Award-winning Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman Found Dead in Manhattan Apartment, Law-Enforcement Official Said  —  The New York Police Department is investigating, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine exact cause of death

Subpoenaed Christie staffer Christina Renna resigns  —  A Chris Christie aide who was subpoenaed in a growing New Jersey traffic scandal resigned Friday, the aide's lawyer confirmed to POLITICO.  —  Christina Renna becomes the second person to leave the Republican governor's office since the scandal escalated in January.

An Open Letter From Dylan Farrow  —  (A note from Nicholas Kristof: In 1993, accusations that Woody Allen had abused his adoptive daughter, Dylan Farrow, filled the headlines, part of a sensational story about the celebrity split between Allen and his girlfriend, Mia Farrow.

Delusions of Failure  —  The Republican response to the State of the Union was delivered by Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Republican representative from Washington — and it was remarkable for its lack of content.  A bit of uplifting personal biography, a check list of good things her party wants …

The G.O.P.'s Immigration Delusion  —  THE debate over immigration reform, rekindled last week by House Republican leaders, bears a superficial resemblance to last fall's debate over the government shutdown.  —  Again, you have establishment Republicans transparently eager to cut a deal …

Bill Kristol joins ABC News  —  Bill Kristol, the editor and publisher of The Weekly Standard, has joined ABC News as a contributor, “This Week” host George Stephanopoulos announced on Sunday.  —  A source familiar with the negotiations says the former Fox News commentator has landed …

Missouri Executed This Man While His Appeal Was Pending in Court  —  Herbert Smulls was pronounced dead four minutes before the justices in Washington denied his final stay.  Did Missouri officials breach their ethical duties by permitting this to happen?  —  It is 2014, not 1964 or 1914 …

The Gospel According to Paul  —  WASHINGTON — SO how do you make Monica haunt Hillary's dreams?  —  That's what Republicans have been gnawing on, and that's what not-so-bland Rand Paul was cagey enough to figure out.  —  Fresh from taunting rival Chris Christie as “the king of bacon,” …

Hillary Clinton backs Obama on Iran sanctions  —  Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton made clear she supports President Barack Obama's call to allow the current negotiations over ending Iran's nuclear development and that new sanctions being debated by Congress should be shelved …

Severe Drought Has U.S. West Fearing Worst  —  LOS ANGELES — The punishing drought that has swept California is now threatening the state's drinking water supply.  —  With no sign of rain, 17 rural communities providing water to 40,000 people are in danger of running out within 60 to 120 days.

Republicans face 2016 turmoil  —  As Republicans look ahead to the 2016 presidential race, they are hoping to avoid the kind of chaotic and protracted nominating battle that dismayed party elders and damaged the eventual candidacy of Mitt Romney.  —  That, however, could be a hard thing to prevent.