Since European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada an "associate member" of the European Union earlier this month, media dialogue has emerged on what the relationship could look like and how plausible it is.

For Context: The suggestion came during a speech von der Leyen made as Canada and the US have been locked in a trade war. The EU has 27 member nations, and all of them are located in Europe. There is no such classification as an "associate member."

Overarching Mood: Jon Henley of The Guardian (Left bias) argued that while there is currently no legal framework to incorporate Canada into the EU, it accurately portrays a current geopolitical "mood." Henley argued, "On paper, in a world of unpredictable and increasingly aggressive great powers, it makes perfect sense." He said that European industrial strategy, defense, AI, scientific research, and student exchange programs "would offer Canada a reliable counterweight to its all-too-unreliable southern neighbour." He added, "For the EU, meanwhile, Canada is a dream partner: a stable, like-minded 'middle power' rich in critical minerals, rare earths and – as Carney couldn't resist noting – good manners." Nonetheless, Henley described the nonexistence of "associate membership" as a nonstarter and said that Canada wouldn't be able to sign an associate agreement with the bloc "for the very good reason that it isn't in Europe."

Favored Nations: An opinion from the Editorial Board at The Financial Times (Center) also noted difficulties for Canada in joining the EU but argued "a more modest but more realistic partnership would be enough" and that at the upcoming Canada-EU summit, ambitions should be "high." The Board argued that the Canada situation shows the need for a more clearly defined vision of what it can offer key partners "such as the UK, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey, where membership is not on the horizon but where closer co-operation is imperative." Instead, the Board said the EU currently resorts to "ad hoc bilateralism," which "risks missing the opportunity for more deliberate strategic leadership."

Pointless Theater: Wolfgang Munchau of UnHerd (Center) likened the current geopolitical landscape to the pre-war period that ultimately resulted in the breakup of Austria-Hungary. He described chatter between the EU and Canada about it becoming an "associate member" as a futile effort taking place "in a world soon to be extinguished." Munchau wrote, "For the EU is not a global power, but something much more down to earth: a customs union and a single market, plus a monetary union among most of its members… Yet instead of focusing on the EU's core economic problems, where she has the power to bring about change, von der Leyen is engaged in a performative dance with Carney."

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British police arrested five men on Sunday near an airbase used by the US Air Force on suspicion of explosives and terrorism.

The Incident: Police said 85 nearby homes were evacuated during the preliminary stages of the on-site investigation. According to The Telegraph (Center bias), UK counter-terrorism police are investigating to see whether Iran was linked to the incident. President Trump claimed the men were "looking to do big damage." UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Sunday that the investigation is ongoing, and he urged "people not to speculate while the authorities establish the full facts."

The Site: The base, RAF Fairford, has been used by the US and NATO for European operations since the 1950s. Since March, the US has used it for strikes on Iranian missile sites and targets in the Strait of Hormuz. In July, Iran warned that any base used for strikes against it would be considered a legitimate target.

Wider Context: On Saturday, President Trump rejected a peace proposal from the Iranian government. The incident follows reports in July and August by The Telegraph and the Financial Times (Center) that the UK's Liberal government is planning to warn residents to stock up on food and other supplies in preparation for severe weather, cyberattacks, or other emergencies. Lately, mainstream media outlets have suggested Europe might be preparing for a wider conflict with Russia, though some pundits have pushed back on the commentary.

How The Media Covered It: Major American mainstream outlets from the left and center generally noted that the US used the airbase in their headlines, something Qatari outlet Al Jazeera (Lean Left) also did. Turkish state media Anadolu Agency (Center) noted that the US worked with the UK in the investigation in its headline. Middle East Eye (Left) and Al Jazeera framed the terror charges less resolutely than many Western outlets. Al Jazeera put "terrorism" in quotation marks, and Middle East Eye wrote in its headline that the UK arrested the men "under [its] terrorism act." Conversely, Fox News (Right) said the incident "signals [a] wider threat" to the US in its headline, based on comments it reported from a former Pentagon official. The Daily Wire (Right) described the incident as a "sinister terror plot" in its headline.

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The US Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration's enhancements to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database on Friday, nullifying a district court judge's block in June.

Note: Though related, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) SAVE database and President Donald Trump's proposed SAVE America Act are not the same measures. 

Politically Split on SAVE: The Court's six conservative justices – Samuel A. Alito, Jr., Amy Coney Barrett, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, John G. Roberts, Jr., and Clarence Thomas – held the majority opinion and stated that the district court order "inhibits the Federal Government's efforts to assist state and local agencies in the proper administration of the midterm elections." It also, however, upholds a provision that "prohibit[es] states from 'systematically remov[ing] the names of ineligible voters' from their rolls during the 90 days prior to any primary or general election." (The 2026 Midterms are less than 40 days away.)

Liberal justices Elena Kagan, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Sonia Sotomayor dissented, stating, "The harm caused by burdening or disenfranchising even a few lawful voters outweighs the nonexistent harm that the Government experiences when it is prevented from taking an action that it likely lacks the authority to take."

