There is a growing optimism in the White House that a budget agreement to avoid another partial government shutdown can be reached, a senior White House official said Thursday. Source: CNN
Matt Whitaker wants written assurance by Thursday evening that he will not be served with a subpoena
Republicans slammed the subpoena for a witness who had voluntarily agreed to testify, saying it was setting a troubling precedent Source: CNN
Senate panel votes to advance nomination of Barr
A Senate panel voted on party lines Thursday to advance President Donald Trump’s attorney general nominee William Barr, setting up a confirmation vote next week that will underscore the deep partisan divide over the nomination, particularly concerning how Barr would oversee the special counsel investigation. Source: CNN
CNN Poll: Almost everyone wants a public report on Mueller's findings
Nearly nine in 10 Americans say Robert Mueller’s investigators should produce a full, public report on their findings, a sentiment that crosses party lines, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS. Source: CNN
Analysis: Intel chair's opening act provokes Trump
All along, the White House had hoped that President Donald Trump’s torment over Russia would end with Robert Mueller’s final report. Source: CNN
Lawmaker tees up subpoena for Whitaker — just in case
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) said it wouldn’t be acceptable if acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker relies on executive privilege to avoid answering questions before the House Judiciary Committee. Source: CNN
Oprah to Beto O'Rourke: Are you the real deal?
During an interview with Oprah Winfrey, former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) danced around the question of whether or not he would be running for president in 2020, but said he would decide by the end of the month. Source: CNN
Mueller prosecutor leaves team in latest sign investigation is winding down
A criminal appellate prosecutor who was part of an ongoing subpoena fight related to the special counsel’s investigation into Russian election interference concluded his detail with the team in December, the special counsel’s office has announced. Source: CNN
The investigation includes a look at Russian meddling during the 2016 election and whether the President's financial interests are driving his actions
The House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday voted to send more than four dozen unredacted transcripts from its Russia investigation interviews to special counsel Robert Mueller. Source: CNN
First on CNN: New York federal prosecutors seek interviews with Trump Organization executives
Federal prosecutors in New York have requested interviews in recent weeks with executives at the Trump Organization, according to people familiar with the matter, signaling a growing potential threat to President Donald Trump and those in his orbit from criminal investigations by the Manhattan US Attorney’s office. Source: CNN