Pentagon's War Fund, Hottest March Day & 'Bachelorette' Canceled - Friday, March 20, 2026

Summary

The NewsWorthy – Friday, March 20, 2026
Episode: Pentagon's War Fund, Hottest March Day & 'Bachelorette' Canceled
Host: Lacey Evans (in for Erica Mandy)

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Episode Overview

This fast-paced Friday edition of The NewsWorthy delivers a concise yet comprehensive breakdown of the day’s top news stories across politics, world events, climate, business, technology, and entertainment—all in under 15 minutes. Host Lacey Evans (substituting for Erica Mandy) covers escalating U.S. military spending in the Middle East, President Trump's recent international meetings, historic climate records, a major media merger, the unprecedented cancellation of The Bachelorette, notable advances in AI and film, and concludes with a heartwarming “Feel Good Friday” story.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pentagon's War Funding Request and Middle East Escalation

[00:25] – [03:50]

• The Pentagon requested over $200 billion from Congress for the ongoing U.S. war effort in Iran.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not confirm the amount, only stating, “It takes money to kill bad guys.” (Lacey Evans quoting Hegseth, 01:10)
• The war’s first week cost over $11 billion and losses of military equipment are mounting.
  • Example: U.S. F-35 jet worth $100+ million was damaged over Iran but landed safely.
  • Iran claims heavy damage; U.S. says the jet is safe.
• President Trump insists the military is “well stocked” and that defense companies are “building at a level they've never seen before.” (Lacey Evans quoting Trump, 02:00)
• Trump vows not to send ground troops, but cryptically adds, “If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you.” (02:10)
• Both sides (U.S./Israel vs. Iran) focus on "energy warfare,” resulting in attacks that threaten global oil supply and surging prices.
• Trump urges Israel's PM Netanyahu to ease up on Iranian energy field attacks.
  • In response, Iran declares, “if those attacks do continue, there will be zero restraint.” (Evans quoting Iran, 02:55)
• Retaliatory strikes by Iran impact assets in Qatar and other Gulf nations. U.S. allies (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain) intercept drones and missiles, with Saudi Arabia asserting its right to self-defense.

2. U.S. Energy Policy & International Relationships

[03:51] – [05:30]

• The Trump administration considers lifting sanctions on millions of barrels of Iranian oil to stabilize prices—having already eased sanctions on Venezuela and Russia.
• Japanese PM Sanae Takeichi visits D.C.; official visit meant to celebrate U.S.-Japan friendship but is dominated by the Iran crisis.
  • Japan, a pacifist nation, remains reluctant to join any military operation.
  • Trump jokes about Pearl Harbor: “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” causing an awkward reaction from Takeichi. (Evans, 04:45)
• Meeting ends with $40 billion U.S.-Japan nuclear reactor deal and discussion of critical minerals and China cooperation.

3. Investigations: James Comey and the “Grand Conspiracy”

[05:31] – [06:52]

• Former FBI Director James Comey is under investigation for what the Trump administration calls a conspiracy against him.
  • Over 130 subpoenas have been issued targeting Comey and others from the Obama and Biden years.
• Focus is on assessing alleged Democratic attempts to undermine Trump from 2016-2023, including the Russia election probe and Trump’s classified documents indictment.
  • Both Comey and other officials blast the investigation as political persecution.

4. Record-Breaking U.S. Heatwave

[06:52] – [08:00]

• The American Southwest endures “the most intense heat wave ever observed in the U.S.”
  • Arizona community sets U.S. record for March: 110°F.
  • California hits 108°F near Palm Springs.
  • Record highs across Phoenix, LA, San Diego, Las Vegas, San Francisco.
• Meteorologists predict sustained unusual heat, with relief expected Sunday.

5. White House Registers Alien Websites, UFO File Hype

[08:00] – [09:00]

• The U.S. government quietly registers new domains: alien.gov and aliens.gov, with no live content yet.
  • When asked by USA Today, a White House official responded, "stay tuned" (with an alien emoji).
• The move follows Trump's promise to release government files related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life, spurring debate about hidden evidence.
  • Recent revelations suggest the government holds “a jaw-dropping trove” of UFO materials.

6. Nexstar–Tegna Merger: Local News Shake-Up

[09:00] – [10:10]

• DOJ and FCC approve Nexstar’s $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, allowing them to reach up to 80% of U.S. households.
  • This raises concerns about media consolidation and loss of local diversity.
• FCC chair waives the previous 39% market cap for this deal.
• Trump endorses the merger, calling national networks "the enemy," while several state attorneys general and DirecTV sue to block it for anti-competitiveness.

