New York Times

1. Trump Administration Authorizes Covert C.I.A. Action in Venezuela

   The development comes as the U.S. military is drawing up options for President Trump to consider, including possible strikes inside the country.

2. The Supreme Court Case That Could Hand the House to Republicans

   Democrats would be in danger of losing around a dozen majority-minority districts across the South if the court struck down part of the Voting Rights Act.

3. Trump Considers Overhaul of Refugee System That Would Favor White People

   The proposals would transform a program aimed at helping the most vulnerable people in the world into one that gives preference to mostly white people who say they are being persecuted.

4. Brown University Rejects White House Deal for Special Treatment

   Brown was the second university to turn down the deal, which would have given a funding preference to universities that agreed to certain requirements.

5. The Lonely House Republican Still Coming to Work During the Shutdown

   Representative Kevin Kiley of California has criticized his own party for keeping the House out of session during the shutdown. He is battling boredom and disaffection as the stalemate drags on.