McConnell builds case for 2016  —  Mitch McConnell is building the case that this Senate is much more productive than the last one.  —  The Kentucky Republican, who ascended to majority leader after repeatedly ripping the Democratic-led Senate as “dysfunctional,” has to show that the GOP can govern.

Congressman Tells Protester: 'Touch me again, and I'll drop your ass'  —  Anti-immigration protesters were on hand to greet Congressman Steve Knight at the open house for his Simi Valley office last week.  And when one got a little too close, the former LAPD cop was having none of it.

WH won't call Armenian killings ‘genocide’  —  The White House again will not use the term “genocide” to describe the Ottoman Turks' massacre of 1.5 million Armenians in 1915.  —  Senior administration officials met with leaders from the Armenian-American community Tuesday to discuss …

Charles Koch: We may back several GOP candidates in primaries  —  WICHITA, Kan. — Charles Koch said he is considering throwing his political might into the Republican presidential primary for the first time and is likely to provide financial help to several contenders before settling on a single candidate.

Rand Paul: Lindsey Graham, John McCain are ‘lapdogs’ for President Obama's foreign policy  —  Lindsey Graham and John McCain are “lapdogs” for President Barack Obama's foreign policy, Rand Paul said Tuesday, at once firing back at recent remarks from the hawkish Republicans and seeking to distinguish his defense credentials.

Waka Flocka Flame for President: Watch His Exclusive Campaign Video  —  Atlanta rapper announces 2016 White House run on 4/20  —  Two years ago, Waka Flocka Flame made a promise.  “I'm dead ass running for president in 2016,” the Atlanta rapper tweeted.  The date was November 6th, 2012.

Obama's approval numbers rise; Americans optimistic on economy  —  President Obama's approval ratings have reached their highest mark in almost two years, according to a new poll from CNN/ORC.  —  Forty-eight percent of Americans approve of how Obama is running the country, compared to 47 percent who disapprove.

Election 2016: Exploding The Governor Savior Myth  —  During every election cycle, there are storylines or interpretive memes that are widely repeated but turn out to be completely irrelevant or plain wrong.  Early in this presidential cycle, yesterday's cliches about the presidential race seem to be exploding all around us.

Tough tattoo regs sink stellar Marine's career  —  For Marines employed in what's become a hyper-competitive professional setting, not even multiple meritorious promotions, a combat valor award and a command-endorsed waiver are likely to save one's career if he has run afoul of the service's tattoo policy.

DC attorney general alerts police to photo of Republicans with assault rifle  —  Police in Washington, D.C., have been referred materials for a possible investigation into two Republican congressmen who posed for a picture with an assault rifle in a House office building.

Teacher terrified by surprise ‘active shooter’ drill in eastern Oregon schoolhouse files federal lawsuit  —  The town of Halfway sits a few miles west of the Snake River, in eastern Oregon.  (Richard Cockle/The Oregonian)  —  Elementary school teacher Linda McLean sat at her desk …

The Media Is Hyping A New, Unreleased Anti-Hillary Book.  Here's What It Really Says.  —  An upcoming book about the Clintons' foreign donors has whipped the media into a frenzy.  After presidential candidate Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) teased for weeks that the book contained scandalous revelations …

David Horowitz: ‘Traitor’ Obama Letting Terrorists Bring Nukes Over Southern Border  —  Conservative activist David Horowitz told Florida talk radio host Joyce Kaufman on Friday that President Obama's “heart is with the enemy,” which is why he is allowing terrorists to “walk across” the southern border carrying nuclear weapons.

Michelle Manhart talks after losing Air Force career  —  Editor's note: This story appeared on the cover of Air Force Times on April 16, 2007.  —  SAN ANTONIO — Something about that swish of dirty blond makes the airman's eyes flicker.  Is it her?  —  She's cruising slow, windows down …