BREAKING: First Trump RICO defendant takes plea agreement  —  X  —  Bail bondsman Scott Hall on Friday became the first defendant in the Fulton County election interference case to take a plea agreement with prosecutors.  —  During an impromptu hearing before Fulton Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee …

How Did the Government Get to a Shutdown, and What Will It Take to Reopen?  —  Any deal to keep it open would have to be bipartisan, since the Senate and White House are controlled by Democrats, and the House by Republicans.  —  The federal government is careening toward a shutdown at midnight on Saturday.

IRS contractor charged with stealing Donald Trump's tax returns, which were leaked to press  —  Federal prosecutors announced charges Friday against a contractor with the Internal Revenue Service who allegedly stole the tax returns of a high-ranking government official.

GOP senators say they won't stop Democrats from replacing Feinstein on Judiciary Committee  —  Sen. Dianne Feinstein's death creates a vacancy on the powerful panel that oversees President Biden's judicial nominees.  Without her, Democrats don't have a majority on it.

Elon Musk attacked German support for migrants and promoted a call to support a far-right extremist political party  — Germany has responded to an attack from Elon Musk, saying it's “saving lives” by helping migrants.  — The billionaire had promoted the claim that Germany is facilitating “illegal” immigration to Europe.

With Shutdown Looming, Biden Calls Out Speaker McCarthy for a “Terrible Bargain” With MAGA Republicans  —  In a wide-ranging video interview being published Sunday, the president also addressed broad threats to democracy, ethical concerns about the Supreme Court and more.

Matt Gaetz is reaching out to Dems about a McCarthy ouster  —  Among the lawmakers he spoke to as he threatens the speaker's gavel: Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.).

Biden to convene his Cabinet early next week to discuss continuity of government  —  President Joe Biden is expected to convene his Cabinet early next week to discuss continuity of government after a potential shutdown begins Sunday, four administration officials familiar with the plans told CNN.

Flooding in New York  —  A ‘Fire Hose of Moisture’ Inundates New York Streets and Subways  —  Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and urged people to stay off roads during what one official described as “the wettest day we've had since Hurricane Ida.”  —  Friday's rainfall in New York broke records.

Ramaswamy fires back at Mexican president in border spat: ‘New daddy in town’  —  Obrador urged Mexican-Americans not to support the 38-year-old GOP hopeful during a recent press conference  —  FIRST ON FOX — Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is doubling …

Appeals court upholds Tennessee, Kentucky bans on transgender care for minors  —  A federal appeals court on Thursday allowed Tennessee and Kentucky to enforce laws banning gender-affirming medical care for minors, such as puberty blockers, hormones and surgery.