Stories from March 6, 2026

AP News·National Security

Masoud Zahed was convicted in a federal court in Washington D.C. for conspiring to murder an Iranian diplomat in the United States. According to court documents and his testimony, Zahed sought to assassinate the diplomat in retaliation for the 2020 killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. He claimed to have worked with Iran's Quds Force, a paramilitary organization, to plan the attack. This conviction highlights ongoing concerns regarding foreign state-sponsored assassination plots within the U.S. and the potential for international retaliation.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the American press emphasizes U.S. casualties in the Iran war because it "wants to make the president look bad." These remarks underscore a persistent tension regarding news coverage of the human cost of war. Hegseth's comments highlight the government's perceived reluctance to acknowledge war's human toll, suggesting a long-standing pattern across conflicts. This dynamic raises questions about the balance between government messaging and independent media reporting on military operations.

Minneapolis residents report that the firing of Lt. Bob Kroll, the former police union president, offers little comfort as they continue to grapple with the aftermath of police crackdowns. According to the article, many residents and activists view Kroll's dismissal as a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive step toward police reform. Community members, particularly those in areas affected by protests and police response, express ongoing concerns about police accountability and systemic issues. This sentiment suggests that the city's efforts to address community grievances regarding policing may require broader systemic changes beyond individual personnel actions. The situation indicates persistent tension between the police department and parts of the community, despite leadership changes.

Cuba has closed its embassy in Quito following Ecuador's expulsion of its diplomats. The Ecuadorian government, under President Daniel Noboa, issued a 48-hour deadline for the diplomats to leave the country. No official explanation for the expulsion has been provided by Ecuadorian authorities. This diplomatic action signifies a deterioration of relations between the two nations.

Iran is receiving intelligence support from Russia, according to two U.S. officials who spoke with PBS News. This information was reported by Nick Schifrin. The officials did not specify the nature or scope of the intelligence being shared. This development suggests a deepening of strategic cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. The implications of such collaboration for international security remain a subject of ongoing analysis by intelligence communities.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced it anticipates establishing a process within 45 days to begin refunding invalidated tariffs to hundreds of thousands of companies. This development follows previous tariff disputes. Separately, forecasters predict storms, including possible tornadoes, across the central U.S. Meanwhile, GOP Representative Tony Gonzales stated he will complete his current term despite not seeking re-election.

AP News·Politics

Dr. Peter Marks, the embattled director of the FDA's vaccine division, is reportedly planning to leave his position for the second time. Marks previously threatened to resign in 2020 over concerns about the agency's handling of COVID-19 vaccine authorizations under the Trump administration. His departure would occur amidst ongoing public health challenges and regulatory decisions regarding vaccines. This development could impact the FDA's leadership and strategic direction in vaccine development and approval processes.

The Department of Justice released a batch of previously unreleased documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files, which include sexual assault allegations against former President Donald Trump. According to justice correspondent Ali Rogin, these documents contain notes from FBI interviews with a woman who alleges Trump assaulted her as a minor in the 1980s. The woman also states she was a victim of Epstein. This release provides additional details related to the ongoing public disclosure of documents from the Epstein investigation.

Kansas has enacted a new law requiring transgender individuals to surrender their driver's licenses if the gender marker does not align with their sex assigned at birth. This legislation mandates that state-issued identification documents reflect an individual's sex assigned at birth, not their gender identity. Additionally, the law includes a provision allowing Kansans to file lawsuits if they are "aggrieved" by someone of the opposite sex using a public restroom. This measure establishes new legal parameters for gender-related identification and public accommodation in the state.

Following the U.S. engagement in conflict with Iran last weekend, thousands of Americans became stranded abroad, particularly in the region, according to the State Department's advisory to "depart now." Airspace closures severely complicated travel, leaving many unable to return home. Areas previously considered safe for travel also became targets of Iranian missile strikes, further exacerbating the situation for those attempting to leave. The article highlights the struggles of these individuals impacted by the sudden escalation. This situation underscores the immediate logistical challenges and personal disruptions faced by citizens during international conflicts.

Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) is expected to retire from Congress and not seek reelection, according to two sources familiar with the matter. This development, occurring just before California's congressional filing deadline, significantly alters the race for his seat. The move follows a redrawing of his district to lean slightly Democratic and comes as 55 House members are leaving Congress, a record for the 21st century. This situation could lead to a competitive open race in a reconfigured district.

Dr. Vinay Prasad, the Food and Drug Administration's vaccine chief, is departing the agency for the second time in less than a year, according to an email from FDA Commissioner Marty Makary to staff. Prasad will leave at the end of April to return to his academic position at the University of California, San Francisco. His previous departure and current exit follow decisions related to vaccine reviews and specialty drugs for rare diseases. This development marks a significant change in leadership within the FDA's vaccine division.