The campaign to put Julian Castro on Hillary Clinton's VP shortlist  —  It's way too early, Clinton insiders say.  But the Castro buzz is useful as Democrats court Hispanics.  —  Getty  —  The Democratic National Convention isn't for 13 months, and Hillary Clinton isn't the party's nominee …

It was a mistake to use an old joke about Joe Biden during his time of grief, and I sincerely apologize.  The loss of his son is heartbreaking and tragic, and our prayers are very much with the Vice President and his family.

Clinton rivals pounce as her ratings fall  —  A once-sleepy Democratic presidential primary contest is fast coming alive as Hillary Rodham Clinton's poll numbers fall and a diverse array of long-shot opponents step forward to challenge her.  —  The recent developments mark a dramatic evolution …

Limbaugh to GOP: Don't accept Caitlyn Jenner  —  Conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh thinks Republicans should reject Caitlyn Jenner, even if she agrees with them politically.  —  Limbaugh said on his radio show Tuesday that liberals are trying to “redefine normalcy” …

White House Brief: Things to Know About Rick Perry  —  Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is entering the 2016 race for the Republican presidential nomination Thursday.  Key things to know about him:  —  THE BRIEF  —  The longest-serving governor in Texas history, Perry was a Democrat who became …

Story highlights  —  (CNN)Usaamah Rahim, who was fatally shot after waving a military knife at law enforcement officers, was originally plotting to behead Pamela Geller, an activist and conservative blogger, law enforcement sources told CNN on Wednesday.  —  But Rahim, a 26-year-old security guard …

Inequality Troubles Americans Across Party Lines, Times/CBS Poll Finds  —  Americans are broadly concerned about inequality of wealth and income despite an economy that has improved by most measures, a sentiment that is already driving the 2016 presidential contest, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll.

Dish Network in Merger Talks With T-Mobile US  —  Dish and T-Mobile have agreed Charlie Ergen would be chairman and John Legere CEO, sources say  —  Dish Network Corp. is in talks to merge with T-Mobile US Inc., people familiar with the matter said, a deal that would accelerate a wave …

Voting Case Has Potential to Put House Further Out of Reach for Democrats  —  In 2012, Republicans won a majority of seats in the House even though more people voted for Democratic candidates over all.  This is because of structural biases, factors that allow a party to outperform its share of the popular vote.

Gawker Media Votes To Unionize  —  Yesterday, more than 100 Gawker Media editorial employees voted on the question of whether to be represented by the Writers Guild of America, East for the purpose of collective bargaining—that is, whether we want to form a union.  The results are in.

The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is the Other Party  —  How negative partisanship is dividing Americans and shaping the outlook for the 2016 election  —  Which candidate will emerge from the crowded Republican presidential field next year?  Can anyone stop or at least slow …

Obama's trust-me approach falls flat with Democrats  —  President Obama's argument that Democrats should trust his vision on trade is falling flat on Capitol Hill.  —  Democrats — even some of Obama's closest allies — say it's not enough for the president to pronounce his trade agenda the most progressive in history.

To Overcome Rising Inequality, Workers Need More Bargaining Power  —  The Fiscal Times  —  There is widespread agreement that inequality increased over the last several decades, but why that has happened is the subject of considerable debate.  — Is it because technological change reduced the number of good, middle class jobs?

Obama Bets It All on the Mullahs  —  The president looks to secure his legacy with a deal that would prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power.  But can he stave off the hawks both here and in Tehran?  —  The moment of truth for U.S.-Iranian relations—and for President Obama's foreign policy legacy— is nearly upon us.

Bill would ban noncompete clauses for low-wage workers  —  Two Democratic senators said Tuesday they will introduce legislation banning noncompete contracts for low-wage workers.  —  The bill from Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.) would ban noncompete clauses …

I'm a liberal professor, and my liberal students terrify me  —  I'm a professor at a midsize state school.  I have been teaching college classes for nine years now.  I have won (minor) teaching awards, studied pedagogy extensively, and almost always score highly on my student evaluations.

GEORGE R.R. MARTIN EXPLAINS WHY THERE'S VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ON GAME OF THRONES  —  “If you portray a utopia, then you probably wrote a pretty boring book”  —  The five-year conversation about gender issues and Game of Thrones has recently reached a fever pitch.