NPR News: 05-15-2026 5PM EDT

President Trump is returning from a state visit to China, and while few details have been released, he praised Chinese President Xi Jinping and claimed "fantastic trade deals" were made, including an agreement for China to order 200 Boeing aircraft. Meanwhile, the redistricting battle Trump kicked off appears to be winding down, with Republicans largely coming out ahead—but states are already planning for after the midterms. These are among the developments in this NPR News Now roundup.

Redistricting and Voting Rights

The redistricting war that began last year is nearing its close, and Republicans have largely prevailed. This week, several statehouses responded to a recent Supreme Court decision that weakened protections in the Voting Rights Act. Louisiana Republicans passed a new map that eliminated one of two districts currently held by Black Democratic lawmakers. In Mississippi and Georgia, lawmakers said they do not plan to redistrict before the midterms, but they may try to eliminate Democratic-held districts ahead of 2028.

Experts worry this political maneuvering is fueling cynicism among the American public. Karen Brinson Bell, who used to oversee elections in North Carolina, questioned whether voters will still show up, noting that midterms already lag presidential years in turnout.

Multi-Generational Households on the Rise