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Today is Monday, March 23rd. What to know about the US and Iran treating serious threats, the furthest known Iranian attack so far in this conflict and the latest warning for Americans traveling abroad. Also, why New York's LaGuardia Airport closed down early this morning and what ICE agents could be doing at airports around the country starting today. Plus, remembering the man known as America's tough guy. Hawaii braces for more rain while dealing with the worst flooding in 20 years. And why malls might actually be making a comeback. 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 Erica. Mandy, thanks so much for being here. Let's do this. Both the US And Iran are now threatening to attack critical civilian infrastructure. But for President Trump, it all depends on what happens with the Strait of Hormuz. Trump says if Iran does not fully reopen that critical passageway by today, the US Will bomb Iranian power plants. But Iran says it's ready to fully close the strait and that if Trump follows through with his threat, it will attack vital energy and water facilities around the region. Already, Iran has gotten close to Israel's main nuclear facility. Over the weekend, Iranian missiles hit a city that's just eight miles away, as well as another one nearby. At least 180 people were hurt. Iran says the strikes were retaliation because one of its nuclear facilities was also attacked over the weekend. But no one is claiming responsibility for that attack either way. Thousands of people have been killed in Iran with many more injured. Plus, more than a thousand have been killed in Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Iranian backed Hezbollah militants. And Israeli military leaders say that campaign has just begun. There are now plans for Israeli forces to push deeper into that country and to step up demolition of bridges and houses, saying Hezbollah is using them for terrorist purposes. Israel has told Lebanese people to leave or else their lives will be at risk. And with that, more than a million people have already fled their homes in the country. The wider war with Iran is not expected to end anytime soon either, even though it was just a few days ago that President Trump said he was thinking about winding it down. The US Pentagon dispatched more troops and warships to the region on Friday that won't arrive for weeks. Yesterday, the US State Department issued another worldwide warning to Americans to exercise increased caution anywhere outside the US it warns groups supporting Iran could target American interests or citizens around the world. Well, just this past weekend, Iran fired missiles at the Diego Garcia island in the Indian Ocean, and that's home to a joint UK US Military base there wasn't any damage done in that strike, partly because a US Warship shot down one of the missiles and but it's worth noting since the base is more than 2,000 miles from Iran. So the Iranian government says the attempted strike proves it's capable of longer distance attacks than previously known. Stay tuned. As of early this morning, there's a ground stop at a major US Airport because of an emergency. An Air Canada passenger plane was coming from Montreal when it collided with a vehicle on a Runway at New York's LaGuardia Airport. 76 passengers and four crew members were on board the plane at the time. And as NBC News reports, at least four people were hurt. Investigators are now trying to figure out exactly what happened. In the meantime, other arriving planes have been diverted to other airports or been told to turn around. In a notice to Airmen, The FAA said LaGuardia could be closed until at least noon. This story is still developing, so expect more details to come out later today. Today, ICE agents are going to be at American airports trying to ease the long lines at understaffed security checkpoints. This has sparked concern since some people, like top union officials for government workers, say deploying officers who are not trained in aviation security could make air travel less safe. But the White House says TSA will still handle all parts of the job that need real expertise. While ICE agents could do things like monitor exit lines to make sure people don't enter through them or check IDs before passengers enter the screening area. Over the weekend, travelers reported hours long waits on security lines, especially in big travel hubs like New York City, Atlanta and Houston. Saturday saw the highest callout rate of TSA agents at airports nationwide since the partial government shutdown began. More than 3,200 officers called out. As we've told you, the issue stems from a deadlocked Congress that's been fighting over Homeland Security Department funding. Specifically, it's about immigration enforcement. But the entire dhs, including tsa, is is impacted. A small group of lawmakers met with a White House liaison yesterday, but once again they came out of the meeting saying there's not an obvious path forward. The popular children's Entertainer known as Ms. Rachel is working to expose what she believes is child abuse, neglect and cruelty at the hands of the US Government. Her real name is Rachel Accurso, and she recently spoke with two children being held at the Dilley Immigration Processing center in Texas. Accurso calls their conversations d devastating. She shared accounts of children at the Dilley center who have complained of food contaminated with worms and mold and that makes them sick, no food for babies, no personal toys, lights that never turn off, and more. Some kids who have lived in the US for years have been at the facility for months and have written letters saying they miss their homes, schools and friends. Many have had crayons and drawings confiscated. And