Obama backers won't pull 'disgusting' TV ad

Supporters of President Obama refused Thursday to pull a TV ad suggesting that Republican Mitt Romney caused a woman to die from cancer, a commercial that is raising questions about suspected coordination between the Obama campaign and an advocacy group founded by a former White House staffer.

Conservative ads in Spanish tell a different story to Hispanics

Polls show President Obama holds a clear advantage among Hispanic voters this year, but a new Spanish-language television ad, running in Nevada and sponsored by a conservative group, aims to peel away those supporters by arguing that his administration set records for deporting illegal immigrants.

'Not enough' trainers in NATO to help Afghans eradicate IEDs

A shortage of NATO trainers is complicating efforts to expedite the instruction of Afghan troops about the top threat they will face after international forces leave in 2014 – roadside bombs.

Amish enjoy unexpected boom in numbers

Practitioners of one of America's fastest-growing and dynamic religious communities still get to Sunday services by horse and buggy.

Portman seen having edge as VP choice

When it comes to Mitt Romney, political insiders tend to agree on two things: Every name floated as the Republican nominee-in-waiting's vice presidential pick brings some political baggage and, baggage notwithstanding, low-key Ohio Sen. Rob Portman is the likeliest choice.

Redskins-Bills: RG3 shines in debut under the spotlight

Robert Griffin III was determined to seize the moment in his preseason debut. And just like he has so many times in other uniforms, that's what he did Thursday night in his first game for the Washington Redskins.

U.N. urged to probe China's 1-child policy

A coalition of human rights groups is calling on the United Nations to investigate China's family planning law to focus international attention on forced abortions, sterilization and other abuses reportedly used to impose Beijing's one-child policy.

Washington's historic cemeteries: Where the nation's past lives

For a bustling, thriving capital of a world-class superpower, Washington, D.C. offers a surprisingly lively scene for the nonliving as well.

Labor chief Trumka vows stronger ground game for elections

The nation's largest labor federation says it is ready to unleash a new and improved political program ahead of the November elections, with expanded outreach and more volunteers than past elections.

Inside the Beltway: Tea party war drums

It's no mere movement anymore as the political campaign escalates. The "tea party army" has emerged, and organizers are framing their activities in near dire terms.

Homeland Security asks public for help to rescue child porn victims

In an unusual move, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are distributing photos and asking for the public's help in identifying a woman the agency says was involved in child pornography with at least two young girls.

States skirmish for drone test sites

As drone technology begins its boom, states across the nation are jockeying for their piece of the pie.

McCotter staffers charged in Michigan election fraud

Four staff members of former GOP Rep. Thaddeus McCotter's office will be charged with misdemeanor and felony election fraud violations, including forgery and conspiracy on ballot petitions, after an investigation that prompted the five-time incumbent congressman and one-time presidential candidate to resign in July.

Colorado movie shooting suspect mentally ill, lawyers say

Attorneys for the suspect in the Colorado movie theater shootings say that their client is mentally ill and that they need more time to assess the nature of his illness.

Mars rover sends back 1st 360-degree color view

The photo-snapping rover Curiosity returned another postcard from Mars on Thursday — the first 360-degree color panorama of Gale Crater.

Zimmerman will seek 'stand your ground' hearing

George Zimmerman will seek to have second-degree murder charges dismissed under Florida's "stand your ground" law in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, his attorney said Thursday.

Commentary

LUNTZ: Gun owners support some controls

In the aftermath of a tragedy like the shootings in Aurora, Colo., the conversation inevitably turns to the question of what could have been done to prevent such senseless slaughter. Faced with irrational aggression, it's harder than ever for people -- no matter their political perspectives -- to understand the views of those with whom they disagree.

PRATT: Gun control creates victims

The nation has witnessed two very high-profile shootings in recent weeks -- one at a Colorado theater and another at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin.

NUGENT: O'Reilly spinning in the 'No Spin Zone'

When it comes to guns, there is plenty of spin in Bill O'Reilly's "No Spin Zone." The zone has been infected with a bad case of yellow journalism.

MILLER: The work-to-welfare president

President Obama keeps doing an end run around Congress to enact his liberal policies. His dictatorial move to end the work requirement for welfare recipients isn't going unchallenged. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has made the issue central to the campaign, which has thrown Mr. Obama back on his heels.

EDITORIAL: Washington's camera craze

The District of Columbia's speed-camera revenue-raising grows more brazen by the day. Last week, officials announced a dozen new speed-trap locations, while the for-profit Arizona-based vendor American Traffic Solutions (ATS) has been busy installing permanent speed cameras at well-concealed freeway locations on Interstate 295 and Interstate 395.