Meadows texts reveal direct White House communications with pro-Trump operative behind plans to seize voting machines  —  As allies of then-President Donald Trump made a final push to overturn the election in late-December 2020, one of the key operatives behind the effort briefed …

The mysterious nine-second call from the White House to a January 6 rioter: CNN reveals the rioter's identity for the first time  —  At 4:34 pm on January 6, 2021, a cell phone registered to a Capitol rioter who had stormed the building, received a phone call from a White House landline, according to records obtained by CNN.

Putin grants Russian citizenship to Edward Snowden  —  President Vladimir Putin has granted Russian citizenship to former U.S. security contractor Edward Snowden, according to a decree signed by the Russian leader on Monday.  Snowden is one of 75 foreign nationals listed by the decree as being granted Russian citizenship.

White House: New rule will show ‘true cost’ of plane tickets  —  President Joe Biden will announce a new initiative Monday that will eventually allow consumers to see a more complete price on airline tickets — including baggage and change fees — before they buy, as the White House continues …

Giorgia Meloni claims victory to become Italy's most far-right prime minister since Mussolini  —  Brothers of Italy leader Giorgia Meloni has claimed victory in a general election that seems set to install her as Italy's first female prime minister, leading the most far-right government since the fascist era of Benito Mussolini.

Mastriano's Sputtering Campaign: No TV Ads, Tiny Crowds, Little Money  —  As he runs for governor of Pennsylvania, Doug Mastriano is being heavily outspent by his Democratic rival and trails badly in polling.  National Republicans show little desire to help him.

McConnell works to box out Manchin  —  It's Mitch McConnell versus Joe Manchin yet again.  —  McConnell is urging Senate Republicans to vote no on advancing Manchin's permitting reform legislation as part of a government funding package, according to three people familiar with the effort.

As more states create election integrity units, Arizona is a cautionary tale  —  Over three years, a high-profile investigation team found little fraud, sapped government resources and deepened suspicions  —  PHOENIX — Republicans across the country have embraced an aggressive tactic …

More Trans Teens Are Choosing ‘Top Surgery’  —  Small studies suggest that breast removal surgery improves transgender teenagers' well-being, but data is sparse.  Some state leaders oppose such procedures for minors.  —  Michael, 17, arrived in the sleek white waiting room …

California Rep. Katie Porter trashed Irvine police after they arrested man she lives with  —  California Democrat called local police department ‘a disgrace’

Does It Matter That Investigators Are Closing in on Trump?  —  Gail Collins: Bret, which do you think is more of a threat to Trump's political future, the classified document drama at Mar-a-Lago or the legal challenge to his businesses in New York?  —  Bret Stephens: Gail …

Cayler Ellingson's alleged killer not under house arrest, no curfew after posting ‘very low’ bond: court docs  —  Former assistant US attorney says the ‘very low’ bond is ‘woefully inadequate’  —  Cayler Ellingson's former North Dakota high school holds moment of silence at Homecoming football game

James Florio, Ex-New Jersey Governor Known for Tax Hike, Dies at 85  —  Trenton, N.J. (AP) — Former New Jersey Gov. James Florio, who championed a plan that substantially raised the state's sales and income taxes leading to his reelection defeat in 1993, died Sunday.  He was 85.

Pollsters fear they're blowing it again in 2022  —  Pollsters know they have a problem.  But they aren't sure they've fixed it in time for the November election.  —  Since Donald Trump's unexpected 2016 victory, pre-election polls have consistently understated support for Republican candidates, compared to the votes ultimately cast.

Pennsylvania school district bans Girls Who Code book series  —  The books are four of more than 1,500 titles banned by schools across the US as part of a conservative push to censor books  —  A school district in Pennsylvania has banned the Girls Who Code book series for young readers …

Trump's ‘Special Master’ Delay Is Already Backfiring  —  For years, Donald Trump has managed to tie up lawsuits and investigations by delaying cases and hiding behind the Oval Office desk.  His latest ploy is failing miserably.  —  Former President Donald Trump has learned time and again …

Gunman Attacks Draft Office as Kremlin Admits Errors in Call-Ups … A recruitment officer was wounded in the latest attack on a Russian draft office.  —  A gunman apparently distraught over Russia's chaotic military mobilization opened fire at a draft office in Siberia on Monday …

How a QAnon splinter group became a feature of Trump rallies  —  An offshoot of the extremist movement called Negative48 is thronging Trump political events, causing tensions with the former president's team.  —  WILMINGTON, N.C. — Julie McDaniel can't say for sure who started it.

Factory Jobs Are Booming Like It's the 1970s  —  U.S. manufacturing is experiencing a rebound, with companies adding workers amid high consumer demand for products.  —  WASHINGTON — Ever since American manufacturing entered a long stretch of automation and outsourcing in the late 1970s …