For Context: Trump's enhancements to the SAVE database, which was first established in 1986, include stricter regulations on mail-in voting, a federal voter registration list, and increased records access and transparency. US District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan blocked the enhancements in June due to their alleged privacy violations. Track more of Trump's history with voter eligibility here.

Bipartisan Missouri Ruling: The Court also ruled on Friday against a GOP attempt to redraw Missouri's congressional map – the success of which would have removed a Democrat's seat in the House of Representatives. The justices presented no division in the unsigned ruling and asserted, "At this late date, ordering reversion to the 2025 map in the midst of an ongoing election would usher in electoral chaos."

RELATED: The Insight: Gerrymandering and the Midterms | AllSides

How The Media Covered: News outlets across the political spectrum covered both the split and bipartisan rulings, though many used slanted language for both stories as election-related issues become stronger points of contention ahead of the 2026 Midterms. MS NOW (Left bias), for example, highlighted the SAVE ruling's dissent and the Court's "GOP-appointed majority," while Fox News (Right) framed it as a "win" for Trump and gave a more prominent voice to its supporters. Fox also noted, "States' use of the SAVE program is voluntary."

RELATED: 2026 Election Center | AllSides, Powered by PILLARS

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President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up a three‑day Washington summit, following an earlier move ⁠by the two nations to extend by two months a trade truce that was set to expire on Nov. 10.

 Unprecedented Greeting: President Trump greeted Xi at Joint Base Andrews, considered an uncommon gesture for a sitting president. It was the first time in 11 years that a US president welcomed a foreign leader at the base, according to Reuters (Center). Both leaders appeared to publicly emphasize friendship and stability. "President Xi and Madam Peng have just left D.C., heading for China. The meeting was one of Friendship, Strength, and Success, for both China and the U.S.A.," Trump said on Truth Social. "Much has been, and will be, accomplished. I look forward to our next meeting!" First Lady Melania Trump had announced that the visit would feature military ceremonies, flyovers, a state dinner and a joint tour of the National Archives.

Trade Truce Extension: The United States and China agreed to extend their temporary tariff truce, which had been set to expire in mid‑November. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the extension would give both sides more time to negotiate a broader trade deal. China reached an agreement with the US on a tariff-reduction arrangement ⁠and on discussions related to artificial intelligence. Officials say the extra time is meant to allow negotiations on a larger trade deal. Both leaders discussed the wars in Iran and Ukraine, as well as the status of Taiwan.

Media Portrayal: Coverage from major outlets differed on their descriptions of the visit. The Guardian (Lean left) framed the meetings as "an elaborate state visit that critics say went big on style but lacked substance." But Fox News (Right) reported that President Xi "praised the level of 'perfection' on display," and noted Trump's comments that the two world leaders had a "very productive" time.

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Elevated gasoline prices at the pump have spurred both midterm speculation and perspectives on how to solve the issue.

RELATED: Rising Gas Prices Prompt Midterm Speculation, Criticism of Trump

"Higher Under Biden": President Donald Trump posted Sunday to his Truth Social account saying, "Gas prices were much higher under Biden than under 'TRUMP.' So were almost all other prices." According to AAA, the national gas price average was at $4.4918 on Friday, with California showing the highest average of $6.2882. AAA also highlighted in April that the national average rose above $4/gallon for the first time since 2022, when the national average reached a record of $5/gallon.

"The Appearance Of Scarcity": Opinion writer Lindsay Owens for The Boston Globe (Left bias) said "The price tag, once a symbol of fairness and transparency, has disappeared," adding that "Yes, you're being ripped off." Owens cited Glen Heller, a gas station owner during the 1979 oil crisis who, although being found guilty of price gouging , had his conviction overturned on a technicality and "continued to gouge customers at the pump. Rampant price gouging during the crisis spurred various pieces of legislation to control it, however, according to Owens, new technologies allow for sellers to "overcharge you 24/7, often without you realizing it." She cited allegations that AI-pricing firm Kalibrate "powered a scheme helping 1,700 gas stations work together to keep prices artificially high." The technology today, Owens explained, can use a "little algorithmic smoke and mirrors—and a lack of competition" to "manufacture the appearance of scarcity."

"Prime Opportunity": Fox News (Right) highlighted the perspective of House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL), who "argued that China is one of the biggest culprits in Americans' current struggle with high cost of living—particularly at the gas pump." The chairman explained that "If President Trump can secure that China will stop arming Iran, who is trying to destabilize this key oil route [Strait of Hormuz] through the globe, then the president will have done something very important for affordability." Mast said China "probably is the number one actor that is working to raise those prices" by supporting both Iran and Russia's wars, adding that "Trump has a prime opportunity" during his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping to press him about "easing up on that support for Tehran, in particular."

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Eight US Navy members attempted suicide during deployment on the USS Abraham Lincoln this year, according to the US Navy. Outlets across the political spectrum covered the story similarly, but framed it within different contexts.

