Trump Thought Firing Flynn Would End ‘Russia Thing,’ Chris Christie Writes in Book  —  President Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, believed that the “Russia thing” would end as a side effect from the firing of the national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn …

Stone indictment: Serious Russia investigation charges hint Mueller has more coming  —  The FBI arrested Roger Stone, longtime campaign associate of President Donald Trump.  Stone is indicted for lying about the Russian investigation in the 2016 election.  —  Mueller clues show possibility …

Trump claimed women were gagged with tape.  Then Border Patrol tried to find some evidence.  —  An internal email, sent 2 weeks after Trump started making the claim, asked agents for “any information” about what Trump was describing.  —  It's become a staple of President Donald Trump's riffs …

We demand BuzzFeed pay out earned paid time off to its recently laid-off employees.  —  To Jonah Peretti, Lenke Taylor, and Ben Smith:  —  We are the BuzzFeed News Staff Council, a group of employees appointed to open up the lines of communication between News employees and company management.

Former Starbucks chief Howard Schultz confirms interest in independent 2020 bid, as Democratic worries rise  —  Former Starbucks chief executive Howard Schultz said Sunday that he is preparing to launch an independent campaign for president, rebuffing growing Democratic concern that such a move would help reelect President Trump.

Lawmakers to Debate Border, Immigration as Next Shutdown Threat Looms  —  The president in an interview says he doubts lawmakers will find a resolution in coming weeks  —  WASHINGTON—President Trump said Sunday he doesn't believe congressional negotiators will strike a deal over border-wall funding …

Treasury Dept. Lifts Sanctions on Russian Oligarch's Companies  —  The Trump administration on Sunday lifted sanctions against the business empire of Oleg V. Deripaska, one of Russia's most influential oligarchs.  —  Congressional Democrats had tried to block the move this month …

Americans fault Trump for chaotic government shutdown, as more believe US is ‘on the wrong track’: NBC-WSJ poll  — An NBC-Wall Street Journal poll showed that by 63 percent to 28 percent , a margin greater than two to one, Americans believe the country is “off on the wrong track” rather than “headed in the right direction.”

Pence, Ivanka, Kushner no-show as Mattis gets standing ovation at elite DC dinner  —  Trump blasts Mattis: What's he done for me?  —  Washington (CNN)Former Defense Secretary James Mattis received a standing ovation Saturday at the annual black-tie Alfalfa Club dinner after delivering …

Harris kicks off campaign by laying into Trump  —  The California senator tells an Oakland crowd: ‘I will lead with integrity and I will speak the truth.’  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Sen. Kamala Harris, formally launching her presidential campaign against Donald Trump with a call to end the politics of division …

On Meet the Press, Tom Brokaw Says ‘The Hispanics Should Work Harder at Assimilation’  —  On Meet the Press, venerable news anchor Tom Brokaw made what may seem a surprising statement about immigration Sunday when he argued “the Hispanics” should “work harder” at assimilation.

Baghdad is reemerging from 15 blood-soaked years, but the city now barely functions … For weeks now, Capt. Ghassan Ghani and his team of workers, cranes and long-bed trucks have stripped away what has been a fixture of this city since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion: the 12-foot concrete barriers …

Ginni Thomas Storms The Oval Office, Bullies Trump Because She Can  —  Virginia “Ginni” Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, is unafraid to throw her weight around, especially when it comes to crony appointments and spewing hatred.  —  The right-wing influence group “Groundswell” is alive, well, and thriving.

America's Hidden Workforce Returns  —  Disabled workers join job market at highest level in years amid low unemployment and stricter rules for claiming benefits  —  WYOMING, Mich.—Like many adults with disabilities, Nathan Mort has often struggled to find and hold a job.

Mixed attitudes toward investigations of Trump  —  Poll Questions  —  Q: Special Counsel Robert Mueller has been investigating possible collusion between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia, among other issues.  How much confidence do you have Mueller's final report will be fair and even-handed?

End Of Shutdown Still Leaves Contract Workers Hanging  —  BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Federal employees are turning on office lights and computers and reopening national parks and museums for the first time in weeks, but others employed by government contractors face still more uncertainty …

Cancel in protest?  Or stay with a local newspaper that's being strip-mined for profits?  —  Jeffrey Miller might be the ideal news consumer: He's well-informed, thoughtful and understands the role good journalism plays in American democracy.  —  And he has a question, one that might seem small …