The Bias Brief

Lean

CBS NewsSep 18, 2026Sig. 7NewsPolitics Foreign Trade

Trump signs Russia sanctions bill championed by Graham

President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which allows tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas and sanctions Putin, Russian officials, banks, and Iran's energy and weapons sectors. The bill passed with bipartisan support, though some Democrats raised concerns about expanded presidential tariff authority. Trump is set to meet Xi Jinping as China and India are most affected.

Washington ExaminerSep 18, 2026Sig. 7OpinionEconomy Elections Trade

Trump’s tariffs are dragging down the GOP in the midterm elections

A poll-based article argues that Trump's tariffs are hurting consumers and dragging down Republican midterm prospects. It criticizes Trump's claims of tariff success as delusional and says the GOP will pay politically for the trade war.

Left 4.5

BBC NewsSep 18, 2026Sig. 4NewsSports Politics Trade

Why an American football game played the Canadian national anthem

The Buffalo Bills played the Canadian national anthem before their home opener, drawing emotional responses from Canadian fans amid heightened US-Canada tensions over tariffs and Trump's rhetoric. The article frames the gesture as a warm border-city acknowledgment, while noting some opposition and the economic reality of the Bills' Canadian market.

Left 2.3

The HillSep 18, 2026Sig. 7OpinionEconomy Trade Labor

The Fed is fighting the wrong war on inflation

An economist argues the Federal Reserve should hold interest rates rather than tighten further because recent inflation is driven largely by supply shocks such as energy disruptions and tariffs, not excess demand. The piece warns that higher rates would weaken investment, hiring, and wage growth without addressing the root causes of inflation.

Left 3.0

The HillSep 18, 2026Sig. 6OpinionTrade Economy Foreign

Trump may have breathed new life into the World Trade Organization

The opinion piece argues that Trump's tariffs have pushed US trading partners to diversify and build alternative arrangements, potentially fragmenting global trade. It contends the WTO should adapt by aggregating smaller plurilateral deals rather than trying to originate comprehensive agreements.

Left 1.9

The GuardianSep 18, 2026Sig. 7NewsEconomy Climate Trade

US wheat farmers navigate uncertainty amid drought and geopolitical chaos

US wheat farmers face high costs, drought, and geopolitical disruptions despite wheat prices at three-year highs. Experts warn the combination could push global food prices higher and leave farmers uncertain about planting and profitability.

Left 2.6

The HillSep 18, 2026Sig. 5NewsHealth Trade Politics

Horse in New Mexico infected with screwworm before Mexico livestock imports resume

New World screwworm was confirmed in a horse in Grant County, New Mexico, the second case in the state since June. The finding came days before the planned Sept. 24 reopening of the Santa Teresa port of entry to Mexican livestock, which the Trump administration had halted last year. USDA has tracked 50 U.S. cases, with three still active as of Thursday.

Neutral

BBC NewsSep 17, 2026Sig. 5NewsPolitics Economy Trade

Healey to ask EU finance ministers to let UK into 'Made in Europe' industry scheme

UK chancellor John Healey will urge EU finance ministers in Dublin to let the UK participate in the bloc's 'Made in Europe' industrial scheme and to deepen tech, defence and manufacturing ties. He will also call for the programme to avoid new barriers, citing concerns that British firms could be excluded from EU supply chains.

Left 1.7

CBS NewsSep 17, 2026Sig. 6NewsEconomy Politics Trade

Farmer who voted for Trump says farmers were "

A North Carolina farmer who voted for Trump says soaring diesel, fertilizer, and equipment costs—driven by the Iran war and Trump tariffs—have pushed his farm into survival mode. He criticizes the administration as misleading on agriculture policy and says he may vote a split ticket.

Left 3.2

BBC NewsSep 17, 2026Sig. 6NewsPolitics Foreign Trade

Why Canadians are ready for closer ties with Europe

Canadians interviewed in Toronto largely welcomed Prime Minister Mark Carney's push for closer ties with the European Union, including easier work and study arrangements and cooperation on defence and energy. Many expressed frustration with the US under President Donald Trump, citing trade tensions and annexation rhetoric, while some opposition MPs questioned whether the proposal is concrete. The article presents a broadly sympathetic view of a Canadian realignment toward Europe.

Left 2.3

New York PostSep 17, 2026Sig. 7NewsPolitics Trade Foreign

Trump calls Canada-EU alliance ‘laughable,’ threatens heavy tariffs

President Trump dismissed the prospect of Canada becoming the EU’s first associate member as “laughable” and warned he could impose heavy tariffs on Europe. EU and Canadian leaders described the idea as an associate membership or unique alliance rather than full EU membership.

Neutral

The GuardianSep 17, 2026Sig. 6OpinionForeign Politics Trade

The Guardian view on EU-Canada relations: strategic ambition with lessons for Britain | Editorial

An editorial argues that Canada's move toward deeper EU strategic cooperation under Mark Carney offers a model of clear geopolitical purpose that post-Brexit Britain lacks. It praises EU-Canada ambition on trade, defence, research and AI while criticizing Trump's hostility to allies and the Conservative Brexit inheritance.

Left 4.6