Trump's latest about-face: He now says 2020 election was ‘long over’  —  It's a new piece of rhetoric that Trump hopes will help him win immunity from his criminal charges.  —  In the months after the 2020 election, Donald Trump leaned on his campaign to launch ad blitzes and legal challenges …

US, British militaries launch massive retaliatory strike against Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and British militaries were bombing more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship …

Elise Stefanik's Ugly “Hostages” Barb Points to Serious GOP Mayhem Ahead  —  GOP Representative Elise Stefanik no doubt thought it was shrewd to describe the rioters who attacked the Capitol as “January 6 hostages.”  This sort of talk hits a sweet trifecta for a GOP leader with seemingly limitless ambition.

Education Dept. fast-tracks forgiveness for borrowers with smaller student loans  —  In a surprise move, the Biden administration says it will fast-track a big change, previously scheduled for July, that will soon erase the debts of thousands of federal student loan borrowers …

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 …

No Labels has 13 contenders for ticket against Biden and Trump  —  No Labels, the centrist organization plotting a potential 2024 presidential ticket, has 13 possible candidates to challenge a rematch of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

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.

Don't Turn Away From the Charges of Genocide Against Israel  —  With the question of whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza now before the International Court of Justice, the Biden administration has struck a tone of glib dismissal.  —  “Meritless” seems to be the agreed-upon term among U.S. officials.

Schiff would abolish filibuster, end the Electoral College in his pro-democracy plan  —  The proposal dovetails with Rep. Adam Schiff's campaign focus on the threats of Trumpism.  —  California Senate candidate and Congressmember Adam Schiff is calling for a major overhaul of American institutions …

Johnson confronts biggest test yet: Whether to walk away from his own funding deal  —  Conservatives are pushing him to renege.  Most of the rest of his party wants him to stand firm.  Whichever path he chooses carries real risks.  —  Speaker Mike Johnson's grip on his fractious conference slipped …

Democratic group plans $140 million voter testimonial onslaught against Donald Trump  —  The effort will focus on appealing to working class women in the northern swing states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin  —  Democrats began the search last summer, fanning out through …

$6 Trillion in Taxes Are at Stake in This Year's Elections  —  Biden, Republicans offer vastly different plans for handling tax cuts that lapse after 2025  —  WASHINGTON—There isn't a dime's worth of a difference between the political parties.  The chasm is more like $6 trillion.

Florida Bill Could Lead to a $35,000 Fine for Accusing Someone of Racism  —  “More attempts to chill free speech in the ‘free’ State of Florida,” said one Democratic lawmaker.  —  Florida State Sen. Jason Brodeur (R) recently introduced a bill that would revoke certain privileges from journalists …

Smaller events, fewer ties — Biden is heeding advice to loosen up  —  As 2024 approached, Biden aides suggested a shift in his public style to help ease voters' concerns about his age.  —  WASHINGTON — Through decades of political life before he entered the White House …