THE SHORT LIST

RETURN TO THE MOON: NASA launched its massive Artemis I moon rocket early Wednesday, bringing the United States a step closer to landing on the lunar surface for the first time in 50 years, since the end of the Apollo program.

MCCONNELL STILL IN CHARGE: Sen. Mitch McConnell will continue as Senate minority leader for another session after his reelection to the post Wednesday. McConnell bested his only challenger, Rick Scott of Florida, winning about 75% of the vote.

25 RECRUITS STRUCK: Five people were critically injured after a driver in an SUV struck 25 Los Angeles County sheriff’s and police recruits who were on a run Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said. At least 20 recruits were injured.

TRUMP RUNNING AGAIN: Former President Donald Trump announced late Tuesday that he would seek the presidency again in 2024, even as a rising number of Republicans are urging the party to look elsewhere. Trump made the announcement in a speech at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.