Dirty Politics: Witnessing Firsthand It's Always Heartbreaking, Never Surprising  —  Thank heavens Donald Trump opened so many eyes to the lies, corruption and total lack of accountability that come so naturally to the permanent political class.  And Sen. Ted Cruz was spot on when he once noted that …

Trump resists staff calls to change course  —  In the lead-up to Donald Trump's loss in Iowa, staffers sought additional funding for campaign infrastructure and were denied.  —  Now, six days from the New Hampshire primary and looking for his first win, Trump is still refusing to shake up his ground game.

It's on: We're getting four more Democratic debates  —  The campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have agreed on a rough schedule for four new debates over the next few months, according to various sources, a move that shows the Democratic primary is now set to shift into a higher gear …

Winner Of $1.6 Billion Powerball Jackpot Sued By Prisoner  —  As the Powerball jackpot topped $1 billion, the frenzy grew.  It was fun to dream, even if you knew you stood little chance.  But often, a winner faces suits by friends, co-workers, even family.

Remarks by the President at Islamic Society of Baltimore  —  THE PRESIDENT: Well, good afternoon.  And, Sabah, thank you for the wonderful introduction and for your example — your devotion to your faith and your education, and your service to others.  You're an inspiration.

Black Lives Matter Activist Jumps Into Baltimore Mayoral Fray  —  DeRay Mckesson, whose activism over the last year and a half has vaulted him from obscure Twitter sage to a political force in the national Black Lives Matter movement, announced Wednesday that he was running for mayor of Baltimore.

First on CNN: Rick Santorum dropping presidential bid  —  (CNN)Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum is ending his presidential bid, two Republican sources told CNN.  —  He is expected to make the announcement Wednesday night.

Car Lands on Top of Roof of Palos Verdes Estates Home's Garage: Fire Department  —  A driver lost control of his car and ended up landing on the roof of a Palos Verdes Estates home's garage, prompting an emergency response on Wednesday afternoon.  —  A vehicle landed on top of the roof of a Palos Verdes Estates home on Feb. 3, 2016.

Donald Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize  —  Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump is reportedly in the running to receive the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize.  —  Mr. Trump, who has attracted international backlash over his controversial rhetoric and call to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. …

Ryan backs voting rights bill — but tells black caucus it's out of his hands  —  Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) told black lawmakers Wednesday that he supports new voting rights protections they've championed, but said he won't bypass a committee chairman to move legislation, according to a Democrat who attended the gathering.

Ted Cruz, a Public Firebrand on Social Issues, Is Cooler When Wooing Donors  —  Ted Cruz sounded despondent at the possibility that same-sex marriage could become legal when he called into the radio show of Tony Perkins, a vehement opponent of gay rights, in February 2014.