Trump Launches into Courtroom Tirade About ‘Witch Hunt’ Fraud Case, Claiming He Deserves Damages  —  The former president didn't wait for the judge's permission before reciting a roughly five-minute rant that he's being ‘persecuted’  —  Donald Trump launched into a tirade Thursday …

Election 2024: Trump, DeSantis Lead Biden.  Haley?  Nope.  —  Former President Donald Trump continues to lead President Joe Biden in the 2024 election, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also has a narrow edge over the incumbent, but Biden would beat former U.N. Secretary Nikki Haley.

Hunter Biden attends House committee vote to cite him for contempt, walks out on Marjorie Taylor Greene  —  The votes came hours after Hunter Biden strolled smiling into the Oversight meeting, sparking a fierce reaction among lawmakers who called him a coward and other names.

Congress approves resolution against Biden EV charger plans  —  The measure targets a limited waiver from Buy America rules.  Democrats and the White House say it would backfire.  —  The House approved legislation Thursday to undo a Biden administration rule meant to facilitate the proliferation of electric vehicle charging stations.

Kim Reynolds Has Another Account, @Kimberl26890376, and Opinions About Donald Trump  —  In recent months, the Republican governor of Iowa has used a secondary account on X to share her unfiltered feelings on the Republican presidential primary race.  —  Not long after the calendar turned to 2024 …

Democrats Propose Bill to Neuter Militias  —  The “Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act” would effectively limit most militia activity.  —  Militias who like to spend their weekends training to overthrow the government could find themselves running afoul of federal law …

Ohio woman who miscarried at home will not be criminally charged, grand jury says  —  Brittany Watts, 34, had been charged with a felony for abuse of a corpse after she miscarried in her bathroom and was later admitted to a hospital for a life-threatening hemorrhage.

Hogan steps down from No Labels board amid 2024 speculation  —  Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) stepped down as co-chair of No Labels last month, raising speculation about a potential third party presidential campaign.  —  Hogan's resignation letter, dated Dec. 15 and first reported …

Johnson's rider push meets reality  —  With an assist from Ursula Perano, Jordain Carney, Burgess Everett and Katherine Tully-McManus  —  RIDERS OR DIE?  —  Speaker Mike Johnson is selling the dream of conservative “policy riders” as a big upside to the nearly $1.7 trillion bipartisan funding deal reached over the weekend.

Secret Recording Shows NRA Treasurer Plotting to Conceal Extravagant Expenses Involving Wayne LaPierre  —  Audio obtained by The Trace and ProPublica reveals, in real time, the gun lobbying group enacting a plan that would conceal payments for fancy hotels, limousines and other luxury expenses connected to its longtime CEO for a decade.

Johnson flails as Republicans demand consequences for conservative hijacking  —  The speaker denied making any commitments to conservatives who want him to scrap this week's bipartisan government spending agreement.

Feds charge eBay over employees who sent live spiders and cockroaches to couple; company to pay $3M  —  Online retailer eBay Inc. will pay a $3 million fine to resolve criminal charges over a harassment campaign waged by employees who sent live spiders, cockroaches and other disturbing items …

Update on FDA's ongoing evaluation of reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in patients taking a certain type of medicines approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity  —  Preliminary evaluation does not suggest a causal link  —  Drug Safety Communication (PDF - 214 KB)

Republicans respond to Trump ballot bans with bill to make SCOTUS only authority on insurrection challenges  —  Tillis leading bill to create expedited process for Supreme Court to review 14th Amendment ballot cases  —  Read this article for free!  —  Plus get unlimited access to thousands of articles …