Remains of 2nd U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco...

Introduction

Catching up on global affairs? Here are the top 10 world news stories from NPR News as of May 14, 2026. NPR (National Public Radio) is a leading American non-profit media organization known for in-depth, independent reporting on international and domestic affairs.

📌 Previously: Lukashenko Says Belarus IsPreparing for War, Plans... — catch up on yesterday's world news.

Today's Top 10 Stories on NPR News

#1 — Remains of 2nd U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco have been recovered

Spc. Mariyah Symone Collington, 19, of Taveres, Florida, is the second U.S. soldier who fell off a cliff during a recreational hike in Morocco. The remains of 1st Lt.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/g-s1-121985/missing-american-soldier-morocco-remains-recovered

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#2 — What's at stake for the people of Thitu Island as U.S. and Chinese leaders meet

As U.S. and Chinese leaders meet this week, the world is watching, and so are residents of Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea, known in the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/nx-s1-5820733/whats-at-stake-for-the-people-of-thitu-island-as-u-s-and-chinese-leaders-meet

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#3 — A severe mouse plague puts Australian crops in danger

Australia's grain farmers, already strained by war-driven shortages, now face a severe mouse plague that could devastate crops in a key growing region.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/nx-s1-5816004/a-severe-mouse-plague-puts-australian-crops-in-danger

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#4 — In Hormuz deadlock, U.S. and Iran refuse to back down

The U.S. and Iran remain deadlocked in the Strait of Hormuz, with no clear way forward.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/nx-s1-5819718/in-hormuz-deadlock-u-s-and-iran-refuse-to-back-down

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#5 — Five countries boycott Eurovision Song Contest over Israel's participation

Israel's participation in the Eurovision song contest once again stirs controversy — and a walkout by five countries.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/nx-s1-5818500/five-countries-boycott-eurovision-song-contest-over-israels-participation

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#6 — Greetings from Seville, where springtime means caracoles

Spring is snail season in Seville. Caracoles in southern Spain differ from the well-known French escargot — they're smaller and eaten directly from the shell. And everyone has a favorite tapas bar that serves them.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/g-s1-121409/seville-spain-snails-caracoles

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#7 — Gunfire breaks out in Philippine Senate as police try to arrest senator

Witnesses say a burst of gunfire has rung out in the Philippine Senate where authorities have tried to arrest a senator who is wanted by the ICC.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/g-s1-121827/gunfire-breaks-out-in-philippine-senate-as-police-try-to-arrest-senator

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#8 — War in Iran costs $29 billion so far. And, students are finally improving in math

Pentagon officials told Congress they estimate the war in Iran has cost $29 billion so far. And, a new Education Scorecard shows U.S. students are improving in math.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/g-s1-121812/up-first-newsletter-war-iran-marty-makary-student-education-scorecard-trump-pardons

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#9 — Trump expected to talk Iran and trade during summit in China

President Trump arrives in China Wednesday for a summit with his Chinese counterpart, where the war in Iran, trade policies and Taiwan are expected to be major points of discussion.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/nx-s1-5819712/trump-expected-to-talk-iran-and-trade-during-summit-in-china

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#10 — Chinese economist talks about the competing interest of China and the U.S.

NPR's Steve Inskeep asks Chinese economist Dan Wang offers about the competing economic interests of China and the U.S.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/nx-s1-5818679/chinese-economist-talks-about-the-competing-interest-of-china-and-the-u-s

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Why These World News Stories Matter

NPR's reporting offers an American perspective on global events, with a focus on context, analysis, and underrepresented voices. Today's stories span politics, conflict, climate, and culture across continents.

About NPR News

NPR News (npr.org) is the news division of National Public Radio, a privately and publicly funded American media organization. Founded in 1970, NPR produces and distributes award-winning news, analysis, and cultural programming.

Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/world/
Updated: May 14, 2026