The Latest: 03/19/2026 01:59am ET

0:00This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human No one knows what the future holds, but you deserve a weather app that can help. Weatherbug is easy to use and provides forecasts for your every need. From storm warnings to pollen levels, write at your fingertips. Get the fastest local alerts and comprehensive 10-day forecasts wherever you are. It's hyper-local, real-time, customizable alerts. Make sure the weather never takes you by surprise so you can plan every day with confidence. Download the free weather bug app from the app store today and start getting accurate weather forecasts 24-7. This is your 24-7 News Update, the latest views this hour in just 4 minutes. A historic heat wave is taking aim at nearly 20 million people across the southwest. High temperatures are soaring as much as 35 degrees above average for this time of year from California to the Great Plains. The heat wave is caused by a ridge of high pressure heavy air that's sinking toward the ground. The hottest days are expected to be Thursday through Saturday, but the heat could remain after that in some places

1:05creating the potential to break temperature records for seven days straight. The war in Iran is showing few signs of slowing down. Mark Mayfield has the latest. There's still no clear word on which nations, if any, will help bring the situation in the straight of hormones under control. The narrow waterway normally sees about a fifth of the world's oil supply pass through it, but Iran is effectively shut it down as a result of Operation Epic Fury. While President Trump insists the U.S. doesn't need help in the region, he's also calling out allies for their reluctance to get involved. I'm Mark Mayfield. The confirmation hearing for President Trump's pick to replace Kristi Nome as the Department of Homeland Security Chiefs over. Republican Senator Mark Wayne Mullen of Oklahoma didn't face a lot of pushback before the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Except for one exchange with fellow Republican, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. You told the media that I was a freaking snake, and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted. I can understand why you're by the name of the day what he did. Mullen didn't apologize for calling Paul a snake in the grass, but pledged to work with him if confirmed and earn his trust.

2:08Mullen is widely expected to get the support of a simple majority in the full Senate vote. The 64-team NCAA men's basketball tournament field is now set. Prairie View A&M crushedly high, 67-55 in the first four to earn the 16th seat in the South region, and will now battle No. 1 Florida. Miami of Ohio took down SMU 89-79 to claim the 11th seat in the Midwest, and will now square off against 6th rank Tennessee in the first round. 16 games are set to tip off on Thursday. I'm Tammy Trujillo. The sheriff leading the search for Nancy Guthrie in Southern Arizona is now facing a recall effort. Wendy Swanson has details. Multiple reports say the effort was launched last week against Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. He's faced pressure for his department's handling of the investigation. Daniel Boutieras, who's planning on running for Congress again, says he's helping to lead the recall effort. The group needs 120,000 signatures in four months' time to trigger the recall. The search for the mother of today's show host Savannah Guthrie is into its second month.

3:13In Arizona, I'm Wendy Swanson. Lawyers force-assected health insurance CEO Killer Luigi Mangione when a pushes federal trial back to 2027. That's because he faces a June date in New York State Court for killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, outside of Midtown Hotel in December of 2024, and a September court date in federal court. Mangione's lawyers told the federal court Wednesday they can't prepare for two trials at the same time. They also argue the schedule violates Mangione's rights. The WNBA is one step closer to actually having a season this year. Michael Casner has that story. The League and Players Union announced early Wednesday they have reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. This comes just 51 days before the 2026 season is scheduled to start. Terms of the agreement have not been announced. The CBA will now go to the WNBA Board of Governors and players for ratification. I'm Michael Casner. That weather radio gathering dust in your home may soon get a second to end.

4:14A House committee approved a bipartisan bill Wednesday to upgrade the nation's weather radio network. The measure aims in improving warning coverage in rural and remote areas during tornadoes, flash floods and other emergencies. Lawmakers say millions of Americans can lose access to alerts when cell service and internet service go down. Leaving weather radio is one of the last accessible systems for emergency warnings. I'm Tammy Trujillo.