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EXPLORE · WEEK OF SEP 7 – 13, 2026UPDATED OCT 1, 11:29 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.

‹ AUG 31 – SEP 6THIS WEEK
QUIET WEEK · THE HOUSE AND SENATE WERE IN RECESS
TOP STORY · 1 CANDIDATE · SEP 10–13

Jimmy Kimmel Moves James Talarico Interview to YouTube

Jimmy Kimmel said his interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico would be posted on YouTube rather than ABC. Coverage diverges over whether that reflects censorship or the application of equal-time rules.

James TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX
OUTLETS46
ARTICLES62
LEFT3
CENTER22
RIGHT4
UNRATED17
PHOTO · ASSOCIATED PRESSKimmel says interview with James Talarico won't air on TV under pressure from the FCC
HOW EACH SIDE TOLD ITUNRATED · 17 OUTLETS, E.G. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES UK
LEFT-LEANING3 OUTLETSFCC pressure on political speechLeft-leaning outlets frame the move as a consequence of alleged FCC pressure on political speech, with Talarico’s interview illustrating the stakes.
“Jimmy Kimmel, James Talarico and the FCC's Muzzling of the Media”TPM – TALKING POINTS MEMO · CRED 72 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
CENTER22 OUTLETSHow rules shape political interviewsCenter outlets emphasize how equal-time rules and FCC scrutiny may affect political interviews, generally attributing claims and including official responses.
“Kimmel says interview with James Talarico won't air on TV under pressure from the FCC”ASSOCIATED PRESS · CRED 97 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
RIGHT-LEANING4 OUTLETSSkepticism of censorship claimsSome right-leaning outlets reject the censorship claim and emphasize equal-time rules; others report Kimmel’s account alongside a denial.
“Jimmy Kimmel moves Talarico interview to YouTube only, citing FCC threats”FOX NEWS · CRED 71 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
How rules shape political interviewsCenter outlets emphasize how equal-time rules and FCC scrutiny may affect political interviews, generally attributing claims and including official responses.
“Kimmel says interview with James Talarico won't air on TV under pressure from the FCC”ASSOCIATED PRESS · CRED 97 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
UNRATED · 17 OUTLETS, E.G. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES UK
LEFT-LEANING OUTLETS ARRIVED 15H LATEROpen the story →
MOST-COVERED STORIES · RANKED BY OUTLETS

