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EXPLORE · WEEK OF AUG 3 – 9, 2026UPDATED OCT 1, 11:59 AM ET

The week in Congress news.

The week’s biggest stories about members of Congress and 2026 candidates: who covered them, how each side told them, and what each side is seeing less of.

‹ JUL 27 – AUG 2THIS WEEK
TOP STORY · 1 REP. · 1 CANDIDATE · AUG 3–7

Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate Primary

Abdul El-Sayed defeated Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary and will face Mike Rogers in November. Coverage differs on whether the win signals a progressive challenge to the party establishment or offers Republicans an opening.

Abdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MIHaley M. StevensREP. · D-MI-11
OUTLETS78
ARTICLES95
LEFT8
CENTER42
RIGHT9
UNRATED19
PHOTO · REUTERSProgressive Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan primary in jolt to Democrats
HOW EACH SIDE TOLD ITUNRATED · 19 OUTLETS, E.G. THE INDEPENDENT
LEFT-LEANING8 OUTLETSProgressive challenge to establishmentHuffPost centers El-Sayed’s progressive message and describes the result as a victory for progressives.
“Abdul El-Sayed Triumphs In Michigan In Major Victory For Progressives”HUFFPOST · CRED 75 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
CENTER42 OUTLETSA test of party directionReuters frames the result as a test of Democrats’ direction and notes the November race against Mike Rogers.
“Takeaways from Tuesday's elections: Democrats' division on display in Michigan Senate race”ASSOCIATED PRESS · CRED 97 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
RIGHT-LEANING9 OUTLETSProgressive win as GOP opportunityFox News casts the contest as a left-wing-versus-establishment fight and emphasizes risks it associates with progressive candidates.
“El-Sayed and Haley Stevens clash in Michigan Democratic Senate primary”FOX NEWS · CRED 71 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
A test of party directionReuters frames the result as a test of Democrats’ direction and notes the November race against Mike Rogers.
“Takeaways from Tuesday's elections: Democrats' division on display in Michigan Senate race”ASSOCIATED PRESS · CRED 97 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
UNRATED · 19 OUTLETS, E.G. THE INDEPENDENT
LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING OUTLETS ARRIVED 23H LATEROpen the story →
MOST-COVERED STORIES · RANKED BY OUTLETS

