NPR News: 05-16-2026 7AM EDT

This episode of NPR News Now reports on a series of international, political, legal, and sporting developments from May 16, 2026. The coverage centers on President Trump's recent meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Israel's targeting of Hamas leadership, state-level elections in Louisiana, stalled contract talks affecting rail commuters, a federal lawsuit over state restrictions on law enforcement, and the running of a major horse race.

U.S.-China Summit and Related Security Issues

President Trump returned to the United States after a two-day summit with Xi Jinping. He described the meetings as incredible, though the reporting indicates few concrete agreements resulted. China continued to identify Taiwan as its primary concern, warning that the democratic island remains a core issue and that Beijing has not ruled out military action to achieve control. Trump stated on Air Force One that the two leaders discussed in detail a delayed $14 billion U.S. arms sale to Taiwan intended to strengthen the island's defenses. He noted the decision on whether to proceed rested with him and observed that a conflict 9,500 miles away was the last thing needed at present. The United States and China did reach agreement that the blockaded Strait of Hormuz should be reopened amid the ongoing situation involving Iran.

Israeli Action Against Hamas Leadership