March 12, 2026 – US Headlines

Story gist: An Iranian school was listed on a U.S. target list and may have been misidentified as a military site.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like The Washington Post framed the story by highlighting U.S. targeting of a civilian school as a potential mistake, emphasizing error and risk to innocents. Center- and right-leaning outlets omitted coverage entirely, leaving absent perspectives that might contextualize intelligence challenges or question the claim’s validity.

Story gist: Iran targeted the busiest international airport amid attacks on Gulf neighbors, as the top UN body demanded a halt. A cargo ship was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.

Bias summary: No left-leaning outlets covered the story, leaving a pro-Iran or de-escalation perspective absent. Center sources like AP News frame Iran as directly targeting a major airport while noting UN demands to stop attacks on Gulf neighbors. Right-leaning Fox News emphasizes a cargo ship strike in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s fresh, broader assaults on the Middle East, highlighting commercial and regional threats.

Story gist: Brent crude oil prices surged above $100 per barrel as Iran increased attacks on shipping in the Gulf.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Guardian frames as ‘Middle East crisis’ with Iran ‘stepping up campaign to disrupt energy markets,’ emphasizing geopolitical disruption and ‘spiking’ prices. Center Reuters uses neutral title focusing on oil surge and Iran’s attacks on Gulf shipping. Right-leaning coverage absent, missing potential emphasis on Iranian aggression, U.S. security interests, or economic impacts on consumers.

Story gist: Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime accountant testified that he was not aware of Epstein’s crimes. Reports note the accountant mentioned a payout to an alleged Trump victim and raised questions about Epstein’s aides controlling his money and secrets.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like The Daily Beast use sensational ‘bombshell’ language emphasizing a payout to an alleged Trump victim, implying scandalous ties. Center outlets like BBC adopt a questioning tone focused on why Epstein’s aides retain control of his assets, prioritizing accountability. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting any conservative framing that might downplay Trump links or highlight other angles.

Story gist: Pentagon officials informed Congress that the first week of the Iran War cost more than $11.3 billion.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like NYT frame it directly as Pentagon disclosure on ‘Iran War’ costs exceeding $11.3 billion in the first week. Center outlets like Reuters attribute to Trump administration ‘estimates’ over $11 billion in ‘six days’ per anonymous source, adding qualifiers. Right-leaning coverage absent, omitting potential emphasis on war necessity or cost justifications.