NPR News: 05-13-2026 8PM EDT

President Trump is set to hold talks with China's Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking the first U.S. presidential visit there in over eight years, as this NPR News Now broadcast details. The episode also covers a congressional probe into prediction markets, a South Carolina court ruling on Alex Murdaugh's murder conviction, and briefer updates on inflation-driven stock declines, stagnant reading scores in U.S. schools, possible Neanderthal dental work, and pro hockey expansion.

Trump-Xi Talks on Trade, Tech, Iran, and Taiwan

High-stakes discussions between President Trump and Xi Jinping are slated to begin soon after Trump's arrival in Beijing, which featured a grand red carpet welcome. NPR's Emily Fang notes issues on the table include trade tariffs, technology restrictions, and the ongoing war with Iran, where high energy prices have prompted Trump to previously seek China's help unblocking the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders will also address Taiwan, the democratic island that China seeks to control and to which the U.S. has historically sold defensive weapons. Chinese officials have signaled interest in a diplomatic detente, including easing trade tensions and pressuring Iran toward a ceasefire. These talks matter as they could ease bilateral frictions that have strained global supply chains and energy markets since tariffs escalated years ago.