• 02:23 – South Carolina deputy stun gun incident
• 03:10 – National jobs report and job creation trends
• 03:54 – Consumer confidence and market summary

Final Notes

This newscast efficiently delivers critical updates on U.S. foreign policy, electoral oversight, domestic legal affairs, and major economic indicators, with on-the-ground reactions and presidential statements front and center. It maintains FOX News’ rapid-fire, no-nonsense news presentation, interspersed with brief feature segments and real voices from key stories.