Posted below you will find a live up-to-date news feed of CNN Top Stories. The world is interconnected, and it is vital to remain current in global affairs.

• The President's only way out of the shutdown may be to pick between two pillars of his political viability January 17, 2019 7:05 am
  If the government shutdown lasts much longer, President Donald Trump's only way out may involve a choice between two pillars of his political viability -- his border wall and his purring economy.
• 'No response' yet on SOTU delay, Pelosi says January 17, 2019 12:54 pm
• Analysis: This may be the only way the shutdown ends January 17, 2019 12:50 am
  The government shutdown is nearing the month mark -- today was day 26  -- and there continues to be zero optimism the showdown will resolve itself any time soon.
• Opinion: Pelosi's on the right track with State of the Union plan January 17, 2019 11:23 am
  In the latest move in the government shutdown fight, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is now looking to dim one of the brightest spotlights for President Donald Trump: The annual State of the Union address. Pelosi sent a letter to the President suggesting that he wait until the government is open before coming to Congress, or simply deliver the speech in writing.
• Interactive: What comes next for the shutdown
• Trump adviser: Shutdown costing more than estimated January 17, 2019 1:16 am
  Widespread affects from the longest government shutdown in US history are being felt throughout the country. CNN's Jason Carroll reports.
• There have been 21 government shutdowns since 1976. Why this one is different January 17, 2019 1:15 pm
  None of the 21 government shutdowns since 1976 made a real dent in the economy — purchases were simply delayed until the government re-opened and federal workers regained their lost wages.
• WSJ: Cohen paid thousands to rig polls in Trump's favor January 17, 2019 2:44 pm
  President Donald Trump's former "fixer" Michael Cohen paid the head of a small technology company thousands in 2015 to rig online polls and elevate Cohen's character to benefit Trump's presidential campaign, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
• Cohen still intends to testify before Congress despite concerns for his family January 17, 2019 2:19 pm
  President Donald Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen remains on track to testify before Congress in February, but he is concerned for his family, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN.
• Lemon: Giuliani 'out-Giulianied' himself January 17, 2019 4:16 am
  CNN's Don Lemon breaks down Rudy Giuliani's interview with Chris Cuomo and suggests there's a method to Giuliani's false claims.
• Rudy Giuliani can't say if Trump campaign aides colluded January 17, 2019 3:52 pm
  Rudy Giuliani said Wednesday that he never denied President Donald Trump's campaign colluded with the Russian government during the 2016 campaign, only that the President himself was not involved in collusion.
• Analysis: The 2020 marathon has started with a sprint January 17, 2019 1:12 pm
  There's been lots (and lots) of action in the 2020 Democratic primary race over the past month, but few actual changes.
• Trump is fraying nerves inside the Pentagon January 17, 2019 11:30 am
  Two years into his presidency, Donald Trump is fueling unprecedented uncertainty and anxiety inside the Pentagon. In private conversations over the past month, many of them unsolicited, more than a dozen key military officers, enlisted personnel and senior civilians have expressed worry and concern to CNN. None of the officials have spoken publicly about this, as military law prohibits active-duty personnel from criticizing a sitting president.
• Corrections officer: Warning signs with threats to come January 17, 2019 2:23 pm
  CNN's Alisyn Camerota talks with Eric Young, a federal corrections officer who is working without pay during the partial government shutdown.
• Opinion: Karen and Mike Pence's astonishing moral hypocrisy January 17, 2019 5:21 am
  Karen Pence, the wife of America's vice president, Mike Pence will be teaching art at a Christian school in Virginia that bans LGBTQ children and requires employees to declare their religious beliefs. Like a real-life setting for "The Handmaid's Tale," Immanuel Christian School insists applicants initial a pledge to "live a personal life of moral purity."
• Inside GM plant where nooses and 'whites-only' signs hung January 17, 2019 1:41 pm
  It took 14 months for the noose to show up.
• Initial US assessment says ISIS behind Syria bombing January 17, 2019 3:33 pm
  The initial US assessment of the deadly bombing in Syria that killed four Americans is that ISIS was behind the bombing, two US officials said Thursday.
• The surprise border where drugs are coming from January 17, 2019 2:41 pm
  CNN's John Avlon checks President Trump's claim that the southern border wall would stop the flow of drugs in the US.
• Suicide blast may be a taste of what's to come as US forces leave Syria January 17, 2019 12:31 pm
  The drive down to the frontlines with ISIS is long and dangerous. Our escorts from the Kurdish-led forces insisted on taking us in armored vehicles from their base in the al-Omar oilfield. There are ISIS sleeper cells all around, they explained. They come out at night to plant roadside bombs.
• Israeli exchange student found dead in Australia after 'horrific' attack January 17, 2019 1:05 pm
  A 21-year-old exchange student has been found dead in suburban Melbourne, Australia -- a city consistently ranked among the world's safest places to live.
