Republicans ramp up search for an escape hatch from speaker chaos  —  A bipartisan solution to the GOP's leadership problems still sounds farfetched to most.  But then, so does Jim Jordan's prospects of winning next week.  —  Centrists are signaling they're open to a deal.  Democrats are outlining terms.

Trump falsely characterized Israel's role in his administration's hit on Iran's Soleimani, say former U.S. officials  —  “They were never on board with it,” said a former senior White House official, referring to the Israelis.  “They always thought it was a dangerous and destabilizing idea.”

‘Top secret’ Hamas documents show that terrorists intentionally targeted elementary schools and a youth center  —  Maps and documents recovered from the bodies of Hamas attackers reveal a coordinated plan to target children and take hostages inside an Israeli village near Gaza.

Israeli President Says There Are No Innocent Civilians In Gaza  —  “It is an entire nation out there that is responsible,” Isaac Herzog said as Israel ordered 1.1 million Palestinians to evacuate their homes.  —  LOADING  —  As Israel engages in a massive air campaign ahead …

Michael Cohen Set to Skip Trump Bank Fraud Trial Testimony  —  Cohen is poised to be a star witness in the New York AG's case against his former boss, but he is planning to skip his appearance next week. … Michael Cohen, the archenemy of Donald Trump, was set to be the star witness at the ex-president's ongoing bank fraud trial.

4 Democratic centrists to McHenry: Let's make a deal  —  In a letter to McHenry that was obtained by POLITICO, the Democrats floated giving him “temporary, expanded authorities” — in exchange for concessions.

Israel Is Walking Into a Trap  —  Storming into Gaza will fulfill Hamas's wish.  —  It's a trap.  Hamas's ruthless and spectacular attack on southern Israel last Saturday was many things: an atrocity, a display of militant ingenuity, and a demonstration of the weakness of Israeli intelligence and defenses.

Stanford students say lecturer called Jews in class ‘colonizers,’ minimized Holocaust  —  As Stanford University investigates reports that a lecturer discussing the war between Hamas and Israel “called out individual students in class based on their backgrounds and identities,” …

Dennis Kucinich Leaves Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Presidential Campaign  —  The former Democratic congressman, who served as Mr. Kennedy's campaign manager, departed just days after he introduced Mr. Kennedy as an independent candidate.  —  Dennis J. Kucinich has left his post …

Ex-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg's Testimony Abruptly Ended After Forbes Story Accused Him of Perjury  —  A source close to New York Attorney General Letitia James confirmed that her office is looking into the latest report about the former Trump CFO's testimony

Stunning State Department Memo Warns Diplomats: No Gaza ‘De-Escalation’ Talk  —  As Israel escalates its offensive, U.S. diplomats are being discouraged from publicly using three phrases that would urge calm.  —  As Israel escalates its attacks on Gaza, the State Department …