What got covered most

73 of 129 stories reached 3+ outlets
73 of 129 stories reached 3+ outlets
EACH BAR SHOWS WHO COVERED THE STORYLeft-leaningCenterRight-leaningUnrated outletsHOW WE RATE OUTLETS →
1
Jimmy Kimmel Moves James Talarico Interview to YouTubeJimmy Kimmel said his interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico would be posted on YouTube rather than ABC. Coverage diverges over whether that reflects censorship or the application of equal-time rules.James TalaricoD-TX46 OUTLETS · 62 ARTICLES · SEP 10–13LEFT-LEANING 15H LATER
WHO COVERED IT46 OUTLETS46 OUTLETS · 62 ARTICLESSEP 10–133 left-leaning · 22 center · 4 right-leaning · 17 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT 15H LATER
2
Trump Proposes $5,000 Payments if Republicans Retain CongressTrump proposed $5,000 payments if Republicans retain Congress, and Speaker Mike Johnson said Congress must approve them. Coverage diverges between criticism of Johnson’s defense and focus on approval, funding and fiscal concerns.Mike JohnsonR-LA-443 OUTLETS · 43 ARTICLES · SEP 13–19LEFT-LEANING 34H LATER
WHO COVERED IT43 OUTLETS43 OUTLETS · 43 ARTICLESSEP 13–192 left-leaning · 34 center · 0 right-leaning · 7 unrated.No right-leaning outletsLEFT 34H LATER
3
Chris Pappas and John Sununu Win New Hampshire Senate PrimariesSununu and Pappas won their party primaries, setting up a New Hampshire Senate race. Coverage differs on whether to stress ideological divisions and Republican prospects or the contest’s potential implications for Senate control.Chris PappasD-NH-1John SununuR-NH42 OUTLETS · 46 ARTICLES · SEP 7–9
WHO COVERED IT42 OUTLETS42 OUTLETS · 46 ARTICLESSEP 7–90 left-leaning · 29 center · 5 right-leaning · 8 unrated.No left-leaning outlets
4
John Fetterman Appears Virtually at Republican Midterm ConventionFetterman appeared by video at a Republican midterm convention and praised Sen. David McCormick. Coverage diverges on whether the appearance signals a shift from Democrats or shows cross-party cooperation.John FettermanD-PA25 OUTLETS · 26 ARTICLES · SEP 9–14
WHO COVERED IT25 OUTLETS25 OUTLETS · 26 ARTICLESSEP 9–145 left-leaning · 11 center · 5 right-leaning · 4 unrated.Mostly center outlets
5
John Fetterman Speaks at Republican Midterm ConventionFetterman appeared by video at a Republican midterm convention and praised Sen. Dave McCormick. Coverage differs on whether the appearance signals distance from Democrats or boosts Republicans.John FettermanD-PA17 OUTLETS · 19 ARTICLES · SEP 9–13
WHO COVERED IT17 OUTLETS17 OUTLETS · 19 ARTICLESSEP 9–130 left-leaning · 11 center · 2 right-leaning · 4 unrated.No left-leaning outlets
6
McConnell's Senate Return Remains Uncertain After Health-Related AbsenceMcConnell’s roughly three-month health-related absence has left his return to the Senate uncertain. Center coverage weighs privacy and public accountability, while right-leaning coverage focuses on his staff not saying whether he will return.Mitch McConnellR-KY17 OUTLETS · 17 ARTICLES · SEP 10–12CENTER 40H LATER
WHO COVERED IT17 OUTLETS17 OUTLETS · 17 ARTICLESSEP 10–120 left-leaning · 12 center · 1 right-leaning · 4 unrated.No left-leaning outletsCENTER 40H LATER
7
New Hampshire Primaries Set Senate and House MatchupsNew Hampshire voters chose nominees in Senate and House primaries, including Pappas, Sununu, Shaheen and Sullivan. Coverage differs between statewide results and the close Shaheen-Sullivan House race.John SununuR-NHChris PappasD-NH-1+1 MORE12 OUTLETS · 16 ARTICLES · SEP 8–9RIGHT-LEANING 24H LATER
WHO COVERED IT12 OUTLETS12 OUTLETS · 16 ARTICLESSEP 8–90 left-leaning · 9 center · 2 right-leaning · 1 unrated.No left-leaning outletsRIGHT 24H LATER
8
FCC Chair Carr Says Ted Cruz’s ESPN Interview Meets Equal-Time RulesFCC Chair Brendan Carr said Ted Cruz’s ESPN appearance did not trigger equal-time rules. Coverage differs over whether to center the crowd’s boos, ESPN’s political access, or the FCC’s reasoning.Ted CruzR-TX12 OUTLETS · 13 ARTICLES · SEP 12–15
WHO COVERED IT12 OUTLETS12 OUTLETS · 13 ARTICLESSEP 12–154 left-leaning · 4 center · 2 right-leaning · 2 unrated.Covered across the spectrum
9
John Sununu Wins New Hampshire Republican Senate PrimaryJohn Sununu won the New Hampshire Republican Senate primary, while Chris Pappas won the Democratic primary, setting up a November matchup. Coverage differs on whether the story centers on the race or Republican prospects and criticism of Pappas.John SununuR-NH12 OUTLETS · 12 ARTICLES · SEP 8–9
WHO COVERED IT12 OUTLETS12 OUTLETS · 12 ARTICLESSEP 8–90 left-leaning · 7 center · 2 right-leaning · 3 unrated.No left-leaning outlets
10
Troy Jackson Urges Union Members to Vote at Labor Day EventTroy Jackson urged union members to vote at a Labor Day event while campaigning for the Senate. Coverage centers on his worker-focused priorities and the wider midterm campaign.Troy JacksonD-ME11 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLES · SEP 7
WHO COVERED IT11 OUTLETS11 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLESSEP 70 left-leaning · 11 center · 0 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Only center outlets
Showing 10 of 73
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 OF10 THIS WEEK
ONE-SIDEDSEP 10–12James Talarico Discusses Gender Issues in Fox News InterviewJames TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX4 outlets: 4 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 10–124 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 8–10Report Alleges Elaine Chao Held China-Linked PositionsMitch McConnellSENATOR · R-KY4 outlets: 3 right-leaning, 1 unrated. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 8–104 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 10Mark Kelly Shares Account of Note on FlightMark KellySENATOR · D-AZ4 outlets: 4 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 104 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 8–9Watchdog Alleges Coordination in Alaska Senate RaceDan SullivanSENATOR · R-AK4 outlets: 4 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 8–94 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 11Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez Appear to Laugh During 9/11 MemorialAlexandria Ocasio-CortezREP. · D-NY-143 outlets: 3 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 113 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
RIGHT-LEANING READERS ARE SEEING LESS OF3 THIS WEEK
BLIND SPOTSEP 10–14Shouts Calling for Violence Follow Ted Cruz Convention SpeechTed CruzSENATOR · R-TXAbdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MI9 outlets: 4 left-leaning, 3 center, 1 right-leaning, 1 unrated.
BLIND SPOTSEP 10–149 OUTLETS · 50% LEFT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 13–14Jake Tapper Questions Mike Johnson on Herrera Endorsement and FundraisingBrandon HerreraHOUSE CANDIDATE · R-TXMike JohnsonREP. · R-LA-43 outlets: 3 left-leaning. No center or right-leaning outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 13–143 OUTLETS · 100% LEFT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 10–14Rand Paul’s Senate Staff Charter Jet for Trump Assassination Attempt InquiryRand PaulSENATOR · R-KY3 outlets: 3 left-leaning. No center or right-leaning outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 10–143 OUTLETS · 100% LEFT
HOW WE DECIDE →ALSO IN SOURCES →

