Kremlin Blessed Russia's NRA Operation, U.S. Intel Report Says  —  When Maria Butina and Alexander Torshin's brought NRA bigwigs to Moscow, it wasn't a rogue mission.  It was okayed from the very top, according to a report reviewed by The Beast.  —  Betsy Woodruff

Transcripts detail how FBI debated whether Trump was ‘following directions’ of Russia  —  (CNN)In the chaotic aftermath at the FBI following Director James Comey's firing, a half-dozen senior FBI officials huddled to set in motion the momentous move to open an investigation into President Donald Trump …

Scoop: Trump dressed down Mulvaney in front of congressional leaders  —  President Trump chastised his new chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, over his handling of shutdown talks, creating an awkward scene in front of congressional leaders of both parties, according to two sources who were present.

Pentagon Officials Fear Bolton's Actions Increase Risk of Clash With Iran  —  WASHINGTON — Senior Pentagon officials are voicing deepening fears that President Trump's hawkish national security adviser, John R. Bolton, could precipitate a conflict with Iran at a time when Mr. Trump …

Atlanta passenger gets gun through TSA, alerts officials in Japan he still has it  —  ATLANTA - Channel 2 Action News has learned that a man carried a gun through the TSA checkpoint at Atlanta's airport and carried it all the way through to his destination: Tokyo.

Tulsi Gabbard once touted working for anti-gay group that backed conversion therapy  —  (CNN)Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in the early 2000s touted working for her father's anti-gay organization, which mobilized to pass a measure against same-sex marriage in Hawaii and promoted controversial conversion therapy.

'A 10 isn't enough': This UCLA gymnast's flawless floor routine just broke the Internet  —  As the first strains of Tina Turner's “Proud Mary” filled the Anaheim Arena on Saturday, Katelyn Ohashi came alive.  —  As she executed a quick body roll with a giant smile plastered across her face …

The Truth About the Gig Economy  —  The workforce is getting Uberized.  The gig economy is taking over the world.  Independent contractor jobs are the new normal.  In the post-recession years, this became conventional wisdom, as more and more Americans took jobs—well, “jobs” …

What Happens When Elizabeth Warren Sells Out to Powerful Interests?  —  Last September, I wrote about Elizabeth Warren's smart platform, which has harnessed the most politically attractive elements of the populist agenda while avoiding the most politically vulnerable parts.

Bernie Sanders staffs up for 2020  —  Bernie Sanders is adding firepower to his political team ahead of a potential 2020 campaign, locking down digital alumni who were key to his surprise performance in 2016 and recruiting the media production company that helped launch Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to prominence.

First snowstorm of 2019 packs a wallop: How much snow fell and how it happened  —  The long-duration storm dumped 6 to 12 inches, enough to set some records  —  This was not a heavy snowstorm of typical origin — not a nor'easter, which most often delivers the memorable snow events such as …

Hedge-Fund-Backed Media Group Prepares Bid for Gannett  —  Digital First Media has taken 7.5% stake in USA Today publisher, seeks other bids  —  A hedge-fund-backed media group known for buying up struggling local papers and cutting costs is planning to make an offer for USA Today publisher …

The Unmanning of Conservatism  —  In Trump's view of masculinity, cheap shots replace bravery and hostility replaces honor.  —  Donald Trump wants everyone to know that he's a tough guy.  In 2017, the congressional candidate Greg Gianforte “body-slammed” the Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs …

Most Americans Hold Trump Responsible For Government Shutdown, New Polls Show  —  The latest surveys find the public increasingly concerned about the standoff and unhappy with everyone in Washington.  —  Most Americans hold President Donald Trump responsible for the partial government shutdown …

Five Dealbreakers for Confirming Trump's Next Attorney General  —  Bill Barr is no stranger to the Senate confirmation process.  President Donald Trump's nominee to be the next attorney general already went through it twice before, first to serve as deputy attorney general in 1990 and then to become attorney general from 1991 to 1993.

2020 Democratic primary set to intensify  —  DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — After months of speculation and secrecy, the 2020 presidential primary season is about to explode.  —  With several Democrats already in the race, a half dozen more are locking down final travel, staffing and strategy to launch White House bids in the coming weeks.

China has detained an old man and tormented his daughter.  Trump thinks this is ‘honorable’?  —  Not long before President Trump expounded on how “honorable” he finds China's Communist regime, my friend Ti-Anna Wang found herself and her 11-month-old baby in custody in the Hangzhou airport.

How ‘traditional masculinity’ hurts the men who believe in it most  —  My grandfather is traditionally masculine in most senses of the word: He was a soldier, then a bait-shop owner, then a garbage collector; he rose before dawn most days of his life and I never heard him complain about it.

2020 Republican Primary Power Rankings  —  Get ready for the Trump primary!  —  Since 1964, nine sitting presidents have stood for re-election.  —  Five of them were challenged in the primaries.  —  If 2020 obeys the normal rules of political physics, President Trump will face a primary challenger.

Shutdown Pinches Economic Growth  —  The effects aren't yet widespread, but a lasting impasse would begin curtailing the rate of expansion  —  A Vermont mead brewery has delayed a major expansion because the owners can't get a business loan.  A craft-burger joint in Utah has sent employees home because sales are down.

Stung by Florida Midterm Losses, Democrats See a Swing State Drifting Away  —  PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — After a painful midterm election for Florida Democrats that showed this crucial swing state drifting away from them, a group of party activists gathered at a Cuban restaurant last month …

Anthony Scaramucci among 12 new Celebrity Big Brother houseguests  —  Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci will be among 12 new contestants competing on season 2 of Big Brother: Celebrity Edition when the reality show hosted by Julie Chen Moonves premieres Monday, Jan. 21 on CBS.

PG&E Prepares for Bankruptcy Amid Wildfire Fallout  —  State's largest utility says it faces more than $30 billion in fire-related liability costs  —  PG&E Corp. PCG -48.66% plans to file for bankruptcy protection by the end of the month as it faces more than $30 billion …