Mick Mulvaney defends Ronna McDaniel amid NBC turmoil  —  Former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney is dismissing criticism NBC News is facing from some of the network's biggest stars over its decision to hire former Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel as a paid contributor.

Baltimore bridge collapses after powerless cargo ship rams into support column; 6 people are missing  —  A container ship lost power and rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing it to snap and plunge into the river below.  Several vehicles fell into the chilly waters, and rescuers are searching for survivors.

Biden Gains Ground Against Trump in Six Key States, Poll Shows  —  The move in the president's direction comes after five months of mostly consistent Trump leads.  —  President Joe Biden has gained ground against Republican Donald Trump in six of seven key swing states, and significantly so in at least two of them.

Ken Paxton agrees to community service, paying restitution to avoid trial in securities fraud case  —  Paxton, who will not have to enter a plea under the terms of the agreement, faced the prospect of decades in prison if he had been convicted of fraud.  —  HOUSTON — Prosecutors on Tuesday agreed …