Iowa Poll: Clinton slides, leads Sanders by 2 points  —  Hillary Clinton has lost most of her lead over Bernie Sanders in the race to win Iowa's Democratic presidential caucuses, a new Iowa Poll shows.  —  Clinton, who has been the favorite all along, now leads Sanders by just 2 percentage points …

Alan Rickman, giant of British screen and stage, dies at 69  —  Much-loved star of stage, TV and films including Harry Potter and Die Hard - and owner of one of the most singular voices in acting ­- has died in London  —  Alan Rickman, one of the best-loved and most warmly admired British actors …

Ted Cruz Didn't Disclose Loan From Goldman Sachs for His First Senate Campaign  —  As Ted Cruz tells it, the story of how he financed his upstart campaign for the United States Senate four years ago is an endearing example of loyalty and shared sacrifice between a married couple.

South Carolina GOP chairman: Coulter's attack on Haley ‘despicable’  —  The chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party on Wednesday blasted conservative commentator Ann Coulter for suggesting his state's governor, Nikki Haley, be deported.  —  “First off, what Ann Coulter said is despicable …

Carson campaign in turmoil as finance chair quits  —  Ben Carson's national finance chairman resigned Thursday amid questions about his use of campaign funds and criticism from Carson allies and donors.  —  Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, appointed Parker, a tech industry entrepreneur from Mobile …

Repeal and replace ... with what?  —  Every remaining Republican presidential candidate supports repealing the Affordable Care Act.  Yet their ideas for replacing the law are “still works in progress,” according to a headline last week in the Wall Street Journal.

Paul Ryan: Obama's State of the Union ‘degrades the presidency’  —  WASHINGTON — In a scathing response to President Obama's State of the Union Address, House Speaker Paul Ryan told USA TODAY on Wednesday that the speech's political tone toward Donald Trump and the Republican presidential field “degrades the presidency.”

Jakarta attacks: Bombs and gunfire rock Indonesian capital  —  A series of explosions has rocked the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, with gun battles on the streets.  —  The blasts were centred around Thamrin Street, a major shopping and business district close to foreign embassies and the United Nations offices.

Huckabee: “More Readiness On My Part” To Support Trump Than Others If I Lose  —  “At least with him there's an authenticity.”  —  Justin Sullivan / Getty Images  —  w.soundcloud.com  —  Mike Huckabee says if he's not the Republican nominee, he will likely support front-runner Donald Trump before other candidates in the race.

IRGC Navy Commander: Iranian Missiles Locked on US Aircraft Carrier  —  TEHRAN (FNA)- Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi blamed the US navy for its excited and unprofessional moves after Iran arrested 10 US marines for trespassing on its territorial waters …

Bill lets businesses refuse services to gay couples in Georgia  —  STORY HIGHLIGHTS  —  Florists, bakers or any other private business owner could refuse service to gay couples getting married in Georgia, under legislation filed Wednesday that is likely to inflame the battle at the Capitol over religious freedom and gay rights.