Washington, March 23 -- Special counsel Robert Mueller closed his long and contentious Russia investigation with no new charges Friday, ending the probe that has cast a dark shadow over Donald Trump's presidency but launching a fresh wave of political battles over the still-confidential findings.

The report's details remained a mystery, accessible to only a handful of Justice Department officials while Attorney General William Barr prepared to release the "principal conclusions" soon. But the closure of the 22-month probe without additional indictments by Mueller was welcome news to some in Trump's orbit who had feared a final round of charges could ensnare more Trump associates, including members of the president's family.

The Justice ...