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 …

Afghanistan's commercial hub, Mazar-i-Sharif, falls to the insurgents.  —  KABUL, Afghanistan — The last major city in northern Afghanistan fell to the Taliban on Saturday night, marking the complete loss of the country's north to the Taliban as the insurgents appear on the verge of a full military takeover.

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 …

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.

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.

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.