10 Things to Know for Today
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
1. TRUMP TO MAKE WALL CASE TO NATION
The president will argue that a "crisis" at the U.S.-Mexico border requires the barrier he's demanding before ending the partial government shutdown; Senior Democrats call for chance to a televised response.
2. AIR TRAVELERS FEEL EFFECTS OF SHUTDOWN
Longer lines at security checkpoints and a reduction in safety inspections are the early signs of how the partial government shutdown is affecting air travel.
3. KIM ARRIVES IN BEIJING FOR TALKS
The North Korean leader begins a four-day visit in what's likely an effort to coordinate with his only major ally, China's Xi Jinping, ahead of a summit with Trump that could happen early this year.
4. ACTIVISTS MAKE PLEA FOR SAUDI WOMAN
Human Rights Watch calls on Australia to allow entry to Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, who's being processed by U.N. refugee authorities in Thailand after fleeing her homeland.
5. WHO APPEARED TO SNUB BOLTON
The U.S. national security adviser is departing Turkey without meeting with President Erdogan, an apparent rebuke over disagreements about Kurdish fighters in Syria as Ankara readies for a cross-border military operation.
6. POMPEO BEGINS MIDEAST TOUR
America's top diplomat will visit Jordan, Egypt and Gulf nations to talk to regional leaders about ramping up pressure on Iran.
7. GHOSN ASSERTS INNOCENCE IN TOKYO COURT
The former Nissan Chairman defends his honor in his first public appearance since he was arrested in November and charged with false financial reporting.
8. WHAT IS GOING LARGELY UNUSED IN ECUADOR
The Union of South American Nations' headquarters is suffering as the region takes a conservative political shift.
9. KEVIN SPACEY PLEADS NOT GUILTY
The former "House of Cards" star is accused of groping an 18-year-old busboy in 2016 at a Nantucket bar in the first criminal case brought against the disgraced actor.
10. CLEMSON MAKES COLLEGE FOOTBALL HISTORY
With stunning ease and freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the Tigers topple Alabama — college football's greatest dynasty — to become the first perfect playoff champion.
