Vice President JD Vance made a stop at a robotics manufacturing plant in Auburn Hills this week.  The visit was mainly focused on promoting Republican policies ahead of this year’s midterm elections.

The vice president spent most of time touting the administration’s economic policies, which Vance claims have been good for job growth. The most recent report from the Bureau of Labor statistics shows a loss of 92,000 jobs in February. 

He made little reference to the ongoing war in Iran during his prepared remarks. When asked by reporters about oil prices, Vance acknowledged they are up.

“I will say,” says Vance. “the president said this and I certainly agree with it, this is a temporary blip.”

Vance promised the crowd gasoline costs would come back down once the U.S., quote, “finishes taking care of business” in the Middle East. He did not say when that would be.

It was his first visit to the state since last week’s attack on the Temple Israel synagogue, which took place about 30 minutes away from where the vice president was speaking. Vance says he and the president stand with Michigan’s Jewish community.

“We love you,” says Vance, “and we’re proud of how you’ve handled this particular situation because it is tough.”

The suspect, 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali — a naturalized U-S citizen from Lebanon — took his own life during the attack. Vance praised the work of security guards at Temple Israel.

He reassured the crowd that the U.S. government is constantly monitoring to try to stop such attacks before they happen.

The Religious Leaders Forum of Metropolitan Detroit released a statement following the violent attack at Temple Israel yesterday. According to reports, a man rammed his vehicle into the synagogue yesterday afternoon, where security shot at him. He was found dead in his vehicle after the exchange of fire.

A security guard was injured but no other staff or students were harmed. There were reports of smoke during the incident, the cause of which is still under investigation.

The religious forum represents clergy and religious leaders from across metro Detroit and convene through the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit. They expressed their shock and sorrow because of the alarming event. They also committed to peace, compassion and solidarity with the Jewish community.

Additional headlines for Friday, March 13, 2026

DIA shows Oscar nominated films

The Oscars are this Sunday and to celebrate the Detroit Institute of Arts is having live screening of nominated short films in animation and live action. This annual program brings the short films to the big screen for a viewing of the top films to be recognized at the Academy Awards. For tickets and showtimes go to dia.org.

Sports updates

The Detroit Pistons are back to their winning ways after beating the 76ers 131-109. This is their second win in a row and 47th win in the season. The now face the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Little Caesers Arena.

Red Wings

The Red Wings suffered a tough loss yesterday to the Tampa Bay Lighting. Their playoff cushion is decreasing as they fall to fourth in the Atlantic Division. They hope to bounce back tomorrow against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center. Game starts at 8 p.m. EST.

Soccer

And Detroit City FC play their first game of the season tomorrow against Brooklyn FC. The game kicks off at 4 p.m. at Keyworth Stadium.

313 Day events

Happy 313 Day to you and me and all the Detroiters from Rouge Park to Gross Pointe, from 8 mile to the Detroit River. There are a few events going on to celebrate Detroit.

Michigan Central Station is curating a four hour celebration of Detroit music featuring live performance and a mix of hip hop, soul, electronic and more. WDET host DJ Wajeed of The Boulevard is the curator of vibes and music for the evening. It starts at 6pm and ends at 10 p.m.

Also, the restaurant Tocororo is hosting a trivia night tonight from 6-9 p.m. You can bring your own team or show up solo. Prizes and bragging rights are on the line.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Department of Homeland Security have identified the man who rammed his vehicle into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield as 41-year-old Ayman Mohammad Ghazali. He was a legal U.S. citizen who immigrated from Lebanon.

NPR sources have confirmed his brothers and two of his brother’s children were killed in a recent Israeli air strike on Lebanon. His parents were also hospitalized in that attack, sources say.

Law enforcement examining the case in Michigan say their investigation is ongoing and have not yet shared a motive.

Ghazali was killed in an exchange of gunfire involving building security at Temple Israel. A security guard was struck when the attacker crashed into the building, but nobody inside the synagogue was killed.