What got covered most

118 of 202 stories reached 3+ outlets
118 of 202 stories reached 3+ outlets
EACH BAR SHOWS WHO COVERED THE STORYLeft-leaningCenterRight-leaningUnrated outletsHOW WE RATE OUTLETS →
1
Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate PrimaryAbdul El-Sayed defeated Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary and will face Mike Rogers in November. Coverage differs on whether the win signals a progressive challenge to the party establishment or offers Republicans an opening.Abdul El-SayedD-MIHaley M. StevensD-MI-1178 OUTLETS · 95 ARTICLES · AUG 3–7LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING 23H LATER
WHO COVERED IT78 OUTLETS78 OUTLETS · 95 ARTICLESAUG 3–78 left-leaning · 42 center · 9 right-leaning · 19 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & RIGHT 23H LATER
2
Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney GeneralThe Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general after Bill Cassidy supported him and Lisa Murkowski opposed his nomination. Coverage differs over Cassidy’s role in the confirmation and emphasizes competing concerns about the Justice Department and related agreements.Bill CassidyR-LALisa MurkowskiR-AK+2 MORE69 OUTLETS · 102 ARTICLES · AUG 6–10
WHO COVERED IT69 OUTLETS69 OUTLETS · 102 ARTICLESAUG 6–106 left-leaning · 43 center · 7 right-leaning · 13 unrated.Mostly center outlets
3
Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate PrimaryAbdul El-Sayed defeated Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary and will face Mike Rogers in November. Coverage diverges on whether the result signals progressive momentum or poses an electability challenge for Democrats.Abdul El-SayedD-MIHaley M. StevensD-MI-1148 OUTLETS · 56 ARTICLES · AUG 3–10LEFT-LEANING 44H LATER
WHO COVERED IT48 OUTLETS48 OUTLETS · 56 ARTICLESAUG 3–109 left-leaning · 19 center · 9 right-leaning · 11 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT 44H LATER
4
Chuck Edwards Withdraws From Reelection Campaign After Ethics ReportThe House Ethics Committee recommended censure over Chuck Edwards's conduct toward staffers, and he withdrew from his reelection campaign. Coverage shares a focus on the findings and withdrawal, while left-leaning outlets more often link the exit to Republican electoral stakes.Chuck EdwardsR-NC-1147 OUTLETS · 72 ARTICLES · AUG 3–7LEFT-LEANING 42H LATER
WHO COVERED IT47 OUTLETS47 OUTLETS · 72 ARTICLESAUG 3–73 left-leaning · 27 center · 8 right-leaning · 9 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT 42H LATER
5
Max Miller Remains in Ohio House Race After Ballot DeadlineJon Husted urged Max Miller to resign and leave his reelection campaign amid abuse allegations Miller denies; Miller stayed after the ballot-replacement deadline passed. Coverage diverges between Republican accountability, pressure on Miller, and the ballot deadline.Max L. MillerR-OH-7Jon HustedR-OH47 OUTLETS · 67 ARTICLES · AUG 4–11
WHO COVERED IT47 OUTLETS47 OUTLETS · 67 ARTICLESAUG 4–117 left-leaning · 24 center · 6 right-leaning · 10 unrated.Mostly center outlets
6
Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate PrimaryAbdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary and will face Mike Rogers in November. Coverage diverges on whether his nomination marks progressive influence or creates risks for Democrats’ November prospects.Abdul El-SayedD-MI41 OUTLETS · 45 ARTICLES · AUG 4–6RIGHT-LEANING 22H LATER
WHO COVERED IT41 OUTLETS41 OUTLETS · 45 ARTICLESAUG 4–64 left-leaning · 18 center · 12 right-leaning · 7 unrated.Mostly center outletsRIGHT 22H LATER
7
Charlie Hatcher Defeats Andy Ogles in Tennessee Republican PrimaryCharlie Hatcher defeated Rep. Andy Ogles in Tennessee’s Republican primary. Coverage differs on the weight of outside spending, redistricting and controversies around Ogles.Andrew OglesR-TN-5Charlie HatcherR-TN39 OUTLETS · 41 ARTICLES · AUG 6–7LEFT-LEANING AND CENTER 20H LATER
WHO COVERED IT39 OUTLETS39 OUTLETS · 41 ARTICLESAUG 6–73 left-leaning · 24 center · 5 right-leaning · 7 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & CENTER 20H LATER
8
Anthony Fauci Cites Fifth Amendment at Senate Committee HearingRand Paul pursued a Senate contempt resolution after Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment. Coverage diverges over whether the effort is accountability or punishment, and whether Fauci had legal grounds to refuse questions.Rand PaulR-KY36 OUTLETS · 37 ARTICLES · AUG 4–6LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING 42H LATER
WHO COVERED IT36 OUTLETS36 OUTLETS · 37 ARTICLESAUG 4–61 left-leaning · 22 center · 6 right-leaning · 7 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & RIGHT 42H LATER
9
Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate PrimaryAbdul El-Sayed defeated Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary. Coverage diverges on whether the result chiefly marks progressive influence, a party-establishment setback, or a Republican opening.Haley M. StevensD-MI-1133 OUTLETS · 37 ARTICLES · AUG 4–6LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING 25H LATER
WHO COVERED IT33 OUTLETS33 OUTLETS · 37 ARTICLESAUG 4–64 left-leaning · 15 center · 4 right-leaning · 10 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & RIGHT 25H LATER
10
Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate PrimaryAbdul El-Sayed defeated Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary and will face Mike Rogers in November. Coverage diverges on whether the result signals progressive strength or raises concerns about the party’s direction and El-Sayed’s general-election prospects.Abdul El-SayedD-MIHaley M. StevensD-MI-1131 OUTLETS · 31 ARTICLES · AUG 5–7
WHO COVERED IT31 OUTLETS31 OUTLETS · 31 ARTICLESAUG 5–73 left-leaning · 12 center · 8 right-leaning · 8 unrated.Mostly center outlets
Showing 10 of 118
BLIND SPOTS · THIS WEEK

What each side is seeing less of

Stories that outlets on one side covered and the other side mostly didn’t. The rule is strict, so most weeks only a handful qualify.

