AP sources: Trump allies pressed Ukraine over gas firm  —  KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — As Rudy Giuliani was pushing Ukrainian officials last spring to investigate one of Donald Trump's main political rivals, a group of individuals with ties to the president and his personal lawyer were also active in the former Soviet republic.

Daryl Morey's Hong Kong Tweet Has Put His Relationship With the Rockets in Limbo  —  The Houston general manager came out in support of the protest movement in Hong Kong, and the backlash from Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, the Chinese government, and Chinese business interests have rocked the franchise and the NBA

Trump says he worries about the stain impeachment will leave on his legacy  —  President Trump has told friends and allies he worries about the stain impeachment will leave on his legacy.  —  Driving the news: In a phone call with House Republicans on Friday, Trump articulated why he really doesn't want this.

Scoop: Mulvaney predicts post-impeachment landslide  —  In numerous recent conversations with colleagues, including last week's senior staff meeting, White House acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney has said he thinks President Trump could win 45 states in 2020 after the impeachment process …

The ‘Whistleblower’ Probably Isn't  —  It's an insult to real whistleblowers to use the term with the Ukrainegate protagonist  —  Start with the initial headline, in the story the Washington Post “broke” on September 18th:  —  TRUMP'S COMMUNICATIONS WITH FOREIGN LEADER ARE PART …

The Rich Really Do Pay Lower Taxes Than You  —  Almost a decade ago, Warren Buffett made a claim that would become famous.  He said that he paid a lower tax rate than his secretary, thanks to the many loopholes and deductions that benefit the wealthy.  —  His claim sparked a debate about the fairness of the tax system.

From Baghdad to Kyiv to Haiti, people everywhere are rising up.  The U.S. is a big part of the problem.  —  Heard about Baghdad?  Heard about Haiti?  Heard about Kyiv, Ukraine?  —  It's life during a wartime, of sorts, against the 21st century rot of corrupt governance, inequality and injustice …

Chuck Todd Blows Up On GOP Senator For Asking About John Brennan  — Chuck Todd and Sen. Ron Johnson had a heated exchange on “Meet the Press” Sunday when the Wisconsin Republican brought up questions about possible CIA leaks during the Trump-Russia probe.  — Todd pressed Johnson over his conversations with Trump over Ukraine.

White House: Turkey to invade Northern Syria  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says Turkey will soon invade Northern Syria, casting uncertainty on the fate of the Kurdish fighters allied with the U.S. against in a campaign against the Islamic State group.

Barr's Requests for Foreign Help Prompt Backlash in Australia, Italy, U.K.  —  Opposition lawmakers, intelligence officials question why the attorney general is working outside usual channels in review of Russia-probe origins  —  Attorney General William Barr is stoking tensions in several foreign capitals …

Donald Trump's Ukraine Scandal Has Its Roots in Russia  —  Both situations stem from the President's apparent willingness to accept political favors from foreign leaders, and his eagerness to do Putin's bidding.  —  President Trump and his allies nearly succeeded in consigning the Mueller report to oblivion.

Powell: ‘The Republican party has got to get a grip on itself’  —  Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said the Republican party needs to “get a grip on itself” as Republicans flock to defend the president while the impeachment inquiry continues.  —  The retired U.S. Army general told …

Border wall construction crew bulldoze cactus at national monument  —  TUCSON — Border wall construction is underway in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.  —  The construction is causing concern after a video posted on social media shows a cactus being bulldozed on the protected land.

Former Trump Organization executive says she expects President Trump will resign  —  New York (CNN Business)A former Trump Organization executive says she thinks President Donald Trump may resign rather than face possible removal from office by impeachment.  —  “He does a lot of things to save face …

Ukrainian official says false stories pushed by Giuliani threatened relations with Washington  —  False accounts pedaled by members of President Trump's inner circle threatened to poison U.S.-Ukrainian relations this year and gave Trump a cover for suspending military aid …

North Korea Rules Out Quick Resumption of ‘Sickening’ Talks with U.S.  —  SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea said on Sunday that it had no desire to engage in “sickening negotiations” with the United States anymore, rejecting Washington's suggestion that negotiators from both countries meet again in Stockholm in two weeks.