Who’s in the news

BY OUTLETS
1▲4James TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX72OUTLETSTone of 151 articles: 19 good look · 35 mixed · 59 neutral · 38 bad look.17 STORIESJimmy Kimmel Moves James Talarico Interview to YouTube
2▲5John FettermanSENATOR · D-PA57OUTLETSTone of 89 articles: 9 good look · 53 mixed · 1 neutral · 26 bad look.11 STORIESJohn Fetterman Appears Virtually at Republican Midterm Convention
3▲8Mike JohnsonREP. · R-LA-453OUTLETSTone of 64 articles: 1 good look · 50 mixed · 0 neutral · 13 bad look.8 STORIESTrump Proposes $5,000 Payments if Republicans Retain Congress
3▲14Chris PappasREP. · D-NH-153OUTLETSTone of 70 articles: 2 good look · 31 mixed · 36 neutral · 1 bad look.5 STORIESChris Pappas and John Sununu Win New Hampshire Senate Primaries
5▲18John SununuSENATE CANDIDATE · R-NH52OUTLETSTone of 68 articles: 0 good look · 33 mixed · 35 neutral · 0 bad look.5 STORIESChris Pappas and John Sununu Win New Hampshire Senate Primaries
BILLS AND VOTES IN THIS WEEK’S COVERAGE

On the floor and in the news

BILLS IN THE NEWSOUTLETSPEOPLE
H.R. 1One Big Beautiful Bill ActBECAME LAWOne Big Beautiful Bill ActBECAME LAWJUL 4, 202537 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE2737
S. 1383Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTHVeterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTH10 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE1210
S. 4668Protect College Sports Act of 2026PASSED SENATEProtect College Sports Act of 2026PASSED SENATE2 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE112
H.R. 1833Working Families Tax Cut ActIN COMMITTEEWorking Families Tax Cut ActIN COMMITTEE5 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE35
H.R. 22SAVE ActPASSED HOUSESAVE ActPASSED HOUSE4 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE34
H.R. 4673Save Our Bacon ActIN COMMITTEESave Our Bacon ActIN COMMITTEE2 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE32
H.R. 8800National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027PASSED HOUSENational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027PASSED HOUSE3 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE33
VOTES IN THE NEWSOUTLETS

No roll-call vote was in this week’s coverage from 2 or more outlets.

