British PM Keir Starmer's job is in jeopardy after his...

Introduction

Catching up on global affairs? Here are the top 10 world news stories from NPR News as of May 15, 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: Russian parliament passes bill allowing Putin to invade... — catch up on yesterday's world news.

Today's Top 10 Stories on NPR News

#1 — British PM Keir Starmer's job is in jeopardy after his party was trounced in elections

After a victory for the far right in municipal elections, Britain's center-left ruling party is in turmoil over whether to replace the unpopular prime minister, Keir Starmer — and with whom.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/14/nx-s1-5822391/british-pm-keir-starmers-job-is-in-jeopardy-after-his-party-was-trounced-in-elections

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#2 — The 10 best songs competing at (a very contentious) Eurovision

Glitter, vocal gymnastics, on-stage flames — the show goes on on the Eurovision stage in Vienna, even though five countries are boycotting this year's contest due to Israel's participation.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/14/nx-s1-5813511/eurovision-2026-predictions-top-songs

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#3 — Cuba's power grid collapses and plunges eastern provinces into a major blackout

Cuba's aging power grid has eroded in recent years as it faces a prolonged economic crisis, made worse by a U.S. energy blockade of the island.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/14/nx-s1-5822583/cuba-blackout

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#4 — As Trump meets with Xi, security expert says China now faces the U.S. as a peer

Former national security official Rush Doshi says President Trump's sky-high tariffs on Chinese goods sparked a clash in which China prevailed. We look at the current state of U.S.-China relations.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/14/nx-s1-5821644/as-trump-meets-with-xi-security-expert-says-china-now-faces-the-u-s-as-a-peer

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#5 — A Philippine senator wanted by the International Criminal Court flees from Senate

A police investigation is underway in the Philippines, with suspicions that the incident was staged to help Sen. Ronald dela Rosa escape.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/14/g-s1-122021/philippines-senator-escape-wanted-icc

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#6 — Trump tries to make deals in China. And, Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed leader

President Trump is vying to make deals with China during his visit with President Xi Jinping. And, the Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as the next leader of the Federal Reserve.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/14/g-s1-122014/up-first-newsletter-china-taiwan-trump-law-firms-kevin-warsh-denise-powell-nebraska

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#7 — Cordial Trump-Xi meeting is a 'good sign,' says longtime U.S. diplomat

Longtime U.S. diplomat Richard Haass interprets President Trump's meeting with China leader, Xi Jinping. He said though the two have different priorities the cordial summit could be a 'good sign.'

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/14/nx-s1-5822225/richard-haass-trump-xi-meeting-china-summit

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#8 — China's leader warns Trump that differences over Taiwan could lead to a clash

At the summit, the Chinese leader placed Taiwan, a key point of friction between the U.S. and China, at the center, calling it "the most important issue" between the two countries.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/14/nx-s1-5822168/trump-xi-summit

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#9 — President Trump's first day in China

President Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jingping {shee-jihn-ping} during his first day in the country. A look at what happened at the high-stakes summit.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/14/nx-s1-5821268/president-trumps-first-day-in-china

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#10 — The New Yorker's Evan Osnos shares his thoughts on the Trump-Xi summit

NPR's Steve Inskeep talks with the New Yorker's Evan Osnos about his impressions of the Trump-Xi summit.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/14/nx-s1-5820726/the-new-yorkers-evan-osnos-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-trump-xi-summit

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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 15, 2026