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EXPLORE · WEEK OF SEP 21 – 27, 2026UPDATED OCT 1, 7:29 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.

‹ SEP 14–20THIS WEEK
TOP STORY · 2 SENATORS · SEP 19–25

Sen. Curtis Calls for Subpoenas of Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden

Curtis sought subpoenas of Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden over foreign dealings and gifts; Cornyn backed him. Left-leaning outlets stress ethical concerns, right-leaning outlets emphasize equal scrutiny, and center outlets track the inquiry and responses.

John R. CurtisSENATOR · R-UTJohn CornynSENATOR · R-TX
OUTLETS26
ARTICLES32
LEFT4
CENTER14
RIGHT3
UNRATED5
PHOTO · ASSOCIATED PRESSGOP Sen. John Curtis calls for probe of Trump Jr. after wedding party bankrolled by Russian oligarch
HOW EACH SIDE TOLD ITUNRATED · 5 OUTLETS, E.G. THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
LEFT-LEANING4 OUTLETSEthical concerns and foreign influenceLeft-leaning outlets connect the reported wedding payment to ethical and counterintelligence concerns and call for comparable scrutiny of both presidential families.
“Republican Senator Calls For Donald Trump Jr. Subpoena”HUFFPOST · CRED 75 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
CENTER14 OUTLETSThe inquiry and its responsesCenter outlets report Curtis’s request alongside the reported wedding payment, family accounts and lawmakers’ responses.
“GOP Sen. John Curtis calls for probe of Trump Jr. after wedding party bankrolled by Russian oligarch”ASSOCIATED PRESS · CRED 97 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
RIGHT-LEANING3 OUTLETSEqual scrutiny for both familiesRight-leaning outlets frame Curtis’s request as scrutiny of both presidential families and include extensive background on Biden-related business claims.
“GOP Senator Calls On Senate Judiciary Committee To Investigate Don Jr., Hunter Biden. Most Members Haven’t Even Opened The Letter”DAILY CALLER NEWS FOUNDATION · CRED 55 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
The inquiry and its responsesCenter outlets report Curtis’s request alongside the reported wedding payment, family accounts and lawmakers’ responses.
“GOP Sen. John Curtis calls for probe of Trump Jr. after wedding party bankrolled by Russian oligarch”ASSOCIATED PRESS · CRED 97 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
UNRATED · 5 OUTLETS, E.G. THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING OUTLETS ARRIVED 64H LATEROpen the story →
MOST-COVERED STORIES · RANKED BY OUTLETS

