The Latest: 03/20/2026 03:59pm ET

0:00This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human. Run a business and not thinking about podcasting? Think again, more Americans listen to podcasts than add supported streaming music from Spotify and Pandora. And as the number one podcaster, iHeart's twice as large as the next two combined, learn how podcasting can help your business. Call 844-844-iHeart. This is your 24-7 news update. The latest views this hour in just four minutes. A report says the Pentagon is working on plans to deploy ground forces into Iran should President Trump request it. CBS News reports Trump has been deliberating whether to position ground forces in the region. In response to the report White House Prosecutor Caroline Levit said it's the job of the Pentagon to provide options to the commander in chief. And it does not mean that the president has made a decision. The report comes as a second marine expeditionary unit heads to the Middle East. The fight over funding, the Department of Homeland Security shows no signs of ending. Same goes for the long TSA lines at US airports.

1:02The latest vote in the Senate to fund all of DHS for two weeks while negotiations over ice reforms continue was shot down by Senate Democrats. Authorities have advised travelers to be prepared for worsening weight times today. His TSA workers continue to go without pay. The start of the spring housing market is bringing a jump in mortgage rates. According to mortgage news daily, the average rate on the popular 30 year fixed mortgage top 6.5% today. That's the highest level since September of 2025. Iconic tough guy actor Chuck Naras has died at the age of 86. He passed away yesterday surrounded by friends and family while hospitalized in Hawaii for an undisclosed medical emergency. He starred in dozens of movies, but was perhaps best known as Cordell Walker on the TV show Walker Texas Ranger from 1993 to 2001. The International Energy Agency says people should carpool or work from home as gas prices soar. The IEA also recommends driving slower and cutting out non-essential air travel. The agency's member countries last week announced they'd be releasing 400 million barrels of oil

2:04from emergency reserves to help boost worldwide supply. Exercising in the morning is better for your health compared to later in the day according to new research. A study found that those who exercised earlier in the morning were 31% less likely to have coronary artery disease, 18% less likely to have high blood pressure, and 21% less likely to have high cholesterol. I'm Chris Caragio. It's now illegal for law enforcement in Washington state to wear face masks most of the time. The law is a response to concerns about federal immigration enforcement actions where agents wear masks. The new law has exceptions for undercover work, religious reasons, and safety equipment such as an N95 mask. The law allows officers to face a civil lawsuit. It's unclear whether it'll apply to federal officers. Plenty of upsets headlined the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament yesterday. High points stunned Wisconsin 83-82 out West in a 12 against five matchup. Number 11, Texas took down sixth seeded BYU 79-71 in the same region. VCU also rode the luck of the 11th seed

3:06as they knocked off number six North Carolina 82-78 and over time to advance in the South region. Number 10, Texas A&M also secured a South upset after blasting seventh seeded St. Mary's 63 to 50. Round one wraps up today with 16 more matchups. Today, the Earth has tilted on its axis and that brings the start of spring and a whole bunch of other stuff to celebrate. Breathe tennis with more. The change from winter to spring brings flowers, warming sun rays and the beginning of outdoor time. But if that's not enough, today is also proposal day, encouraging people to get on-bending knee and ask for forever, which leads us to international happiness day and to make things even better. It's national ravioli day. We're celebrating things that don't really go together today, but it could be great. Project Hail Mary is looking to take the number one spot at the box office this weekend. Please state your name. Ronald and Grace, I just woke up from a coma. I have several light years from my apartment

4:06and I'm not an astronaut. I'm not an astronaut. The sci-fi Ryan Gosling led dramedy from Amazon MGM was looking to make more than $100 million worldwide with $60 million here in North America. It's on track to be the studio's largest opening. I'm Chris Courageo.