NPR News: 05-12-2026 4PM EDT

This NPR News Now broadcast from May 12, 2026, rounds up key developments including surging US inflation tied to the war with Iran, President Trump's travel to China amid tensions over Taiwan and human rights, Elon Musk's legal push against OpenAI leadership, a competitive Democratic primary in Nebraska, and congressional questions for two Trump administration officials.

Inflation Hits Three-Year High Amid Iran War

Consumer prices rose 3.8% in April compared to the prior year, the Labor Department reported, marking the steepest annual inflation in about three years. The primary driver is elevated energy prices stemming from the ongoing US war with Iran, which has disrupted global supplies and rippled through to everyday costs. This comes at a time when high gas prices are drawing public attention, including criticism of government officials' travel habits. The increase underscores how military conflicts abroad directly amplify domestic economic pressures, squeezing household budgets and complicating monetary policy responses.