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.”

Inside Trump's Backroom Effort to Lock Up the Nomination  —  As the former president dodges debates, it can seem as if he's bypassing the primary.  But he and his team have been working quietly to twist the delegate rules in their favor.  —  Not long after the new chairman of the Republican Party …

‘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.

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.

France Deploys 7,000 Troops After a Fatal School Stabbing  —  France will mobilize up to 7,000 soldiers to increase security around the country after a teacher was fatally stabbed and three other people wounded in a school attack by a former student suspected of Islamic radicalization, the president's office said Saturday.

Israel: Get out of Gaza City — now  —  Could Israel already be prepared for a ground invasion of Gaza, just days after declaring war after the depraved and monstrous invasion by Hamas?  Their mobilization of 360,000 reservists only started four days ago, barely enough time to process the troops …

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.

How Kari Lake's Tactical Retreat on Abortion Could Point the Way for the G.O.P.  —  Kari Lake, along with other Republicans in battleground states, has come out against a national ban as candidates try to attract general election voters.  Anti-abortion activists aren't pleased.

Americans Might Leave Gaza on Saturday, Says US Official  — Israel and Egypt to allow opening of Rafah crossing: official  — It's unclear if Hamas will agree to that, the US official says  —  American citizens in the Gaza Strip may be allowed to leave on Saturday, according to a US official with knowledge of the situation.

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 …

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,” …