NPR News Now: March 12, 2026, 9PM EDT

Host: Ryland Barton (NPR)
Date: March 13, 2026
Episode Theme:
This five-minute news roundup delivers major national and international headlines, with a focus on breaking events, political developments, tech updates, and a touch of the unexpected.

1. Violence at Detroit-Area Synagogue

[00:00–00:32]

• Incident:

  • A man armed with a rifle rammed his vehicle into a synagogue (Temple Israel) in West Bloomfield Township, Detroit suburb.
  • Security shot and killed the attacker; the FBI confirmed it was a targeted assault on the Jewish community.
  • The vehicle caught fire; a security officer was knocked unconscious; 30 law enforcement officers treated for smoke inhalation.

• Community Response:

  • Stephen Engber (CEO, Jewish Federation Detroit) delivered a message of resilience:

    "It's a tough time, but we will get through this. We'll get through this together. We'll get through this stronger and we'll continue to be loud and proud. Being Jewish, this will not change us. This will not deter us, and we will continue."
    (Stephen Engber, 00:19)

2. Shooting at Old Dominion University, Virginia

[00:32–01:40]

• Incident:

  • A gunman shot three people in a ROTC classroom then killed himself.
  • He was subdued by students before his death.

• Law Enforcement Statement:

  • Dominique Evans (FBI, Norfolk):

    "There were students that were in that room that subdued him and rendered him no longer alive."
    (Dominique Evans, 01:05)

• Attacker Background:

  • Identified as Mohammed Jalal, ex-Virginia National Guard, previously convicted for plotting an ISIS-inspired attack, released in 2024.
  • Motive unclear; university classes canceled through Friday.

3. Iran War Drives Up Gas Prices, Political Fallout

[01:40–02:36]

• Economic Context:

  • Ongoing war with Iran has caused oil and gasoline prices to spike—posing major political challenges for President Trump.
  • Rising fuel costs threaten broader inflation.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jared Bernstein (former Biden economic adviser):

    "I mean, this is a price you see twice a block when you're driving down the street. And every time you fill up your tank, you recognize how much more it costs."
    (Jared Bernstein, 02:03)

  • Stephen Moore (conservative economist):

    "Part of the problem for President Trump..."
    (Stephen Moore, 02:21)

  • Tamara Keith (NPR):

    "Affordability was shaping up to be a top issue in this year's midterms, even before the gas price spike."
    (Tamara Keith, 02:27)

4. Tech News: Google Maps’ AI Overhaul

[02:36–02:52]

• Update:
  • Google Maps undergoes a major AI-driven redesign.
  • Changes include new suggestions for destinations, enhanced task support, and 3D renderings for improved navigation.

5. President Trump on Iranian Soccer Team and World Cup

[02:52–03:33]

• Statement:
  • President Trump commented on social media that the Iranian men’s soccer team could play in the North American World Cup, but he doesn't think it's appropriate due to the conflict with Iran, citing safety concerns.
  • Iranian leaders declared participation impossible.

6. UK Political Fallout: Epstein Connection

[03:33–04:13]

• Issue:

  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces scrutiny for appointing Peter Mandelson (linked to Jeffrey Epstein) as UK ambassador to Washington.
  • Vetting documents warned of reputational risk; appointment was "weirdly rushed."

• Key Statement:

  • Keir Starmer:

    "It was my mistake and I take responsibility."
    (Keir Starmer, 03:49)

  • Mandelson fired after his Epstein ties grew public; currently denies wrongdoing amid ongoing investigation.

7. Odd News: Soccer Fan’s Stadium Mix-Up

[04:13–04:40]

• Story:
  • Barcelona fan traveled 360 miles to wrong English stadium (Exeter City instead of Newcastle).
  • Exeter City staff gave him tickets to their League One game as a consolation.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Stephen Engber:

  "It's a tough time, but we will get through this. We'll get through this together. We'll get through this stronger and we'll continue to be loud and proud. Being Jewish, this will not change us. This will not deter us, and we will continue." (00:19)

• Dominique Evans (FBI):

  "There were students that were in that room that subdued him and rendered him no longer alive." (01:05)

• Jared Bernstein:

  "This is a price you see twice a block when you're driving down the street..." (02:03)

• Keir Starmer:

  "It was my mistake and I take responsibility." (03:49)

Key Timestamps for Reference

• 00:00 – Synagogue attack in Detroit suburb
• 00:19 – Stephen Engber statement
• 00:32 – Old Dominion University shooting
• 01:05 – Dominique Evans statement
• 01:40 – Update on oil prices and political impact
• 02:03 – Jared Bernstein quote on price hikes
• 02:36 – Google Maps AI redesign
• 02:52 – Trump on Iranian soccer team and World Cup
• 03:33 – UK scandal over ambassador’s Epstein ties
• 03:49 – Keir Starmer apology
• 04:13 – Soccer fan's accidental visit to Exeter City

Tone & Style:

• Informative, direct, and factual, with a focus on breaking news and both global and human interest stories.

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise but comprehensive sweep of urgent national and global stories with characteristic clarity and calm.