Ryan's voting record shows conservatism tinged with maverick streak

Rep. Paul Ryan, Republicans' presumptive vice presidential nominee, has amassed a very conservative voting record during his seven terms in Congress, including repeated votes against spending bills, unemployment benefit extensions and most of President Obama's agenda.

U.S. gas prices spike; refinery problems cited

The national average for a gallon of gas at the pump has climbed to $3.67, a rise of 34 cents since July 1. An increase in crude oil prices and problems with refineries and pipelines in the West Coast and Midwest, including a fire in California, are mostly to blame.

Police group backs Allen, credit unions go with Kaine

When groups like Grover Norquist's Americans for Tax Reform endorse a Republican candidate or organizations like the AFL-CIO endorse a Democrat, it generally doesn't rate much more than a raised eyebrow. But U.S. Senate candidates George Allen and Tim Kaine touted endorsements Friday from two groups that don't have quite the ironclad history of toeing the party line in Virginia in recent years.

Trent Williams' bone bruise latest pain for Redskins' banged-up offensive line

The left tackle that practiced with the Washington Redskins' first-string offense on Saturday afternoon was planning for his retirement two weeks ago. The left guard was a rookie. So was the right guard. And he practiced next to a right tackle who played with the second string all offseason.

Iran earthquakes kill at least 180, injure 1,300

Two strong earthquakes leveled villages and damaged homes in northwestern Iran on Saturday, killing at least 180 people and injuring more than 1,350 others, state TV reported. Thousands of people spent the night outdoors as aftershocks rattled the area.

Blasts, gunfire hit Damascus in blow to Assad

Gunmen detonated back-to-back roadside bombs and clashed with police in central Damascus Saturday in attacks that caused no damage but highlighted the ability of rebels to breach the intense security near President Bashar Assad's power bases.

London 2012 closing ceremony: NBC will stream it live online

NBC acknowledged some critics Saturday in announcing it changed plans and will stream Sunday's Olympic closing ceremony live online.

London Olympics 2012: U.S. women win 4x400 relay to give Allyson Felix 3rd gold

By the time Allyson Felix was done doing her part, her third gold medal of the Olympics was all but hanging around her neck.

Afghan policeman kills 10 fellow policemen

A member of the Afghan National Police opened fire at his colleagues at a checkpoint in southwestern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing at least 10 of his fellow policemen, officials said.

Md. Senate approves gambling, pit bull bills

The Senate voted Friday to approve a gambling expansion bill, sending the legislation to the House where floor debate is expected to begin Monday.

Army general becomes first openly gay flag officer

Army Brig. Gen. Tammy Smith on Friday became the first openly gay flag officer in the U.S. military, according to OutServe, an advocacy group for gay service members.

U.S. officials: Al Qaeda gaining foothold in Syria

Al Qaeda has advanced beyond isolated pockets of activity in Syria and now is building a network of well-organized cells, according to U.S. intelligence officials, who fear the terrorists could be on the verge of establishing an Iraq-like foothold that would be hard to defeat if rebels eventually oust President Bashar Assad.

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.

Air Force relieves commander over sex scandal

A widening sex scandal at Lackland Air Force Base has led to the dismissal of the top commander who oversees basic training for every new American airman, officials said Friday.

Hundreds gather for Sikh temple shooting memorial

Hundreds of people streamed into a Wisconsin high school Friday to pay their final respects to six worshippers gunned down by a white supremacist at a Sikh temple in suburban Milwaukee.

Commentary

DECKER: Romney-Ryan ticket takes fight to Obama

Mitt Romney has proved everyone wrong. The common wisdom was the presumptive Republican nominee for president was going to make a safe pick, going with an old Washington hand from an important swing state for vice president.

GREEN: Ryan pick is popular, bold

The reaction to the Romney campaign's announcement of Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as the GOP's vice-presidential running mate has already validated the choice. Republicans had been suffering from lingering nervousness about Mitt Romney's persistent nice-guy image and a field operation that was sluggish warming up to full-attack mode. Mr. Ryan's reputation of political fearlessness puts that to rest, and Democrats are reeling.