HOW WE DECIDE →ALSO IN SOURCES →
LEFT-LEANING READERS ARE SEEING LESS OF11 THIS WEEK
BLIND SPOTAUG 5–10Abdul El-Sayed Responds to Hasan Piker’s 9/11 RemarkAbdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MIJohn FettermanSENATOR · D-PA15 outlets: 4 center, 9 right-leaning, 2 unrated. No left-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTAUG 5–1015 OUTLETS · 69% RIGHT
BLIND SPOTAUG 4–6Donavan McKinney Defeats Shri Thanedar in Michigan PrimaryShri ThanedarREP. · D-MI-13Donavan McKinneyHOUSE CANDIDATE · D-MI15 outlets: 6 center, 9 right-leaning. No left-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTAUG 4–615 OUTLETS · 60% RIGHT
BLIND SPOTAUG 5–7Jasmine Crockett Questions James Talarico’s Texas Senate ChancesJasmine CrockettREP. · D-TX-30James TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX9 outlets: 1 center, 8 right-leaning. No left-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTAUG 5–79 OUTLETS · 89% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDAUG 7–9Talarico Campaign Confirms Relationship Began During Staffer's EmploymentJames TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX6 outlets: 5 right-leaning, 1 unrated. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDAUG 7–96 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDAUG 9–11Abdul El-Sayed Discusses Medicare for All Funding in InterviewAbdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MI5 outlets: 5 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDAUG 9–115 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
RIGHT-LEANING READERS ARE SEEING LESS OF3 THIS WEEK
BLIND SPOTAUG 3–4Stephanie Grisham Seeks Restraining Order Against Max MillerMax L. MillerREP. · R-OH-710 outlets: 5 left-leaning, 3 center, 1 right-leaning, 1 unrated.
BLIND SPOTAUG 3–410 OUTLETS · 56% LEFT
BLIND SPOTAUG 4–7Mike Johnson Says House Ethics Process Should Address Max Miller AllegationsMike JohnsonREP. · R-LA-49 outlets: 4 left-leaning, 2 center, 3 unrated. No right-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTAUG 4–79 OUTLETS · 67% LEFT
BLIND SPOTJUL 30 – AUG 6McConnell’s Absence Draws Attention to Kentucky Vacancy DeadlineMitch McConnellSENATOR · R-KY7 outlets: 5 left-leaning, 1 center, 1 right-leaning.
BLIND SPOTJUL 30 – AUG 67 OUTLETS · 71% LEFT
HOW WE DECIDE →ALSO IN SOURCES →

Who’s in the news

BY OUTLETS
1Abdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MI154OUTLETSTone of 440 articles: 4 good look · 133 mixed · 293 neutral · 10 bad look.35 STORIESAbdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate Primary
2Haley M. StevensREP. · D-MI-1199OUTLETSTone of 152 articles: 1 good look · 24 mixed · 127 neutral · 0 bad look.13 STORIESAbdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate Primary
2Max L. MillerREP. · R-OH-799OUTLETSTone of 257 articles: 9 good look · 86 mixed · 17 neutral · 145 bad look.8 STORIESMoreno Calls for Max Miller to Leave Congress Amid Abuse Allegations
4Rand PaulSENATOR · R-KY69OUTLETSTone of 94 articles: 1 good look · 93 mixed · 0 neutral · 0 bad look.6 STORIESAnthony Fauci Cites Fifth Amendment at Senate Committee Hearing
5Bill CassidySENATOR · R-LA63OUTLETSTone of 90 articles: 0 good look · 90 mixed · 0 neutral · 0 bad look.2 STORIESSenate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General
BILLS AND VOTES IN THIS WEEK’S COVERAGE

On the floor and in the news

BILLS IN THE NEWSOUTLETSPEOPLE
S. 1383Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTHVeterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTH25 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE3025
H.R. 22SAVE ActPASSED HOUSESAVE ActPASSED HOUSE20 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE2420
H.R. 1One Big Beautiful Bill ActBECAME LAWOne Big Beautiful Bill ActBECAME LAWJUL 4, 202526 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE2226
S. 3752SAVE America ActIN COMMITTEESAVE America ActIN COMMITTEE5 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE55
H.R. 8800National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027PASSED HOUSENational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027PASSED HOUSE6 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE56
H.R. 3633CLARITY Act of 2025PASSED HOUSECLARITY Act of 2025PASSED HOUSE3 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE43
S. 128SAVE ActIN COMMITTEESAVE ActIN COMMITTEE4 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE44
VOTES IN THE NEWSOUTLETS
SENATE · ROLL 230 · AUG 8Todd Blanche, Attorney General PN 1078CONFIRMED 50–4925
SENATE · ROLL 225 · AUG 774 nominations en bloc PN 730CONFIRMED 51–477
SENATE · ROLL 229 · AUG 8Cloture on the nomination of Todd Blanche PN 1078PASSED 50–493
SENATE · ROLL 220 · AUG 5Erica Schwartz, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention PN 932CONFIRMED 51–443
BILLS HUB →VOTES HUB →
NOV 3 · 86 DAYS AWAY

