Scoop: Biden braces for brutal loss  —  The Biden administration is preparing for the fall of Kabul and a retreat from any U.S. diplomatic presence in Afghanistan — a stunning reversal of expectations.  — It's looking increasingly likely to high-ranking aides to President Biden that the U.S …

From hubris to humiliation: America's warrior class contends with the abject failure of its Afghanistan project  —  Twenty years ago, when the twin towers and the Pentagon were still smoldering, there was a sense among America's warrior and diplomatic class that history was starting anew …

Major 7.2 earthquake hits Haiti, at least 225 people dead  —  A major earthquake struck southwestern Haiti early Saturday, collapsing buildings and historical cathedrals in a nation still struggling to recover from a devastating quake that left more than 300,000 dead over a decade ago …

Behold Barack Antoinette  —  WASHINGTON — Jay Gatsby gave big, lavish, new-money parties at his sprawling mansion on the water because he wanted to seem cool.  He wanted Daisy to notice him.  —  Barack Obama gave a big, lavish, new-money party at his sprawling mansion on the water because he wanted to seem cool.

Police Arrest Teen Accused of Helping GOP Strategist's Underage Sex Trafficking  —  Shortly after arresting GOP strategist Anton Lazzaro for underage sex trafficking, police say they've caught up with his 19-year-old associate, who now faces the same charges.

How Andrew Cuomo's Exit Tarnished a Legacy and Dimmed a Dynasty  —  For 40 years, the Cuomo name has been synonymous with Democratic power in New York.  Now it could mean something else.  —  Andrew M. Cuomo always cared about his place in history.  —  And so, early in his governorship …

Biden administration offers aid to Florida schools defying DeSantis order  —  The Biden administration is stepping in to offer financial assistance to Florida educators defying Gov. Ron DeSantis' (R) law banning local K-12 mask mandates.  —  Why it matters: The battle over mask mandates in schools has been brewing for weeks.

NC Rep. Keith Kidwell, wife in hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19  —  WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT) — NC Rep. Keith Kidwell, who serves District 79 and Beaufort County, announced on Friday that he is in the hospital after his wife was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Tap Dancing With Trump: Lindsey Graham's Quest for Relevance  —  The senator went from Donald J. Trump's public enemy to his impassioned defender.  Now he's a golfing regular at Mar-a-Lago, advising the former president on his future.  What is behind one of the unlikeliest partnerships in politics?

‘Outsider’ Buttigieg plays a skillful inside game, positioning himself for the future  —  Over Mexican food one recent evening, Pete Buttigieg told war stories from his presidential run to a small group of senators — including one who would have been an implausible dinner companion 18 months ago.

Family of D.C. officer who died by suicide after Capitol riot files lawsuit against alleged attackers  —  The lawyer for a D.C. police officer who fatally shot himself nine days after he was injured confronting rioters at the Capitol on Jan. 6 says a group of cybersleuths has identified two of his attackers.