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EXPLORE · WEEK OF SEP 28 – OCT 4, 2026UPDATED 12:29 PM 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 21–27THIS WEEK
TOP STORY · 3 SENATORS · SEP 23 – OCT 1

Senate Does Not Advance Data Center Energy Bill

The Senate did not advance Jon Husted’s Ratepayer Protection Act, which Charles Schumer opposed as inadequate while John Thune weighed a vote. Coverage differs on whether the bill offered meaningful relief from data-center electricity costs.

Jon HustedSENATOR · R-OHChuck SchumerSENATOR · D-NYJohn ThuneSENATOR · R-SD
OUTLETS22
ARTICLES33
LEFT3
CENTER11
RIGHT6
UNRATED2
PHOTO · THE NEW YORK TIMESIn Ohio, a Humbling Question For Senator Jon Husted: Are You the Incumbent?
HOW EACH SIDE TOLD ITUNRATED · 2 OUTLETS, E.G. GOVTECH
LEFT-LEANING3 OUTLETSWeak protections, campaign stakesRaw Story emphasizes the bill’s optional safeguards and Husted’s reelection fight.
“Dems Block Data Center Bill Designed to Boost Husted’s Campaign: ‘A Proxy for Corruption’”TPM – TALKING POINTS MEMO · CRED 72 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
CENTER11 OUTLETSDispute over protections and costsCenter outlets describe the failed effort and contrast Democrats’ doubts about the bill’s protections with Republicans’ claims that it could shield consumers from data-center costs.
“In Ohio, a Humbling Question For Senator Jon Husted: Are You the Incumbent?”THE NEW YORK TIMES · CRED 94 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
RIGHT-LEANING6 OUTLETSBlocking consumer cost reliefFox News presents the bill as an effort to lower electricity bills that Democrats blocked, and highlights its election stakes for Husted.
“Reporter's Notebook: A guide to the college sports vote and Senate’s Ohio showdown”FOX NEWS · CRED 71 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
Dispute over protections and costsCenter outlets describe the failed effort and contrast Democrats’ doubts about the bill’s protections with Republicans’ claims that it could shield consumers from data-center costs.
“In Ohio, a Humbling Question For Senator Jon Husted: Are You the Incumbent?”THE NEW YORK TIMES · CRED 94 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
UNRATED · 2 OUTLETS, E.G. GOVTECH
LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING OUTLETS ARRIVED 7D LATEROpen the story →
MOST-COVERED STORIES · RANKED BY OUTLETS