Races in the news

ELECTIONS HUB →ALL RACES →
MICHIGAN · SENATE456 ART.
Abdul El-SayedDMike RogersR
155OUTLETS THIS WEEKAbdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate Primary
OHIO · HOUSE 7257 ART.
Max L. MillerRINCBrian PoindexterD
99OUTLETS THIS WEEKMoreno Calls for Max Miller to Leave Congress Amid Abuse Allegations
TEXAS · SENATE91 ART.
James TalaricoDKen PaxtonR
41OUTLETS THIS WEEKJasmine Crockett Questions James Talarico’s Texas Senate Chances
TENNESSEE · HOUSE 542 ART.
Charlie HatcherRChaz MolderD
38OUTLETS THIS WEEKCharlie Hatcher Defeats Andy Ogles in Tennessee Republican Primary
SOUTH CAROLINA · SENATE45 ART.
Darline GrahamRINCAnnie AndrewsD
33OUTLETS THIS WEEKSouth Carolina Senate Special Primary Sends Candidates to Runoff
MAINE · SENATE53 ART.
Susan M. CollinsRINCTroy JacksonD
30OUTLETS THIS WEEKSenate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General
20 TOPICS · STORIES THIS WEEK · CHANGE SINCE LAST WEEK

Browse by topic

Healthcare64Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate PrimaryEthics/Corruption57Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney GeneralEconomy55John James Wins Republican Nomination for Michigan GovernorForeign Policy46Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate PrimaryVoting Rights36Charlie Hatcher Defeats Andy Ogles in Tennessee Republican PrimaryImmigration34John Curtis Introduces State-Sponsored Worker Visa BillCriminal Justice27Anthony Fauci Cites Fifth Amendment at Senate Committee HearingTaxes17Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Todd Blanche's Attorney General NominationEducation12Bernie Sanders Says He Is Unlikely to Endorse Francesca HongBudget/Spending10Murkowski Seeks Details on Smithsonian Warning SignsTechnology/Privacy10Scott Wiener Campaign Removes Connie Chan Chatbot After CriticismAbortion/Reproductive Rights9Troy Jackson Becomes Maine Democratic Senate NomineeDefense/Military8Mitch McConnell's Extended Senate Absence During HospitalizationHousing8Polls Show Close Congressional Race Between Connie Chan and Scott WienerLabor/Unions8Fox News Poll Shows Talarico Leading Paxton in Texas Senate RaceAgriculture6McConnell Hospitalized After a FallEnvironment/Climate3Abdul El-Sayed's Mackinac Island Remarks ResurfaceGun Policy3NRA Political Victory Fund Endorses Paul LePage for CongressInfrastructure1To Sen. Schiff: Todd Blanche has no intention at any time or for any reason to 'represent the American people'Social Security/Medicare1Washington’s 5th District Primary Results
SOURCES

Know who’s telling you the news

Every outlet covering Congress by lean and credibility, who owns it, who reposts whom and what the other side is reading.

Open the source atlas →
MOST ACTIVE OUTLETS THIS WEEKMOST ACTIVE THIS WEEKLEANCREDARTICLESCRED · ARTICLES
Fox Newsfoxnews.comCENTER-RIGHTCENTER-RIGHTCredibility 71Articles this week 102townhall.comtownhall.comFAR RIGHTFAR RIGHTCredibility 44Articles this week 78The Daily Beastthedailybeast.comCENTER-LEFTCENTER-LEFTCredibility 70Articles this week 66New York Postnypost.comCENTER-RIGHTCENTER-RIGHTCredibility 66Articles this week 62Newsweeknewsweek.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 75Articles this week 54Raw Storyrawstory.comCENTER-LEFTCENTER-LEFTCredibility 53Articles this week 54
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