NPR News: 05-15-2026 2AM EDT

President Trump's state visit to China concluded with a private meeting at Xi Jinping's residence, followed by public remarks praising the trip. Trump called it "incredible," highlighting "fantastic trade deals" beneficial to both nations. The White House noted shared desires between the leaders, though specifics trailed off. China remains the largest buyer of Iranian oil, and Xi warned that U.S.-China differences over self-governed Taiwan could lead to conflict.

A federal judge in Tennessee approved a new congressional map just under 24 hours before candidate finalization, despite ongoing lawsuits. Four cases challenge the redistricting plan for fracturing Memphis's majority-Black voting bloc; the judge denied the state Democratic Party's request to block it, without a written explanation. Tennessee Democrats maintain this initial ruling does not doom their long-term efforts. This follows the Supreme Court's decision weakening the Voting Rights Act, spurring redistricting pushes across the South: South Carolina convenes a special legislative session Friday, and Louisiana's Senate has advanced a measure to the House.