What got covered most

57 of 136 stories reached 3+ outlets
57 of 136 stories reached 3+ outlets
EACH BAR SHOWS WHO COVERED THE STORYLeft-leaningCenterRight-leaningUnrated outletsHOW WE RATE OUTLETS →
1
Senate Does Not Advance Data Center Energy BillThe Senate did not advance Jon Husted’s Ratepayer Protection Act, which Charles Schumer opposed as inadequate while John Thune weighed a vote. Coverage differs on whether the bill offered meaningful relief from data-center electricity costs.Jon HustedR-OHChuck SchumerD-NY+1 MORE22 OUTLETS · 33 ARTICLES · SEP 23 – OCT 1LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING 7D LATER
WHO COVERED IT22 OUTLETS22 OUTLETS · 33 ARTICLESSEP 23 – OCT 13 left-leaning · 11 center · 6 right-leaning · 2 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & RIGHT 7D LATER
2
Senate Passes Protect College Sports ActThe Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, backed by Maria Cantwell and championed by Ted Cruz. Coverage differs over whether its rules will protect athletes and stabilize college sports or strengthen the NCAA and restrict athletes.Ted CruzR-TXMaria CantwellD-WA15 OUTLETS · 15 ARTICLES · SEP 23–29
WHO COVERED IT15 OUTLETS15 OUTLETS · 15 ARTICLESSEP 23–291 left-leaning · 8 center · 3 right-leaning · 3 unrated.Mostly center outlets
3
Senators Question Jack Smith at Senate Judiciary HearingKennedy and Schmitt questioned former special counsel Jack Smith about his Trump investigations at a Senate Judiciary hearing. Coverage diverges between criticism of Smith’s investigations and focus on Schmitt’s disputed basketball-game allegation.Eric SchmittR-MOJohn KennedyR-LA14 OUTLETS · 18 ARTICLES · SEP 29–30
WHO COVERED IT14 OUTLETS14 OUTLETS · 18 ARTICLESSEP 29–305 left-leaning · 5 center · 3 right-leaning · 1 unrated.Covered across the spectrum
4
Marsha Blackburn Sues Jack Smith Over Phone RecordsBlackburn sued former special counsel Jack Smith over the collection of her phone records. Coverage differs on the lawsuit’s legal stakes, scrutiny of its claims and focus on Smith’s authority.Marsha BlackburnR-TN11 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLES · SEP 30 – OCT 1
WHO COVERED IT11 OUTLETS11 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLESSEP 30 – OCT 13 left-leaning · 5 center · 3 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Covered across the spectrum
5
Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act Co-Authored by Ted CruzThe Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, which Ted Cruz co-authored. Center coverage reports competing views and the House path, while right-leaning coverage presents the measure as restoring order.Ted CruzR-TXJohn KennedyR-LA11 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLES · SEP 23–29RIGHT-LEANING 5D LATER
WHO COVERED IT11 OUTLETS11 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLESSEP 23–290 left-leaning · 6 center · 1 right-leaning · 4 unrated.No left-leaning outletsRIGHT 5D LATER
6
Senate Hearing Exchange Over Jack Smith's Basketball AttendanceAt a Senate hearing, Schmitt questioned Smith over an Atlanta Hawks game, while Smith said he attended an Iowa Hawkeyes game; Katie Britt’s reaction went viral. Coverage differs on the mistake, political fallout or Britt’s viral reaction.Eric SchmittR-MOKatie Boyd BrittR-AL10 OUTLETS · 20 ARTICLES · SEP 29–30
WHO COVERED IT10 OUTLETS10 OUTLETS · 20 ARTICLESSEP 29–305 left-leaning · 3 center · 2 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Covered across the spectrum
7
Senate Negotiators Reach Bipartisan Permitting DealSheldon Whitehouse, Mike Lee, Martin Heinrich and Shelley Capito announced a bipartisan deal on energy permitting. Coverage differs on whether it threatens environmental protections or chiefly speeds project approvals and limits legal challenges.Sheldon WhitehouseD-RIShelley Moore CapitoR-WV+2 MORE10 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLES · SEP 29 – OCT 1LEFT-LEANING AND CENTER 21H LATER
WHO COVERED IT10 OUTLETS10 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLESSEP 29 – OCT 11 left-leaning · 8 center · 1 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & CENTER 21H LATER
8
Tom Kean Jr. and Rebecca Bennett Debate in New Jersey Congressional RaceTom Kean and Rebecca Bennett debated New Jersey’s 7th District race, clashing over national policies and their records. Coverage differs between policy disagreements, an account portraying Bennett as stronger, and scrutiny of her net-worth response.Rebecca BennettD-NJThomas H. Kean, Jr.R-NJ-79 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLES · SEP 27 – OCT 1LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING 4D LATER
WHO COVERED IT9 OUTLETS9 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLESSEP 27 – OCT 11 left-leaning · 7 center · 1 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & RIGHT 4D LATER
9
Lawmakers Campaign for Opposing Candidates in California's 22nd DistrictMike Johnson and Bernie Sanders visited Bakersfield to campaign for opposing candidates in a competitive House race. Coverage focuses on the national stakes of the contest and Sanders's advocacy for a wealth tax.Bernie SandersI-VTMike JohnsonR-LA-49 OUTLETS · 9 ARTICLES · SEP 28–30
WHO COVERED IT9 OUTLETS9 OUTLETS · 9 ARTICLESSEP 28–301 left-leaning · 4 center · 0 right-leaning · 4 unrated.No right-leaning outlets
10
Mike Lawler and Cait Conley Debate in Televised Midterm ForumMichael Lawler and Cait Conley debated policy issues in New York’s 17th District race, including immigration, Israel, tariffs and data centers. Coverage ranges from contrasting policy positions to sanctuary-law scrutiny and a comparative account of debate performance.Michael LawlerR-NY-17Cait ConleyD-NY8 OUTLETS · 9 ARTICLES · SEP 28 – OCT 1LEFT-LEANING 57H LATER
WHO COVERED IT8 OUTLETS8 OUTLETS · 9 ARTICLESSEP 28 – OCT 11 left-leaning · 4 center · 1 right-leaning · 2 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT 57H LATER
Showing 10 of 57
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 OF34 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 14–18James Talarico Names Alyssa Edwards as His Favorite Drag PerformerJames TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX9 outlets: 8 right-leaning, 1 unrated. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 14–189 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-SIDEDSEP 28–29Grassley Questions Collection of Journalists’ Communications in Smith ProbeChuck GrassleySENATOR · R-IA5 outlets: 5 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 28–295 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
RIGHT-LEANING READERS ARE SEEING LESS OF12 IN 30 DAYS · TOP 5
BLIND SPOTSEP 16–20Tierra Walker's Family Sues Ken Paxton Over Her DeathKen PaxtonSENATE CANDIDATE · R-TX13 outlets: 6 left-leaning, 3 center, 1 right-leaning, 3 unrated.
BLIND SPOTSEP 16–2013 OUTLETS · 60% LEFT
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
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
BLIND SPOTSEP 15–17McConnell Returns to Senate After Medical AbsenceMitch McConnellSENATOR · R-KY7 outlets: 4 left-leaning, 2 center, 1 unrated. No right-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTSEP 15–177 OUTLETS · 67% LEFT
BLIND SPOTSEP 16–17House Republicans Meet on Proposed Federal Gas-Tax SuspensionSam GravesREP. · R-MO-6Andy HarrisREP. · R-MD-17 outlets: 4 left-leaning, 2 center, 1 right-leaning.
BLIND SPOTSEP 16–177 OUTLETS · 57% LEFT
HOW WE DECIDE →ALSO IN SOURCES →

