Iran’s new leader, synagogue attack, Smithsonian slavery exhibit

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 Sophia Eppolito March 12, 2026 By Sophia Eppolito March 12, 2026 Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, Iran's top leader vows to keep up attacks in his first statement since being appointed; an armed man rammed a vehicle into a Michigan synagogue and the Smithsonian museum will revamp its slavery exhibit. UP FIRST A woman sits on rubble across from a residential building damaged last Sunday during the U.S.-Israeli air campaign in Tehran, Iran on Thursday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Iran's secretive top leader vows to keep up attacks in his first statement since being appointed Iran's secretive new supreme leader on Thursday vowed to keep up attacks on Gulf Arab countries and use the effective closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz as leverage against the United States and Israel. It was his first public statement since being chosen to succeed his father, who was killed in an Israeli strike. Read more.  RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Israeli military drops charges against soldiers accused of sexually assaulting Palestinian detainee Photos of displaced civilians in Lebanon, where schools and stadiums turn into shelters during war Iran war puts at risk key pipelines, terminals and refineries that supply the world with oil and gas Oil jumps to $100 per barrel and stocks sink worldwide with no clear end in sight for the Iran war Iran-linked hackers take aim at US and other targets, raising risk of cyberattacks during war Trump discourages Iranian soccer team from attending the World Cup, citing safety concerns TOP STORIES Law enforcement respond to a call at Temple Israel synagogue on Thursday in West Bloomfield Township, Mich. (AP Photo/Corey Williams) Armed man rammed vehicle into Michigan synagogue and was fatally shot by security, AP source says A man armed with a rifle rammed his vehicle into a major synagogue in a Detroit suburb and was fatally shot by security Thursday, The Associated Press has learned. The vehicle caught fire after crashing into the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, according to a person familiar with the matter. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Live updates: Investigators are working to identify the suspect's identity and a possible motive 1 of 3 victims has died after a shooting at Virginia's Old Dominion University, campus police say  AP Exclusive: Smithsonian museum will revamp its slavery exhibit after artifact loan runs out A Smithsonian museum exhibit about the maritime journey that millions of Africans were forced to take across the Atlantic to slavery in the Americas will change later this month, when a remnant from one of the first sunken slave ships ever recovered is taken off display in Washington. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Senate passes bipartisan housing bill to improve access and affordability State lawmakers rush to set rounding rules for when there are no pennies In rural America, a teacher pipeline from abroad starts to dry up ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., announces his intent to seek an 18th U.S. House term, during an event at the South Carolina Democratic Party headquarters on Thursday. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard) Jim Clyburn: The long-serving South Carolina Democrat will run for an 18th term in Congress Stock market: When stock markets get shaken, it can pay for investors to be patient Atlanta: After years of growth, Georgia's film industry hits a painful reset  Denmark: Celebrity chef René Redzepi resigns from iconic Danish restaurant Noma after abuse allegations  Ohio State: Provost named new university president after predecessor's abrupt resignation Zizians: Judge orders competency review for leader of cultlike Zizians group that has been linked to 6 deaths WATCH: Why Alysa Liu and Eileen Gu's choices are sparking debate TRENDING A ropa vieja dish from Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar's GLP-Wonderful menu is prepared for serving at the restaurant in Philadelphia, on Friday, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Mingson Lau) More restaurants are offering special menus with smaller portions and lower prices  The biggest new restaurant trend is small. Special menus with petite, less expensive portions are popping up all over, from large chains like Olive Garden and The Cheesecake Factory to trendy urban eateries and farm-to-fork dining rooms. 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. - Sophia 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. - Sophia 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