The New York Times

1. Justice Dept. Is Said to Open Criminal Inquiry of E. Jean Carroll

   The investigation is said to center on whether Ms. Carroll committed perjury in civil lawsuits against Donald J. Trump, whom she accused of sexual assault.

2. White House Dismisses Outline of ‘Unofficial’ Iran Deal

   Plus, hunting fish with a bow and arrow. Here’s the latest at the end of Wednesday.

3. Cornyn’s Defeat in Texas Runoff Underscores Trump's Grip on the G.O.P.

   Senator John Cornyn lost to his MAGA-aligned challenger, Ken Paxton, by 28 percentage points. It was a historically poor showing.

4. Cornyn’s Defeat Fuels Tensions With President Trump in Senate G.O.P.

   Senators are angry President Trump turned on a respected former leader whom they consider a loyal Republican. Now Mr. Trump faces resistance from his own embittered ranks.

5. Meeting Voters, a Republican Tries to Outrun His Party’s Woes

   Representative Mike Flood of Nebraska is still meeting with constituents long after most G.O.P. members of Congress have concluded it is too politically dangerous to do so.