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EXPLORE · WEEK OF OCT 12 – 18, 2026UPDATED 7:59 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.

‹ OCT 5–11THIS WEEK
TOP STORY · 1 REP. · OCT 12–13

Federal Agents Search Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington Home

Federal agents searched Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington home under a warrant in an ongoing criminal investigation. Coverage differs on whether to center reported immigration-fraud allegations or concerns about political targeting.

Ilhan OmarREP. · D-MN-5
OUTLETS50
ARTICLES73
LEFT9
CENTER25
RIGHT12
UNRATED4
PHOTO · THE NEW YORK TIMESFederal Agents Search Home of Rep. Ilhan Omar
HOW EACH SIDE TOLD ITUNRATED · 4 OUTLETS, E.G. THE GUARDIAN
LEFT-LEANING9 OUTLETSPolitical targeting concernsThe New Republic argues the raid is politically motivated and places it amid Trump’s recent remarks about Omar.
“Ilhan Omar Rips Trump Over DHS Raid, 'Breaking Bad' Star Dead At 34: Live Updates”HUFFPOST · CRED 75 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
CENTER25 OUTLETSA warrant, few detailsPBS reports a warrant-backed search and limited official details, while also noting Omar’s claim of intimidation and Democrats’ concerns about timing.
“Federal agents raid home of US Rep. Ilhan Omar”REUTERS · CRED 95 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
RIGHT-LEANING12 OUTLETSFraud allegations foregroundedFox News foregrounds reported immigration-paperwork allegations in describing the search.
“Federal agents raid Ilhan Omar’s DC home amid immigration fraud investigation”FOX NEWS · CRED 69 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
A warrant, few detailsPBS reports a warrant-backed search and limited official details, while also noting Omar’s claim of intimidation and Democrats’ concerns about timing.
“Federal agents raid home of US Rep. Ilhan Omar”REUTERS · CRED 95 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
UNRATED · 4 OUTLETS, E.G. THE GUARDIAN
Open the story →
MOST-COVERED STORIES · RANKED BY OUTLETS

