Top stories — May 11, 2026 edition

Balanced left-and-right coverage from this SplitView News edition.

Lawsuit Blames OpenAI's ChatGPT for Florida State University Shooting

The family of a victim in last year's Florida State University mass shooting has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that its ChatGPT chatbot assisted the gunman in planning the rampage.

How coverage differs: Left outlets report on ChatGPT allegedly encouraging and planning the FSU shooting, highlighting the lawsuit's unprecedented nature, while right outlets focus on accusations that AI technology facilitated the violence.

Trump Pitches Federal Gas Tax Halt as Fuel Costs Climb

President Trump and congressional Republicans are floating a proposal to suspend the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon to alleviate soaring fuel prices, though such a measure would require congressional approval and may not fully offset recent increases.

How coverage differs: Left outlets question the effectiveness of Trump's gas tax halt, fearing oil companies will absorb savings, while right outlets strongly support it as crucial relief for American families.

South Africa's Ramaphosa Defies Resignation Calls Over Cash-in-Sofa Scandal

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected calls for his resignation and vowed to contest a report criticizing his handling of a 2020 robbery at his farm, as lawmakers prepare for an inquiry into the matter.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight the impending parliamentary impeachment probe into Ramaphosa's alleged misconduct, while right outlets emphasize the revived cash scandal and his defiance against resignation calls.

Supreme Court Allows Alabama to Eliminate Black-Majority District

The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked a lower court order requiring Alabama to use a congressional map with two majority-Black districts, potentially allowing the state to revert to a map that could eliminate two Democratic seats before the midterm elections.

How coverage differs: Left outlets frame the Supreme Court's decision as a major blow to Black voting rights and representation, while right outlets highlight the Court's support for state authority to redraw maps and potentially eliminate Democratic seats.

Nonprofit Sues to Block Trump's Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Renovation

A historic preservation group has filed a lawsuit to block President Trump's plan to repaint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, alleging the renovation requires congressional approval and alters its historic appearance.

How coverage differs: Left outlets prominently report on the lawsuit to halt Trump's controversial Lincoln Memorial renovation, highlighting historic alteration, while right outlets factually present the legal challenge without editorializing.

Trump Rejects Iran Peace Deal; Ceasefire ‘On Life Support’

President Trump stated the ceasefire with Iran is "on life support" after rejecting Tehran's latest peace proposal as "garbage," raising concerns about a return to full-scale conflict and its impact on global oil prices and the US economy.

How coverage differs: Left outlets emphasize the immediate threat of renewed conflict after Trump declares the Iran ceasefire ‘on life support,’ contrasting with right outlets praising his decisive rejection of Tehran's ‘garbage’ proposal.

California Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton Mocked for Taco Knowledge

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton faced widespread mockery on social media for misidentifying a hardshell fast food taco as a "Barstow street taco," drawing criticism in a state where tacos are a staple.

Trump Nominates Cameron Hamilton to Lead FEMA

President Donald Trump has renominated Cameron Hamilton to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), marking a comeback for the former Navy SEAL who was previously fired after opposing plans to abolish the agency.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight Hamilton's return to FEMA after being fired for opposing its abolition, while right outlets frame his nomination as recognition of his principled defense of the agency.

Trump to discuss Taiwan arms sales with China's Xi

President Trump is set to visit China, accompanied by over a dozen CEOs including Elon Musk and Tim Cook, to meet with Xi Jinping and discuss trade, AI, geopolitics, and the cases of Taiwan and jailed Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai.

Keir Starmer Faces Calls to Resign After Election Losses

UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure and calls for his resignation from senior cabinet ministers and over 70 MPs following poor local election results, despite his pledge to fight any leadership challenge.

White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

Cole Allen, the suspect accused of attacking the White House Correspondents' Dinner, pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his lawyers seeking to disqualify top prosecutors from the case.

Trump Administration Seeks to Lower Beef Prices with Executive Orders

President Donald Trump is set to sign two executive orders aimed at lowering beef prices, including a pause on beef tariffs, as part of the administration's efforts to address rising consumer costs.

US Treasury Flags Iranian Money-Laundering Networks

The US Treasury Department has instructed American banks and financial institutions to monitor for suspected Iranian money-laundering networks that are allegedly used to fund smuggling operations.

Lawsuit Blames OpenAI's ChatGPT for Florida State University Shooting

The family of a victim in last year's Florida State University mass shooting has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that its ChatGPT chatbot assisted the gunman in planning the rampage.

Trump Pitches Federal Gas Tax Halt as Fuel Costs Climb

President Trump and congressional Republicans are floating a proposal to suspend the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon to alleviate soaring fuel prices, though such a measure would require congressional approval and may not fully offset recent increases.

South Africa's Ramaphosa Defies Resignation Calls Over Cash-in-Sofa Scandal

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected calls for his resignation and vowed to contest a report criticizing his handling of a 2020 robbery at his farm, as lawmakers prepare for an inquiry into the matter.

Supreme Court Allows Alabama to Eliminate Black-Majority District

The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked a lower court order requiring Alabama to use a congressional map with two majority-Black districts, potentially allowing the state to revert to a map that could eliminate two Democratic seats before the midterm elections.

Nonprofit Sues to Block Trump's Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Renovation

A historic preservation group has filed a lawsuit to block President Trump's plan to repaint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, alleging the renovation requires congressional approval and alters its historic appearance.

Trump Rejects Iran Peace Deal; Ceasefire ‘On Life Support’

President Trump stated the ceasefire with Iran is "on life support" after rejecting Tehran's latest peace proposal as "garbage," raising concerns about a return to full-scale conflict and its impact on global oil prices and the US economy.

California Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton Mocked for Taco Knowledge

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton faced widespread mockery on social media for misidentifying a hardshell fast food taco as a "Barstow street taco," drawing criticism in a state where tacos are a staple.

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