Russian strikes hit western Ukraine as offensive widens  —  LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia widened its military offensive in Ukraine on Friday, striking near airports in the west of the country for the first time as troops kept up pressure on the capital, Kyiv, and the U.S. and its allies prepared …

Biden, Democrats Lose Ground on Key Issues, WSJ Poll Finds  —  The president's handling of the Ukraine crisis hasn't boosted his overall political standing as voters worry about inflation  —  WASHINGTON—President Biden and his fellow Democrats have lost ground to Republicans on several …

New clues emerge about the money that might have helped fund the Jan. 6 insurrection  —  Eight months into the investigation of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, the financial story is one of the most closely held parts of the probe.  But the House select committee has shared some clues through its subpoenas and court filings.

Herschel Walker's business record reveals creditor lawsuits, exaggerated claims  —  Over the past two decades, creditors have alleged Walker's businesses owed millions in unpaid loans.  —  While football great Herschel Walker's bid for the U.S. Senate hinges on his celebrity …

Deutsche Bank defends decision not to exit Russia: It's not ‘practical’ right now  — Deutsche Bank's CFO said Thursday it is not “practical” to close its Russia business, despite similar moves by major corporations seeking to distance themselves from the pariah state.

How Millions of Lives Might Have Been Saved from Covid-19  —  This article is part of Times Opinion's reflection on the two-year mark of the Covid pandemic.  Read more in a note from Alexandra Sifferlin, Opinion's health and science editor, in our Opinion Today newsletter.

Unfounded Russian Claims of Biological Weapons Research in Ukraine Stir Fears of Wider Risk  —  Western officials are concerned the accusations could serve as a pretext for Moscow to unleash chemical or biological weapons  —  Russian officials accused the U.S. of funding biowarfare efforts in Ukraine …

His reporting on the Kennedy assassination made him a legend.  Then a press group looked into his past. … Merriman Smith was a distinguished White House correspondent for decades, but he cemented his place in journalism history on a bright afternoon in 1963.

National Democratic leaders draft proposal to reshape presidential calendar, threatening Iowa caucuses … WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Democratic leaders have drafted a proposal that could significantly reshape the party's presidential nominating process and put an end to Iowa's prized …

EXCLUSIVE Facebook allows Ukraine war posts urging violence against invading Russians, Putin  —  Meta Platforms (FB.O) will allow Facebook and Instagram users in some countries to call for violence against Russians and Russian soldiers in the context of the Ukraine invasion …

Israel 'shouldn't exist as a Jewish state,' Amnesty USA director tells Democratic group  —  Paul O'Brien's comments follow an Amnesty International report accusing the Jewish state of committing apartheid  —  Following Amnesty International's recent report that accused Israel of “apartheid” …

Judge warns special counsel over provocative court filing  —  A federal judge delivered a warning to special counsel John Durham on Thursday after recent court filings became fodder for pro-Trump media and prompted incendiary allegations from the former president himself.

The New Identity Politics of Eric Adams  —  NEW YORK — The contradictions of man are many, and Eric Adams has more than most.  These mysteries of the self, whatever they might mean to the 8.8 million people of his city, however much they might fascinate or confuse, frustrate or delight, do not trouble the mind of the mayor.

Time for a Diplomatic Revolution  —  Cold War 2 is here, and the U.S. needs all the allies we can get. … Diplomatic revolutions are amazing things.  In some ways, they're the pivot of history.  It takes decades or even centuries for nations to rise and decline, but coalition formation …

Accused Russian Agent Gave to One Politician: Tulsi Gabbard  —  Russian-American national Elena Branson was indicted this week for lobbying for pro-Kremlin policies while not registered as a foreign agent.  She gave to one U.S. politician. … Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman …

These Democratic Megadonors Made a $108 Million ‘Lucky Bet’ on Wall Street.  Now the Feds Are Investigating.  —  Daily Beast owner Barry Diller, Lincoln Project patron David Geffen, and German prince Alex von Fürstenberg suspected of insider trading  —  Federal authorities …

Jeff Flake Got More Than He Bargained For—a Job Brokering Peace in Ukraine  —  Jeff Flake tried to save the GOP from Donald Trump.  He's now one of the lead U.S. diplomats trying to save Ukraine from Vladimir Putin.  —  In his last job, Jeff Flake went to work every day with the risk …

McCaul: 'I'm astounded that Zelensky's still alive'  —  Good morning.  Thanks to the many, many readers who sent in fish puns.  What are we missing out there?  Tips: earlytips@washpost.com.  —  🚨: “President Biden is set to call on Congress to end normal trade relations between …