The Details: In a letter to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed the number, saying it included sailors assigned to the Lincoln aircraft carrier, its air wing and the destroyers escorting the ship. It's not clear the manner of each attempt, though, CNN (Lean Left bias) reported that two sailors jumped overboard and were rescued by helicopters. Another reportedly attempted to jump overboard, but was stopped by fellow shipmates. Cao said no troops had killed themselves during deployment

For Context: The Lincoln spent 286 days at sea during its deployment from Nov. 2025 to Aug. 2026, which set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea. Following reports of mental health crises and lack of resources on board, the carrier was replaced by the USS George Washington and headed back to San Diego earlier this month. At that time, reports said there had been at least two possible suicide attempts aboard. According to Cao, the Lincoln deployed with various mental health resources onboard, including 11 mental health professionals and an expeditionary facility dog.

Highlighting Different Quotes: Outlets highlighted different quotes from Gillibrand. CNN included her full quote, including her saying, "Eight attempted suicides is incredibly high…What Trump and Secretary Hegseth dismissed as 'fake news' turned out to be serious and deteriorating conditions for our service members." New York Post (Right) emphasized the toll on US troops by using her quote: "Our troops and their families make immense sacrifices every single day, yet the president dismissed them with open disrespect." 

Mental Health On Board: Outlets across the political spectrum noted that President Trump downplayed reports of mental health concerns. The Daily Caller (Right) described conditions that could negatively influence troop mental health, including "long separation from family, lack of privacy, and little access to mental health care." It also cited research that found despite naval personnel reporting the highest rates of serious psychological distress, few studies have examined their experiences. The New Republic (Left) criticized the deployment for the Iran war, asserting, "This war is so pointless, so wasteful, and so unpopular that those who are supposed to be fighting it would rather leap into the waters of the Persian Gulf." International Business Time (Center) quoted the wife of one of the sailors who jumped overboard saying he faced disciplinary action and was accused of faking an illness.

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After banning certain news outlets from accessing the White House, the Trump administration launched Trump TV on Monday, a 24/7 stream available on YouTube, the White House website, and the White House app.

RELATED: Trump Bans CNN, Politico and MS NOW from White House 'Effective Immediately'

"Tune Out Fake News": According to The White House Wire (Lean Right bias), the White House app, as of September 22, "reached No. 1 in the News category on the App Store and climbed into the Top 20 among all apps." The demand for the app "is rising as legacy networks fall in line behind CNN, MS Now, and Politico, outlets whose White House credentials were pulled after a long record of false reporting." The Wire stated that "The American people are not waiting on those cameras; they are going straight to the Presidency," adding that "Americans are choosing the source over the spin."

"Trump Wallpaper": Opinion writer for The Guardian (Left) Martin Belam called the stream "propaganda for the Maga faithful," saying "the anchor-less channel dispenses with traditional broadcast norms," and adding that there is "no schedule, no on-screen description of what is being shown, and zero context for where or when a clip was recorded." Watching the stream, according to The Guardian, "is less like watching a news network and more like installing Trump wallpaper." The Daily Beast (Left) said "The president's new channel is less popular than black screens and someone filming their own feet," adding that it's "like watching paint dry." 

Media Ban: The White House restored access to banned reporters on Thursday after a ruling from Judge Timothy Kelly in Washington DC, who said the ban was likely implemented without "constitutionally adequate due process." President Donald Trump, according to The Wall Street Journal (Center) signaled earlier in the week that he would appeal the order to reinstate reporters' credentials.

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In an essay for New York Times Magazine (Lean Left bias), Nikole Hannah-Jones, author of the 1619 Project, described how her choice to enroll her daughter in a high-poverty Brooklyn school backfired after her daughter discovered it was intentional.

The Essay: Hannah-Jones said she and her husband made the decision to enroll her daughter, Najya, in Public School 307 – a segregated, high-poverty school in New York – when Najya was in pre-K as part of an effort to help "dismantle educational inequality." Hannah-Jones wrote that she realized she'd "failed both my values and my child" after Najya, now 16-years-old, discovered her school's test scores were below-state average. According to Hannah-Jones, she believed by enrolling Najya in this school, she could help invest in the school and encourage improvements from within. Hannah-Jones compared her efforts to previous challenges against racism, segregation and inequality in educational institutions by black parents since the 1950s, but ultimately concluded that her daughter's "sacrifice could not transform a system" that remains apathetic to improving equality.

Race Isn't the Problem: An opinion in New York Post (Right) by Sam Munson argued that Hannah-Jones was wrong in assuming "whiter and wealthier schools are necessarily better ones." Munson described his kids' educational experience at a Title I, majority-Latino school as "good to excellent" and said "nebulous racists" aren't the problem with educational failure. He argued the solution is for New York to increase the number of screened schools and "raise and harden academic standards." Munson said one aspect of Hannah-Jones' assessment was correct: "The wealthy liberals who spent a decade beating their breasts about their own alleged complicity in 'white supremacy' will bear any burden and pay any price to avoid educating their children in the same schools as lower-income black and Latino kids — no matter how high-quality those schools may be."

School Choice: Billy Binion (Center) sympathized with Hannah-Jones in his Reason (Center) opinion piece, but argued she came to the wrong conclusion on school choice. Binion wrote that her "antipathy to school choice" makes racial segregation in US schools worse and that despite Hannah-Jones describing issues of school choice and lack of financial resources, the results of her experiment didn't "appear to readjust her worldview in a meaningful way." He challenged the idea that funding is the primary reason for low performing schools, instead saying it's how schools are organized, the incentives within them and the concentration of disadvantaged students. A National Review (Right) opinion writer also argued for school choice, saying that Hannah-Jones is still on the side of educators who "failed" Najya by "portraying school choice as a racist scam and complaining about a lack of resources."

