Three big takeaways from Trump's humiliating Pennsylvania failure … THE MORNING PLUM:  —  Democrat Conor Lamb is clinging to a lead of around 600 votes in Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District, but most news organizations have refrained from calling the race.

Andrew McCabe, a Symbol of Trump's F.B.I. Ire, Faces Possible Firing  —  WASHINGTON — Attorney General Jeff Sessions is reviewing a recommendation to fire the former F.B.I. deputy director, Andrew G. McCabe, just days before he is scheduled to retire on Sunday, people briefed on the matter said.

Trump plans to name Larry Kudlow his top economic advisor, replacing Gary Cohn: Sources  —  President Donald Trump plans to name Larry Kudlow as his top economic advisor, sources told CNBC.  —  Trump could announce his decision to choose Kudlow as his National Economic Council director as soon as Thursday.

First on CNN: Emails show Ben, Candy Carson selected $31,000 dining set  —  Washington (CNN)Newly released emails cast doubt on claims by Secretary Ben Carson and his spokesman that he had little or no involvement in the purchase of a $31,000 furniture set for his Department of Housing and Urban Development dining room.

Theranos, CEO Holmes, and Former President Balwani Charged With Massive Fraud  —  Holmes Stripped of Control of Company for Defrauding Investors  —  The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged Silicon Valley-based private company Theranos Inc., its founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes …

National School Walkout: Live Updates  —  Thousands of students, emboldened by a growing protest movement over gun violence, stood up in their classrooms on Wednesday and walked out of their schools in a nationwide demonstration, one month after a gunman killed 17 people at a high school in Florida.

Seaside High teacher accidentally fires gun in class, students injured  —  SEASIDE, Calif. —  A teacher who also serves as a reserve police officer accidentally fired a gun inside a Seaside High School classroom Tuesday, police said, and three students were injured.

Rand Paul opposes Pompeo nomination for secretary of state  —  Rand Paul is vowing to do everything he can to stop Mike Pompeo from becoming secretary of state.  —  The libertarian-leaning GOP senator said Wednesday that Pompeo's earlier support for the Iraq war and defense …

Taking Action Against Britain First  —  People come to Facebook to express themselves freely and share openly with friends and family, sometimes this can include their political views.  Some political opinions might be controversial, but it is important that different views can be shared …

Scott Pruitt's $25,000 soundproof phone booth?  It actually cost more like $43,000. … Before Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt could install a secure, soundproof phone booth in his office last fall, officials had to create space for the addition in a nearby closet area.

Stephen Hawking, modern cosmology's brightest star, dies aged 76  —  The physicist and author of A Brief History of Time has died, a family member has said … Stephen Hawking, the brightest star in the firmament of science, whose insights shaped modern cosmology and inspired global audiences in the millions, has died aged 76.

CNN Moves Chris Cuomo to Prime Time  —  CNN is turning to one of its morning anchors to shore up prime time.  —  Chris Cuomo, the outspoken co-host of “New Day” who has gained prominence — and received some right-wing blowback — for his coverage of the Trump administration …

Britain to expel 23 Russian diplomats in nerve agent case and will block all high-level contacts with Moscow … LONDON — Britain ordered the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats believed involved in espionage-related activities, British Prime Minister Theresa May announced Wednesday …

Dems are angry over Hillary Clinton's latest comments  —  Democrats are angry that Hillary Clinton  —  continues to discuss what went wrong during the 2016 presidential election against President Trump  —  Even some of Clinton's own former aides and surrogates say the former Democratic presidential nominee …

White House opposes short-term ‘Dreamer’ fix in new talks  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says it doesn't favor an immigration agreement with Congress that would involve extending for three years protections for young immigrants facing deportation in exchange for three years' of border wall funding.