NPR News: 05-16-2026 11AM EDT

This episode of NPR News Now reports on a series of separate developments spanning military operations, labor actions, immigration rules, voting rights protests, rival demonstrations abroad, and a large-scale music event. The coverage draws from official statements and on-the-ground reporting without linking the items into a single narrative.

US-Nigerian Operation Against ISIS

President Trump announced that U.S. and Nigerian special forces killed Abu Bilal Alminuke, described as the second-in-command of ISIS, after intelligence located him in Africa. The operation followed earlier U.S. airstrikes on ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria five months prior. More than 200 U.S. soldiers have since been deployed to Nigeria to train and support local forces. U.S. officials have released no further operational details. The development reflects expanded bilateral military cooperation between the two countries in targeting insurgent groups.

Israeli Strike in Gaza

The Israeli military reported that it killed Is Al Din al-Hadad, a commander in Hamas’s military wing who helped plan the October 7 attack. The strike occurred amid almost daily Israeli fire in Gaza despite a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The report underscores the continued fragility of the truce and the focus on individuals tied to the initial assault that began the current war.