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

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.

‘They screwed this whole thing up’: Inside the attempt to derail Trump's erratic Syria withdrawal  —  President Trump dispatched national security adviser John Bolton on a cleanup mission a week ago, with a three-day itinerary in Israel that was intended to reassure a close ally …

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.

Wall Impasse Frustrates Many Newly Elected House Democrats  —  While few support the border wall, some worry the tone of negotiations hasn't conveyed their willingness to compromise on tighter border security  —  WASHINGTON—As the partial government shutdown stretches on …

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 …

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.

We the Press  —  Frank Bruni, formerly the New York Times's White House reporter and now a columnist for the paper, has a long, long op-ed that is unintentionally revealing.  It is headlined, “Will the Media Be Trump's Accomplice Again in 2020?”  As though the press were pro-Trump in 2016!

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.

Landlord rents $1,500 studio to two cats, hits ‘peak Silicon Valley’  —  San Jose studio even has an Apple TV  —  SAN JOSE — Looking to make some extra cash, David Callisch found the perfect tenants for the $1,500-a-month studio apartment behind his Willow Glen home — a pair of cats.

The Clinton-Obama era ends as US Democrats seek a radical new voice  —  Listen carefully and you can hear the retreat of the Democratic establishment.  Incrementalism served its purpose: it made Democrats electable again and safe for Wall Street.  But it has had its day.