Top stories — May 13, 2026 edition

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

Patel Denies Drinking Allegations; Senator Alleges ‘Witch Hunt’ Spending

FBI Director Kash Patel faced intense questioning from Democratic lawmakers during a Senate budget hearing regarding allegations of excessive drinking and misconduct. Patel dismissed the claims as a "total farce" and "political witch hunts."

How coverage differs: Left outlets focus on FBI Director Kash Patel's denial of drinking allegations and the Democratic questioning, while right outlets emphasize the “political witch hunt” and alleged taxpayer waste.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns Amid Vaping Policy Dispute

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned amid reports of internal tensions and angering various groups, with Kyle Diamantas taking over as acting commissioner. Separately, the Trump administration plans to name ICE veteran David Venturella as the agency's interim director.

How coverage differs: Left outlets emphasize internal tensions leading to Makary's abrupt departure, while right outlets suggest he was fired due to his irrational resistance to flavored nicotine vapes.

NBA's first openly gay player Jason Collins dies at 47 of brain cancer

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, a veteran of 7 NBA seasons, has died at age 29. Separately, Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, died at 47 from brain cancer.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight Jason Collins' pioneering courage and impact as the NBA's first openly gay player, while right outlets focus on his death from brain cancer and professional achievements.

Argentina Protests Milei's University Funding Cuts

Tens of thousands of Argentines are protesting President Javier Milei's deep cuts to tuition-free universities, as staff wages plunge and funding laws stall. Organizers estimate 600,000 people attended the protest in Buenos Aires alone.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight the massive scale and widespread public outcry against Milei's cuts to tuition-free education, while right outlets note a significant public reaction to austerity impacting ‘prized’ universities.

India Hikes Gold, Silver Tariffs to Curb Imports and Defend Rupee

India has increased import tariffs on gold and silver to defend its currency and shore up foreign-exchange reserves. This move comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushes to curb fuel and gold consumption amid Middle East tensions.

Israel's Eurovision Singer Advances Amid Pro-Palestine Protests

Israel's Eurovision singer, Noam Bettan, qualified for the final during the live semi-final despite being booed by pro-Palestine supporters. Finland also advanced, while five other countries were eliminated.

Trump, Xi Confront High-Stakes Trade, Iran, AI at Beijing Summit

President Trump is in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions are expected to cover trade, Taiwan, Iran tensions, and the role of AI. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also joined the trip, highlighting technology's prominence.

How coverage differs: Left outlets emphasize the summit's high stakes regarding global trade, Taiwan, and Iran for a war-weary world, while right outlets focus on Trump's firm stance on Iran and his pre-trip outburst.

Bahrain-led UN Resolution on Hormuz Gains 112-Nation Support

Tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate, with warnings of renewed attacks and Iran expanding its definition of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict is driving up inflation, impacting global markets, and causing economic pain for Americans.

Florida to close ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ migrant detention center

The migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' is reportedly set to close in June due to escalating operating costs, estimated at nearly $1 billion. DHS is evaluating detention needs.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight the controversial nature and financial burden of the remote ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ while right outlets focus on substantial operating costs as a practical reason for its closure.

California Mayor Pleads Guilty to Spying for China

A California mayor has pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal agent for China, admitting to working with Chinese government officials to promote pro-PRC content on a news site. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin blamed Governor Gavin Newsom's policies for alleged Chinese infiltration.

How coverage differs: Left outlets detail a California mayor's admission of promoting pro-PRC content, while right outlets emphasize his spying for China and link it to Governor Newsom's policies via DHS Secretary Mullin.

South Carolina Republicans Defy Trump, Block Redistricting Plan

South Carolina Republicans have defied President Trump's demands to redraw congressional maps, with five GOP senators breaking ranks to block the redistricting efforts. Trump had warned he was closely watching the state's actions.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight South Carolina Republicans' rare defiance of Trump as an unexpected challenge, while right outlets focus on the temporary blocking of redistricting efforts.

Trump Organization Scraps Gold Coast Tower Plan

The Trump Organization has scrapped plans to build a billion-dollar Trump Tower on Australia's Gold Coast, just months after the deal was signed. The company stated it still hopes to build a "supertower" elsewhere in Australia.

Patel Denies Drinking Allegations; Senator Alleges ‘Witch Hunt’ Spending

FBI Director Kash Patel faced intense questioning from Democratic lawmakers during a Senate budget hearing regarding allegations of excessive drinking and misconduct. Patel dismissed the claims as a "total farce" and "political witch hunts."

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns Amid Vaping Policy Dispute

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned amid reports of internal tensions and angering various groups, with Kyle Diamantas taking over as acting commissioner. Separately, the Trump administration plans to name ICE veteran David Venturella as the agency's interim director.

NBA's first openly gay player Jason Collins dies at 47 of brain cancer

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, a veteran of 7 NBA seasons, has died at age 29. Separately, Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, died at 47 from brain cancer.

Argentina Protests Milei's University Funding Cuts

Tens of thousands of Argentines are protesting President Javier Milei's deep cuts to tuition-free universities, as staff wages plunge and funding laws stall. Organizers estimate 600,000 people attended the protest in Buenos Aires alone.

India Hikes Gold, Silver Tariffs to Curb Imports and Defend Rupee

India has increased import tariffs on gold and silver to defend its currency and shore up foreign-exchange reserves. This move comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushes to curb fuel and gold consumption amid Middle East tensions.

Israel's Eurovision Singer Advances Amid Pro-Palestine Protests

Israel's Eurovision singer, Noam Bettan, qualified for the final during the live semi-final despite being booed by pro-Palestine supporters. Finland also advanced, while five other countries were eliminated.

Trump, Xi Confront High-Stakes Trade, Iran, AI at Beijing Summit

President Trump is in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions are expected to cover trade, Taiwan, Iran tensions, and the role of AI. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also joined the trip, highlighting technology's prominence.

Bahrain-led UN Resolution on Hormuz Gains 112-Nation Support

Tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate, with warnings of renewed attacks and Iran expanding its definition of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict is driving up inflation, impacting global markets, and causing economic pain for Americans.

Newer edition — May 13, 2026 Older edition — May 13, 2026 All editions Today's edition