Pa. 18 congressional district results: Democrat Conor Lamb maintains lead with absentee votes counted  —  In a highly-watched special election in western Pennsylvania, Democrat Conor Lamb is maintaining a slim lead over Republican Rick Saccone.  —  With all precincts fully reporting …

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 …

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.

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.

Trump is open to short-term DACA deal, White House tells GOP leaders … White House officials have told key Republican leaders on Capitol Hill that President Trump is open to cutting a deal in an upcoming spending bill to protect young immigrants from deportation in exchange for border wall funding …

Team of Sycophants  —  In the end, the only one surprised to discover a presidential shiv protruding from Rex Tillerson's back was the man himself.  He was abruptly dismissed from office on March 13, but some observers had seen it coming months ago.  One could not even say of him what Shakespeare's Malcolm …

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.

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 …

“Trump Wants Them Out of There”: After Swinging the Axe at Tillerson, Trump Mulls What to Do with McMaster, Sessions, Jared, and Ivanka  —  With tariffs done, Trump's sights are now on the Iran deal—and, possibly, the Russia investigation.  “The president is finally realizing he is the president …

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 …

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.

Viacom Channels Suspend Programming in Solidarity With Student Walkouts  —  Television channels owned by Viacom—including MTV, BET, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central—took a stance in support of students walking out of class Wednesday morning in protest of gun violence.