Top stories — May 18, 2026 edition

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

Two Navy Jets Collide Mid-Air at Idaho Air Show; All Four Crew Eject Safely

Two US Navy jets collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. All four crew members ejected safely and are reported to be in stable condition, leading to a lockdown of the base.

How coverage differs: Left outlets focus on the dramatic mid-air collision and crash aftermath, while right outlets emphasize the positive outcome of all four crew members safely ejecting and their stable condition.

Thousands Pack National Mall for Trump-Backed ‘Rededicate 250’ Prayer Rally

Thousands gathered on the National Mall in Washington D.C. for a Trump-backed 'Rededicate 250' national prayer event, featuring the President and cabinet officials. Critics have raised concerns about the blurring of church and state.'

How coverage differs: Left outlets criticize the ‘Rededicate 250’ rally for blurring church and state with political backing, while right outlets celebrate its spiritual significance and President Trump's call for prayer.

French Prosecutors Identify New Victims in Epstein Probe

French prosecutors have identified around 10 new suspected victims in their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's network. The probe is examining potential crimes committed in France or involving French nationals tied to Epstein's activities.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight continued efforts to uncover potential crimes by confirming “new” victims, while right outlets present the identification of new victims as a factual update on the ongoing probe.

Ukraine Kills Four in Largest Drone Attack on Moscow

Ukraine conducted its largest drone attack on Moscow, killing at least four people and wounding a dozen others across 14 regions. President Zelensky described the strikes as a "justified" response to previous Russian attacks.

How coverage differs: Left outlets report Russia's claims of four deaths and widespread drone attacks as a significant escalation, while right outlets focus on Zelensky's justification, framing the strikes as Ukraine's direct retaliation.

Israel Strikes Lebanon, Killing Seven Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks

Israeli strikes killed at least seven people in Lebanon, including an Islamic Jihad commander, despite an extended ceasefire. Hezbollah denounced US-brokered talks, and an analysis suggests the ceasefire is a dangerous fiction.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight Israel's disregard for the extended ceasefire by striking Lebanon and killing seven, while right outlets frame the truce as a dangerous fiction in a necessary war against Hezbollah.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Rejects Being Traded Amid US Arms Deal Debate

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te stated that the self-ruled democracy cannot be traded away, days after President Trump commented on a planned $14 billion US arms sale. Taiwan's envoy to the US urged the Trump administration to deliver on future arms sales.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight President Lai's firm rejection of trading Taiwan's ‘free way of life’ and commitment to autonomy, while right outlets focus on Taiwan's envoy urging continued US arms sales for defense capabilities.

First Hantavirus Case From Cruise Ship Confirmed in North America

A hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has killed three passengers, has now seen its first confirmed case in North America. An American on the ship is under 42-day quarantine, and a medic with symptoms is being treated in London.

How coverage differs: Left outlets emphasize the hantavirus's serious public health implications and quarantine, while right outlets report the facts but highlight the cruise industry's continued strength and traveler resilience.

Report: Cuba acquires 300+ Russia-Iran drones, eyes US attacks

Classified intelligence reports indicate Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran, with discussions about potential attacks on US targets like Guantanamo Bay and Key West. Shipping giants Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have suspended Cuba bookings following a US executive order.

How coverage differs: Left outlets report Cuba's drone acquisition from Russia and Iran, while right outlets emphasize the alarming prospect of Cuba weighing attacks on US soil like Florida and Guantanamo Bay.

Andy Burnham Faces Perilous By-election Race in Makerfield

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham faces a challenging by-election race in Makerfield, with allies suggesting it will be perilous. Reform UK, which won over 50% of the local election vote, is expected to focus heavily on immigration and Brexit.

How coverage differs: Coverage of Andy Burnham Faces Perilous By-election Race in Makerfield varies across outlets, with differing emphasis on key aspects of the story.

Trump warns Iran: ‘Clock ticking’ on deal, demands swift action

President Trump issued a direct warning to Iran, stating the "clock is ticking" for a deal to end the conflict, or there will be nothing left. This comes as peace negotiations remain stalled and oil prices rise due to fears of prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure.

How coverage differs: Left outlets characterize Trump's Iran warning as an aggressive, destabilizing threat hindering diplomacy, while right outlets portray it as a strong, decisive ultimatum demanding swift action.

WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak Global Health Emergency in Congo, Uganda

The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a global health emergency, with at least 80 deaths reported. Cases have spread, and several Americans in Congo were potentially exposed to the virus.

Drone strike sparks fire near UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant; UAE blames Iran

A drone strike caused a fire near the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates, which officials called a "dangerous escalation." The UAE blames Iran or its proxies for the attack, highlighting risks amid the ongoing Iran war deadlock.

China Commits $17B Annually in US Farm Purchases After Trump-Xi Talks

Following the Trump-Xi summit, China committed to buying at least $17 billion worth of US agricultural goods annually through 2028. This agreement aims to solidify a trade truce between the two largest economies.

Trump-backed Letlow ousts incumbent Cassidy in Louisiana primary

Senator Bill Cassidy was defeated in the Louisiana Republican primary, with Trump-backed Julia Letlow advancing to a runoff. Former President Trump had called for voters to remove Cassidy, who had voted to convict Trump.

Israel Reveals Second Secret Military Outpost in Iraqi Desert

Israel reportedly established a second secret military outpost in the Iraqi desert, following a Wall Street Journal report on a first covert site. These outposts were prepared for operations against Iran, according to regional and Iraqi officials.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight the clandestine nature and regional instability implications of Israel's secret outposts, while right outlets frame them as strategic actions to counter Iranian threats.

Austin Police Arrest 2 Teens for 10 Random Shootings, Injuring Four

Austin police arrested two teenagers in connection with at least 10 random shootings across the city over the weekend, which injured four people. The incidents prompted a shelter-in-place order and involved shots fired at fire trucks and apartment buildings.

Long Island Rail Road Strike Halts US's Largest Commuter System

The Long Island Rail Road, the largest US commuter rail system, shut down due to a strike by five unions, disrupting over 300,000 commuters. New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged unions to resume talks to resolve the crisis.

Peruvian Authorities Confirm Fujimori, Sanchez Advance to Runoff

Peruvian electoral authorities officially confirmed conservative Keiko Fujimori and leftist lawmaker Roberto Sánchez as the candidates for the presidential runoff election on June 7. The first round was marred by logistical errors and fraud allegations.

Israel Approves Budget for Embassy Relocations to Jerusalem

The Israeli government approved a proposal to allocate a budget for incentive packages to encourage the relocation of embassies to Jerusalem. This initiative aims to foster meetings and delegations in the capital.

Two Navy Jets Collide Mid-Air at Idaho Air Show; All Four Crew Eject Safely

Two US Navy jets collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. All four crew members ejected safely and are reported to be in stable condition, leading to a lockdown of the base.

Newer edition — May 18, 2026 Older edition — May 17, 2026 All editions Today's edition