Morning news brief
Russian forces now occupy a strategically important town in Ukraine's east. Israel still plans an offensive in Rafah. A controversial state military base camp is being built in Texas near the border.
Europe
Ukraine withdraws from Avdiivka, in Russia's first major battlefield win in months
It's Russia's first significant battlefield win since last May. The White House said Ukrainian soldiers pulled out because they had "dwindling supplies as a result of congressional inaction."
European countries consider a future without the United States as an ally
How are America's transatlantic allies thinking about its commitment to their security? NPR's Don Gonyea talks with European journalists Dan Sabbagh and Clemens Verenkotte.
In Spain, a years-long drought is pitting locals against the tourism industry
Spain is struggling with a years-long drought. In tourist-centric Barcelona, locals are worried visitors aren't taking it seriously.
Over 400 detained in Russia as country mourns the death of Alexei Navalny
Over 400 people were detained in Russia while paying tribute to opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died at a remote Arctic penal colony, a prominent rights group reported.
The death of Kremlin opposition leader Navalny
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks to Luke Harding, the author of A Very Expensive Poison, about the death of the Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny.
The deadly fates of Putin critics
Plane crashes, poisonings and exile — a reminder of the fate of a number of Vladimir Putin critics.
Harris says 'there is only Plan A' for Ukraine aid. Zelenskyy says he's counting on it
Ukraine aid is stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives. Vice President Harris said there's no other option for helping Ukraine push back against Russia's invasion.
Alexei Navalny's team confirms his death. His mother is searching for his body
Alexei Navalny's spokesperson confirmed Saturday that the Russian opposition leader had died at a remote Arctic penal colony and said he was "murdered," but it is unclear where his body is.
Ex-FBI official gets over 2 years in prison for receiving $225,000 tied to Albania
Charles McGonigal, a former high-ranking FBI counterintelligence official, was sentenced for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash from a businessman with ties to the Albanian government.