Challenges of the Education System: In an opinion for Salon (Left), Alex Galbraith highlighted debates that followed Hannah-Jones ' essay, including on school choice, and pushed back against assertions that wanting the best for your child is "a betrayal of egalitarian ideals." Galbraith argued that it's easy to point fingers and claim hypocrisy, but that thinking about "the advantages and disadvantages baked into the system" that Hannah-Jones described "strays too far from the preferred framework of school choice advocates and other conservatives." An MS NOW (Left) opinion writer furthered this argument by writing that NYC public schools have "deep, relentless and intentional segregation." The writer contended that black parents are "presented with false 'choices' from the start" by having to choose in a system that "maintain[s] at least one of the three tiers of school segregation."

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Paramount cleared the final hurdle to merge with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) after resolving an antitrust lawsuit delaying the acquisition.

For Context: Paramount in December launched what some called a "hostile bid" for WBD to outbid Netflix and is now set to pay $111 billion. The ordeal until Monday was stuck in litigation, with a coalition of 12 states trying to stop the deal from occurring. Paramount CEO David Ellison is expected to take control of all WBD's assets by early October, including CNN News (Lean Left bias).

RELATED: Paramount-Warner Bros Merger Could Put Bari Weiss In Charge of CNN

"Cooler Heads Have Prevailed": The New York Post (Right) editorial board said the "deal is going through—and that's a good thing," adding that the "unnecessary Paramount drama" is a "Hollywood happy ending." The board highlighted that "Left-wing activists are upset," saying "It's ironic that the same crowd that accuses President Donald Trump of trying to control the media by pulling White House access wants to control the media by controlling who owns what." According to the article, "cooler heads have prevailed, showing California still has some common sense and good will, even if they take a while to turn up."

"Reason To Worry": Opinion writer Brian Steinberg for Variety (Lean Left) said CNN staffers "thought the news giant's path to the future was becoming more clear," until a "new fog" Steinberg called the win by Paramount "set in." While "linear ratings are down noticeably from the era when it [CNN] won notice for its aggressive coverage of President Trump's first term," Steinberg asserted that the "outlet appeared to have found its groove" in recent weeks. Steinberg cited Paramount's "controversial" management of CBS News, saying it "has not been good for the business of the news unit" and gives CNN personnel "reason to worry." Since Bari Weiss took over CBS as editor in chief Steinberg explained, there has been "unnecessary scrutiny to news reports, and anchors have made public entreaties on Instagram when people post notes suggesting that Weiss' background as a digital entrepreneur and provocative opinion writer have [sic] muddied the newsgathering network."

RELATED: The Insight: Is CBS Becoming Right-wing?

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The state of Florida and a New York-based think tank filed a lawsuit against The New York Times Company (NYT) on Wednesday, seeking internal documents to determine whether the company is allowing its paper to be biased against Israel.

The Suit: The suit was filed by NYT shareholders, the State Board of Administration of Florida (SBA), and the self-described "nonpartisan, free-market, independent conservative" National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) think tank.

The Demand: On May 29, the National Jewish Advocacy Center (NJAC), acting on behalf of NCPPR, requested to examine the company's records to see whether it "failed to adequately discharge their fiduciary duties with respect to material legal, reputational, and financial risks arising from the Company's publication of factually unsupported content." The NCPPR took issue with an opinion from Nicholas Kristof titled "The Silence That Meets the Rape of Palestinians," which it described as "controversial." The NJAC stated that the NCPPR has the right to inspect the company's records as shareholders under New York law, NY BCL § 624. The NCPPR said shareholders have been requesting the records for months. In its news coverage of the suit, The New York Times (Lean Left bias) said in August it refused to turn over the records.

Florida Context: Florida's SBA is responsible for the state's investment funds, including its pension program. The Times reported that, according to its most recent SEC filing, Florida holds about 145,000 shares of NYT. In February 2025, the Florida SBA sued retail company Target, alleging it "misled investors" with its promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Key Quotes: Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier discussed the lawsuit in a conference at Miami-Dade College and wrote on X that the suit was filed for the good of "Florida's 1.2 million public retirees." Uthmeier said the suit is not a "challenge to any certain article or editorial discretion" and that news outlets "certainly have First Amendment rights," but about "legal responsibilities and duties" to shareholders. Uthmeier said the SBA observed 72 recent errors The Times made that involved "pro-Hamas" bias and "had to be retracted." Charlie Stadtlander, a spokesman for The Times, said, "This lawsuit has no merit and was brought for an improper purpose. Although it is positioned as a corporate governance petition to inspect the company's books and records, it is a transparent attempt to exert agenda-driven pressure against an independent media organization, level false allegations of bias and chill journalism protected by the First Amendment."

