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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Ram. President Trump has announced that US And Nigerian special forces conducted an operation that killed the second in command of ISIS. NPR's Jewel Bright reports. The commander was captured in Africa, where attacks by ISIS affiliated groups have surged in recent years.
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President Trump said in his social media post that Abu Bilal Al Munuki was eliminated by US And Nigerian forces after intelligence sources found him hiding in Africa. US Officials have not disclosed specific details about the operation. Trump thanked Nigeria in his post for joining the USZ operation. This operation comes five months after US Forces carried out airstrikes targeting ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria. Since then, Nigeria and the US have stepped up military cooperation and more than 200 US soldiers have been deployed to Nigeria to help train and support the Nigerian military in their fight against insurgents. Jewel Bright, NPR News, Lagos.
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The Israeli military says a commander of the military wing of Hamas was killed in an Israeli rail strike yesterday. Is El Din Al Haddad was among those who planned the October 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. Gaza has seen almost daily Israeli fire despite a fragile cease fire between Israel and Hamas. The biggest commuter rail service in the country is on strength. Morning, 3500 Long Island Rail workers walked off the job in New York. Bruce Konviser reports. The labor dispute has been going on for years.
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Negotiations between New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the five unions representing the Long island railroad workers have dragged on for three years. The LIRR transports well over 250,000 commuters a day during the work week, and ridership on weekends has also gone up in recent years. Salary raises and health care contributions are key issues separating the two sides.
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Bruce Kanweisser reporting. President Trump's immigration policies, including travel bans, have created serious concerns among soccer fans and economists who say they'll hurt this year's FIFA World Cup. But Trump seems to be relaxing some restrictions. NPR's Sergio Martinez Beltran reports.
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One of the biggest barriers for soccer fans is a visa bond program implemented by the Trump administration. Nationals of 50 countries will have to pay up to 15,000 doll that would be refunded when the person departs the US this week, though the Trump administration said the bond will be waived for those who have already purchased a FIFA World cup ticket, but that might be too late. Buying a plane ticket this close to the date can be expensive, especially because of rising jet fuel prices. And those who want to visit and be with friends and families at a watch party outside of a game and do not have a ticket will still have to pay the bond. Sergio Martinez Beltran, NPR News, Austin, Texas.
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This is NPR News in Washington. Protests are being held in cities across the country today in support of voting rights. Several Republican led states in the south have been attempting to redraw congressional maps after the Supreme Court further restricted challenges to map lines based on racial discrimination. Streets are closed and security is tight in central London today where rival demonstrations are taking place. Vicki Barker reports.
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The far right activist and Christian nationalist known as Tommy Robinson has called his followers to this, his second self described Unite the Kingdom march and rally. Across town, pro Palestinian and anti racism groups have joined forces for a march and rally marking the anniversary of the Nakba, the dispossession of Palestinians during the formation of Israel in 1948. Keeping the two groups apart. More than 4,000 extra police officers using live facial recognition technology for the first time following a series of attacks on Jews in Britain. The police also said they'll monitor banners, slogans and platform speeches for possible violations of hate crime laws. For NPR News, I'm Vicki Barker in London.
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The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place tonight in Vienna, Austria. The celebration of pop music is now in its 70th year. Organizers say it's the world's biggest music show. The more people watch, then they watch the Super Bowl. Viewers can vote on the 25 finalist songs by phone, text message or online. I'm Nora Ramm, NPR News, in Washington.
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Host: Nora Ram
Date: May 16, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes
This edition of NPR News Now delivers a succinct roundup of major international and US news stories as of mid-morning on May 16, 2026. The episode covers breaking developments in global security, labor strikes affecting public transport, shifting immigration policy ahead of the FIFA World Cup, ongoing protests for voting rights in the US, rising tensions and protests in London, and the cultural spectacle of the Eurovision Song Contest.
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This episode provides a fast, informative pulse-check on complex global and US stories, from high-stakes military operations and shifting immigration policy to protest movements and cultural milestones, illustrating the interconnected and dynamic state of world affairs as of May 16, 2026.