NPR News: 04-16-2026 12PM EDT

Lai, from NPR News, I'm Laxmi Singh. President Trump is announcing a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. On his Truth social platform today, Trump says, The truce formally begins 5 p.m. Eastern. He adds he is inviting the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to the White House. Their ambassador has recently held talks in Washington, D.C. this week for the first time in decades. Debra Lee, Pakistan says it continues to work toward a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran. Betsy Jules reports Pakistan's Army Chief has visited Iran. Army Chief Asim Munir has taken a central role in this process, and his visit to Iran is expected to help smooth out sticking points, including those related to Iran's nuclear program. Vice President J.D. Vance said before he left the first round of talks in Islamabad last weekend that limiting this program is a key priority for the U.S. The White House has expressed optimism since then about the prospects of a deal, and Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said Islamabad would very likely be the venue for a second round of talks. For NPR News, I'm Betsy Jules in Islamabad. As a result of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, the head of the International Energy Agency says a year up has, quote, maybe six weeks or so of jet fuel left before it runs out. That's Eleanor Beertsley. In an interview with the Associated Press, the executive director of the IEA, Fatih Birroal, painted a sobering picture of the global repercussions of what he called, quote, the largest energy crisis we have ever faced. Birroal said the longer the conflict continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the worse it will be for economic growth and inflation around the world. Birroal said gasoline prices will continue to climb as will the price of electricity. He said no country is immune. The Trump administration is anxious to end the war and is pressuring its Israeli ally to conclude a ceasefire in Lebanon where Israeli forces are fighting to rout Iran-backed militant group, Asbollah. Eleanor Beertsley, NPR News, Tel Aviv. Pope Leo XIV is strongly condemning war and prayers for it. Jesus told us, blessed are the peacemakers. Woe to those who manipulate religion in the very name of God for their own military, economic, or political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth. Pope Leo and Cameron today the latest stop in his tour through Africa. As the first American selected to lead the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo has taken a public stand against the U.S. war with Iran and as a result has drawn the ire of President Donald Trump. U.S. stocks trading higher, the Sour with the Dow now up more than 100 points. From Washington, this is NPR News. Democratic former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax killed his wife then himself according to Fairfax County police today. Police chief Devin Davis says the couple was found dead at their North Virginia home outside Washington, D.C. by their teenage son shortly after midnight. Davis says the couple were living together while in the process of getting divorced. They are survived by two children. Voters in New Jersey's 11th congressional district are going to the polls today. Bruce Convizer has details. The district leans blue, which means Democratic candidate Annalelia Meia is the favorite. Meia, a progressive candidate, is running against Joe Hathaway, a Republican councilman from Randolph Township and independent candidate Alan Bond. Political analyst will be watching for the margin of victory. Former Vice President Kamala Harris won the district by nine points in 2024. If Meia expands on that margin, it will be seen as an ominous sign for Republicans as they confront a disgruntled public in a midterm election year. Only voting has ended and more than 50,000 voters have already cast their ballots. Registered Democrats were outpacing the registered Republican counterparts by a more than two to one margin. For NPR News, I'm Bruce Convizer in Greenbrook, New Jersey. Recapping our top story, President Trump has just announced on TruthSocial a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. He has invited the leaders of both countries to the White House. Their ambassadors recently held talks in D.C. I'm Lakshmi Singh, NPR News.