BILLS HUB →VOTES HUB →
NOV 3 · 51 DAYS AWAY

Races in the news

ELECTIONS HUB →ALL RACES →
TEXAS · SENATE201 ART.
James TalaricoDKen PaxtonR
84OUTLETS THIS WEEKJimmy Kimmel Moves James Talarico Interview to YouTube
NEW HAMPSHIRE · SENATE78 ART.
Chris PappasDJohn SununuR
56OUTLETS THIS WEEKChris Pappas and John Sununu Win New Hampshire Senate Primaries
LOUISIANA · HOUSE 464 ART.
Mike JohnsonRINCConrad CableD
53OUTLETS THIS WEEKTrump Proposes $5,000 Payments if Republicans Retain Congress
MICHIGAN · SENATE71 ART.
Abdul El-SayedDMike RogersR
41OUTLETS THIS WEEKCarlson Defends El-Sayed's 9/11 Remarks, Criticizes Rogers
MAINE · SENATE42 ART.
Susan M. CollinsRINCTroy JacksonD
26OUTLETS THIS WEEKTroy Jackson Urges Union Members to Vote at Labor Day Event
NORTH CAROLINA · SENATE22 ART.
Michael WhatleyRRoy CooperD
17OUTLETS THIS WEEKPastor Gives Opening Prayer at Rally for Michael Whatley
21 TOPICS · STORIES THIS WEEK · CHANGE SINCE LAST WEEK

Browse by topic

Economy50Change since last week: ▲17Trump Proposes $5,000 Payments if Republicans Retain CongressEthics/Corruption45Change since last week: ▼3Jimmy Kimmel Moves James Talarico Interview to YouTubeHealthcare33Change since last week: ▲2New Hampshire Primaries Set Senate and House MatchupsImmigration20Change since last week: ▲2DHS Secretary Says Allegations Against Ilhan Omar Are Under InvestigationForeign Policy18Change since last week: ▼11Carlson Defends El-Sayed's 9/11 Remarks, Criticizes RogersVoting Rights16Change since last week: ▼1New Hampshire Holds Primaries for U.S. Senate SeatEducation13Change since last week: ▲7FCC Chair Carr Says Ted Cruz’s ESPN Interview Meets Equal-Time RulesTaxes12Change since last week: ▲1Paxton Promotes Tax Plan, Criticizes Talarico at Texas GOP ConventionBudget/Spending11Change since last week: —Rand Paul’s Senate Staff Charter Jet for Trump Assassination Attempt InquiryTechnology/Privacy10Change since last week: ▼3Mike Johnson Opposes Immediate AI Moratorium, Calls for Safety TalksDefense/Military9Change since last week: ▲5John Fetterman Appears by Video at Republican Midterm ConventionCriminal Justice7Change since last week: ▼1Pastor Gives Opening Prayer at Rally for Michael WhatleyLabor/Unions7Change since last week: —John Fetterman Speaks at Republican Midterm ConventionAgriculture4Change since last week: ▲2McConnell Returns to Senate After Months AwayHousing4Change since last week: ▲1Troy Jackson Meets Mobile Home Park Residents Over Housing ConcernsEnvironment/Climate3Change since last week: ▼6William Lawrence's Past Redistribution and Border Remarks Draw ScrutinyGun Policy3Change since last week: ▲2Brandon Herrera’s Online Remarks Draw ScrutinyAbortion/Reproductive Rights2Change since last week: ▼6Ossoff and Talarico Join Los Angeles FundraiserVeterans Affairs2Change since last week: ▼1Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board Criticizes John Fetterman’s Senate WorkInfrastructure0Change since last week: ▼1Social Security/Medicare0Change since last week: ▼1
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 40New York Postnypost.comCENTER-RIGHTCENTER-RIGHTCredibility 66Articles this week 37twitchy.comtwitchy.comFAR RIGHTFAR RIGHTCredibility 38Articles this week 35Raw Storyrawstory.comCENTER-LEFTCENTER-LEFTCredibility 53Articles this week 34Newsweeknewsweek.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 75Articles this week 32redstate.comredstate.comFAR RIGHTFAR RIGHTCredibility 43Articles this week 30
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