some of the most disturbing allegations have to do with medical care being denied to children and babies as they suffer multiple medical emergencies. So now Accurso says she's working with lawyers and immigration rights activists to get Dilley closed and to get kids released. But the Homeland Security Department defends its way of doing things, saying, quote, being in detention is a choice since authorities offer to place children with another safe adult, but that it's the parents that choose to stay with their kids, in which case they're held together at a facility like Dilley. DHS also says reports of poor conditions are lies and that everyone at the facility is given three meals a day, clothing, bedding, showers, soap, and access phones. Also, it points out that the average stay at the Dilley center is only about two weeks, and it seems it's starting to get less crowded. Reports say There were about 500 children in Dilley back in January. Now it's about 50. Some of the families have been released in the U.S. others have been deported. But for now, the facility is still open. Back to back storms in Hawaii have caused rain, damaging winds and catastrophic flooding. In fact, authorities say it's the worst flooding the state has seen in 20 years. Thousands of people had to evacuate Oahu last week, but they were allowed to return home over the weekend as the worst of the storms had passed there. Hundreds of people had to be rescued, though thankfully, no deaths have been reported. And now it's on to recovery for Oahu. And officials say they've already uncovered at least a billion dollars worth of damages. Today, rain is still falling and a flood watch is still in effect across multiple Hawaiian islands, including Maui. Much more news is still ahead. But first, this episode is brought to you by Gainbridge. On this show, we try to help you make sense of a lot of complicated topics. But for a lot of people, money can feel super complicated with no clear answers. Between market swings, confusing products, and trying to plan for the future, it's easy to feel like you're supposed to be doing more or doing something different. That's where Gainbridge can help. It's a digital platform designed to make saving simpler and more predictable. Gainbridge offers financial products with a guaranteed rate through a term you choose so you know exactly what you're getting from the start. No hidden fees, no commissions, just a clear path for growing your money. They offer two main options. One that's great if you're saving for a big goal like a home travel or a major life moment, and another designed for people planning their retirement. You decide how much to deposit and for how long, and from there, it's a set it and forget it approach. Of course, terms can vary depending on what you choose, but the idea is simple set, steady, transparent growth without the guesswork. If you're looking for a more straightforward way to plan ahead, you can learn more@gainbridge.com gainbridge let your money work for you. Now back to the news. Today, the US Supreme Court will hear a case that could make a big difference in the upcoming midterms and all future elections after that. The question is whether federal law means mail in ballots need to be actually received by Election Day or just postmarked by Election Day. It all goes back to a Mississippi law that lets ballots be counted if they arrive shortly after the actual day. The Trump administration and many other Republicans say that's illegal and they're fighting it in front of the high court. But those kinds of grace periods are in place not just in Mississippi, but also in 28 other states around the country, along with Washington, D.C. and if the Supreme Court sides with the Trump administration and other Republicans, all those laws could be upended, potentially disqualifying what's typically hundreds of thousands of mail in ballots. Critics say your vote is cast when you send it and that otherwise you could be punished for delays in the mail. And they say a change would mean chaos, especially since a ruling would only apply to voting for federal offices. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision sometime this summer. A jury has now found Elon Musk defrauded Twitter before he bought the social media platform and turned it into X. Remember, he's been accused of violating securities law by publicly flip flopping over his agreement to buy the company, driving down the company's stock price, giving him more leverage during negotiations. Musk defended himself, saying he didn't purposely manipulate the stock and that there's no proof stock price drops had to do with anything he said anyway. Well, a jury determined he's responsible for some of the money Twitter investors lost when they sold their stock, based on Musk's statements. And Musk might be forced to pay former shareholders roughly $2.5 billion. The exact details of the damages could be determined in the coming weeks, but Musk's lawyers also say they're preparing an appeal. Longtime FBI director Robert Mueller has died at 81 years old. He led the FBI for 12 especially tumultuous years. He took the job just days before the September 11 terror attacks in 2001, and in the wake of the tragedy, he imposed the most significant structural and cultural changes in the history of the FBI. Former President George W. Bush and Barack Obama credit him for transforming the nation's top law enforcement agency into a terrorism fighting force. Before that, he was a decorated Marine who was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for Valor. After retirement, he was summoned back into government service to lead a sprawling investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election. That nearly two year investigation ended with Mueller