Iran war; home prices; dementia concerns

Your afternoon news update

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser | APNews DONATE View in Browser | APNews DONATE AP Afternoon Wire Advancing the Power of Facts Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Amy Langfield March 09, 2026 By Amy Langfield March 09, 2026 Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, the Pentagon identifies the seventh U.S. service member killed in the Iran war; Nevada has become a symbol of nationwide housing affordability struggles; and tips on how to lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease. UP FIRST This image provided by the U.S. Army shows U.S. Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Ky. (U.S. Army via AP) Live updates: Pentagon identifies seventh US service member killed in Iran war A 26-year-old Army staff sergeant from Kentucky was identified as the seventh U.S. service member killed during the Iran war, after being wounded on a base in Saudi Arabia on March 1, the Pentagon said. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, at least 397 in Lebanon and 11 in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Also on Monday, Iran named Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his late father as supreme leader on Monday. Khamenei is seen as even more hard-line than his father.  Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Oil prices jump and markets slide as Iran names new supreme leader and digs in These lawmakers were shaped by combat after 9/11. Now they're grappling with a new Mideast war Iran war deaths could resurface Trump's complicated history with military sacrifice WATCH: Macron visits Cyprus to show support for the island during Iran war - AP explains Photos from Iran, Israel and Lebanon in the 2nd week of the Iran war TOP STORIES Homes are seen under construction in February in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)  Once a beacon of cheap homes, Nevada has become a symbol of America's struggle with high costs Many voters are frustrated by rising prices for essentials like housing. And Democrats are aiming to channel this anger into support against Republican control of Washington. Housing affordability is a growing issue nationwide, not just on the coasts. Once a beacon of cheap homes, Nevada has become a symbol of America's struggle with high costs. Home prices in Las Vegas rose 64% from early 2020 to last year, despite recent declines. Large investors buying homes are becoming bipartisan targets. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Anthropic sues Trump administration seeking to undo 'supply chain risk' designation What China's latest economic plans say about its tech ambitions and rivalry with the US Justice Department and Live Nation reach settlement over illegal monopoly case Men who brought explosives to NYC protest said they were inspired by Islamic State, complaint says On 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday, worries about the future of voting rights and calls to action Conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court justice is retiring, giving liberals chance to expand majority AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Mississippi's state primaries AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Georgia's special congressional election Challenging your brain helps keep it healthy. Here's how to do it Doctors often advise exercising your brain to stay sharp but stretching your brain might be the better description. Research increasingly shows a variety of habits and hobbies offer a helpful cognitive workout. One recent study linked lifelong learning — things like reading, learning another language, playing chess — to slower cognitive decline, even postponing Alzheimer's for a few years. It's not proof. But experts say lifestyle changes that also include physical exercise, controlling blood pressure, good sleep and even a shingles vaccination offer a chance at slowing deterioration as we get older. Read more.  RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Hims & Hers Health and Novo Nordisk end lawsuit over weight loss medications, enter collaboration Accessible walks bring the joys of birding to people with mobility and other limitations More organs are being donated after the heart stops, not brain death. Policies are changing too US maternal deaths fell in 2024 and may have dropped again last year, government data shows ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS Musicians play as the body of Willie Colón leaves St. Patrick's Church in New York on Monday. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Urban salsa music pioneer: Willie Colón remembered at New York funeral Greens get a come-from-behind victory: Merz's party stumbles into a year of German state elections with a narrow defeat  Belarus: Journalist convicted of treason and sentenced to 9 years in prison 15-year-veteran: Pennsylvania state police trooper shot and killed in a traffic stop, authorities say Ice drifted more than mile and split into sections: 23 people rescued when ice shelf broke from shore in Canada Walter "Ted" Carter Jr.: Ohio State University's president resigns after reporting 'inappropriate relationship' Georgia: Authorities say a teacher was killed in a prank gone wrong. A teen is charged with homicide Safety measure: Uber's women-only option goes nationwide in the US Paris Fashion Week: Stars hit runways, but fall's real trend was dressing for hard times WATCH: England soccer star Chloe Kelly celebrated with a Barbie made in her likeness TRENDING A lettuce seedling is displayed in Boston in 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Backyard vegetable gardens are healthy for people and the planet. Here's how to start yours If you want healthy food, experts say to eat what's local, organic and in-season. Those foods benefit the planet too, because they are less taxing on the soil and they don't travel as far. It doesn't get more local, organic and in-season than a backyard vegetable garden. Here are some tips on how to plan a backyard garden and reasons why you should do it. Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Amy Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Amy SUPPORT THE AP. DONATE. Manage preferences | Privacy policy | Unsubscribe   *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT