Top stories — May 17, 2026 edition

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

Trump-backed challengers defeat Senator Bill Cassidy in Louisiana primary

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican who voted to convict President Trump, lost his Louisiana primary bid, with Trump-backed Julia Letlow and John Fleming advancing to a runoff, demonstrating Trump's continued influence in GOP elections.

How coverage differs: Left outlets focus on Trump's strong reaction and continued power against opponents, while right outlets underscore his enduring influence and the defeat of a senator who voted to convict him.

Two US fighter jets collide mid-air at Idaho Air Show; crew safe

Two US Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, but all four crew members safely ejected.

How coverage differs: Left outlets emphasize the dramatic mid-air collision and its immediate aftermath, while right outlets highlight the successful ejection and safety of all four Navy crew members.

Trump criticizes Rep. Thomas Massie ahead of Kentucky primary

President Trump intensified his criticism of Rep. Thomas Massie, calling him a 'LOSER' and urging Kentucky voters to oust him in the upcoming Republican primary, following the defeat of Senator Bill Cassidy.

How coverage differs: Left outlets frame Trump's criticism of Massie as a desperate attack highlighting internal GOP struggle, while right outlets focus on Trump's “LOSER” remark and Massie's defiant, fundraising-boosting response.

Taiwan asserts independence as Trump weighs arms sales

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te declared that the island 'will never be sacrificed or traded,' rebuking China and emphasizing that US arms purchases are a crucial deterrent, following President Trump's remarks about using arms sales as a bargaining chip.'

How coverage differs: Left outlets emphasize the delicate US-Taiwan balance and warnings against altering rhetoric, while right outlets highlight President Lai's stern rebuke of China and Trump's arms sales as a bargaining chip.

Trump's China visit focuses on trade, Taiwan, and AI

President Trump's visit to Beijing focused on reversing economic imbalances, with China agreeing to buy at least $17 billion in US agricultural products annually, while discussions also covered Taiwan arms sales and AI guardrails with President Xi Jinping.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlighted a diplomatic win regarding Iran, while right outlets framed Trump's visit as reversing economic vulnerability and signaling a new Cold War with China.

LIRR Strike Halts Service, Stranding 300,000 Commuters

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike entered its second day, affecting approximately 300,000 daily commuters and prompting New York Governor Kathy Hochul to urge unions to resume talks ahead of Monday's rush hour.

How coverage differs: Left outlets report on the LIRR strike's impact and workers' unresolved demands after failed negotiations, while right outlets blame Governor Hochul for the severe commuter disruption due to her lack of leadership.

Senate Parliamentarian Blocks $1 Billion for Trump Ballroom, White House Security

The Senate parliamentarian ruled against including $1 billion in White House security funding, which was tied to President Trump's planned ballroom, in a budget reconciliation bill, dealing a blow to the administration's request.

How coverage differs: Left outlets emphasize the personal nature of the $1 billion for Trump's ballroom as a setback, while right outlets focus on the procedural rejection of White House security funding in a reconciliation bill.

WHO declares Congo, Uganda Ebola outbreak a global health emergency

The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global health emergency, with at least 80 deaths and around 246 suspected cases reported, though it does not meet pandemic criteria.

Iran-backed drones strike UAE Barakah nuclear plant, spark fire

President Trump warned Iran that 'time is ticking' and 'there won't be anything left' if a deal isn't reached, as a drone strike caused a fire near the UAE's Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, raising tensions amid a fragile ceasefire.

How coverage differs: Left outlets emphasize Trump's “nothing left” warning amid stalled talks and Iran's blame, while right outlets frame his “running out of time” warning as a direct response to the ceasefire's collapse.

France investigates 10 new victims in Jeffrey Epstein case

French magistrates are investigating approximately 10 new suspected victims in connection with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, focusing on potential crimes involving French perpetrators or nationals tied to his network.

LIRR strike shuts down service; Governor Hochul blamed for commuter chaos

The Long Island Rail Road strike has caused significant disruption for over 300,000 commuters, with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman blaming Governor Kathy Hochul for a 'lack of leadership' in resolving the crisis.

Comey Tells Acting AG Blanche: ‘Bone Up’ on Justice Department Rules

Former FBI Director James Comey publicly advised Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to 'bone up on the rules' and cease discussing his case, amid the federal prosecution of Comey.

Police arrest 43 at London pro-Palestine and ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rallies

London police arrested 43 individuals during concurrent pro-Palestine and Tommy Robinson's 'Unite the Kingdom' marches, with officers reportedly facing racial abuse at the latter event, which saw between 15,000 and 20,000 attendees.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight 43 arrests and racial abuse at the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally, while right outlets focus on the hunt for pro-Palestine hate crime suspects and the £4.5 million policing cost.

Trump-backed challengers defeat Senator Bill Cassidy in Louisiana primary

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican who voted to convict President Trump, lost his Louisiana primary bid, with Trump-backed Julia Letlow and John Fleming advancing to a runoff, demonstrating Trump's continued influence in GOP elections.

Two US fighter jets collide mid-air at Idaho Air Show; crew safe

Two US Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, but all four crew members safely ejected.

Trump criticizes Rep. Thomas Massie ahead of Kentucky primary

President Trump intensified his criticism of Rep. Thomas Massie, calling him a 'LOSER' and urging Kentucky voters to oust him in the upcoming Republican primary, following the defeat of Senator Bill Cassidy.

Taiwan asserts independence as Trump weighs arms sales

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te declared that the island 'will never be sacrificed or traded,' rebuking China and emphasizing that US arms purchases are a crucial deterrent, following President Trump's remarks about using arms sales as a bargaining chip.'

Trump's China visit focuses on trade, Taiwan, and AI

President Trump's visit to Beijing focused on reversing economic imbalances, with China agreeing to buy at least $17 billion in US agricultural products annually, while discussions also covered Taiwan arms sales and AI guardrails with President Xi Jinping.

LIRR Strike Halts Service, Stranding 300,000 Commuters

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike entered its second day, affecting approximately 300,000 daily commuters and prompting New York Governor Kathy Hochul to urge unions to resume talks ahead of Monday's rush hour.

Senate Parliamentarian Blocks $1 Billion for Trump Ballroom, White House Security

The Senate parliamentarian ruled against including $1 billion in White House security funding, which was tied to President Trump's planned ballroom, in a budget reconciliation bill, dealing a blow to the administration's request.

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