saying the Trump campaign did not conspire with the Russian government, but he could neither accuse nor absolve President Trump of obstructing justice, adding that only Congress could charge a sitting president with a crime. That said half a dozen Trump advisers were convicted. After learning of Mueller's death, President Trump wrote on Truth Social quote, good, I'm glad he's dead. That sparked another round of backlash online. Since then, many Democrats and Republicans have paid tribute to Mueller, his public service, and have extended their condolences to the Mueller family. The world is saying goodbye to a Hollywood action hero who became known as an iconic symbol of rugged American masculinity. Chuck Norris died last week at 86 years old. He was a martial arts grandmaster who was best known for starring in Walker Texas Ranger and later, Norris found new fans thanks to a popular Internet meme that played off his tough guy image that lasted all the way up until his death. In fact, just days before he died, he posted a photo of himself boxing and training. Captioned Quote I don't age. I level up. Off screen. Norris was a vocal advocate for conservative political causes, political candidates and his own Christian beliefs. And he founded a non profit organization called Kickstart Kids with former President George H.W. bush that promoted martial arts instruction for children and it's still active today. Well, that's it for the Maine News. So now it's time for Money Monday when we talk about one interesting Money related news story. But first, a message from our sponsor, HoneyLove. I feel like we've all had that moment where you put on an outfit for a special event and something just feels not quite right. HoneyLove Shapewear can help with that anytime you want to feel a bit more put together and confident. And it not only helps your outfit look great, but also it doesn't feel restrictive. Instead, it moves with you yet still stays in place, no pulling or tugging required. Honeylove shapewear uses targeted compression, working with your body instead of against it, and the design details are really great. No wonder it was our producer's pick for her wedding day and it's the only shapewear I'll wear now. I also love honeylove's loungewear and essentials, all thoughtfully designed with unique and comfortable features by women who actually wear these pieces themselves. So treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off honeylove@honeylove.com newsworthy that's honeylove.com newsworthy after you check out, they'll ask you where you've heard about them. So please support our show and tell them we sent you Experience the new standard in comfort and support with honeylove. Okay, now back to Money Monday. For decades we've been hearing about a downturn at American malls. But now it seems a generation prime to shop online has embraced the brick and mortar staple as data provider Sir Kana reports customers aged 18 to 24 made 62% of their purchases in stores last year. That's 10% more than shoppers 25 and older. And it's something retailers have taken notice of. For example, a clothing store, pacsun, has gone from reducing its footprint to growing its store count. For the first time in 18 years, it plans to open up 35 new locations in the next three years. And PacSun CEO says it's all because Gen Z is showing up to the mall. The Wall Street Journal explains saying the physical act of browsing, socializing with friends and wandering a busy mall are all experiences this generation values, just like previous ones did. But not all malls seem to be bustling. The ones that seem to be doing the best are ones in high income suburbs with luxury stores. And with that, it seems malls could be going the way of other parts of the economy, chasing wealthier customers with money to spend and younger customers with trends to chase. Thank you so much for joining us today and for supporting the Newsworthy. We'll be back with even more news tomorrow. For now, have a great day.
The NewsWorthy - Episode Summary
Episode Title: Threats Intensify War, Collision at LaGuardia & RIP America's Tough Guy
Date: March 23, 2026
Host: Erica Mandy
In this fast-paced 15-minute Monday news roundup, Erica Mandy covers escalating international tensions involving the United States, Iran, and Israel; a critical incident at New York's LaGuardia Airport; immigration controversies; extreme weather in Hawaii; high-stakes Supreme Court deliberations; and farewells to prominent public figures, including Robert Mueller and Chuck Norris. The episode concludes with a surprising trend in American shopping habits.
[00:30 – 03:20]
Notable Quote:
[03:22 – 04:24]
Notable Quote:
[04:25 – 05:40]
[05:41 – 07:09]
Memorable Moment:
[07:10 – 08:05]
[10:28 – 11:40]
Notable Quote:
[11:41 – 12:14]
[12:15 – 13:20]
Memorable Moment:
[13:21 – 14:00]
Notable Quote:
[15:13 – 16:10]
Erica Mandy’s delivery is fast-paced, friendly, and accessible, with efforts to remain nonpartisan and present multiple perspectives. Notable moments include personal stories (Ms. Rachel, Chuck Norris), succinct explanations of complex issues (Supreme Court, Musk’s legal issues), and use of memorable quotes to add color and context.
Erica Mandy (on Iran’s missile strike reach):
“The Iranian government says the attempted strike proves it’s capable of longer distance attacks than previously known.” [02:29]
On Robert Mueller:
“He led the FBI for 12 especially tumultuous years. He took the job just days before the September 11 attacks…” [12:22]
Chuck Norris’ parting message:
“I don’t age. I level up.” [13:34]
This summary offers a comprehensive guide for listeners who want all the critical news, context, and standout moments from this episode—true to The NewsWorthy’s mission of making the day’s headlines fast, fair, and fun.