The Record · weekly wrap-up
The Week in Grades
Aug 24–30, 2026 · 213 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 213 lean-scored reports this week, 72 leaned left, 73 read centered, and 68 leaned right.
Top of the Class, Bottom of the Barrel
See all →Best graded this week
Worst graded this week
- 1 D- Pentagon drafts tactical nuclear options for regional wars with Russia, China amid Iran conflict
- 2 D- MeidasTouch links Colorado Black Hawk mishap, Apache crashes to Trump military failures in Iran war
- 3 D+ Fetterman Defends Trump Iran Strikes, Rejects Democratic Criticism in Tense CNN Interview
Most disputed claims
US has more income and wealth inequality than ever in history, worse than Gilded Age
Fed DFA Q1 2026 shows top 1% at ~31.6%; some economists argue ultra-top shares exceed Gilded Age peaks while broader top 1% estimates from that era were higher. Read the full report →
Highest rate of childhood poverty in richest country
Official rate ~15% in 2024 data, lower than pre-1960s peaks though high vs. peer nations. Read the full report →
DHS caught nearly 257,000 illegal aliens on voter rolls in four states.
DHS released preliminary estimates (~256k potential matches across CA, NJ, NV, PA) from public files; states called the numbers speculative, later reviews (e.g. Nevada: 185 confirmed) showed far fewer, and no evidence of widespread actual voting. Read the full report →
Trump's order does not require states to do anything; it simply enforces the law with safeguards and will be hard for Democrats to challenge.
The EO directs federal agencies and USPS actions that states argued commandeers their election administration; multiple courts found it likely unconstitutional, though SCOTUS has paused the injunction for now. Read the full report →
Fox cut away from Trump's 'deranged' NASA speech
Trump spoke at Aug 28 Artemis II medal ceremony; coverage varied but no widespread reports of abrupt cutaways for humiliation. Read the full report →
Blindspots
Trump drew 25 reports this week, and the coverage leaned heavily toward the left — if you only watched one network, you likely got one side.
Debate drew 14 reports this week, and the coverage leaned heavily toward the right — if you only watched one network, you likely got one side.
US-Canada trade drew 6 reports this week, and the coverage leaned heavily toward the left — if you only watched one network, you likely got one side.