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By Amy Langfield

March 23, 2026

By Amy Langfield

March 23, 2026

 
 

Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority sounds skeptical of state laws that allow the counting of late-arriving mail ballots; President Donald Trump says the United States is talking with an Iranian leader as he extends his deadline for striking power plants; and doctors say it’s not just vaccines — parents are refusing other routine preventive care for newborns.

 

UP FIRST

AP Morning Wire

The Supreme Court as seen in February in Washington. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Supreme Court sounds skeptical of late-arriving ballots, a Trump target

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority sounds skeptical of state laws that allow the counting of late-arriving mail ballots, a persistent target of Trump. The high court was hearing arguments Monday in a case from Mississippi that also could affect voters in 13 other states and the District of Columbia, which have grace periods for ballots cast by mail. An additional 15 states that have more forgiving deadlines for ballots from military and overseas voters also could be impacted. A ruling is expected by late June, early enough to govern the counting of ballots in the 2026 midterm congressional elections. Read more.

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TOP STORIES

Israeli security forces inspect the site struck by a rocket fired from Lebanon, in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, Monday. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Trump says US is talking with an Iranian leader as he extends deadline for striking power plants

Trump on Monday said the U.S. was talking with a “respected” Iranian leader and claimed the Islamic Republic was eager for a deal to end the war. He also extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its power plants, saying it has an additional five days. Trump’s turnaround, which held out the possibility of resolving the war now in its fourth week, served to drive down oil prices and jolt stocks. Read more.

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It’s not just vaccines — parents are refusing other routine preventive care for newborns

Doctors across the U.S. are alarmed that skepticism fueled by rising anti-science sentiment and medical mistrust is increasingly reaching beyond vaccines to other proven, routine, preventive care for babies. “I do think these families care deeply about their infants,” said Dr. Kelly Wade, a Philadelphia neonatologist. “But I hear from families that it’s hard to make decisions right now because they’re hearing conflicting information.” Read more.

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