Chris Christie Becomes Powerful Figure in Donald Trump Campaign  —  Defeated by Donald J. Trump in the 2016 primaries and derided by fellow Republicans for his subsequent embrace of Mr. Trump, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey has quietly emerged as one of the most influential advisers …

EXCLUSIVE: State Department Won't Release Clinton Foundation Emails for 27 Months  —  Department of Justice officials filed a motion in federal court late Wednesday seeking a 27-month delay in producing correspondence between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's four top aides …

Trump points to plane, says it could be Mexico ‘ready to attack’  —  Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump  —  on Thursday pointed to a plane flying above his event and said it could be a Mexican plane preparing to attack.  —  “That could be a Mexican plane up there …

House to vote on gun legislation  —  A week after Democrats staged a nearly 26-hour sit-in demanding a vote on gun control measures, Speaker Paul Ryan  —  (R-Wis.) said the House will vote next week on legislation to block suspected terrorists from buying guns.

Sources: Donald Trump Listened In On Phone Lines At Mar-A-Lago  — Several workers said Trump used the equipment to secretly listen in on phone calls in the mid-2000s.  —  At Mar-a-Lago, the Palm Beach resort he runs as a club for paying guests and celebrities, Donald Trump …

who killed 13-year-old girl in her sleep  —  Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik  —  This morning, a 17-year-old Palestinian terrorist stabbed and murdered a 13-year-old Israeli girl, Hallel Yaffa Ariel, while she slept in her bed.  The Palestinian terrorist Muhammad Taraireh …

Trump skepticism hardens in GOP  —  Over the past several weeks, Donald Trump has managed to deliver several scripted speeches that stayed on message.  He's hired top staffers to bulk up his skeletal campaign.  And he's kick-started a fundraising operation, while focusing most of his rhetorical fire on Hillary Clinton.

Navy report: Failure at every level for US ships captured by Iran  —  Iran video appears to show U.S. sailor in tears  —  Washington (CNN)A devastating new report by military investigators released Thursday found that the 10 sailors captured by Iranians in January suffered from “failed leadership” …

Nothing sorry about Trump One  —  ABOARD TRUMP ONE — The candidate loosened his tie and offered me some advice.  —  “Whatever you do, don't apologize,” he said.  “You never hear me apologize, do you?  That's what killed Jimmy the Greek way back.  Remember?  He was doing okay 'til he said he was sorry.”

Conviction vacated, new trial granted for Adnan Syed of “Serial” … A Baltimore judge has vacated the murder conviction of Adnan Syed, the subject of the popular “Serial” podcast that explored his case, and granted his request for a new trial.  —  The order from retired Judge Martin Welch …

After Saying He Forgave Loans to Campaign, Trump Won't Release Proof  —  When Donald Trump said last Thursday he was forgiving over $45 million in personal loans he made to his campaign, the announcement drew plenty of coverage.  Many even reported Trump's statement as if the deal was done.

Pentagon ends transgender ban  —  (CNN)The Pentagon said Thursday it was ending the ban on transgender people being able to serve openly in the U.S. military.  —  The announcement — which removes one of the last barriers to military service by any individual — was made by Defense Secretary Ash Carter …

Fox targeted by FEC Dems in first-ever vote to punish debate sponsorship  —  Finally making good on long-harbored anger at conservative media, Democrats on the Federal Election Commission voted in secret to punish Fox News' sponsorship of a Republican presidential debate …

Mika's hush-hush divorce fuels Joe romance chatter  —  MORE FROM:  —  “Morning Joe” hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough could soon go public as a couple.  Page Six has exclusively learned that Brzezinski and her husband of 23 years have quietly divorced.

Rationalia, Ho!  —  Kevin Williamson's piece on “Rationalia” may be the best thing he's written in a while — which is quite a high bar.  But I may be biased because it is so in my wheelhouse.  For those of you who read the Tyranny of Clichés or any of my extended rants …

Biden: Bernie Sanders Is ‘Going To Endorse’ Hillary Clinton  —  Vice President Joe Biden is confident that Bernie Sanders is going to endorse Hillary Clinton and that the Democratic party will unify.  —  “Oh, I've talked to Bernie, Bernie's going to endorse her, this is going to work out …