Whistleblower: The Free Press (Lean Right), which AllSides has previously observed as being "very pro-Israel," reported speaking to an unnamed former Jewish Times employee. According to the suit, she had raised concerns about antisemitism and anti-Israel bias 15 times between 2019 and her March 2026 departure from the outlet. She told The Free Press, "​​The public deserves a better picture of how the Times manufactures the news when Jews or Israel are involved."

How The Media Covered It: The Free Press' coverage focused heavily on the whistleblower's account and allegations of bias at the paper. In its news coverage, The New York Times described Utheimer as "an aggressive conservative culture warrior" who is currently running to retain his post as attorney general. Reuters (Centers) argued in news coverage that the suit "escalates a growing battle nationwide over journalistic independence" and cited the recent confrontation between the Trump administration and several major news networks.

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Editor's Note: A previous version of this headline incorrectly mentioned "pro-Israel bias" instead of "anti-Israel bias." We apologize for any confusion this caused.

Stanford University on Tuesday admitted it used AI to alter a photo of three students for promotional materials, including replacing a male student with a black woman and making another student appear thinner.

The Details: The Stanford Review (not rated), a student publication on campus, first reported that Stanford Residential & Dining Enterprises (Stanford R&DE) had altered the photo, which was used in advertisements around the school. The original photo, taken in 2024, depicted two male students and a female student together in a cafeteria holding food trays. After the edits, all students were altered in some way; the female's face appeared thinner, one male student's hair and shirt had been changed and the other male had been replaced with a black female. Stanford said the changes violated its policies on the use of AI-generated images.

Stanford's Priorities: The Stanford Review wrote that while "this incident is humorous and generated thousands of reactions…, it offers unsurprising insight into Stanford's and its bureaucracy's persisting ideological and racial preferences." The outlet was critical of Stanford's use of AI, writing that Stanford R&DE "likely believed they were subtle enough for no one to notice." It said it will continue to monitor the university's future use of generative AI.

'Silenced and Erased': Outlets on the right and Straight Arrow News (Center) quoted Billy Ramirez, who was replaced in the photo, who said he was upset about Stanford's choice for representation. They cited him saying, "Seeing my identity changed and being left out of the picture made me feel, in a way, silenced and erased from a representation that was supposed to include me." Headlines for both the New York Post (Right) and The Post Millennial (Right) were more sensationalized and both described Ramirez as white compared to left outlets which said he was Hispanic. Despite this, their actual coverage of the photo was generally straight-forward and objective.

Diversity in Academia: The New York Times (Lean Left) said the finding comes as higher-ed weighs "how and whether to embrace diversity efforts on their campuses" due to "pressure from the Trump administration." It noted Stanford was also being investigated by the Justice and Education departments over their admissions programs and potential racial discrimination. The Times included a brief quote from Ramirez, who it specified was Hispanic, saying he was upset about being "erased," but focused more on other instances of universities changing students' races in promotions over the years.

Stanford's AI Legacy: San Francisco Chronicle (Lean Left) framed the story within Stanford's AI evolution over the years, starting with it creating one of the world's first AI labs in 1965. It quoted Ramirez calling the changes "not surpris[ing] given the culture of Stanford revolves heavily around AI usage." The Chronicle also noted instances of other universities using AI to create promotional materials.

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Texas and California displayed some common ground recently with both states implementing limits on data center development.

"Not Exactly Surprising": Business Insider (Lean Left bias) highlighted the common ground found between California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) and Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R), saying the regulations are "Finally something" the states can agree on. The article said "It's not exactly surprising to see the two political adversaries set their sights on the same target, given that it's become a nonpartisan political issue," adding that "Democrats and Republicans have expressed concerns about the impacts of data centers, and Americans across the country have turned out to protest proposed developments."

"Angers Texas Communities": "Simply put, Texans must come first" according to Abbott. The Texas Tribune (Lean Left) highlighted Abbot's statements, saying his move "to stop issuing new permits for data centers" comes "as rapid data center development statewide angers Texas communities ahead of Abbott's November reelection bid."

"Backlash And A Pivot": CalMatters (Center) said that "Newsom clamps down on California data centers as voters turn against the industry," explaining that he "signed seven data center bills into law on Monday." The outlet highlighted that Newsom "contrasted the new regulations with President Donald Trump's hands-off approach to data centers and artificial intelligence." However, the article also mentioned that "Newsom's signature on the new laws represents a significant departure from his actions on data centers last year," adding that the "pivot from his [Newsom] own past vetoes" came after "facing growing public backlash."

RELATED: The Insight: The Data Center Dilemma

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A grand jury in Mississippi determined that there is no evidence to warrant charges against individuals for the death of Nolan Wells, a college student who was found dead after a Fourth of July boating trip and party on an island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Outlets on the right tended to highlight the effects of rumors and judgment against Wells' friends who were subject to investigation, while outlets on the left focused on the potential influence of race and racism on the investigation.

The Details: Nolan Wells, who was black, was found two days after he was last seen at the party, and autopsy reports show his death was "consistent with drowning." A separate autopsy conducted by a forensic pathologist Wells' family hired found bruising on the back of his head, though it was not enough to determine a cause of death. The grand jury found that the condition of the body and other evidence was not enough to indicate criminal conduct.