What got covered most

12 of 29 stories reached 3+ outlets
12 of 29 stories reached 3+ outlets
EACH BAR SHOWS WHO COVERED THE STORYLeft-leaningCenterRight-leaningUnrated outletsHOW WE RATE OUTLETS →
1
Federal Agents Search Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington HomeFederal agents searched Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington home under a warrant in an ongoing criminal investigation. Coverage differs on whether to center reported immigration-fraud allegations or concerns about political targeting.Ilhan OmarD-MN-550 OUTLETS · 73 ARTICLES · OCT 12–13
WHO COVERED IT50 OUTLETS50 OUTLETS · 73 ARTICLESOCT 12–139 left-leaning · 25 center · 12 right-leaning · 4 unrated.Mostly center outlets
2
Talarico’s Campaign Absence and Health ClaimsJames Talarico attributed his campaign absence to flu, while Ken Paxton questioned that account as health rumors spread. Coverage differs over whether to frame the Ohio-treatment claim as false or focus on Paxton’s criticism.James TalaricoD-TXKen PaxtonR-TX21 OUTLETS · 31 ARTICLES · OCT 10–12CENTER AND RIGHT-LEANING 21H LATER
WHO COVERED IT21 OUTLETS21 OUTLETS · 31 ARTICLESOCT 10–128 left-leaning · 8 center · 5 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Covered across the spectrumCENTER & RIGHT 21H LATER
3
Federal Agents Search Ilhan Omar’s Washington HomeFederal agents searched Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington home as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Coverage differs over questions about agents’ conduct, Omar’s claim of political targeting, and attention to a nickname tied to her past gaffe.Ilhan OmarD-MN-59 OUTLETS · 9 ARTICLES · OCT 12
WHO COVERED IT9 OUTLETS9 OUTLETS · 9 ARTICLESOCT 121 left-leaning · 6 center · 2 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Mostly center outlets
4
Federal Agents Search Ilhan Omar’s Washington ResidenceFederal agents searched Ilhan Omar’s Washington home, and House Democratic leaders condemned the search. Coverage diverges over Omar’s political-targeting claim, the Justice Department’s account of a judicially authorized search, and allegations about her immigration history.Ilhan OmarD-MN-5Hakeem S. JeffriesD-NY-8+2 MORE8 OUTLETS · 9 ARTICLES · OCT 12
WHO COVERED IT8 OUTLETS8 OUTLETS · 9 ARTICLESOCT 122 left-leaning · 4 center · 1 right-leaning · 1 unrated.Mostly center outlets
5
Super PAC Ads Targeting Troy Jackson Run in Wrong PortlandA super PAC targeting Troy Jackson mistakenly ran ads in Portland, Oregon, instead of Portland, Maine. Left-leaning outlets emphasize the mix-up’s humor, while center outlets focus more on the error’s explanation and the race context.Troy JacksonD-ME6 OUTLETS · 6 ARTICLES · OCT 12
WHO COVERED IT6 OUTLETS6 OUTLETS · 6 ARTICLESOCT 123 left-leaning · 3 center · 0 right-leaning · 0 unrated.No right-leaning outlets
6
El-Sayed's Half-Sister Claims Family Has Muslim Brotherhood TiesEl-Sayed denied family ties to the Muslim Brotherhood as Rogers accused him of lying. Center outlets also cover debate-related political fallout, while right-leaning outlets foreground his half-sister's reported claims.Abdul El-SayedD-MI4 OUTLETS · 5 ARTICLES · OCT 11–13RIGHT-LEANING 19H LATER
WHO COVERED IT4 OUTLETS4 OUTLETS · 5 ARTICLESOCT 11–130 left-leaning · 2 center · 2 right-leaning · 0 unrated.No left-leaning outletsRIGHT 19H LATER
7
Montana Democratic Party Chair Resigns, Endorses Seth BodnarMontana Democratic Party chair Shannon O’Brien resigned and endorsed independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar. Coverage centers on the endorsement and responses, with some reports adding polling or the party’s leadership change.Seth BodnarI-MT4 OUTLETS · 4 ARTICLES · OCT 12
WHO COVERED IT4 OUTLETS4 OUTLETS · 4 ARTICLESOCT 120 left-leaning · 4 center · 0 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Only center outlets
8
Trump Urges Support for Husted at Ohio RallyAt an Ohio rally, Trump urged support for Senator Jon Husted and praised his athleticism. Center outlets range from describing the rally’s campaign purpose to foregrounding Trump’s remarks; right-leaning outlets pair those remarks with Republican campaign appeals.Jon HustedR-OH3 OUTLETS · 3 ARTICLES · OCT 12RIGHT-LEANING 12H LATER
WHO COVERED IT3 OUTLETS3 OUTLETS · 3 ARTICLESOCT 120 left-leaning · 2 center · 1 right-leaning · 0 unrated.No left-leaning outletsRIGHT 12H LATER
9
GOP Super PAC Runs Collins Ads in Portland, Oregon Instead of MaineA Republican group mistakenly ran ads supporting Susan Collins in Portland, Oregon, instead of Portland, Maine. Coverage centers on the placement error and adds varying details about the refund, the ads’ target, and a debate exchange.Susan M. CollinsR-ME3 OUTLETS · 3 ARTICLES · OCT 12
WHO COVERED IT3 OUTLETS3 OUTLETS · 3 ARTICLESOCT 120 left-leaning · 3 center · 0 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Only center outlets
10
Republicans Increase Spending in South Dakota Senate RaceRepublican-aligned groups increased spending in the South Dakota Senate race, where independent Brian Bengs faced Mike Rounds. Right-leaning coverage centers on tighter-than-expected polling and voter dissatisfaction with President Trump’s economic policies.Brian BengsI-SD3 OUTLETS · 3 ARTICLES · OCT 12ONE-SIDED · LEFT-LEANING READERS SEE LESS
WHO COVERED IT3 OUTLETS3 OUTLETS · 3 ARTICLESOCT 120 left-leaning · 0 center · 3 right-leaning · 0 unrated.No left-leaning outletsONE-SIDED · LEFT-LEANING READERS SEE LESS
Showing 10 of 12
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
ONE-SIDEDOCT 1–2Hasan Piker Says He Will Pressure James Talarico to Move Left if ElectedJames TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX8 outlets: 8 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDOCT 1–28 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 23–24Ramirez Proposes Legislation to Dismantle DHS and Abolish ICEDelia C. RamirezREP. · D-IL-3Brandon GillREP. · R-TX-268 outlets: 8 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 23–248 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 24–26Rashida Tlaib Says ICE Caused Man's Death After Michigan CrashRashida TlaibREP. · D-MI-126 outlets: 6 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 24–266 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDOCT 8–10Texas Senate Race Polling and Hostin's PredictionKen PaxtonSENATE CANDIDATE · R-TXJames TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX5 outlets: 5 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDOCT 8–105 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDOCT 10John Nagel Criticizes Democrats Over Somali Gang ViolenceJohn NagelHOUSE CANDIDATE · R-MNIlhan OmarREP. · D-MN-55 outlets: 5 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDOCT 105 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
RIGHT-LEANING READERS ARE SEEING LESS OF30 IN 30 DAYS · TOP 5
BLIND SPOTSEP 22–24FBI Inquiry Involving Susan Collins Ends After Investigators RemovedTroy JacksonSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MESusan M. CollinsSENATOR · R-ME48 outlets: 12 left-leaning, 30 center, 4 right-leaning, 2 unrated.
BLIND SPOTSEP 22–2448 OUTLETS · 26% LEFT
BLIND SPOTSEP 29 – OCT 1Senate Hearing Exchange Over Jack Smith's Basketball GameEric SchmittSENATOR · R-MOAmy KlobucharSENATOR · D-MN30 outlets: 11 left-leaning, 11 center, 2 right-leaning, 6 unrated.
BLIND SPOTSEP 29 – OCT 130 OUTLETS · 46% LEFT
BLIND SPOTSEP 29 – OCT 1Paxton's Reported Convention Remarks and Trump's ResponseKen PaxtonSENATE CANDIDATE · R-TX30 outlets: 10 left-leaning, 13 center, 3 right-leaning, 4 unrated.
BLIND SPOTSEP 29 – OCT 130 OUTLETS · 38% LEFT
BLIND SPOTSEP 21–28Donalds Updates Florida Campaign Website as Trump Disputes ReportsByron DonaldsREP. · R-FL-1927 outlets: 9 left-leaning, 13 center, 2 right-leaning, 3 unrated.
BLIND SPOTSEP 21–2827 OUTLETS · 38% LEFT
BLIND SPOTSEP 28 – OCT 3Senate Hearing Exchange Over Jack Smith’s Basketball AttendanceEric SchmittSENATOR · R-MOKatie Boyd BrittSENATOR · R-AL26 outlets: 10 left-leaning, 13 center, 1 right-leaning, 2 unrated.
BLIND SPOTSEP 28 – OCT 326 OUTLETS · 42% LEFT
HOW WE DECIDE →ALSO IN SOURCES →

