POLITICSEurope Tries a Trumpian Tactic With Trump: No ApologiesStuck with the fallout from America’s war in Iran, European leaders have criticized the president publicly. When he’s been angered, they haven’t backed down.NY Times·May 13, 2026
POLITICSTrump’s Shrinking Ambitions on ChinaThe president came into office planning harsher trade moves on China than on the rest of the world. Here’s why he’s had to scale them back.NY Times·May 13, 2026
POLITICS‘Blatant disregard for rights’: concern grows over Gabon’s social media clampdown<p>Activists claim use of laws to curtail internet freedoms part of well-documented history of cracking down on dissent</p><p>When Gabon’s media regulator indefinitely suspended major social media platforms in February, citing security concerns during anti-government protests, it became the talk of The Guardian·May 13, 2026
POLITICS‘Blatant disregard for rights’: concern grows over Gabon’s social media clampdown<p>Activists claim use of laws to curtail internet freedoms part of well-documented history of cracking down on dissent</p><p>When Gabon’s media regulator indefinitely suspended major social media platforms in February, citing security concerns during anti-government protests, it became the talk of The Guardian·May 13, 2026
POLITICSThe Lecturer and Philosopher King: Xi Jinping Behind Closed DoorsEncounters with other world leaders reveal a side of China’s leader that the public rarely sees, and offer clues to how he will approach President Trump in Beijing.NY Times·May 13, 2026
POLITICS‘It’s a failed nation’: Trump pressures Cuba as fuel crisis deepensUS President Donald Trump has called Cuba ‘a failed nation’, as his administration expands its pressure campaign.Al Jazeera·May 13, 2026
POLITICSDominican Republic Agrees to Take Third-Country Migrants Deported by U.S.The agreement, which reverses President Luis Abinader’s previous stance, is part of President Trump’s efforts to find governments willing to accept deportees.NY Times·May 13, 2026
POLITICSFBI Director Kash Patel fires back at drinking allegationsFBI Director Kash Patel and Senator Chris Van Hollen had a heated exchange during a Senate budget hearing.Al Jazeera·May 13, 2026
POLITICSFormer private prison official to serve as acting ICE chiefCompared to the start of President Trump's second term, David Venturella takes over an agency with a larger workforce, more financial resources — and also a continued funding lapse.NPR·May 13, 2026
POLITICSNebraska Gov. Jim Pillen to Face Democrat Lynne WalzDemocrats face an uphill fight as they seek to unseat Gov. Jim Pillen, who is running for another term in the solidly Republican state.NY Times·May 13, 2026
POLITICSJustice Dept. Officials Consider Settling Trump Suit Against I.R.S.One of the settlement terms under review is for the I.R.S. to drop any audits of the president, his family members and businesses.NY Times·May 13, 2026
POLITICSU.S. Intelligence Shows Iran Retains Substantial Missile CapabilitiesSecret new assessments say Iran has operational access to 30 of its 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that its military remains far stronger than President Trump has asserted.NY Times·May 12, 2026
