Poll: Nine weeks out, a near even race  —  Washington (CNN)Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton start the race to November 8 on essentially even ground, with Trump edging Clinton by a scant two points among likely voters, and the contest sparking sharp divisions along demographic lines in a new CNN/ORC Poll.

Fox Settles with Gretchen Carlson for $20 Million—and Is Expected to Offer an Unprecedented Apology  —  Act II of the Ailes saga may have just begun.  —  It has been exactly two months since Gretchen Carlson, a former Fox News anchor, sued her old boss, Roger Ailes, for sexual harassment.

Flake fires back at Trump, warns GOP  —  Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake is firing back against Donald Trump with a warning for the Republican Party at large.  —  The Republican presidential nominee denounced Flake as “very weak and ineffective,” particularly with respect to illegal immigration …

Trump Camp Walks Back His Claim That He ‘Never’ Spoke With FL AG Pam Bondi  —  The Donald Trump campaign Tuesday walked back remarks the GOP nominee made Monday denying any communications with Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi before his 2013 donation in support of her campaign.

13 people killed in Chicago over Labor Day as homicides climb over 500  —  Photos from Labor Day weekend crime scenes.  —  Deanese Williams-Harris, Rosemary Regina Sobol, Peter Nickeas and Elvia Malagon Contact Reporters  —  Thirteen people were shot to death in Chicago over the Labor …

Media Circus: Troy Aikman sounds off on Fox Sports signing Skip Bayless  — “I believe success is achieved by acquiring and developing talented, respected and credible individuals,” Aikman said, “none of which applies to Skip Bayless.”  —  Troy Aikman has worked for Fox Sports for 15 years …

Trump won't talk about being a birther — or many other controversial comments  —  Donald Trump was the mainstream face of a fringe movement five years ago that questioned Barack Obama's place of birth and qualifications for office, eventually prompting the president to release a long-form certificate proving his birth in Hawaii.

Democrats Go Nuclear in New Ad Targeting Donald Trump  —  With a mushroom cloud and at least $5 million worth of TV airtime behind it, the new ad from the pro-Hillary Clinton super PAC Priorities USA is sure to stand out in a crowded political landscape.  —  The spot, “I Love War,” …

Trump Living Large On Donors' Dime  —  The GOP nominee's campaign is spending lavishly on Trump businesses instead of cheaper alternatives.  —  S.V. Date  —  WASHINGTON - On the night of this spring's Florida primary, the pastor giving the invocation at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago victory party prayed …

Press, lies and Hillary's campaign: Years of smears have created a fictional version of Clinton.  They're also a disservice to voters.  —  Many Americans think Clinton is a congenital liar — that's because of the right and the media, not her … That tweet from Chris Cilizza …

Even Worse Than Hillary Clinton's Emails  —  The civil service was missing in action.  We learned about the emails from a hacker.  —  Forget the new dump of Hillary Clinton emails.  Forget the phony claims that the missing communications were all about wedding plans and yoga routines.

ITT Educational Services, Inc. to Cease Operations at all ITT Technical Institutes Following Federal Actions  —  CARMEL, Ind., Sept. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Today, ITT Educational Services, Inc. released the following statement:  —  “It is with profound regret that we must report …

House Majority Leader Says Democrats Will Be Punished For Gun Control Protest  —  WASHINGTON — House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters on Tuesday GOP leaders will move to formally punish House Democrats for staging a sit-in over gun control in June.

With Koch Brothers U, Conservatives Settle In for Long War  —  ARLINGTON, Va. — The rise of Donald J. Trump, with his hostility toward free trade and vow to protect entitlements, is a sharp rebuke to the free-market principles long championed by the billionaire brothers Charles G. and David H. Koch.

Donald Trump is no Republican  —  What does it mean to be a Republican?  —  For generations, the answer had been clear: A belief in individual liberty.  Free markets.  Strong national defense.  —  But what does it mean to be a Republican today?  With Donald Trump as the party's new standard-bearer, it's impossible to say.

I will not have the option to kneel this Sunday while the National Anthem is being played.  A week ago, in what would prove to be my last pre-game opportunity of this 2016 season, I stood with my right hand over my heart as the anthem played.  And if I am fortunate enough to ever be dressed …