Today's News with Larry Schweikart

TODAY'S NEWS, March 19-20, 2026

Episode Summary

U.S. political developments center on continued strong support for President Donald Trump within his base, federal policy shifts such as restructuring student-loan oversight away from the United States Department of Education, and ongoing investigations involving former FBI Director James Comey. Security and geopolitical tensions remain focused on Iran, with diplomatic engagement involving Japan’s leadership and broader allied coordination in the Strait of Hormuz. Economic updates include energy-sector expansion, housing-price declines, major corporate decisions such as chip production plans by NVIDIA, and regulatory developments affecting mergers and artificial intelligence investment. Cultural and legal stories highlight settlements related to antisemitism, migration trends, and institutional controversies. Internationally, shifting alliances in the Middle East, tighter travel controls affecting China nationals, and security operations against organized crime in Mexico shape the landscape. Entertainment coverage includes the reported death of actor Chuck Norris, while medical discussions focus on myocarditis research and ongoing debate over vaccine impacts. The roundup concludes with conservation news noting population growth among the endangered nightjar bird.

Episode Notes

IN POLITICAL NEWS

Strong polling suggests unified grassroots support for President Donald Trump among his political base.

The Pentagon considers maintaining National Guard deployments in Washington, D.C., long term amid public-safety concerns.

Responsibility for federal student loans shifts away from the United States Department of Education as restructuring continues.

Former FBI Director James Comey faces renewed legal scrutiny tied to broader investigations.

Diplomatic tensions persist with Iran while Japan’s leadership engages the U.S. on security cooperation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Federal authorities charge suspects in an alleged scheme to transfer sensitive AI technology to China.

Internal Democratic Party debates intensify following mixed primary outcomes and shifting polling trends.

Federal law-enforcement operations reportedly locate and assist thousands of missing or trafficked children.

Property valuation disputes involving Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate resurface.

Temporary suspension of the Jones Act aims to speed energy shipments.

Staffing disruptions affect operations at the Transportation Security Administration.

California leadership proposes major environmental infrastructure spending initiatives.

Criminal charges emerge in a prostitution case involving a former educator in New York.

Debate grows over intelligence-agency priorities and political rhetoric surrounding governance.

IN CULTURAL NEWS

The University of California, Berkeley agrees to a settlement in an antisemitism lawsuit.

Migration trends highlight shifting domestic relocation patterns across U.S. regions.

Historical features spotlight the evolution and modernization of the White House.

The United States Mint approves a commemorative coin honoring President Trump.

IN TRANSOID NEWS

A San Diego hospital discontinues certain gender-affirming treatments for minors.

A federal appeals court declines to narrow a prior Supreme Court ruling affecting transgender participation in school sports.

Plans advance for a memorial at the site of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Florida.

IN ECONOMIC NEWS

Federal officials announce construction of a $17 billion energy facility in Pennsylvania.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs question artificial intelligence’s near-term economic impact.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul urges wealthy residents to remain in the state amid tax concerns.

Alaska’s oil lease auction attracts hundreds of bidders and generates significant revenue.

NVIDIA plans to resume certain chip sales to China.

Single-family home prices continue to decline nationwide.

Planned Parenthood settles an employment discrimination lawsuit.

The Federal Communications Commission approves a major media-sector merger.

IN INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Actor John Cleese comments on cultural and political shifts in the United Kingdom.

Regional tensions escalate as Iran faces broader opposition following attacks on Gulf states.

Danish defense discussions highlight contingency planning around Greenland security.

Travel restrictions tighten for nationals of China amid internal policy changes.

Security forces in Mexico conduct operations against cartel networks.

IN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Martial-arts star Chuck Norris is reported to have died at age 86.

Structural changes affect radio operations at CBS.

IN MEDICAL NEWS

New research examines myocarditis cases among children and potential links to vaccination.

Ongoing debate continues regarding vaccine effectiveness studies in older populations.

AND FINALLY

Conservationists report a significant population rebound for the nightjar bird species. 🐦