Top stories — August 26, 2026 edition

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

Darline Graham wins South Carolina GOP Senate runoff, replacing late brother

Darline Graham, endorsed by President Trump, won the South Carolina GOP Senate primary runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman, securing the nomination to replace her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Her victory was projected by CBS News and AP News.

How coverage differs: Left outlets report Darline Graham's first election win projected by major news, while right outlets emphasize President Trump's endorsement as the key factor in her victory.

Secret Service places 3 officials on leave amid misconduct probe

Three U.S. Secret Service officials were placed on administrative leave Tuesday amid an investigation into possible misconduct. The agency also confirmed awareness of an Iranian threat against Barron Trump.

How coverage differs: Left outlets emphasize the Secret Service's internal misconduct probe and officials on leave, while right outlets link it to an Iranian threat against Barron Trump, questioning agency integrity and security.

Dolly Parton, country music icon and philanthropist, dies at 80

Country music legend Dolly Parton died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, prompting tributes from fans and highlighting her extensive philanthropic work, including the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library.

How coverage differs: Left outlets celebrate Dolly Parton's philanthropic legacy and beloved status, while right outlets focus on her personal journey and the antisemitic vandalism of her Wikipedia page.

US, Canada Exchange Tariffs; Toilet Paper Prices Jump

The trade dispute between the US and Canada intensified as Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on approximately $20 billion of US goods, including paper products and automotive parts, following new tariffs from the Trump administration.

How coverage differs: Left outlets report on tariffs' economic impact, specifically surging toilet paper prices for American consumers, while right outlets emphasize political rhetoric and a Canadian official's profane remark towards Trump.

Alaska Primary Advances Two Dan Sullivans to Senate Ballot

Alaska's US Senate race will advance two candidates named Dan Sullivan to the general election, including the incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan and a retired teacher, Dan J. Sullivan, creating potential voter confusion.

How coverage differs: Left outlets report the unusual advancement of two Dan Sullivans and potential voter confusion, whereas right outlets frame the second Dan as a “Decoy Dan” to siphon votes from the incumbent.

US Supreme Court mail ballot ruling stirs debate

The Supreme Court's mail-in voting ruling in favor of President Trump stirred debate ahead of the midterms. Congressional Democrats and voting rights advocates have mounted new challenges to the administration's plans for postal service election policing.

Iran, Oman discuss Hormuz reopening; oil prices fall on hopes

Iran and Oman are nearing a deal to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz and clear mines, which caused oil prices to fall. This comes as the US continues to impose economic sanctions on Iran, targeting its gold, digital assets, aviation, shipping, and tech industries.

Trump administration sends Saudi nuclear deal to Congress

The White House presented a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress, with President Trump insisting the deal is contingent on the kingdom normalizing relations with Israel. Some lawmakers and nonproliferation advocates have criticized the pact for lacking a permanent prohibition on enrichment or reprocessing.

US Secret Service officials under misconduct investigation

Three US Secret Service officials were placed on administrative leave amid an internal investigation into potential misconduct. The agency also confirmed awareness of an Iranian threat against Barron Trump.

Montana man kills 8 relatives, 4 children, at family dinner

A Montana man opened fire at a family dinner, killing eight relatives, including four children. The victims included 12-year-old Charlotte Ghekiere, who called 911 during the rampage.

Capitol Police arrest California man with guillotine near US Capitol

A California man was arrested near the US Capitol after Capitol Police discovered an assembled guillotine in the bed of his pickup truck. The 35-year-old was taken into custody on charges related to the possession.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight the alarming discovery of an assembled guillotine and the man's journey, while right outlets emphasize the specific location near the Supreme Court and the object's threatening nature.

US military attacks alleged drug-smuggling boat, kills 4 in Caribbean

The US military conducted a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean, killing four alleged narco-terrorists. This brings the total to at least 227 deaths across 68 reported operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea over approximately one year.

How coverage differs: Left outlets emphasize the US military's attack on an alleged drug boat, highlighting four deaths, while right outlets frame it as a successful anti-narcotics operation, noting alleged smugglers killed among 227 total.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe makes rare visit to Moscow

CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a rare, secret visit to Moscow, where he held talks with counterparts, though not with President Vladimir Putin. The purpose of the trip remains unclear.

How coverage differs: Left outlets report the confirmation of CIA Director John Ratcliffe's rare Moscow visit, highlighting its unusual nature, while right outlets emphasize the secrecy and lack of clarity regarding its objectives.

Philadelphia ‘Chucky’ masked man arrested in Las Vegas

Zymire Hughes, a Philadelphia man accused of terrorizing citizens while wearing a 'Chucky' mask, was apprehended in Las Vegas after a multi-state manhunt. Surveillance footage led U.S. Marshals to his apartment complex.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight the multi-state manhunt and U.S. Marshals' role in apprehending the ‘Chucky’ masked man, while right outlets focus on Zymire Hughes and the terror he inflicted.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle return to UK

Prince Harry and his family arrived back in Britain, as reported by the BBC, marking their return six years after relocating. The couple's arrival signals a new chapter.

Darline Graham wins South Carolina GOP Senate runoff, replacing late brother

Darline Graham, endorsed by President Trump, won the South Carolina GOP Senate primary runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman, securing the nomination to replace her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Her victory was projected by CBS News and AP News.

Secret Service places 3 officials on leave amid misconduct probe

Three U.S. Secret Service officials were placed on administrative leave Tuesday amid an investigation into possible misconduct. The agency also confirmed awareness of an Iranian threat against Barron Trump.

Dolly Parton, country music icon and philanthropist, dies at 80

Country music legend Dolly Parton died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, prompting tributes from fans and highlighting her extensive philanthropic work, including the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library.

US, Canada Exchange Tariffs; Toilet Paper Prices Jump

The trade dispute between the US and Canada intensified as Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on approximately $20 billion of US goods, including paper products and automotive parts, following new tariffs from the Trump administration.

Alaska Primary Advances Two Dan Sullivans to Senate Ballot

Alaska's US Senate race will advance two candidates named Dan Sullivan to the general election, including the incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan and a retired teacher, Dan J. Sullivan, creating potential voter confusion.

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