Good Monday morning. Here are some of the stories making news in Washington and politics today.

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• Is he the operator who spun the then-secret Mueller report? Or the straight shooter who later disclosed portions that were damaging to President Trump? People are trying to figure out who the real William P. Barr is. Meanwhile, he’s stockpiling power.

• As the special counsel’s investigators pursued the question of whether Mr. Trump tried to impede their work, they uncovered compelling evidence — a voice mail recording and statements from a trusted witness.

• The deal to avert tariffs on Mexico that Mr. Trump announced with great fanfare consisted largely of actions that Mexico had already promised to take in prior discussions with the United States, according to officials from both countries.