Who’s in the news

BY OUTLETS
1▲112Ilhan OmarREP. · D-MN-561OUTLETSTone of 21 stories: 0 good look · 11 mixed · 7 informational · 3 bad look.4 STORIESFederal Agents Search Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington Home
2▲3James TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX18OUTLETSTone of 8 stories: 0 good look · 5 mixed · 3 informational · 0 bad look.2 STORIESTalarico’s Campaign Absence and Health Claims
3▼2Abdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MI13OUTLETSTone of 10 stories: 0 good look · 4 mixed · 6 informational · 0 bad look.2 STORIESAbdul El-Sayed Urges Democrats to Win Midterms by Large Margins
3▲6Darline GrahamSENATOR · R-SC13OUTLETSTone of 5 stories: 0 good look · 4 mixed · 0 informational · 1 bad look.1 STORYSouth Carolina Senate Candidates Debate
5▼3Annie AndrewsSENATE CANDIDATE · D-SC12OUTLETSTone of 2 stories: 0 good look · 2 mixed · 0 informational · 0 bad look.1 STORYSouth Carolina Senate Candidates Debate
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, 202522 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE1222
H.R. 5334Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026BECAME LAWLindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026BECAME LAWSEP 182 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE22
S. 5653Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026IN COMMITTEEBipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026IN COMMITTEE2 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE22
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 · 21 DAYS AWAY

