Democrats rally behind Schiff amid withering GOP assault  —  Democrats raced to defend House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff on Monday amid a withering Republican assault on his credibility following special counsel Robert Mueller's finding that there was no conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives.

Stormy Daniels' ex-lawyer Michael Avenatti arrested for alleged $20 million extortion scheme against Nike, embezzling client's money, defrauding bank  — Celebrity lawyer Michael Avenatti is arrested on charges of trying to extort up to $25 million from Nike by threatening to reveal negative publicity.

Rep. Ruben Gallego, averting primary bloodbath, won't run for the Senate  —  Rep. Ruben Gallego will not run for the U.S. Senate in 2020's special election, he told The Arizona Republic on Monday, clearing the path for retired astronaut Mark Kelly to take on incumbent Republican …

Graham encouraged McCain to turn Trump-Russia dossier over to FBI  —  (CNN)GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham said Monday that he told the late Sen. John McCain to turn over the dossier of Trump-Russia allegations to the FBI, pushing back against President Donald Trump's assertions that the Arizona Republican helped fan …

Father of Sandy Hook victim Avielle Richman found dead at Edmond Town Hall after apparent suicide  —  The father of Avielle Richman, one of 20 first-grade students and six educators killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook School shooting, was found dead of an apparent suicide at Edmond Town Hall early Monday, police said.

Sater Eyed Trump Moscow Tower to Launder Cash, BTA Bank Says  — BTA's lawsuit comes as Sater is set to testify before Congress  — Sater accused in complaint of helping to launder $40 million  —  This week, New York developer Felix Sater is set to testify before Congress about his role …

A message to New Mexico from Tom:  —  When I first ran for Senate, I promised that I would give my all for the people of New Mexico.  And I reminded myself that this Senate seat is not my seat.  It is New Mexico's seat.  —  I was proud to serve as New Mexico's Attorney General …

Beto O'Rourke Hires Former Obama Aide as Campaign Manager  —  Beto O'Rourke has hired a former top aide to Barack Obama to be his campaign manager, installing a seasoned political strategist to take the helm of what has so far been a skeletal organization effectively overseen by Mr. O'Rourke himself.

New York Buzzes Over a Mayor Mulling a 2020 Bid (Buttigieg, Not de Blasio)  —  [What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox.]  —  Near the High Line in Manhattan, more than 250 people gathered at The Park restaurant last week to hear about a Democratic mayor's long-shot bid for the presidency.

As Special Counsel, Mueller Kept Such a Low Profile He Seemed Almost Invisible  —  WASHINGTON — Most Friday nights as he conducted his investigation, Robert S. Mueller III drove seven miles from his offices by the Capitol to Salt & Pepper, a dimly lit, mostly empty restaurant near his home …

DeVos launches investigation into college admissions scandal  —  The Education Department has opened investigations into eight universities tied to the sweeping college admissions and bribery scandal unveiled by federal prosecutors earlier this month, according to individuals familiar with the investigation.

Congestion Pricing in Manhattan, First Such Plan in U.S., Close to Approval  —  ALBANY — After years of hesitation, New York appears poised to become the first city in the United States to introduce congestion pricing, putting new electronic tolls in place for drivers entering the busiest stretches of Manhattan.

Roiled by Staff Uproar, Civil Rights Group Looks at Intolerance Within  —  [For more coverage of race, sign up here to have our Race/Related newsletter delivered weekly to your inbox.]  —  MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Known as one of the most celebrated civil rights lawyers of his time …