7. Bachelorette's Abrupt Cancellation

[10:11] – [11:39]

• ABC cancels the next season of The Bachelorette just days before debut.
  • Triggered by the surfacing of a 2023 video of Bachelorette Taylor Frankie Paul violently confronting her ex-boyfriend in front of her child.
  • Video includes scenes of “punching, kicking, and throwing chairs.” (Evans, 10:35)
  • Ongoing domestic violence investigation; both parties’ representatives issue statements but details remain contested.
  • This cancellation is “unprecedented,” as the season was fully filmed and already promoted.

8. AI Brings Val Kilmer Back to the Movies

[11:40] – [12:24]

• Val Kilmer, who passed away the previous year, will feature as a digital AI character in the film As Deep as the Grave.
  • His estate consented, and his daughter asserts that “he always looked at emerging technologies with optimism.” (Evans quoting Kilmer's daughter, 12:10)
• The production aims to set an ethical precedent for AI in filmmaking.
  • No release date yet.

9. Feel Good Friday: Penguins & Painted Pebbles

[13:27] – End

• Scottish children's hospital patients painted 1,000 unique pebbles for Edinburgh Zoo penguins’ breeding season.
  • Designs ranged from “flowers and rainbows to logos of Spiderman and Scottish soccer teams.” (Evans, 13:35)
• The kids watched live as penguins used the pebbles for nesting and courtship rituals.
• Patients will help name the chicks when they hatch in May.
• Lacey Evans: “If you want to see the adorable video of penguins selecting their colorful pebbles, we've added a link in today’s episode notes.” (14:15)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It takes money to kill bad guys.”
  — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as quoted by Lacey Evans [01:10]

• “If I were [to send ground troops], I certainly wouldn't tell you.”
  — President Trump, [02:10]

• “If those attacks do continue, there will be zero restraint.”
  — Iranian official statement, [02:55]

• Trump to Japanese PM Takeichi: “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?”
  — Lacey Evans paraphrasing President Trump [04:45]

• On Nexstar’s merger: "...together the stations will be better positioned to deliver good work.”
  — Nexstar’s founder, [09:21]

• On AI Val Kilmer: “He always looked at emerging technologies with optimism, saying they could expand the possibilities of storytelling.”
  — Lacey Evans, relaying Kilmer’s daughter’s words [12:10]

• On Feel Good Friday: “The whole thing was apparently a big boost to the children, who worked hard on the pebbles and got a little connection to nature, too.”
  — Lacey Evans, [13:40]

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Important Timestamps

• 00:25: Pentagon’s $200B war funding request
• 04:45: President Trump’s Pearl Harbor joke with Japanese PM
• 06:52: Record-breaking U.S. Southwest heatwave
• 08:00: White House hints at UFO file releases
• 09:00: Nexstar-Tegna merger and local news concerns
• 10:11: ABC cancels The Bachelorette season
• 11:40: AI version of Val Kilmer in new indie film
• 13:27: Feel Good Friday: Penguin-pebble project

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Episode Tone & Style

• Fast, balanced, and energetic delivery—cutting through the noise of traditional headlines.
• Emphasis on both sides of controversial issues—politics, media, and tech.
• Friendly and straightforward, with occasional humor and warmth (especially in the “Feel Good Friday” segment).
• Notable for succinct, engaging summaries ideal for busy listeners wanting to stay informed.

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For listeners looking to follow up, links to the penguin video and additional sources are in the episode notes.

Transcript

[A]

