The president spent Thursday evening with some of his wealthiest supporters, trying to regain momentum after criticism over his response to violence in Virginia.

By Maggie Haberman & Kenneth P. Vogel @ NYTimes.com, 6:45 pm

BEDMINSTER, N.J. — President Trump dined on Thursday night at his Bedminster golf club with a handful of the right’s most generous donors, as he tried to build support for his hobbled legislative agenda amid mounting criticism from within his own party, three people briefed on the dinner said.

By Maggie Haberman @ NYTimes.com, a few minutes ago

President Trump has told senior aides that he has decided to remove Stephen K. Bannon, the embattled White House chief strategist who helped Mr. Trump win the 2016 election, according to two administration officials briefed on the discussion.

The president and senior White House officials were debating when and how to dismiss Mr. Bannon. The two administration officials cautioned that Mr. Trump is known to be averse to confrontation within his inner circle, and could decide to keep on Mr. Bannon for some time.

By Brad Plumer @ NYTimes.com, Aug. 18

Grid operators will scramble when solar panels go dark — a rare trial run for a future in which the nation will be more reliant on renewable energy.

Republican lawmakers are making a push to legalize running over protesters. These laws would make the injuries and death suffered in Charlottesville legal. Bills have been introduced in North Dakota, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, and Rhode Island. The bills are called anti-terrorism" measures. The Republican Party has lost its collective mind. Given the ongoing assault on civil liberties, the only response is to organize protests, donate, to activist groups, and vote. The country is under attack by the Republican Party.

A bot that retweets tweets from people the president follows on Twitter.

So you can see exactly the same thing Trump is seeing on his Twitter feed.

A project of @pbump. (Philip Bump, Washington Post national correspondent)

Sitting in Spain glad I didn't choose Barcelona or Valencia this time. As usual Europe and elsewhere get it worse, but we complain more.

More at La Vanguardia for thise who read Spanish

http://www.lavanguardia.com/?ath=

“Our country’s greatest strengths are the diversity of its people and the principles of equal dignity and inclusion that unite us all. There are troubling events planned in our state in the coming weeks. This is an incredibly painful and difficult time for millions of Californians.  For those who are wondering where we stand – the ACLU of California fully supports the freedom of speech and expression, as well as the freedom to peacefully assemble. We review each request for help on a case-by-case basis, but take the clear position that the First Amendment does not protect people who incite or engage in violence. If white supremacists march into our towns armed to the teeth and with the intent to harm people, they are not engaging in activity protected by the United States Constitution.