State Legislatures Are Torching Democracy  —  Even in moderate places like Ohio, gerrymandering has let unchecked Republicans pass extremist laws that could never make it through Congress. … As the Supreme Court anticipated when it overturned Roe v. Wade, the battle over abortion rights is now being waged state by state.

Trump blasts the Democratic-led climate and tax bill, says ‘old broken crow’ Mitch McConnell was ‘taken for a ride’ by Joe Manchin  — Former President Trump blasted McConnell and Manchin over the Democratic-led climate and tax bill.  — Trump said McConnell was “taken for a ride” …

Major Indiana Employers Criticize State's New Abortion Law  —  The drug company Eli Lilly said it “will be forced” to look outside the state for employment growth.  The engine maker Cummins said the law will “impede our ability to attract and retain top talent.”

Sinema's tax tweaks  —  It's a Friday in August, do you know where your senators are?  They aren't here.  But they aren't on Summer recess either.  —  SINEMA SIGNS ON — Arizona centrist Democrat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is backing the Democrats climate, tax and health care bill …

Drop Box for Babies: Conservatives Promote a Way to Give Up Newborns Anonymously  —  After Roe, groups are seeking to expand safe haven laws, which allow women to surrender babies with minimal interference.  But these laws pose their own problems.  —  The Safe Haven Baby Box at a firehouse in Carmel …

Biden Tests Negative for Coronavirus but Will Keep Isolating  —  The negative test came a week after his rebound case emerged.  He will remain in isolation until he tests negative a second time, his doctor said.  —  WASHINGTON — President Biden finally tested negative for the coronavirus on Saturday …

Hey, Joe, Don't Give It a Go  —  WASHINGTON — Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a cautionary tale.  —  She missed the moment to leave the stage, ignoring friendly nudges from Democrats and entreaties from Obama allies.  She fell in love with her late-in-life image as a hip cultural icon: “Notorious R.B.G. …

GOP Lawmakers Lobby Oil Industry to Denounce Tax-and-Climate Bill  —  Democrats' plan includes measures lauded by some in the oil-and-gas industry, frustrating Republicans  —  WASHINGTON—Congressional Republicans are ramping up pressure on the oil-and-gas industry to take an aggressive stance …

WATCH: Gleeful Jeanine Pirro Says Brittney Griner Won't be Taking a Knee Anymore  —  WNBA star Brittney Griner was sentenced this week to 9 years in prison.  The United States is working on getting her freed from jail and has discussed prisoner exchanges.  —  Since Griner has dabbled in activism …

Tim Ryan turned his race into a surprise Senate battleground.  Now comes the hard part.  —  Tim Ryan may be running ahead of J.D. Vance in Ohio.  But the cavalry is coming to Vance's rescue.  —  Whether Ryan can survive the coming ad onslaught and keep Ohio's Senate race surprisingly competitive is an open question.

In Turbulent Times, Xi Builds a Security Fortress for China, and Himself  —  Taiwan, Covid, “color revolutions,” the classroom: everywhere, China's leader sees threats that foreign forces can exploit, and he has enlisted the whole nation to resist.  —  Over informal, private meals with American leaders …

Health Authorities Issue New Advice for Avoiding Monkeypox  —  CDC says sexually active people should limit number of sex partners, after finding the disease mainly in men who have had sex with several men  —  Why Monkeypox Is a Global Health Threat