Bob Menendez, Al Franken, and the presumption of innocence  —  “Bob Menendez has been a dedicated public servant and is always fighting hard for the people of New Jersey.  He has a right to due process and a fair trial.”  —  That was the response of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer …

Trump Floats the Idea of Executing Joint Chiefs Chairman Milley  —  The former president is inciting violence against the nation's top general.  America's response is distracted and numb.  —  Late Friday night, the former president of the United States—and a leading candidate to be the next president …

Deal!  WGA, AMPTP Reach Historic Contract Agreement to End 146-Day Writers Strike: ‘This Deal Is Exceptional’  —  Hollywood heaves a sigh of relief.  The WGA and major studios and streamers have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract that promises to end the 146-day strike …

GOP donor wants his money back after candidate hires Corey Lewandowski  —  An alleged unwanted advance causes ripples in Louisiana's gubernatorial primary two years later.  —  John Odom, a major Republican donor, has been a top backer of Louisiana gubernatorial candidate Jeff Landry.

Could a discharge petition keep the government open?  —  Good morning, Early Birds.  If you observe Yom Kippur, have an easy fast.  Tips: earlytips@washpost.com.  Was this forwarded to you?  Sign up here.  Thanks for waking up with us.  —  In today's edition ... Sen. Bob Menendez holds …

2 Looming Rulings Could Shape Trump's Fraud Trial in New York  —  Donald J. Trump has adopted a long-shot legal strategy to try to delay his upcoming civil trial and severely limit the case against him.  —  After four years of investigating and litigating, Letitia James was finally due for her day in court against Donald J. Trump.

Biden is presiding over a labor renaissance  —  He's joining UAW workers on the picket line.  But his solidarity goes beyond symbolism. … President Joe Biden announced last week that he will join striking United Auto Workers (UAW) workers on the picket line in Michigan on Tuesday.

Kyrsten Sinema pitches donors on a ‘path to victory’ in Arizona by courting Republicans  —  A two-page document obtained by NBC News maps out a possible independent Senate bid, touting Sinema's record and suggesting she'd win over more Republicans than Democrats.

Leader of Canada's House of Commons apologizes for honoring man who fought for Nazis  —  The speaker of Canada's House of Commons apologized Sunday for recognizing a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II.  Just after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delievered …

Newsom and DeSantis agree to debate on Fox News  —  Florida Gov. and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis (R) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) have agreed to participate in a televised debate in November that will be moderated by Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Before Jan. 6, the FBI predicted extremists would be ‘very willing to take action’ over a 2020 election dispute  —  An FBI “red cell” report predicted that law enforcement action and a “lack of coordination” between groups would prevent widespread violence in response to a disputed election.

Shutdowns Cost Billions as US Federal Workers Paid to Stay Home  — Fees go uncollected, billions spent to pay furloughed workers  — Government shutdowns ‘leave the government to waste money’  —  The costly truth about US government shutdowns: They don't save taxpayers a dime.