Who’s in the news

BY OUTLETS
1▲9Ken PaxtonSENATE CANDIDATE · R-TX35OUTLETSTone of 55 articles: 3 good look · 29 mixed · 9 neutral · 14 bad look.10 STORIESPolls Show Talarico Leading Paxton in Texas Senate Race
2▲6James TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX33OUTLETSTone of 53 articles: 4 good look · 15 mixed · 20 neutral · 14 bad look.9 STORIESPolls Show Talarico Leading Paxton in Texas Senate Race
3▲31Mike JohnsonREP. · R-LA-428OUTLETSTone of 32 articles: 1 good look · 21 mixed · 2 neutral · 8 bad look.6 STORIESLawmakers Campaign for Opposing Candidates in California's 22nd District
4▼1Jon HustedSENATOR · R-OH23OUTLETSTone of 35 articles: 2 good look · 28 mixed · 2 neutral · 3 bad look.4 STORIESSenate Does Not Advance Data Center Energy Bill
5▲157Eric SchmittSENATOR · R-MO22OUTLETSTone of 61 articles: 2 good look · 5 mixed · 0 neutral · 54 bad look.9 STORIESSenators Question Jack Smith at Senate Judiciary Hearing
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, 202557 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE4657
H.R. 9340Ratepayer Protection ActPASSED HOUSERatepayer Protection ActPASSED HOUSESEP 3021 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE2021
S. 4668Protect College Sports Act of 2026PASSED SENATEProtect College Sports Act of 2026PASSED SENATESEP 289 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE209
S. 5028Ratepayer Protection ActIN COMMITTEERatepayer Protection ActIN COMMITTEE10 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE810
H.R. 7008Stop Insider Trading ActPASSED HOUSEStop Insider Trading ActPASSED HOUSESEP 306 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE66
S. 1383Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTHVeterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTH6 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE66
H.R. 4312SCORE ActREPORTEDSCORE ActREPORTED1 PERSON IN COVERAGE51
VOTES IN THE NEWSOUTLETS
SENATE · ROLL 250 · SEP 28Protect College Sports Act of 2026 S. 4668PASSED 77–2217
SENATE · ROLL 254 · SEP 30Cloture on the motion to proceed to the Ratepayer Protection Act H.R. 9340FAILED 57–433/5 REQUIRED12
HOUSE · ROLL 312 · SEP 16Ratepayer Protection Act H.R. 9340PASSED 417–32/3 REQUIRED8
SENATE · ROLL 253 · SEP 30Cloture on the motion to proceed to the Stop Insider Trading Act H.R. 7008FAILED 53–473/5 REQUIRED3
BILLS HUB →VOTES HUB →
NOV 3 · 33 DAYS AWAY

