The Record · weekly wrap-up
The Week in Grades
Jul 13–19, 2026 · 537 reports fact-checked, averaging a B
Every week Clad wraps up what its fact-checks found: the best- and worst-graded coverage, the claims most disputed by the evidence, and the stories that were covered heavily from one side. This is the same review the Sunday newsletter carries — kept here for the record.
Of the 537 lean-scored reports this week, 149 leaned left, 216 read centered, and 172 leaned right.
Top of the Class, Bottom of the Barrel
See all →Best graded this week
Most disputed claims
UK economy 6% smaller due to Brexit is untrue; issues from post-2024 Labour government
NBER and related studies attribute 6-8% GDP reduction to Brexit by 2025, accumulating steadily. Read the full report →
Partygate was nonsense; no cronyism in PPE VIP lane
Covid inquiry found VIP lane inherently biased, ~£10bn PPE wasted, unfair treatment for connected firms. Read the full report →
Community violence intervention grants like $4.2M to LISC in New York were deleted
Blanche disputed 'deletion,' saying funding priorities shifted and other streams remain; specific grant status unverified in available sources. Read the full report →
Clayton cannot disagree with Trump on the 2020 result
Kelly's interpretation; Clayton responded he would deliver the job 'candidly, independently, and with my best judgment.' Read the full report →
Urban Sequoia concept launched at COP21 in Glasgow
SOM records confirm launch at COP26 Glasgow in 2021, presented by Hasman and colleagues Read the full report →
Blindspots
Labour leadership drew 10 reports this week, and the coverage leaned heavily toward the right — if you only watched one network, you likely got one side.
NDAA drew 6 reports this week, and the coverage leaned heavily toward the right — if you only watched one network, you likely got one side.
Epstein files drew 4 reports this week, and the coverage leaned heavily toward the left — if you only watched one network, you likely got one side.