Today is Friday, March 20th. We're talking about how much money the Pentagon is now requesting for America's Middle east war effort. Also, President Trump's message to Israel's leader about energy targets and the joke he told about Pearl harbor in front of Japan's prime minister. Plus, where all time Heat records are being broken this week, how a media merger could reshape local TV and news coverage. And why the newest version of the Bachelorette was canceled just days before the season premiere. Those stories and even more news to know coming up. Welcome to the Newsworthy all the days news in less than 15 minutes. I'm Lacey Evans in for Erica. Mandy, thanks so much for being here. Let's do this. The war in Iran is still escalating and doesn't seem to be winding down anytime soon. Just yesterday, the Pentagon reportedly asked the White House to approve a more than $200 billion request to Congress to fund the Iran conflict. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth didn't confirm the amount, just commented to say, quote, it takes money to kill bad guys. And some officials say the Pentagon's request has a realistic shot of being approved. Remember, the cost of this war exceeded $11 billion in the first week alone. That cost has rapidly grown in the weeks since as the US And Israel have hit thousands of targets. And the US has reportedly lost billions of dollars worth of military equipment. Just yesterday, a US F35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at a US Air base after being struck over Iran. Iran claims it seriously damaged the fighter, worth more than $100 million, but it did land safely. President Trump says the U.S. military is still well stocked and that defense companies are, quote, building at a level they've never seen before. He also told a reporter he wouldn't send ground troops to the region, but added, quote, if I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you. It seems both sides of the Middle east conflict are still concentrating on energy warfare, hitting where it hurts the global economy. Of course, oil prices are still surging. But yesterday, President Trump again insisted this energy crisis will be temporary. Trump also said he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ease up on attacking Iran's energy fields. And, and Iran says if those attacks do continue, there will be, quote, zero restraint. But it's already been retaliating, doing major damage to an energy hub in Qatar and targeting assets in other countries. In fact, as of early this morning, US Allies in the Persian Gulf are still facing attacks. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates all say they've been intercepting More drone and missile strikes. Some of them confirmed the strikes are coming from Iran. And these ongoing attacks have stoked fears of a widening war with countries that so far haven't taken any offensive action against Iran. In fact, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has now specifically said the country has the right to take military action if necessary to protect itself. Meanwhile, the US Is reportedly considering lifting sanctions on millions of barrels of Iranian oil. As we told you, the Trump administration has already eased sanctions on both Venezuela and Russia to boost supply, has tapped into the US Emergency stockpile, encouraged more domestic production, and so on. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takeichi visited President Trump at the White House this week. Her first official visit to Washington was supposed to be a celebration of friendship between the US And Japan, and the meeting was friendly. But of course, Iran ended up being the dominant topic as Trump is looking for international military assistance in the Middle East. Takechi told Trump Japan has opposed Iran's nuclear program, but Japan's a pacifist nation that wants to avoid taking sides in the war. And Take Ichi told Trump she's also constrained, strained somewhat by Japanese law. Still, the US President said Japan will step up to the plate without explaining further. One notable moment happened when Trump was asked why the US didn't notify allies like Japan ahead of the strikes on Iran. He answered by saying he wanted it to be a surprise. And that quote, who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor? The Prime Minister's smile dropped and she raised her eyebrows but didn't say anything about the comment. Then later in the evening, they were all smiles again. Besides facing questions about Iran, Takechi and Trump signed a $40 billion nuclear reactor deal. They also talked about cooperation in critical minerals, energy and dealing with China. Former FBI Director James Comey is now under investigation for what the Trump administration believes could be a grand conspiracy that against President Trump. News outlets like Axios and CBS News say it's a wide ranging case that's produced more than 130 subpoenas. It reportedly targets Comey as well as other top officials who worked under former Presidents Obama and Biden. Basically, the Trump administration believes Democratic officials bent the rules, broke the law and lied under oath to investigate, prosecute and otherwise undermine President Trump. In Comey's case, the subpoena requests information about his role in putting together an intelligence assessment about Russia's interference appearance in the 2016 election. But the investigation apparently spans all the way from 2016 to 2023, when Trump was indicted for mishandling classified documents. The officials, including Comey, have criticized the investigation as political persecution. Comey and Trump have had an especially contentious relationship for years. Remember, Comey was previously indicted by a grand jury for allegedly lying to senators during a congressional hearing. Even though Comey insists that he told the truth. That indictment was dismissed, but the Trump administration is appealing that ruling too. To be continued. Record breaking heat is still making an intense appearance across the American Southwest. In fact, some meteorologists say it could be the most intense heat wave ever Observed in the U.S. a community in Arizona hit 110 degrees yesterday, which is the highest temperature ever recorded in March anywhere in the US California also reached its hottest March temperature yesterday at 108 degrees near Palm Springs. More record highs were recorded across dozens of cities, including Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco, and it's expected to stay 20 to 30 degrees above normal March temperatures today and tomorrow. From California to the Great Plains, the temps will start to go down at least a little bit on Sunday. More news is still ahead, but first, here's your main host Erica Mandy to talk about our sponsor.

