CNN

President Donald Trump said today he authorized the CIA to operate inside Venezuela to clamp down on illegal flows of migrants and drugs from the South American nation, but stopped short of saying they would have authority to remove President Nicolás Maduro. Read more: https://cnn.it/4nijxcQ

HAPPENING NOW: Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are answering questions at a CNN town hall moderated by Kaitlan Collins as the US government shutdown hits the two-week mark. Watch CNN and follow live: https://cnn.it/4hgT8ur

President Donald Trump is involved in planning for a major new monument near Washington, DC: a triumphal arch to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary, marking his latest effort to impose his style and tastes on the nation’s capital. The Trump administration, said sources familiar with the matter who were granted anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations, is considering building a permanent arch as part of broader America250 celebrations honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next July. A senior White House official told CNN the arch was Trump’s idea. “He came up with the design and has been part of the process every step of the way,” the official said. Trump remains deeply attuned to his background as a real estate developer and has taken major steps since returning to office to apply his aesthetic vision to Washington, DC: paving over the White House Rose Garden and decorating it to mirror his Mar-a-Lago patio; adorning the Oval Office, Cabinet Room, and West Colonnade with gilded features; and launching a major ballroom expansion. Read more: https://cnn.it/46SnCiP

Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado, Venezuela's opposition leader, speaks with CNN's Christiane Amanpour from an undisclosed location and explains why she believes she may still be in harm's way despite the prestigious honor. Read more: https://cnn.it/3WJGY3y

CNN is hosting a town hall with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tonight at 9 p.m. ET. CNN's Kaitlan Collins shares what to expect.

Hand fossils unearthed in Kenya reveal that an extinct human relative called Paranthropus boisei had unexpected dexterity and gorilla-like strength. https://cnn.it/3J8xcF1

Cristiano Ronaldo is no stranger to record-breaking achievements and the Portuguese striker set yet another mark on Tuesday. https://cnn.it/4nRfoxk

Dawn Staley, the long-time head coach of the South Carolina women’s basketball team, has said that she doesn’t believe there will be a female head coach in the NBA during her lifetime.

Here’s what to know about getting this season’s Covid-19, flu and RSV vaccinations. https://cnn.it/4798IDw

After months of steadily climbing higher, stocks are bouncing around as investors process renewed US-China trade tensions. https://cnn.it/4ooHrUN