The Latest: 03/19/2026 10:59pm ET

0:00This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human You know what I can really go for right now? Literally anything that comes in a McDonald's carton, wrapper, or bag, or a McDonald's cup. Yes, any of those items you do it. We've got your cravings covered. Now, stop in for the flaky filet of fish. The crispy snack wrap or a large fries for just $2.99. Limited time only, price and participation may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Banana Papa This is your 24-7 News Update. The latest views this hour in just four minutes. The Iran War continues to escalate as it reaches day 20. Secretary of War Pete Hexeth said today would bring the largest strike package yet against Iran, with a tax deeper into Armenian territory as Israel's Prime Minister announced today Iran no longer possesses the capabilities to enrich uranium

1:01or manufacture ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, Iran is increasing its attacks on energy sites and neighboring Gulf states, leading to heightened concerns about increasing gas and energy prices worldwide. President Trump says the Pentagon's new request for $200 billion is not just for the war in Iran, saying during a meeting with Japan's Prime Minister today that it's a very volatile world and the U.S. needs vast amounts of ammunition. The White House will have to submit the $200 billion request to Congress. The FCC's approved NextR's $6.2 billion proposal to take over Tegna. The FCC chairman said Thursday the agency waived a rule that stops companies from owning TV stations reaching over 39 percent of the country's households. Several states are filing a lawsuit to block the deal. The Trump administration is investigating 13 states that required health insurance plans, cover abortions. New Jersey is one of those states. Limon Putney is there. The U.S. Health and Human Services Civil Rights Office is asking for info

2:02from New Jersey and the dozen other states where coverage requirements could prevent insurers or employers from opting out on religious or moral grounds. Well, Governor Cheryl's office put out a statement dismissing the request as politically motivated, saying the garden state requires insurers follow all applicable laws while protecting reproductive freedoms. Cheryl Stamen goes on to say she'll fight tooth and nail to defend and protect New Jersey and abortion rights. The hottest winter day in U.S. history was recorded in Southern California Wednesday. A weather station in the Coachella Valley recorded a temperature of 108 degrees Fahrenheit, tying a record set in Texas in 1902 for the hottest winter day ever. I'm Scott Carr. Many of those trying to catch a flight nationwide are continuing to experience long security lines and extended wait times as some try to get to spring break destinations. As Tom Costello reports, it's the result of continued TSA staffing shortages brought on by a partial government shutdown. And it's still not clear how long it might last.

3:02Republicans are blaming Democrats, Democrats, blaming Republicans, no end in sight at the moment for this partial government shutdown with TSA officers going more than a month now without a full paycheck. They're not the only ones. Coast Guard, FEMA, Cybersecurity, all in this period where they're working without pay. And as he reports the stress at some airports is becoming more acute. More and more airports having long lines and have already seen Philadelphia curtailing their TSA checkpoints because they don't have enough staff. TSA's Acting Deputy Administrator has said some airports might have to be closed if call-out rates continue to climb. Long-time broadcaster for the New York Metz, Howie Rose says he'll be retiring at the end of this season. Daria Albinger has that. For almost half a century, the name Howie Rose has been synonymous with New York Metz baseball, although he's never yet home run. Stolen a base or snagged a pop ply. The 72-year-old is one of the teams play by playguys. But at the end of this season, he's calling it a career. Rose, who says he grew up in the upper deck of Shea Stadium,

4:03joined the Metz in 1987 as a pre-game and post-game radio host. He became the team's lead TV announcer in 1996. He returned to the radio booth in 2004 and was inducted into the Metz Hall of Fame in 2023. In New York, I'm Daria Albinger. Last week, fewer Americans than expected found themselves filing for first-time jobless benefits. The Labor Department says it received 205,000 initial requests in the week ending March 14. That's lower by 8,000 from the previous week's revised total and less than the 215,000 most analysts were expecting. I'm Scott Carr.