[B]

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[A]

Now back to the news. The White House has fueled some new frenzy with two new websites. A government agency registered the new domains alien.gov and aliens. As of this morning, neither website is actually live, and the government hasn't given any information about why the two domains were created. But when USA Today asked about it, a White House official responded by saying, quote, stay tuned, followed by an alien emoji. This comes weeks after President Trump said he would push for government files related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life to be released. And of course, that's reignited some debate over what information the federal government has kept classified, especially since a former official in the Clinton and Bush administrations recently told the New York Post the federal government has a jaw dropping trove of photos and videos and that releasing them would elevate the talk of UFOs to another level. Officially, though, the Pentagon has always said there's no definitive evidence of extraterrestrial life. To be continued. The U.S. government approved a $6.2 billion merger that promises to reshape local TV and news coverage. The Justice Department and FCC gave the green light to the deal last night. It's between nexstar, which was already the largest owner of TV stations in the country, and its rival Tegna. Historically, station owners have been banned from reaching more than 39% of American households, but FCC Chairman Brendan Carr waived that cap for this deal and now Nexstar is poised to reach 80% of households, assuming it doesn't divest any of its assets. The company's founder said the deal is needed to keep local journalism alive and that together the stations will be better positioned to deliver good work. President Trump also endorsed the merger, saying it will boost local news outlets to compete against national networks, which he called the enemy. But eight state attorneys general have sued to block the deal, saying Americans deserve a variety of affordable options for quality, diverse news coverage. DirecTV also sued in a separate case, calling the deal anti competitive and against the public interest. So stay tuned. ABC has decided to cancel the newest season of the Bachelorette even though it was already fully filmed, promoted and set to debut in two days. The decision is unprecedented, but it comes in the wake of new video that surfaced showing this season's Bachelorette Taylor Frankie Paul in a fight with her ex boyfriend back in 2023. The video shows Paul punching, kicking and throwing chairs at him as her five year old daughter watched and cried. A police report says the girl was actually hit by one of the chairs and had a goose egg on her head. Officers showed up that night after a neighbor called to complain about the noise and in the video you hear police trying to separate the couple. Paul's representative responded to the video's release saying she had actually been abused for years and that she's preparing to share her story, but that for now she's prioritizing her family's safety. Paul's now ex partner insists he did nothing wrong. A domestic violence investigation involving the former couple is ongoing. An actor who died almost a year ago has now joined the cast of a new movie, sort of a generative AI version of Val Kilmer will be featured in an independent film called as Deep as the Grave. The producers say Kilmer had actually signed on to perform in the movie before he died, but he was unable to shoot any scenes because of his declining health as he battled throat cancer. Well, now Kilmer's estate has given permission for his digital replication and is being compensated for it. The actor's daughter says the role resonated with her father and that he always looked at emerging technologies with optimism, saying they could expand the possibilities of storytelling. AI in filmmaking has been one of the most contentious topics in Hollywood in recent years, but the producer of this film says he's hoping this will demonstrate how to use the technology ethically and correctly. At this point, there's no official release date for the movie, but reports say it could come out sometime next year. That's it for the main news today, but now it's time for Feel Good Friday, where we bring you one extra feel good or positive news story before the weekend. But first, here's your main host, Erica Mandy, again with a word about our sponsor.

[B]

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[A]

Okay, now back to Feel Good Friday this year, penguins in Scotland have gotten help wooing potential mates thanks to patients at a local children's hospital. The kids designed and painted a thousand pebbles for penguins at the Edinburgh Zoo just ahead of breeding season. Each one came up with different designs, from flowers and rainbows to logos of Spiderman and Scottish soccer teams. The whole thing was apparently a big boost to the children, who worked hard on the pebbles and got a little connection to nature, too. While the kids created their designs, they were shown pictures of animals having medical procedures, so they had a connection to them. For example, there was a polar bear getting blood drawn, a baby red panda getting checked with a stethoscope, and penguins receiving injections. Then, when their creations were complete, the kids were able to watch a live stream as the penguins picked out pebbles, dropped them into their nests and bowed to their partners as a form of courtship. Penguin eggs typically hatch in May, and at that point hospital patients will be asked to name the chicks. If you want to see the adorable video of the penguins selecting their colorful pebbles, we've added a link in today's episode Notes thank you so much for listening today. We'll be back tomorrow with our special edition Saturday episode detailing the ins and outs of the voting bill dividing Congress, what exactly is in the Save America act and why it's so controversial. Then we'll be back on Monday with the latest news to know. For now, have a great weekend.