March 31, 2026 – US Headlines

Story gist: Rep. Eric Swalwell sent a cease-and-desist letter to FBI Director Kash Patel. The letter addresses reports of Patel planning to release decade-old files related to Swalwell.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like The Washington Post frame the story neutrally around Swalwell’s legal action against Patel. Center outlets like The Hill emphasize Rep. Jamie Raskin’s criticism of Patel’s ‘reported plan’ to release old files, highlighting Democratic pushback. Right-leaning coverage is absent, missing perspectives defending Patel’s transparency or portraying Swalwell’s letter as obstructive.

Story gist: Trump indicated 12 times that the Iran war was about to end. He called Iranian negotiators reasonable amid uncertainty about their authority, told aides he would end the war without reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as oil prices fluctuated on de-escalation reports.

Bias summary: Left-leaning CNN emphasizes Trump’s praise for Iranian negotiators while stressing uncertainty in their power, fostering skepticism. Center Reuters neutrally highlights oil market volatility balancing de-escalation against Hormuz risks, focusing on economics. Right-leaning WSJ portrays Trump’s stance as resolute, emphasizing his willingness to end the war without concessions on Hormuz.

Story gist: Iran struck a giant oil tanker off Dubai. The attack followed recent threats by former President Trump.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like The Guardian frame the event as part of a live ‘Middle East crisis’ with explosions in Tehran and Jerusalem amid multiple strikes, emphasizing regional escalation. Center outlets like Reuters report neutrally, focusing on the tanker strike and Trump’s threats without dramatic tone. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting potential emphasis on Iranian aggression or U.S. deterrence.

Story gist: The U.S. Supreme Court will consider former President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship this week. The case involves challenges to the order.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like The New York Times frame the story by emphasizing divisions among conservative scholars, highlighting internal right-wing splits. Center outlets like CBS News offer neutral explainers with factual overviews. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting defenses of the order or originalist arguments supporting Trump’s position.