What got covered most

104 of 262 stories reached 3+ outlets
104 of 262 stories reached 3+ outlets
EACH BAR SHOWS WHO COVERED THE STORYLeft-leaningCenterRight-leaningUnrated outletsHOW WE RATE OUTLETS →
1
Sen. Curtis Calls for Subpoenas of Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter BidenCurtis sought subpoenas of Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden over foreign dealings and gifts; Cornyn backed him. Left-leaning outlets stress ethical concerns, right-leaning outlets emphasize equal scrutiny, and center outlets track the inquiry and responses.John R. CurtisR-UTJohn CornynR-TX26 OUTLETS · 32 ARTICLES · SEP 19–25LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING 64H LATER
WHO COVERED IT26 OUTLETS26 OUTLETS · 32 ARTICLESSEP 19–254 left-leaning · 14 center · 3 right-leaning · 5 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & RIGHT 64H LATER
2
Kamala Harris Campaigns for Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate RaceKamala Harris campaigned with Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at a Detroit event focused on Black maternal health. Center outlets emphasize the campaign stop and party unity, while right-leaning outlets foreground Harris’s DEI remarks and the event’s presentation.Abdul El-SayedD-MI23 OUTLETS · 25 ARTICLES · SEP 21–23RIGHT-LEANING 21H LATER
WHO COVERED IT23 OUTLETS23 OUTLETS · 25 ARTICLESSEP 21–230 left-leaning · 15 center · 2 right-leaning · 6 unrated.No left-leaning outletsRIGHT 21H LATER
3
Republicans in Tight Senate Races Call for End to Iran WarRogers, Hinson and James called for the Iran war to end; Rogers and Hinson also proposed fuel-cost measures. Coverage differs on whether the calls respond to rising costs or break with Trump and earlier positions.Ashley HinsonR-IA-2Mike RogersR-MI+1 MORE22 OUTLETS · 26 ARTICLES · SEP 21–25RIGHT-LEANING 24H LATER
WHO COVERED IT22 OUTLETS22 OUTLETS · 26 ARTICLESSEP 21–253 left-leaning · 13 center · 4 right-leaning · 2 unrated.Mostly center outletsRIGHT 24H LATER
4
New York Times Reports Allegations About Mary Peltola’s Campaign ConductA New York Times report relayed former aides’ allegations about Mary Peltola; her campaign disputed a pattern, while Lisa Murkowski called parts inflammatory. Coverage diverges over campaign impact, the weight given to denials, and Peltola’s LGBTQ+ record.Mary PeltolaD-AKLisa MurkowskiR-AK19 OUTLETS · 19 ARTICLES · SEP 23–25LEFT-LEANING 14H LATER
WHO COVERED IT19 OUTLETS19 OUTLETS · 19 ARTICLESSEP 23–251 left-leaning · 6 center · 10 right-leaning · 2 unrated.Mostly right-leaning outletsLEFT 14H LATER
5
John Kennedy Proposes Limits on Self-Promotional Ads and Naming BuildingsJohn Kennedy proposed limits on taxpayer-funded self-promotion and naming buildings after living politicians, amid Donald Trump’s ads and naming efforts. Left-leaning outlets stress criticism of Trump; center outlets foreground the proposal, while right-leaning outlets link it to his actions.John KennedyR-LA13 OUTLETS · 16 ARTICLES · SEP 27–28
WHO COVERED IT13 OUTLETS13 OUTLETS · 16 ARTICLESSEP 27–283 left-leaning · 4 center · 5 right-leaning · 1 unrated.Covered across the spectrum
6
Administration Moves to Cancel Congress-Approved FundingThe Trump administration moved to cancel about $810 million in congressionally approved funding, drawing objections from Susan Collins and Patty Murray. Coverage ranges from concerns about Congress’s spending authority to framing the cuts as a way to end wasteful spending.Susan M. CollinsR-MEPatty MurrayD-WA13 OUTLETS · 15 ARTICLES · SEP 25–29RIGHT-LEANING 15H LATER
WHO COVERED IT13 OUTLETS13 OUTLETS · 15 ARTICLESSEP 25–293 left-leaning · 7 center · 2 right-leaning · 1 unrated.Mostly center outletsRIGHT 15H LATER
7
Sanders and Casar Introduce Bill to Ban AI SuperintelligenceBernard Sanders and Greg Casar introduced legislation to ban artificial superintelligence, pause advanced AI development and establish federal oversight. Left-leaning outlets stress AI risks, while right-leaning outlets emphasize the proposal’s regulatory reach and potential costs.Bernie SandersI-VTGreg CasarD-TX-3513 OUTLETS · 13 ARTICLES · SEP 22–24LEFT-LEANING 16H LATER
WHO COVERED IT13 OUTLETS13 OUTLETS · 13 ARTICLESSEP 22–242 left-leaning · 7 center · 2 right-leaning · 2 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT 16H LATER
8
Senate Republicans Consider Data Center Electricity-Cost BillSenate Republicans plan a vote on Jon Husted’s data-center electricity-cost bill as they press an affordability message before the midterms. Coverage diverges over whether the measure is a limited political gesture or a campaign opportunity for Husted.Jon HustedR-OH11 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLES · SEP 24–29LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING 4D LATER
WHO COVERED IT11 OUTLETS11 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLESSEP 24–291 left-leaning · 5 center · 1 right-leaning · 4 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & RIGHT 4D LATER
9
Senate Rejects Iran War Powers ResolutionThe Senate rejected a resolution challenging President Donald Trump’s authority over the Iran war; Tillis, Collins, Paul and Murkowski supported it, while Cassidy opposed it. Coverage varies between emphasis on presidential war powers, Republican divisions, and political and economic concerns.Thom TillisR-NCBill CassidyR-LA+3 MORE11 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLES · SEP 24–27
WHO COVERED IT11 OUTLETS11 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLESSEP 24–272 left-leaning · 7 center · 1 right-leaning · 1 unrated.Mostly center outlets
10
Lauren Boebert Denies Alleged Relationships With Three StaffersA House ethics complaint alleges Lauren Boebert had relationships with three staffers; she denies the allegations. Coverage diverges over her LGBTQ-related political record, her response to news coverage, and questions about the complaint.Lauren BoebertR-CO-410 OUTLETS · 12 ARTICLES · SEP 19–21LEFT-LEANING AND CENTER 42H LATER
WHO COVERED IT10 OUTLETS10 OUTLETS · 12 ARTICLESSEP 19–212 left-leaning · 2 center · 4 right-leaning · 2 unrated.Covered across the spectrumLEFT & CENTER 42H LATER
Showing 10 of 104
BLIND SPOTS · LAST 30 DAYSTOO FEW THIS WEEK · LAST 30 DAYS

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.