• Melting ice could flood Brooklyn Bridge January 16, 2019 10:52 pm
  A pair of environmental reports reveal the world has both the warmest oceans and the greatest loss of Antarctic ice ever measured. CNN's Jennifer Gray explains what that could mean for the world's sea levels.
• Theresa May calls for Brexit compromise January 16, 2019 11:35 pm
  Theresa May has called on Britain's political parties to "put self-interest aside" and work together on a compromise Brexit deal, hours after her government survived a no-confidence vote Wednesday night.
• Comics poke fun at battle over State of the Union January 17, 2019 12:59 pm
  Late-night hosts poke fun at the latest move in the government shutdown fight to delay the State of the Union address.
• What the ultra-wealthy spend their money on January 16, 2019 11:08 pm
  What grabs the attention of the wealthiest people in the world? Who are they? And where did all that money come from?
• Gymboree's 2nd bankruptcy to kill the brand January 17, 2019 2:06 pm
  It's the end of the line for Gymboree.
• Cardi B calls for an end to the shutdown January 17, 2019 12:24 pm
  Cardi B is upset and worried. And she's not taking it any more.
• Alex Rodriguez plays prank on fan January 17, 2019 1:36 pm
  Former MLB All-Star Alex Rodriguez had some fun with a confused fan.
• Microsoft investing $500M in city's housing January 17, 2019 2:53 pm
  Microsoft is investing $500 million to make homes more affordable in the Seattle area, making it the latest major tech company to wade into local housing issues.
• Millions of oysters cleaning NY's filthy harbor January 17, 2019 1:48 pm
  The New York Harbor for years has been polluted and depleted of marine life. But one nonprofit is working to clean the murky water and revive its long-lost ecosystem — one oyster at a time.
• How much can Netflix charge before users leave? January 16, 2019 10:21 pm
  Netflix has been on a spending spree for talent and content, so it should come as no surprise that the streamer announced on Tuesday that it is raising its monthly fees by $1 to $2, depending on the subscription plan.
• Alabama QB is transferring to a new school
• Former NHL player fell through lake ice
• Ford unveils most powerful street-legal car ever January 15, 2019 6:14 pm
  At the Detroit Motor Show, Ford unveiled the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 with more horsepower than can be found even in its GT supercar.
• Adorable moment baby hears for the first time January 16, 2019 11:46 am
  See the moment a baby hears for the first time after being fitted for a hearing aid.
• An American CEO who survived 9/11 died in terror attack in Kenya January 17, 2019 3:10 pm
  An American business investment adviser and former Peace Corps member was among those killed in a terror attack on a Kenyan hotel compound, the company he founded said Wednesday.
• In photos: Nairobi hotel attack January 16, 2019 2:46 pm
  Armed men burst into a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, in a deadly attack that began Tuesday, January 15. It was the highest-profile terror attack in the East African country in years.
• At least 21 killed as Kenya hotel siege is declared over January 17, 2019 9:43 am
  Armed men burst into a hotel complex in Nairobi with gunfire and explosions, killing at least 14 people in an attack that lasted hours and ended Wednesday morning, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said.
• Analysis: Nairobi attack shows attempts to neutralize Africa's terror threat have failed January 17, 2019 3:12 pm
  The terrorists used ammunition with such merciless abandon their automatic gunfire tore through the Nairobi dawn like a chainsaw in long screaming bursts. Grenade after grenade detonations thumped among the buildings.
• Bra sizing is confusing and inaccurate. Her company seeks to change that January 16, 2019 11:33 pm
  Heidi Zak sought to make bra-shopping an easier, more rewarding experience. So she launched ThirdLove, an online bra retailer that lets women find the right fit and buy bras without ever stepping into a dressing room.
• Vetting roommates is tricky work. This app helps. November 3, 2018 12:51 am
  Update: On November 2, Roomi informed CNN Business that a round of funding it had anticipated fell through, forcing it to lay off 40 to 50 of its 63 workers. Founder Ajay Yadav said "it took us all by surprise." Yadav said the company plans to continue operations and will meet with the board and investors about the best way to move forward.
• How Slack changed the way we work December 6, 2018 10:16 pm
  Slack co-founder Cal Henderson explains the idea behind the chat app, and its future in the workplace.
• 1 million people on board with electric toothbrush January 16, 2019 2:05 pm
  It started with a trip to the dentist.
• China's first plant to grow on the moon is already dead January 17, 2019 12:12 pm
  The first plant to be grown on the moon by humans is likely dead already, Chinese scientists said Thursday.
• Pop star's stand against her assault sparks outrage January 17, 2019 4:07 am
  It was a meant to be a happy occasion to launch the New Year -- a meet and greet between a Japanese pop idol and her fans.
• Massive, spinning ice disc forms in Maine January 16, 2019 2:42 pm
  A spinning disc of ice measuring almost a football field in diameter has formed in the freezing waters of the Presumpscot River in Maine.