For Context: A witness testified that he saw Wells slip off the side of the boat the afternoon of the trip but that he did not appear injured. His friends, who are white, later left the island without Wells, claiming that he stayed behind to talk to a girl. Wells' phone was still on the boat when it left. Wells' family has pushed back on the investigation and the jury's decision, and his mother said, "How can a jury come to the conclusion of drowning, despite knowing that there was trauma to his body, and despite hearing many inconsistencies?"

How the Media Covered It: Fox News (Right bias) wrote that Wells' friends were "cleared" by the grand jury and that their lawyers intend to "hold the accusers accountable." Fox quoted one of the friends' attorneys, who said, "This story involves two tragedies. The death of Nolan Wells is a tragedy. So too is the way his friends, his community and his state were maligned by unscrupulous charlatans and grifters who spread false and malicious lies." Associated Press (Lean Left) repeatedly suggested that there was "rampant speculation and suspicion" around the investigation as people "grapple[d] with Mississippi's history of racial tension and what it means to be a Black person in a majority white setting." NewsNation (Center) quoted heavily from the grand jury's report as well as the district attorney for Mississippi's 19th Circuit Court District, who said, "There is absolutely no evidence to support the allegations that Nolan's disappearance and death were racially motivated… Nolan chose to stay on the island that day, and there is not a scintilla of evidence to contradict that."

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ABC News (Lean Left bias), CBS News (Lean Left), Fox News (Right), and NBC News (Lean Left) pulled themselves from the White House television pool on Monday after President Donald Trump banned CNN (Lean Left), MS NOW (Left) and Politico (Lean Left) from White House coverage.

For Context: The banned outlets filed a retaliatory lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday, saying, "There will be no replacement pool put in place," and asserted in a joint statement, "The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting."

Trump's Reasoning: Trump alluded to slander and libel when justifying his initial stance on Friday. He argued, "Media outlets shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they're covering the president of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America." He furthered this opinion on Monday: "The White House is not instituting an assault on the Free Press, something which I cherish. It is instituting an assault on the FAKE NEWS, something that has grown like Cancer in our beloved United States of America."

Plaintiffs' Argument: The plaintiffs asserted in their lawsuit, "This ban could not be a more direct assault on the First Amendment… No official can deprive Plaintiffs of [their journalistic] interests on a whim – with no notice, no process, and no warning – as the President did here." They alleged three First Amendment violations:

• Due Process: "CNN, MS NOW, Politico, and their journalists have liberty and property interests in their press credentials and the access those credentials afford to the White House grounds to report on the President and his administration. The ban deprives them of those interests without meeting the bare minimum requirements of due process: advance notice based on clear standards and an opportunity to be heard."
• Protected Research and Speech: "The ban retaliates against protected newsgathering and speech… The President's statements make clear he implemented the ban to coerce more favorable coverage."
• Nonpublic Forums: "It bars CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from a nonpublic forum [which] may not discriminate based on viewpoint and must be reasonable in light of the purposes of the forum. The President's ban brazenly discriminates based on editorial viewpoint[s]."

Media Comparisons: The Daily Wire (Right) gave voice to Vice President JD Vance, who echoed Trump's argument on Monday: "Compare, let's say, Politico to Breitbart [Right]. If you actually look at the objective analysis, Politico is as anti-Trump as Breitbart was anti-Obama or anti-Biden. Now, why on God's green earth would Trump be expected to give Politico special access when nobody in the media expected the Biden administration or the Obama administration to give Breitbart special access? It's about basic fairness. They can still report. They still have the access to free speech. They're just not going to get an office in the White House anymore… unless, of course, they start behaving like real news organizations."

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The United States, Denmark and Greenland have entered into an agreement to give the US control over security in Greenland, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social. 

Military Expansion: Under the deal, the US will be able to boost its military presence in Greenland while blocking US adversaries from establishing bases. Trump announced the agreement Friday, saying "no U.S. adversary can EVER have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval." Trump also said the new agreement will come at "no cost" to Americans. Denmark and Greenland officials said the deal doesn't give the US ownership of the island, an aspiration that Trump has previously stated to acquire Greenland. Denmark acknowledged that the agreement will strengthen regional security.

China and Russia: Under the deal, non-NATO states won't be able to build bases in Greenland or make investments that "could threaten the United States," according to Al Jazeera (Lean left). That means China and Russia will be blocked from establishing bases or sending troops to Greenland, a US official said, per the media outlet's report. Mikkel Olesen, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, told Al Jazeera the move isn't a major shift because "the Danes and Greenlanders never wished for Russia or China to have bases in Greenland."

Next Steps: All three governments are expected to sign the deal next week during the United Nations General Assembly, according to multiple reports. However, parliamentary action is still needed by Danish and Greenlandic officials before it can be enforced.

Right and Left Coverage: Media coverage from most outlets was consistent with the details. The Associated Press (Lean Left) focused more on the negotiations behind the agreement and the broader political context surrounding Trump's foreign policy. The New York Post (Lean Right) highlighted the terms of the agreement and Trump's statements about expanded US control and military presence in Greenland.

