Pro-DeSantis super PAC debate memo stirs anger and confusion from fundraisers and donors  —  The apparent attempt by a super PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to float potential debate talking points to the Republican's presidential campaign has stirred confusion and anger from fundraisers and donors, multiple sources told CNN.

‘Pathetic’: Voters of color slam Biden's performance on the economy  —  “Our economy is the lowest it's been.”  —  In a focus group last week, eight men of color who voted for President Joe Biden in 2020 were asked to describe their feelings about the economy.  —  The answers were bleak.

Insight: Conservative think tank emerges as force behind DeSantis campaign  —  In mid-March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the Ukraine war as a “territorial dispute” that was not of vital strategic interest to the United States, in a written reply to a questionnaire from Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

Kenneth Chesebro, alleged architect of fake electors' plot, followed Alex Jones around Capitol grounds on January 6th  —  When conspiracy theorist Alex Jones marched his way to the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, riling up his legion of supporters, an unassuming middle-aged man in a red “Trump 2020” hat conspicuously tagged along.

Trump team seeks to delay federal election interference trial until 2026  —  Former President Donald Trump wants a federal judge to reject special counsel Jack Smith's request to get the trial underway in early January of next year.  —  WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump …

Prosecutors seek 27 to 33 years in prison for Proud Boys guilty of seditious conspiracy  —  Enrique Tarrio, Joseph Biggs, Ethan Nordean and Zachary Rehl were all convicted of seditious conspiracy in May following a months-long trial that began in January.  —  WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors …

Rudy Giuliani Was Never 'America's Mayor'  —  On Monday, Rudy Giuliani was indicted in Georgia for his role in what prosecutors called a conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in that state.  —  The district attorney for Fulton County, Fani Willis …

American democracy is cracking.  These forces help explain why.  —  Behind the sense that the political system is broken lies a collision between forces both old and new  —  In a country where the search for common ground is increasingly elusive, many Americans can agree on this …

Gavin Newsom's future hinges on San Francisco  —  Newsom has increasingly been moonlighting as a quasi-city executive of his hometown and approaching its woes as a litmus test for his success in Sacramento.  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Gavin Newsom hasn't been mayor of San Francisco for more than a decade …

Science loses in Montana court  —  Would the weather in Montana change tomorrow if the state suddenly shut down all of its coal mines, natural gas power plants, and oil refineries?  Any honest scientist would tell you no.  —  But according to a far-left state judge, the wealthiest children …

U.S. intelligence says Ukraine will fail to meet offensive's key goal  —  Thwarted by minefields, Ukrainian forces won't reach the southeastern city of Melitopol, a vital Russian transit hub, according to a U.S. intelligence assessment  —  The U.S. intelligence community assesses …

California officer accused in probe of racist texts kept ‘gory’ police dog injury photos for himself, authorities say  —  Three officers “touted” their use of excessive force and collected “trophies,” according to an indictment unsealed Thursday.  —  Three Northern California police officers …

North Korea becoming more repressive amid reports of starvation  —  The human rights chief for the U.N. said North Korea is increasing its repression of human rights, with people starving in portions of the country as it faces a worsening economic situation Thursday.

Playbook: You made it to the debate stage.  Now what?  —  Presented by With help from Eli Okun and Garrett Ross  —  DRIVING THE DAY  —  WARNING SIGN FOR BIDEN — “Biden's reelection threatened by poor marks on the economy from voters of color,” by Brakkton Booker

Intelligence Agencies Warn Foreign Spies Are Targeting U.S. Space Companies  —  U.S. officials say Chinese and Russian spy agencies are trying to steal technology from private American space companies and preparing cyberattacks that could disable satellites in a conflict.  —  Reporting from Washington

Austrian Ex-Chancellor Kurz Indicted for False Testimony  — Kurz says he's ready to prove charges are false in court  — Former politician currently works as Thiel Capital strategist  —  Former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was formally charged with providing false testimony …

Chinese Solar Makers Face New Tariffs After US Says They're Dodging Duties  — US trade probe focused on Southeast Asian solar cells, modules  — Exports could draw tariffs as high as 254% from June 2024  —  A US government probe has concluded some manufacturers in Asia …

Russia recruited operatives online to target weapons crossing Poland  —  Russian spy agencies built a network of amateurs for operations including sabotage, assassination and arson — plots disrupted by Polish authorities  —  WARSAW — The cryptic job listings began appearing online early this year.

Hunter Biden stays close to father at White House amid criminal probe  —  A day after he reached a tentative plea deal with Justice Department, Hunter Biden began two-week stay at the White House, underscoring President Biden's fatherly attachment despite his son's troubles

EXCLUSIVE: Senate Democrats' campaign arm launches billboard campaign targeting Justice amid lawsuit over his schedule  —  The Senate Democrats' campaign arm on Friday launched a billboard campaign in West Virginia targeting Gov. Jim Justice (R) after the Democratic group sued the governor for the release of his official schedule.

Officials Investigate Threats Against Trump Grand Jurors in Georgia  —  Some of the jurors' identities have been shared on social media, with suggestions that they be harassed or made “infamous.”  —  Anna Betts and Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs reported from Atlanta.

Ukraine's top Freedom Caucus ally gets cold feet  —  AN APPROPRIATOR LEANS OUT ON UKRAINE  —  ABINGDON, Md. — Standing in front of a PowerPoint presentation on the national debt, Rep. Andy Harris told his constituents it's about time to wind down direct U.S. aid to Ukraine.  —  “Is this more a stalemate?

Culling the Republican Presidential Herd  —  The only way to give Donald Trump a real challenge is to consolidate the field early.  —  The first Republican presidential debate hits the stage in Milwaukee next week, and perhaps the moment will help one or more of the candidates break from the pack.