Chuck Schumer wants to dare Republicans to vote against a popular $35 insulin cap  — Schumer wants to dare the GOP into knocking out a popular insulin cap plan, per two people familiar.  — The $35 insulin cap is a major Democratic priority included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

State Legislatures Are Torching Democracy  —  Even in moderate places like Ohio, gerrymandering has let unchecked Republicans pass extremist laws that could never make it through Congress. … As the Supreme Court anticipated when it overturned Roe v. Wade, the battle over abortion rights is now being waged state by state.

Sinema's tax tweaks  —  It's a Friday in August, do you know where your senators are?  They aren't here.  But they aren't on Summer recess either.  —  SINEMA SIGNS ON — Arizona centrist Democrat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is backing the Democrats climate, tax and health care bill …

Major Indiana Employers Criticize State's New Abortion Law  —  The drug company Eli Lilly said it “will be forced” to look outside the state for employment growth.  The engine maker Cummins said the law will “impede our ability to attract and retain top talent.”

Trump easily wins Texas CPAC 2024 GOP presidential nomination straw poll; DeSantis second  —  Trump captured 69.1% of ballots cast, DeSantis received 23.7% in the anonymous CPAC straw poll  —  CPAC attendees reveal whether they want Trump or DeSantis as the 2024 GOP nominee

Drop Box for Babies: Conservatives Promote a Way to Give Up Newborns Anonymously  —  After Roe, groups are seeking to expand safe haven laws, which allow women to surrender babies with minimal interference.  But these laws pose their own problems.  —  The Safe Haven Baby Box at a firehouse in Carmel …

Biden Tests Negative for Coronavirus but Will Keep Isolating  —  The negative test came a week after his rebound case emerged.  He will remain in isolation until he tests negative a second time, his doctor said.  —  WASHINGTON — President Biden finally tested negative for the coronavirus on Saturday …

U.N. watchdog warns of ‘nuclear disaster’ from shelling at Zaporizhzhia plant  —  The United Nations nuclear chief warned of a potential “nuclear disaster” after shelling of Europe's largest atomic power plant, once again urging Russia and Ukraine to allow a mission of experts access to the facility to help secure it.

Hey, Joe, Don't Give It a Go  —  WASHINGTON — Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a cautionary tale.  —  She missed the moment to leave the stage, ignoring friendly nudges from Democrats and entreaties from Obama allies.  She fell in love with her late-in-life image as a hip cultural icon: “Notorious R.B.G. …

Deplorables Are Real  —  The problem isn't the demagogues, it's their audiences.  —  Every week I highlight three newsletters that are worth your time.  —  If you find value in this project, do two things for me: (1) hit the Like button, and (2) share this with someone.

‘It was you!’  Traffic spat turned police coverup leads to questions for DA Hayden  —  Jason Leonor should have felt relief when the police cars pulled up behind him in Mattapan.  After all, he was the one who called 911.  Instead, he felt a swirl of confusion and dread.  “Something isn't right,” he thought.

A challenge for antiabortion states: Doctors reluctant to work there  —  Recruiters say OB/GYNs are turning down offers, a warning for conservative-dominated states already experiencing shortages  —  In a few years, Olgert Bardhi's skills will be in high demand.

Hunter Biden attributes his penis obsession to ‘body dysmorphia’  —  Hunter Biden said his obsession with naked selfies was a result of “body dysmorphia,” according to a rambling screed found in the notes of his hard drive.  —  “I loved to be reassured that my 9-inch very big penis was actually big.

GOP Lawmakers Lobby Oil Industry to Denounce Tax-and-Climate Bill  —  Democrats' plan includes measures lauded by some in the oil-and-gas industry, frustrating Republicans  —  WASHINGTON—Congressional Republicans are ramping up pressure on the oil-and-gas industry to take an aggressive stance …