Races in the news

ELECTIONS HUB →ALL RACES →
TEXAS · SENATE97 ART.
Ken PaxtonRJames TalaricoD
50OUTLETS THIS WEEKPolls Show Talarico Leading Paxton in Texas Senate Race
LOUISIANA · HOUSE 432 ART.
Mike JohnsonRINCConrad CableD
28OUTLETS THIS WEEKLawmakers Campaign for Opposing Candidates in California's 22nd District
MAINE · SENATE40 ART.
Susan M. CollinsRINCTroy JacksonD
26OUTLETS THIS WEEKTrump Administration Moves to Cancel Congress-Approved Funding
OHIO · SENATE (SPECIAL)39 ART.
Jon HustedRINCSherrod BrownD
25OUTLETS THIS WEEKSenate Does Not Advance Data Center Energy Bill
NEW YORK · HOUSE 1719 ART.
Michael LawlerRINCCait ConleyD
17OUTLETS THIS WEEKMike Lawler and Cait Conley Debate in Televised Midterm Forum
NEW YORK · HOUSE 1418 ART.
Alexandria Ocasio-CortezDINCDiamant HysenajR
16OUTLETS THIS WEEKSome Democratic Candidates Distance Themselves From AOC
21 TOPICS · STORIES THIS WEEK · CHANGE SINCE LAST WEEK

Browse by topic

Economy41Change since last week: ▼48Senate Does Not Advance Data Center Energy BillEthics/Corruption41Change since last week: ▼31Senators Question Jack Smith at Senate Judiciary HearingHealthcare30Change since last week: ▼16Lawmakers Campaign for Opposing Candidates in California's 22nd DistrictForeign Policy24Change since last week: ▼42Senate Rejects Van Hollen Resolution on West Bank ViolenceCriminal Justice18Change since last week: ▼13Senate Hearing Exchange Over Jack Smith's Basketball AttendanceImmigration18Change since last week: ▼23Mike Lawler and Cait Conley Debate in Televised Midterm ForumTechnology/Privacy18Change since last week: ▼21Utah 1st District Candidates Debate Policy IssuesVoting Rights14Change since last week: ▼14Schumer Says He Plans to Remain Senate Democratic LeaderBudget/Spending12Change since last week: ▼12House Democrats Ask GAO to Investigate Government-Funded Trump AdsEducation12Change since last week: ▼4Senate Passes Protect College Sports ActTaxes11Change since last week: ▼6Voters in Mike Johnson’s District Weigh GOP Tax-and-Spending LawDefense/Military9Change since last week: ▼26Sen. Cory Booker to campaign for Scott Colom in Mississippi Senate raceEnvironment/Climate8Change since last week: ▼9Senate Negotiators Reach Bipartisan Permitting DealInfrastructure7Change since last week: ▼15Trump Announces Planned South Korean Investment in Alaska Gas ProjectLabor/Unions5Change since last week: ▼13Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act Co-Authored by Ted CruzAgriculture4Change since last week: ▼9Adam Hamilton's 2020 Climate Sermon Draws Campaign CriticismGun Policy3Change since last week: ▲2Kevin Mullin Introduces Bill to Require Checks for Certain Air GunsSocial Security/Medicare3Change since last week: —Tommy Tuberville Delivers Senate Speech on Transgender AmericansAbortion/Reproductive Rights2Change since last week: ▼10Byron Donalds Questions David Jolly’s Political EvolutionHousing2Change since last week: ▼6Eric Jones Seeks Cross-Party Support in Challenge to Mike ThompsonVeterans Affairs0Change since last week: ▼4
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 55Raw Storyrawstory.comCENTER-LEFTCENTER-LEFTCredibility 53Articles this week 40Breitbartbreitbart.comRIGHTRIGHTCredibility 41Articles this week 32Alternet.orgalternet.orgLEFTLEFTCredibility 46Articles this week 30Fox Newsfoxnews.comCENTER-RIGHTCENTER-RIGHTCredibility 71Articles this week 28Politicopolitico.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 83Articles this week 25
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