TOO FEW THIS WEEK · LAST 30 DAYS
HOW WE DECIDE →ALSO IN SOURCES →
LEFT-LEANING READERS ARE SEEING LESS OF32 IN 30 DAYS · TOP 5
BLIND SPOTAUG 29 – SEP 5Abdul El-Sayed Apologizes for Remarks After Synagogue AttackAbdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MI14 outlets: 4 center, 8 right-leaning, 2 unrated. No left-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTAUG 29 – SEP 514 OUTLETS · 67% RIGHT
BLIND SPOTSEP 1–4James Talarico's 2020 Remarks on Capitalism Resurface in Texas Senate RaceJames TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX11 outlets: 1 center, 10 right-leaning. No left-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTSEP 1–411 OUTLETS · 91% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 14–16James Talarico Names Alyssa Edwards as His Favorite Drag PerformerJames TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX8 outlets: 6 right-leaning, 2 unrated. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 14–168 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 24–26Rashida Tlaib Says ICE Caused Man's Death After Michigan CrashRashida TlaibREP. · D-MI-126 outlets: 5 right-leaning, 1 unrated. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 24–266 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDAUG 28–29Scott Bessent Responds to Elizabeth Warren’s Questions on Yen InterventionElizabeth WarrenSENATOR · D-MA6 outlets: 5 right-leaning, 1 unrated. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDAUG 28–296 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
RIGHT-LEANING READERS ARE SEEING LESS OF14 IN 30 DAYS · TOP 5
BLIND SPOTAUG 26–30Ossoff Calls on Collins Over Former Staffer's Alleged White Nationalist TiesMike CollinsREP. · R-GA-1013 outlets: 7 left-leaning, 3 center, 1 right-leaning, 2 unrated.
BLIND SPOTAUG 26–3013 OUTLETS · 64% LEFT
BLIND SPOTSEP 16–18Tierra Walker's Family Sues Ken Paxton Over Her DeathKen PaxtonSENATE CANDIDATE · R-TX11 outlets: 5 left-leaning, 3 center, 1 right-leaning, 2 unrated.
BLIND SPOTSEP 16–1811 OUTLETS · 56% LEFT
BLIND SPOTSEP 26–28Trump Amplifies Criticism of Rep. María Elvira SalazarMaria Elvira SalazarREP. · R-FL-2710 outlets: 5 left-leaning, 4 center, 1 right-leaning.
BLIND SPOTSEP 26–2810 OUTLETS · 50% LEFT
BLIND SPOTSEP 10–14Calls for Democrats to Be Shot Heard During 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
BLIND SPOTSEP 14–17Mitch McConnell Is Redirected During a VoteMitch McConnellSENATOR · R-KY8 outlets: 4 left-leaning, 3 center, 1 right-leaning.
BLIND SPOTSEP 14–178 OUTLETS · 50% LEFT
HOW WE DECIDE →ALSO IN SOURCES →

Who’s in the news

BY OUTLETS
1Abdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MI51OUTLETSTone of 97 articles: 9 good look · 44 mixed · 17 neutral · 27 bad look.13 STORIESKamala Harris Campaigns for Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate Race
2Susan M. CollinsSENATOR · R-ME47OUTLETSTone of 83 articles: 25 good look · 24 mixed · 13 neutral · 21 bad look.13 STORIESAdministration Moves to Cancel Congress-Approved Funding
3Jon HustedSENATOR · R-OH35OUTLETSTone of 46 articles: 6 good look · 25 mixed · 7 neutral · 8 bad look.6 STORIESSenate Does Not Advance Data Center Energy Bill
3Mary PeltolaSENATE CANDIDATE · D-AK35OUTLETSTone of 39 articles: 1 good look · 16 mixed · 4 neutral · 18 bad look.1 STORYNew York Times Reports Allegations About Mary Peltola’s Campaign Conduct
5John R. CurtisSENATOR · R-UT30OUTLETSTone of 39 articles: 23 good look · 9 mixed · 6 neutral · 1 bad look.2 STORIESSen. Curtis Calls for Subpoenas of Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden
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, 202586 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE6486
S. 4668Protect College Sports Act of 2026PASSED SENATEProtect College Sports Act of 2026PASSED SENATE13 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE1513
H.R. 3633CLARITY Act of 2025PASSED HOUSECLARITY Act of 2025PASSED HOUSESEP 157 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE137
S. 5028Ratepayer Protection ActIN COMMITTEERatepayer Protection ActIN COMMITTEE8 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE128
S. 1383Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTHVeterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTH10 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE1210
H.R. 9340Ratepayer Protection ActPASSED HOUSERatepayer Protection ActPASSED HOUSE8 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE108
H.R. 22SAVE ActPASSED HOUSESAVE ActPASSED HOUSE7 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE77
VOTES IN THE NEWSOUTLETS
SENATE · ROLL 244 · SEP 24War powers: remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran H.Con.Res. 89FAILED 49–5015
HOUSE · ROLL 312 · SEP 16Ratepayer Protection Act H.R. 9340PASSED 417–32/3 REQUIRED10
SENATE · ROLL 243 · SEP 24Cloture on the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 S. 4668PASSED 74–253/5 REQUIRED4
HOUSE · ROLL 307 · SEP 15War powers: remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran H.Con.Res. 93PASSED 220–2043
BILLS HUB →VOTES HUB →
NOV 3 · 37 DAYS AWAY

