Evening Edition: Trump’s focus on pleasing his base puts him on a risky path for 2019

Trump cites deaths of two immigrant children in tweets arguing for wall; McConnell at center of shutdown impasse but uncharacteristically disengaged

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Trump's focus on pleasing his base puts him on a risky path for 2019 In the midst of a partial government shutdown, President Trump has rejected the advice of GOP pollsters and strategists to declare that he holds a winning hand, predicting in a series of tweets that even losing the clash over border-wall funding will lead him to reelection. By Robert Costa and Michael Scherer · Read more Trump cites deaths of two immigrant children in tweets arguing for wall The president sought to shift blame away from his administration over the government's care of the Guatemalan children. By David Nakamura · Read more   McConnell at center of shutdown impasse but uncharacteristically disengaged The sidelines is an unusual place to find the Senate leader with Washington in the throes of a budget breakdown — one he may have difficulty resolving next week. By Erica Werner and David Weigel · Read more   Advice for furloughed workers was posted by accident, OPM says The suggestion, which specified carpentry and painting, was included in a sample letter to workers provided by the Office of Personnel Management. By Michael Brice-Saddler · Read more   Trump orders pay freeze for federal workers, as expected Congress still could vote in favor of providing a raise, but it would take effect only if Trump approves it. By Eric Yoder · Read more     ADVERTISEMENT   While Washington focuses on the wall, Mexico fears its own border crisis Officials in Mexican border cities like Tijuana said they are unprepared to handle the overwhelming number of migrants awaiting American asylum decisions. By Mary Beth Sheridan · Read more   Going Out Guide 31 must-sees on the National Mall Discover the treasures and artworks at the Smithsonian museums and beyond with this list, which can entice even longtime Washingtonians to make a trip to the nation's front lawn. By The Washington Post Staff · Read more   Best in museums in 2018: It was a year to pay attention to new voices Our politics may be a dumpster fire, but artists are rethinking white patriarchy. By Philip Kennicott · Read more   Best in art in 2018: From 'Nanette' to the Carters, everyone got into the action It wasn't just artists and curators asking tough questions. By Sebastian Smee · Read more   The best year for movies was 1939. No, 1974. No, 1999 ... Many critics are calling 2018 a great year for film, with rich material from "Roma" to "Eighth Grade" to "The Favourite" to "A Star is Born." But was it the best year ever? Seven writers argue for their favorites. By Washington Post Staff · Read more     ADVERTISEMENT   Migrants crossing English Channel has become 'major incident,' U.K. says British officials say it is only a matter of time before someone dies trying to cross from France to Britain. By Siobhán O'Grady · Read more   He fled before his trial for allegedly killing a teen girl. A U.S. prosecutor thinks Saudi Arabia helped him. Saudi student Abdulrahman Sameer Noorah disappeared after he was charged with manslaughter in the hit-and-run death of a 15-year-old girl in Oregon. Then he turned up in Saudi Arabia, despite having no passport. By Eli Rosenberg · Read more   'We are not stupid': Congo's election may not be fair, but its rural poor still hope for change A series of incidents has called the legitimacy of Sunday's vote into question. But many still see the election as a chance to bring about the progress Joseph Kabila's reign has failed to deliver. By Max Bearak · Read more   Retropolis | The Past, Rediscovered The nation's heaviest president loved steaks for breakfast. Then he went on a diet. President Taft also worked out with a personal trainer. But his weight ballooned to 332 pounds, according to a memoir from the White House housekeeper. By Michael Rosenwald · Read more   Profits of Misfortune As a grocery chain is dismantled, investors recover their money. Worker pensions are short millions. Private-equity firm Sun Capital has taken five companies into bankruptcy in 10 years, while leaving behind debts of about $280 million owed to employee pensions. By Peter Whoriskey | Photos by Chris Bergin for The Post · Read more

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