Behind the scenes, Ron DeSantis is making things worse for Kevin McCarthy  —  The Florida governor strategized Wednesday with leaders of the House cadre pushing Speaker Kevin McCarthy to the brink.  —  In the high-stakes fight that is threatening to shut down the federal government next month …

Judge severs Trump's Georgia election interference case, and 16 others, from trial starting in October  —  Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell will be tried starting Oct. 23.  —  The judge overseeing the Georgia election interference case has severed the case, ordering that 17 defendants …

Hunter Biden indicted on federal gun charges  —  The indictment against the president's son comes after a plea agreement on tax and gun charges fell apart in July and amid a probe of his finances by House Republicans.  —  Federal prosecutors have indicted Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, on gun charges, court documents show.

Trump Turns New York AG Case Against Judge  —  Trump's lawyers are going after Judge Arthur F. Engoron, saying he's overstepped his bounds. … In a frantic last-minute attempt to derail a trial that threatens to destroy Donald Trump's corporate empire, the former president's lawyers …

‘They did it to me’: Trump says Biden impeachment inquiry might be motivated by revenge  —  Trump told former Fox and NBC host Megyn Kelly that GOP attempts to indict Joe Biden could be next.  —  Former President Donald Trump has “no idea” whether Republicans will vote to impeach President Joe Biden.

‘You sell yourself so cheap?’  Romney's stark indictment of GOP cowardice.  —  The headline Wednesday was that Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah is retiring — another Trump-critical GOP lawmaker heading for the exits in a party that is, relatedly, still dominated by Donald Trump.

Trump says it's ‘very unlikely’ he'd pardon himself if elected  —  In an interview with NBC's “Meet the Press,” former President Donald Trump said that in his final days in office, he told people, “The last thing I'd ever do is give myself a pardon.”  —  Trump: ‘I could have had a pardon’ before leaving office

Wisconsin Republicans vote to fire elections director, who may not leave the job  —  The vote creates a dispute over who is in charge of overseeing elections in a state that is expected to play a critical role in next year's presidential campaign  —  MADISON, Wis. — Republicans …

‘It will take years to recover’ from Tuberville blockade, top Navy nominee says  —  Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the Navy's No. 2 officer, has been leading the service on an acting basis because of the impasse.  —  President Joe Biden's nominee to be the Navy's top officer, Adm. Lisa Franchetti …

A mistress almost takes the stand in Texas AG's impeachment trial  —  AUSTIN — The star witness swept into the Texas Capitol on Wednesday, red coat and flashy Balenciaga-emblazoned handbag tucked under her arms, her white sheath, red lipstick and signature platinum pixie all a dramatic contrast …

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit Washington next week  —  Zelensky's visit was coordinated with the Biden administration in a joint push to Congress to provide $24 billion in aid  —  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to travel to Washington next week after a gathering …

Kim Davis must pay $100,000 to US same-sex couple she denied marriage license  —  Jury awards damages to David Ermold and David Moore, who sued former Kentucky county clerk over 2015 incident  —  A former Kentucky county clerk is being ordered to pay $100,000 to a local couple who sued …

Ibram X. Kendi's Ivory Tower Comes Crashing Down  —  A university think tank led by “antiracism” guru Ibram X. Kendi is slashing a third of its workforce, the latest in a string of layoffs to hit left-wing activist groups.  —  The Boston University Center for Antiracist Research …

Planned Parenthood to resume providing abortions in Wisconsin  —  Planned Parenthood said Thursday that it will resume providing abortions in Wisconsin following a July court ruling that found a law from 1849 doesn't apply to voluntary abortions.  —  The organization said abortions …

Gen Z Voices Lackluster Trust in Major U.S. Institutions  —  Members of Generation Z in the U.S. — those between the ages of 12 and 26 — generally lack trust in political and societal institutions, according to a new study from Gallup and Walton Family Foundation.

Sanders, Marshall reach agreement on community health center funding  —  A bipartisan Senate bill from Health Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) would provide a significant funding increase for community health centers and other primary care programs …

EPA expands state authority to block pipelines  —  Thank you for signing up!  —  The latest in politics and policy.  Direct to your inbox.  Sign up for the Energy and Environment newsletter  —  The Big Story  —  EPA gives states more authority to block projects under Clean Water Act

Biden planning speech on threats to democracy in coming weeks, sources say  —  President Joe Biden plans to deliver a speech focused on threats to democracy in the coming weeks, according to two sources familiar with the plans.  —  Democratic donors gathered in Chicago for a fundraising retreat learned …