Races in the news

ELECTIONS HUB →ALL RACES →
MINNESOTA · HOUSE 5110 ART.
Ilhan OmarDINCDevelle JacksonI
61OUTLETS THIS WEEKFederal Agents Search Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington Home
TEXAS · SENATE35 ART.
James TalaricoDKen PaxtonR
22OUTLETS THIS WEEKTalarico’s Campaign Absence and Health Claims
MAINE · SENATE20 ART.
Susan M. CollinsRINCTroy JacksonD
14OUTLETS THIS WEEKTrump's Russian Diesel Plan Draws Calls for Reversal
SOUTH CAROLINA · SENATE14 ART.
Darline GrahamRINCAnnie AndrewsD
14OUTLETS THIS WEEKSouth Carolina Senate Candidates Debate
MICHIGAN · SENATE15 ART.
Abdul El-SayedDMike RogersR
13OUTLETS THIS WEEKAbdul El-Sayed Urges Democrats to Win Midterms by Large Margins
KANSAS · SENATE16 ART.
Roger MarshallRINCAdam HamiltonD
12OUTLETS THIS WEEKInvestigation Raises Questions About Roger Marshall's Campaign Use of Public Resources
25 TOPICS · STORIES THIS WEEK · CHANGE SINCE LAST WEEK

Browse by topic

Elections/Campaigns23Change since last week: ▼167Talarico’s Campaign Absence and Health ClaimsEthics/Corruption5Change since last week: ▼28Federal Agents Search Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington HomeCriminal Justice4Change since last week: ▼11Federal Agents Search Ilhan Omar’s Washington HomeEconomy4Change since last week: ▼70John James Introduces Bill for Manufacturer Tariff ReliefImmigration4Change since last week: ▼15Federal Agents Search Ilhan Omar’s Washington ResidenceEnvironment/Climate3Change since last week: ▼12Frank Mrvan Introduces Legislation to Limit Federal Power Plant OrdersForeign Policy3Change since last week: ▼53Justin Murphy Tells Trump to Finish Iran Action at DebateHealthcare3Change since last week: ▼39Montana Senate Candidates Debate in BozemanDefense/Military2Change since last week: ▼11Mike Johnson Raises Concerns About Livestreaming Nidal Hasan’s ExecutionTaxes2Change since last week: ▼13Pettersen and Bennett Campaign in Colorado House RaceCivil Rights/Liberties1Change since last week: ▼19Trump Speaks About Ilhan Omar at Ohio Campaign StopCongress/Members1Change since last week: ▼36Independent Senate Candidates Say They Will Not Caucus With Either PartyHousing1Change since last week: ▼5Pettersen and Bennett Campaign in Colorado House RaceInfrastructure1Change since last week: ▼7Heinrich Promotes Bipartisan Energy Permitting BillAbortion/Reproductive Rights0Change since last week: ▼2Agriculture0Change since last week: ▼6Budget/Spending0Change since last week: ▼5Courts/Judiciary0Change since last week: ▼4Education0Change since last week: ▼5Gun Policy0Change since last week: ▼1Labor/Unions0Change since last week: ▼7Social Security/Medicare0Change since last week: ▼2Technology/Privacy0Change since last week: ▼24Veterans Affairs0Change since last week: ▼1Voting Rights0Change since last week: ▼11
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
Raw Storyrawstory.comCENTER-LEFTCENTER-LEFTCredibility 57Articles this week 22The Hillthehill.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 78Articles this week 20Breitbartbreitbart.comRIGHTRIGHTCredibility 42Articles this week 14Mediaitemediaite.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 65Articles this week 14Bangor Daily Newsbangordailynews.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 77Articles this week 11Newsweeknewsweek.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 75Articles this week 10
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