Races in the news

ELECTIONS HUB →ALL RACES →
MICHIGAN · SENATE119 ART.
Abdul El-SayedDMike RogersR
60OUTLETS THIS WEEKKamala Harris Campaigns for Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate Race
MAINE · SENATE89 ART.
Susan M. CollinsRINCTroy JacksonD
52OUTLETS THIS WEEKAdministration Moves to Cancel Congress-Approved Funding
OHIO · SENATE (SPECIAL)58 ART.
Jon HustedRINCSherrod BrownD
42OUTLETS THIS WEEKSenate Does Not Advance Data Center Energy Bill
TEXAS · SENATE56 ART.
James TalaricoDKen PaxtonR
40OUTLETS THIS WEEKPolls Show Talarico Leading Paxton in Texas Senate Race
ALASKA · SENATE45 ART.
Dan SullivanRINCMary PeltolaD
40OUTLETS THIS WEEKNew York Times Reports Allegations About Mary Peltola’s Campaign Conduct
IOWA · SENATE49 ART.
Ashley HinsonRJoshua TurekD
34OUTLETS THIS WEEKRepublicans in Tight Senate Races Call for End to Iran War
21 TOPICS · STORIES THIS WEEK · CHANGE SINCE LAST WEEK

Browse by topic

Economy89Republicans in Tight Senate Races Call for End to Iran WarEthics/Corruption68Sen. Curtis Calls for Subpoenas of Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter BidenForeign Policy67Senate Rejects Iran War Powers ResolutionHealthcare46Kamala Harris Campaigns for Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate RaceImmigration41Trump Amplifies Criticism of Rep. María Elvira SalazarTechnology/Privacy39Sanders and Casar Introduce Bill to Ban AI SuperintelligenceDefense/Military34Democrats Seek Hearings on USS Lincoln Suicide AttemptsCriminal Justice30Senators Seek DOJ Guidance on License Plate ReadersVoting Rights25Oklahoma Senate Seat Transition Timing DisputeBudget/Spending24John Kennedy Proposes Limits on Self-Promotional Ads and Naming BuildingsInfrastructure23USPS Audit Reports Mail Service Problems in South DakotaLabor/Unions19Jared Golden Endorses Mike Lawler for ReelectionTaxes19Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Federal Film and Television Tax Credit BillEnvironment/Climate17Senate Negotiates Infrastructure Permitting Reform BillEducation15Senate Debates Protect College Sports ActAgriculture14Lawler Receives Democratic Endorsement as Jeffries Criticizes HimAbortion/Reproductive Rights12Susan Collins's Kavanaugh Vote Figures in Maine Senate CampaignHousing9Jay Collins Endorses Byron Donalds for Florida GovernorVeterans Affairs4Stelson Announces Republican Coalition in Pennsylvania’s 10th DistrictSocial Security/Medicare3Haley Stevens Introduces Bill to Lower Retirement Age for Some WorkersGun Policy1Byron Donalds denied distancing himself from Donald Trump
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
The Hillthehill.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 79Articles this week 104Politicopolitico.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 83Articles this week 54Breitbartbreitbart.comRIGHTRIGHTCredibility 41Articles this week 45Fox Newsfoxnews.comCENTER-RIGHTCENTER-RIGHTCredibility 71Articles this week 44Raw Storyrawstory.comCENTER-LEFTCENTER-LEFTCredibility 53Articles this week 38Florida Politicsfloridapolitics.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 71Articles this week 31
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