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Gen Z influencer Clavicular has been charged with criminal rape and drugging of a minor, according to a new report from The Bulwark (Left bias). Clavicular's team told several publications that "The Bulwark is exaggerating."

The Report: The Bulwark said it obtained court records that showed the influencer – real name Braden Peters – was charged on Sept. 8 for an incident that happened on May 23, 2025, in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. An arraignment is reportedly scheduled for October 14.

Clavicular's Response: Mitchell Jackson, a representative for Peters, told NBC News (Lean Left), "Braden Peters has not been physically served. As usual the Bulwark is exaggerating." Peters' attorney told TheWrap, "We are aware of the complaint recently filed against Mr. Peters. These are allegations only and remain unproven. Mr. Peters denies the claims and disputes the characterization of events. He will respond through the appropriate legal channels and intends to vigorously defend himself. We will not comment further at this time."

For Context: In April, Peters was sued in Florida by influencer Alorah Ziva – real name Aleksandra Vasilevna Mendoza – who accused him of battery. In the suit, she reportedly alleged that in 2025 he arranged for her to travel to Cape Cod and had sex with her while she was intoxicated. NBC News said online court records it reviewed don't indicate whether the newly reported charges are related to the allegations in the suit. After The Bulwark published its report, Peters wrote on X, "Trying to get my attention in anyway possible, a lawsuit? Seriously… really petty of you."

How The Media Covered It: The Bulwark published its report on the evening of Sept. 21. The story was not widely covered as of early Sept. 22, though several big mainstream outlets that often focus on pop culture stories covered it. The Bulwark and TheWrap (Center) both prominently described Peters as "right-wing." The New York Post (Right) described Peters as a "controversial 'manosphere' streamer" and "infamous 'looksmaxxer.'" Several outlets, including NBC News, TheWrap, TMZ, and The Hollywood Reporter (Lean Left), reported speaking to a representative for Peters.

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shot and wounded a Venezuelan immigrant on Sunday in Austin, Texas. Media outlets across the political spectrum have reported varying details about his immigration status and reported on emerging protests in the city.

The Details: Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was delivering food for DoorDash when he was shot by an ICE agent. Though few details about the shooting have been officially released, New York Times (Lean Left bias) reported that the ICE agent was with other agents checking license plates when they discovered Garces Perez had a deportation on file. The officers pulled him over and told him they were going to arrest him, and he fled in his vehicle. A short chase ensued, with details unclear if Garces Perez was shot while inside his vehicle or if he was on foot. Garces Perez was reportedly not the target of investigation before the encounter with the agents.

Where Is He Now? Garces Perez told The Times that he was transported from the hospital to a detainment center and that doctors did not remove the bullet from his back before he was removed from the hospital. Garces Perez's attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch said that the bullet was not removed because it was too close to his spine. She also claimed on X that her client "received no pain medication and had to sleep on the floor."

What Is Garces Perez's Immigration Status? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that Garces Perez "illegally entered our country under the Biden administration and had a final order of removal." However, his attorney wrote that he has a legal work permit and entered the country through a legal port of entry and has applied for asylum. According to Newsweek (Center) and New York Times, Lincoln-Goldfinch said that Garces Perez had changed his address in immigration court, but his hearing notice was still accidentally sent to the wrong address, resulting in him missing his appointment. She wrote on X, "I see this all the time in my practice and it's a mistake we can easily correct."

Resulting Protests: Fox News (Right) wrote that a "crowd of angry demonstrators" gathered near the scene of the incident and that they "hurl[ed] obscenities and clash[ed] with authorities." According to Fox, videos of the scene showed people "holding up their phones and carrying flags." Fox highlighted perspectives from Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX), who demanded "a full, independent investigation and the immediate release of body-camera footage" and called the incident part of a "disturbing pattern" from ICE. Fox also included a reaction from Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), who said that "the war is the one being waged against Americans through mass legal & illegal immigration."

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Michael Desronvil, the lone juror who blocked clearing Lindsay Clancy of criminal responsibility via an insanity verdict, has spoken out after his identity was made public and he has faced threats.

The Juror: Desronvil's identity was made public by The Boston Globe (Left bias) on Sept. 14. The Globe's report followed a report from NBC 10 Boston (Lean Left), which said Desronvil, 48, was previously charged with domestic violence. NBC 10 chose not to reveal his identity.

His Position: Desronvil's lawyer, Edward Paltzik, provided a short statement on his behalf to several media outlets. He said, "I didn't have any doubts. As I tried to explain different possible theories during deliberation, I kept getting cut off as if I had doubts based on the evidence present. Based on all the physical evidence, key witnesses, and what the prosecution presents, I thought it was enough proof that she (Clancy) knew exactly what she was doing and planned." Clancy's defense argued Desronvil was not following the law of reasonable doubt and asked the judge to remove him from the jury, but the judge declined.

