NPR News Now – March 13, 2026, 7PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Hurst
Episode Theme:
A fast-paced roundup of critical headlines, including breaking military news in Iraq, significant White House changes at the Kennedy Center, a major federal weapons case, a worsening Middle East health crisis, and a downbeat U.S. economic report.

Key Stories and Discussion Points

1. Deadly U.S. Military Plane Collision in Iraq

[00:16–01:21]

• Overview:
  The Pentagon confirmed that all six crew members aboard a U.S. military refueling plane died in a mid-air collision in western Iraq.
• Details from Quill Lawrence:
  • Two U.S. Air Force KC135 refueling tankers were involved.
  • One plane crash-landed; all six aboard died.
  • The second plane landed safely.
  • There was no hostile or friendly fire involved.
  • Search and rescue operations continued overnight.
  • The Pentagon said “bombardment of Iran will continue to intensify,” targeting Iran’s mine-laying abilities in the Strait of Hormuz, a global oil transit point.
  • Fallen troops’ names will be withheld until next-of-kin notification.

“CENTCOM said there was no hostile or friendly fire involved in the mishap.” – Quill Lawrence [00:42]

2. Trump Overhauls Kennedy Center Leadership

[01:21–02:19]

• Overview:
  President Trump is instituting a leadership shakeup at the Kennedy Center ahead of an extensive remodel.
• Reporting by Tamara Keith:
  • Trump thanked outgoing president Richard Grinnell, noting his lack of performing arts experience and his role as envoy for special missions.
  • The Kennedy Center will close after July 4th for a “complete reconstruction,” expected to last two years and cost over $250 million.
  • Facilities expert Matt Flaca is elevated to COO and executive director.
  • Under Trump and Grinnell, the Center “has hemorrhaged both patrons and performers.”

“Trump is planning to close the center for what he calls a complete reconstruction after July 4. He has said the project will take two years and cost more than $250 million.” – Tamara Keith [01:54]

3. Federal Charges in Old Dominion University Shooting

[02:19–03:11]

• Overview:
  A man faces federal charges tied to the sale of a gun used in the recent Old Dominion University shooting in Virginia; one killed, two injured.
• Reporting by Jacqueline Diaz:
  • Kenya Mitchell Chapman charged with three counts of false statements and unlicensed dealing.
  • Sold a gun for $100 to shooter Mohammed Baylor Jalo, an ISIS supporter who was legally barred from owning firearms.
  • Chapman had prior investigations for “straw purchasing” guns (buying on behalf of others).
  • Detained until his March 17 hearing.

“Chapman was known to investigators because he was under investigation before for straw purchasing guns, which means buying a gun for another person three times before.” – Jacqueline Diaz [02:52]

4. WHO Warns of Deepening Middle East Health Crisis

[03:11–04:16]

• Overview:
  The World Health Organization raises alarms about the effect of expanded Middle East conflict on healthcare.
• Reporting by Fatma Tanis:
  • In the two weeks since the U.S. and Israel began attacking Iran, 18 attacks on health facilities in Iran have been verified, killing at least eight health workers.
  • In Lebanon, WHO has documented 25 such attacks, with 16 health workers killed.
  • WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted
    • Soaring health risks for hundreds of thousands of displaced people
    • Medical supply chain disruption due to airspace restrictions, affecting 25 countries

“Medical supply chains were disrupted due to airspace restrictions, causing significant backlogs in health supplies across 25 countries.” – Fatma Tanis [04:03]

5. Economic Growth Revised Down; Wall Street Falls

[04:16–04:55]

• Overview:
  Commerce Department data reveal weaker-than-expected U.S. economic growth for Q4 2025.
• Details:
  • GDP growth revised downward to 0.7% (from initial 1.4%)
  • Consumer spending “anemic” in January after inflation adjustment.
  • Hiring has largely stalled.
  • Market reaction:
    • Dow: –119 points
    • NASDAQ: –206 points
    • S&P 500: –40 points

“Consumer spending, after adjusting for inflation, was anemic in January, and hiring has also ground largely to a standstill.” – Jeanine Hurst [04:28]

Notable Quotes and Moments

• Quill Lawrence [00:42]: “CENTCOM said there was no hostile or friendly fire involved in the mishap.”
• Tamara Keith [01:54]: “Trump is planning to close the center for what he calls a complete reconstruction after July 4. He has said the project will take two years and cost more than $250 million.”
• Jacqueline Diaz [02:52]: “Chapman was known to investigators because he was under investigation before for straw purchasing guns, which means buying a gun for another person three times before.”
• Fatma Tanis [04:03]: “Medical supply chains were disrupted due to airspace restrictions, causing significant backlogs in health supplies across 25 countries.”
• Jeanine Hurst [04:28]: “Consumer spending, after adjusting for inflation, was anemic in January, and hiring has also ground largely to a standstill.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:16] U.S. military tanker collision and Pentagon response
• [01:21] Trump’s Kennedy Center overhaul
• [02:19] Federal charges in Old Dominion University shooting
• [03:11] WHO: Middle East conflict deepens health crisis
• [04:16] Economic growth revision; Wall Street update

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a concise, comprehensive overview of the March 13, 2026 NPR News Now 7PM broadcast.