As USAID faces mounting political scrutiny, media coverage from the left and right tells two very different stories. Is the agency recklessly spending taxpayer dollars on controversial programs, or is it an essential tool for global aid? In episode 8 of Bias Breakdown, we unpack the debate, from disputed grants in Guatemala to accusations of indirect funding for Hamas. We analyze media narratives and explore what’s next for USAID under the Trump administration. Tune in for a deep dive into the facts—and the framing—shaping this heated controversy.

President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration is in full swing, with ICE conducting daily operations in major cities and resulting in the arrests of hundreds of migrants living in the country illegally. As part of one of those ICE raids in Chicago, Dr. Phil participated in a ride-along with ICE agents and Border Czar Tom Homan. The presence of the talk show host has divided media coverage, with narratives that align with news outlets' political biases.

In episode 7 of Bias Breakdown, we examine how left-leaning outlets criticize Dr. Phil’s involvement, labeling it a “spectacle,” while right-leaning outlets tout it as an “effective” portrayal of ICE’s success in the field. Tune in as we unpack these contrasting narratives and explore how media bias shapes public perception of immigration enforcement.

Following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Elon Musk delivered an enthusiastic speech, at one point making an arm gesture that has drawn different interpretations, fueling division among left- and right-leaning media outlets.

Wildfires recently ravaged Los Angeles, claiming dozens of lives and destroying thousands of homes.

January 6th has become one of the most politically charged events in recent history, with starkly different perspectives from the left and right on what truly happened. Four years after supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in protest of the 2020 election results, the fallout continues to divide the nation—and the media.

In episode three of Bias Breakdown, we examine how the death of former President Jimmy Carter is being politicized across different news outlets, depending on their political leanings. Right-leaning news outlets are focusing on criticism of Biden’s condolences while left-leaning outlets highlight criticism of Trump’s rhetoric toward Carter over the years. We explore how both sides use opposing contexts and sources to support competing narratives.

In episode two of Bias Breakdown, we examine how the immigration status of Sebastian Zapeta, the man charged with setting a woman on fire on a New York City subway, is being reported differently across media outlets depending on their political bias.

In our debut episode, we compare how news outlets with left- and right-wing political biases are reporting on Trump's lawsuit over a controversial Iowa poll. Was it a case of election interference or the start of a revenge campaign? The answer varies widely depending on the outlet's political bias. Welcome to Bias Breakdown.

Join Straight Arrow News for the debut of our Bias Breakdown podcast. Here, you'll find an alternative to traditional storytelling as we examine how news stories are presented differently based on a news outlet’s left- or right-leaning political bias. Tune in every Tuesday with your host, Karah Rucker, for a Bias Breakdown of the current events that matter most to you.