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 …

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 …

US, British militaries launch massive retaliatory strike against Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen  —  The U.S. and British militaries bombed more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles …

Jill Biden slams ‘horrible’ Republicans for showing nude Hunter photos during hearing and says what they're doing to him is ‘cruel’  — ‘What they are doing to Hunter is cruel,’ she said in interview on Morning Joe  — She also defended Joe's Biden age: ‘I say his age is an asset’

Why Platformer is leaving Substack  —  After much consideration, we have decided to move Platformer off of Substack.  Over the next few days, the publication will migrate to a new website powered by the nonprofit, open-source publishing platform Ghost.  If you already subscribe to Platformer …

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.

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.

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 …

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 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.

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.

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)

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 …

Bomb Threat Made at Home of Judge in Trump's Bank Fraud Trial  —  A bomb squad rushed to Justice Arthur F. Engoron's house on Long Island, a source told The Daily Beast.  —  The danger surrounding Donald Trump's bank fraud trial in New York escalated just hours before its final hearing on Thursday …