The Record · weekly wrap-up
The Week in Grades
Aug 17–23, 2026 · 305 reports fact-checked
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.
Free account · no card
See grades free with an account.
Letter grades, lean scores, charts, midterms tools, and Reader Reactions unlock the moment you sign up. No card required.
- Grades on every report
- Lean scores & charts
- Quiz · midterms ballot · newsletter
Already have an account? Sign in.
Most disputed claims
Serbian official: Requested urgent assistance from Russia and European mechanism immediately when forces insufficient; received both, saved every life and home — unmatched in Europe
Received Russian IL-76 first (Aug 20) due to lack of available EU planes; did not activate EU mechanism initially per EC confirmation; EU helicopters sent after later activation (Aug 22); no-injury reports hold but 'unmatched' unsubstantiated. Read the full report →
You cannot get cheaper electricity unless you scrap net zero legislation
Supported by Onward's 'cheap power' scenario (more gas, no carbon tax on generators) projecting 20-30% lower prices by 2050; disputed by CCC (net-zero limits crisis bill rises to 4% vs 59%) and NESO (net-zero cheapest when including climate damages) Read the full report →
Trump's Iran war has cost close to a trillion in arms and bombs, ballooning the deficit
Actual costs estimated at $37.5B by July 2026 with projections up to hundreds of billions or $1T long-term; not yet near a trillion. Read the full report →
My name and background aren't raising your gas prices. That's what the Trump administration is doing.
Gas prices are elevated near $4.10/gallon, but the dominant factor is the Iran war's disruption of oil supplies rather than solely Trump domestic policy; tariffs and energy approach play secondary roles. Read the full report →
Now he's trying to say 'I was just kidding'
El-Sayed's campaign stated positions evolved since 2020 book, especially post-Jan. 6 on elections, and he has consistently messaged choice on supplemental coverage Read the full report →