Public Backlash: Since his identity was revealed, Desronvil has reportedly faced doxxing and death threats. Paltzik, who has previously represented President Trump in defamation suits against various media outlets, said he is "presently safe and sound at an undisclosed secure location in a rural area of Northern New England." The New York Post (Right) highlighted a report from the YouTube channel FugitiveTV that claimed Desronvil said he believes he is being targeted for harassment because he is a black Republican with conservative views. According to Paltzik, he supports President Trump and was the only nonwhite juror. A fundraiser set up for Desronvil on GiveSendGo has raised $369,000 as of early Sept. 21. At the same time, a GoFundMe campaign for Clancy had raised over $1.2 million.

For Context: Though Clancy admitted to killing her three young children in 2023, her defense has argued that she was enduring mental conditions that rendered her legally inculpable. Due to the lack of a unanimous verdict prompted by Desronvil's stance, the case was declared a mistrial earlier this month.

RELATED: The Insight: How the Lindsay Clancy Case Became a Misinformation Chamber | AllSides

Conservative Support: Conservatives have generally framed Desronvil more favorably and come to his defense. Fox News (Right) host Kayleigh McEnany said, "You should be able to do your civic duty—do it heroically in this country—and not have to flee your home." Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said, "Thank you, Michael Desronvil. A true hero. God bless this man." Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said his state would "provide asylum" for Desronvil if necessary. Associated Press (Lean Left) noted that Desronvil was "praised by some conservative pundits as a hero."

Media Framing: Outlets from the left were more likely to prominently highlight Desronvil's previous domestic violence charge and that a teenage family member placed a restraining order on him in 2025. Though on Sept. 20 and Sept. 21, several days after Desronvil's identity was made public, outlets across the spectrum published features that highlighted potential negatives that could arise from this. NBC News (Lean Left) quoted a few legal analysts who said they believe the public reaction could have a negative impact on the US legal system.

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Ukraine launched over 1,000 drones at Russia on Sunday, hitting a key oil refinery and a residential building.

The Details: As of late Sunday night local time, three were killed and 20 injured, according to the Governor of Moscow Oblast, Andrey Vorobyov. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 450 drones heading for the city were shot down. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Kyiv hit a "key" Russian oil facility and logistics site in Moscow Oblast. Reportedly, at least two of the deceased were civilians, and three children were among the wounded. Sobyanin said Kyiv launched over 1,600 drones at Russia this weekend – a strike media outlets are saying is Ukraine's largest yet. According to BBC News (Center bias), the oil facility Ukraine hit supplies Moscow Oblast with over a third of its fuel.

Videos Online: Videos emerged on social media of the strikes. One that circulated widely showed a drone hitting a residential building, causing significant damage. Others showed what appeared to be warehouses and other structures on fire. BBC said it verified several videos circulating online.

For Context: Over the past month, Ukraine has ramped up its drone attacks deep into Russia. Overnight into Sunday, Russia struck Ukraine with drones, killing three children and a woman, according to Governor of Kyiv Oblast Tymur Tkachenko. Sunday was also the final day of parliamentary elections in Russia. Late on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he agreed to meet with President Donald Trump in New York. Earlier this month, Trump administration officials traveled to both Moscow and Kyiv to meet with each country's respective leaders regarding a potential ceasefire.

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum reported the same numbers and details in their stories, with a lot of reports relying on the claims of Moscow Mayor Sobyanin. Outlets included different pieces of context at the end of their articles, though. For instance, the Kremlin-funded RT (Lean Right) included more details on other regions in Russia that were hit, while CNN (Lean Left) included details on the extent of Russian strikes on Ukraine over the past month.

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President Donald Trump banned CNN (Lean Left bias), Politico (Lean Left), and MS NOW (Left) from the White House "effective immediately" via Truth Social on Friday.

Trump's Announcement: "I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MS NOW [and] Politico… from the White House as a result of their constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS! Media Outlets shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they're covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America. Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow."

The Outlets' Responses: CNN asserted, "We have a right under the US Constitution to do that reporting without hindrance or interference from the government." The outlet reported, "There was no indication his administration had taken any steps to follow through. CNN's team remained at the White House Friday afternoon," and said, "Should the ban which President Trump threatened go ahead, it would be an illegal assault on that fundamental and constitutionally-protected right." Politico similarly stated that it "will continue to fairly report on this White House and future ones [and] vigorously defend our First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict them." MS NOW declined to issue an initial comment.

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the political spectrum were critical of Trump's announcement. HuffPost (Left) called it "further escalation in his ongoing war against press freedom" and labeled the three news outlets as "credible." New York Post (Right) – though it didn't criticize the announcement or support the outlets as staunchly – said, "The prospective order has major practical implications – potentially upending the long-standing ability of reporters to gain access to the White House." It gave voice to a Fox News (Right) correspondent who denounced Trump's apparent agenda but noted, "It was unclear whether Trump intends for the outlets to [lose their] special access to the president or [be] banished altogether from the White House grounds — though the president indicated he favored the latter… Trump himself admitted his proposed restrictions might not hold up in court."

For Context: The White House attempted to ban Associated Press (Lean Left) from the Oval Office over the outlet's refusal to use "Gulf of America" instead of "Gulf of Mexico" in 2025. Some outlets on the right, such as Fox News and Newsmax (Right) sided with the outlet, and the case remains ongoing.

RELATED: White House Blocks AP from Oval Office Over 'Gulf of America' Stance | AllSides

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