GOP congressman: Rate of pregnancies from rape is ‘very low’  —  Another Republican congressman ventured into the realm of rape and pregnancy Wednesday, saying at a committee hearing that incidences of pregnancy from rape are “very low.”  —  Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) …

Americans Disapprove of Government Surveillance Programs  —  Americans split on whether leaker did the right or wrong thing  —  PRINCETON, NJ — More Americans disapprove (53%) than approve (37%) of the federal government agency program that as part of its efforts to investigate terrorism obtained records …

NSA leaker Edward Snowden: U.S. targets China with hackers  —  HONG KONG — Edward Snowden, the self-confessed leaker of secret surveillance documents, claimed Wednesday that the United States has mounted massive hacking operations against hundreds of Chinese targets since 2009.

Schumer: Cornyn Border Security Amendment A ‘Non-Starter’ And We Are Not Negotiating With Him  —  Democrats want it to be crystal clear.  They don't think Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is crucial to passing immigration reform.  So they aren't negotiating with him over his non-starter amendment …

Ways and Means Chairman: IRS targeting of Tea Party groups didn't start in Ohio  —  The IRS's singling out of conservative groups did not originate in Cincinnati, the House Republican in charge of tax policy said Wednesday.  —  House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) …

Public Conversations on Facebook  —  Every day, hundreds of millions of people use Facebook to share their thoughts on big moments happening all around them.  Whether it's talking about a favorite television show, cheering on a hometown sports team or engaging with friends during a breaking news event …

Arizona Senator's Son Used Homophobic, Anti-Semitic Language On Twitter  —  “He has apologized and I apologize as well,” says Senator Jeff Flake.  —  WASHINGTON — Sen. Jeff Flake's high school-aged son Tanner used Twitter to threaten the “faggot” who stole his bike that he “will find you …

Conservative group making big ad buy in Mass. Senate race  —  A conservative group is launching an ad buy supporting Republican Gabriel Gomez's Senate campaign in Massachusetts.  —  A source affiliated with the group, Americans for Progressive Action, confirmed to The Hill that its going up with a …

Dear 2016 Democratic Upstart  —  To: 2016 White House Candidates (Democrats Only)  —  Since you have time to read an unsolicited memo with such a provocative subject line, it is safe to assume that your name is not Hillary or Joe.  —  That's good because I am not writing for the establishment types …

CIA's deputy director to be replaced with White House lawyer  —  The CIA's deputy director plans to resign and will be replaced by White House lawyer and agency outsider Avril D. Haines, Director John O. Brennan said Wednesday.  —  Haines, who will succeed career officer Michael Morell on Aug. 9 …

Judge Rules for Interns Who Sued Fox Searchlight  —  A Federal District Court judge in Manhattan ruled on Tuesday that Fox Searchlight Pictures had violated federal and New York minimum wage laws by not paying production interns, a case that could upend the long-held practice of the film industry …

Bloomberg Urges No Gifts to Democrats Who Blocked Gun Bill  —  Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, in a sharp escalation in the battle over gun control, is seeking to punish Democratic senators by taking away the one thing they most need from New Yorkers: money.  —  On Wednesday, Mr. Bloomberg …

Panel rejects pulling sex assault cases from military's chain of command  —  The Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday voted against removing sexual assault cases from the military's chain of command.  —  The panel voted 17-9 to include in the Defense authorization bill an alternative …

Health Care's Overlooked Cost Factor  —  When the Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Corporation merged its two hospitals with the neighboring Highland Park Hospital just north of Chicago 13 years ago, the deal was presented as an opportunity to increase efficiency and improve the quality of patient care.

White House, Senate Republicans spar at closed-door meeting  —  The White House is trying to jump-start budget talks with Senate Republicans to avoid a showdown over the raising the national debt ceiling later this year.  —  White House chief of staff Denis McDonough met Tuesday afternoon …

Secret Service “Visits” Outspoken Critic of Obama - Because of Twitter?  —  I know, RIGHT?  —  After you read this- you will wonder what country we are in.  —  Tom Francois is an outspoken critic of Barack Hussein Obama- and has a robust Twitter presence.  He also likes to dabble with his “paint” program to create funny cartoons.