• Bull rider Mason Lowe dies after rodeo injury January 17, 2019 3:09 am
  A professional bull rider died after he fell during a rodeo competition in Denver and a bull stomped on his chest, the Professional Bull Riders Association said.
• How three men created a $1 billion salad chain November 28, 2018 8:12 pm
  When Jonathan Neman, Nathaniel Ru and Nicolas Jammet met as freshman at Georgetown University 15 years ago, they bonded over food.
• I was proud to work for the government. Now it's hurting my family January 17, 2019 12:51 am
  When I first received a call to interview for my current position as a program assistant with the USDA, I had to think, "Which job was this?" I could not quite remember, since I had applied to many jobs and the government hiring process can take months.
• Putin must be grinning as he watches Trump January 17, 2019 6:53 am
  Every day, it seems, brings another load of disturbing information about President Donald Trump's interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A few days ago, we learned that Trump's behavior was so troubling that the FBI opened a counter-intelligence investigation to find out if Trump was working, "on behalf of Russia against American interests." The probe merged with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, so we don't know what Mueller may have concluded.
• Bryan Cranston, quadriplegic? Wake up, Hollywood January 16, 2019 11:22 pm
  In the newly released movie "The Upside," Bryan Cranston plays a quadriplegic billionaire who befriends an ex-con-turned-caretaker. Cranston, an able-bodied actor, has been sharply criticized for accepting the role of a disabled character. However, Cranston has defended himself -- calling it a "business decision."
• To win as a parent, keep it weird and break the rules January 17, 2019 12:50 pm
  When you hear the word "woman," what do you picture?
• Where the threat to free speech really lies January 17, 2019 12:49 pm
  Something nasty is happening on the grounds of London's Palace of Westminster. And I don't mean the latest horse-trading over Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit legislation.
• Trump's Syria morass January 16, 2019 10:01 pm
  The suicide attack that killed four Americans, including two US soldiers, on Wednesday in Manbij, Syria, is a vivid reminder of the confused and confusing state of US policy in Syria, a confusion that has been engendered almost entirely by President Donald Trump.
• How to save 20% on your mortgage payments
• Fastest way to pay off $10,000 in credit card debt
• Motley Fool issues rare "Ultimate Buy" alert
• Netflix is creating its own 'Space Force' January 17, 2019 10:55 am
  Out-of-this-world news for fans of "The Office," outer space and subtle jabs at President Donald Trump: Steve Carell is set to star in a TV series called "Space Force" for Netflix.
• 'Fyre' torches 'influencer' culture January 16, 2019 10:38 pm
  "Fyre" -- Netflix's version of a pair of dueling documentaries -- is positively bonkers, a feature-length look at the planned Fyre music festival that went spectacularly awry. But beyond the first-person accounts, it's a larger examination of the ability to sell consumers an image, and an "influencer" culture built around turning eager social-media users into marketing ambassadors.
• Jason Reitman to direct new 'Ghostbusters' January 16, 2019 1:20 pm
  The Reitmans are keeping the franchise in the family.
• Bieber's mom loves Hailey Baldwin January 16, 2019 1:43 pm
  There are apparently no mother-in-law horror stories in the Bieber household.
• Alicia Keys to host Grammy Awards January 15, 2019 3:42 pm
  Alicia Keys will host the upcoming Grammy Awards
• Hitachi shelves $20 billion nuclear power plant in UK January 17, 2019 12:14 pm
  Hitachi has shelved plans for a $20 billion nuclear power plant in the United Kingdom, raising questions over future energy supplies in the country.
• SpaceX won't develop Mars spaceship at LA port January 17, 2019 4:15 am
  SpaceX has abandoned plans to open up shop at the Port of Los Angeles.
• This tech is transforming business travel January 8, 2019 6:45 pm
  If you travel for business, you've likely interacted with artificial intelligence (AI).
• Ocasio-Cortez to train fellow members of Congress on Twitter  January 17, 2019 12:05 am
  Freshman Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who frequently captures national attention with her social media posts, will be giving her Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives a little lesson: how to use Twitter in a more effective way.
• The public is at odds with Karen Pence's new school's policy on homosexuality January 17, 2019 1:09 pm
  Second lady Karen Pence has taken a job as an art teacher at a Christian school in Northern Virginia that bans gay students, parents, and employees.
• In a 'funk' as 2020 decision looms, Beto O'Rourke hits the road January 17, 2019 1:27 am
  Beto O'Rourke is on the road -- but he doesn't seem to know where it's leading.
• Killings of transgender people in the US saw another high year January 16, 2019 9:16 pm
  For decades, every year she's been active in the transgender community, Isa Noyola has attended a funeral for a friend.
• The world's most popular coffee species are going extinct. And scientists say we are to blame January 16, 2019 7:07 pm
  Savor that cup of coffee while you can. New research shows 60% of coffee species found in the wild could soon go extinct.