Samples show Sarin used in Syria, Kerry says

The secretary of state’s announcement is the first time U.S. officials have pinpointed the type of chemical used.

Decision to wait caught some Obama aides by surprise

Some advisers thought the president wouldn’t wait for congressional approval for military strikes against Syria.

In this image released by The White House, US President Barack Obama meets with senior advisors in the Oval Office to discuss a new plan for the situation in Syria, on August 30, 2013. Obama said on August 31 he will ask the US Congress to authorize military action against Syria, lifting the threat of immediate strikes on President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Obama said he had decided he would go ahead and launch military action on Syria, but he believed it was important for American democracy to win the support of lawmakers. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE / MANDATORY CREDIT: AFP PHOTO / The White House / Pete SOUZA / NO SALES / NO MARKETING / NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS / DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ==Pete SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images

(Pete Souza/White House via AFP-Getty)

The rotunda of the gallery's West Building. (Bill O'Leary/Post)

As D.C. masterpieces go, the grandest might be the National Gallery’s budget

For a decade, the nation’s largest congressionally chartered art museum has grown steadily, quietly and with bipartisan support.

Va. governor is said to have been aware of gifts

Robert McDonnell knew of gifts and financial help from a Richmond businessman at the same time he and wife were trying to help the donor’s company, documents are said to show.

British journalist David Frost, known for TV interviews with Nixon, dies

British journalist David Frost, known for TV interviews with Nixon, dies

His talks with the former president in 1977 netted the largest audience for a TV news interview. He was 74.

Mary Cheney: Sister Liz is ‘dead
wrong’ to oppose same-sex marriage

Mary Cheney: Sister Liz is ‘dead <br>wrong’ to oppose same-sex marriage

In a Facebook post, Mary Cheney strongly criticizes the Wyoming Senate candidate’s opinion.

Dear Dylan: How to run the best raffle

Dear Dylan: How to run the best raffle

WONKBLOG | A nonprofit is looking for advice on the best way to maximize its fundraising.

Editors’ Picks

12 reasons moms drink and swear

PHOTOS | Author and counselor Nicole Knepper lists, from personal experience, the things that set her off.

NEW YORK - DECEMBER 5: Monica Lewinsky attends the Men's Health & Best Life exhibition for photographer Nigel Parry to celebrate the release of his new book Blunt at Milk Studios December 5, 2006 in New Yrok City. (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Monica Lewinsky Condoleezza Rice on the Stanford University campus in Palo Alto, Calif., Thursday, July 19, 2012. Rice is former Secretary of State under President George W. Bush and was National Security Advisor. She was a professor of political science at Stanford University where she served as Provost. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Bold-faced Washington homes

PHOTOS | Take a peek at where the Clintons, RGIII, Monica Lewinsky, Condoleezza Rice, others have lived.

How the funding breaks down

INTERACTIVE | Explore the budget, which details how billions of dollars are spent across the 12 agencies that make up the U.S. intelligence community.

‘Black budget’ reveals new evidence
of U.S. spy agencies’ war in cyberspace

The top-secret intelligence budget shows how cyberwarriors infiltrate and disrupt foreign networks.

Featured Photo Galleries

The week in news photos

A look at some of our favorite images from the past week.

Maryland Terrapins cruise over Florida International

Quarterback C.J. Brown accounts for five touchdowns and rushes for 105 yards.

Syria situation brings protests, preparations

The possibility of a military strike by the U.S. and its allies against the Assad regime triggers demonstrations.

Wildfire near Yosemite National Park

Firefighting crews are gaining ground on a massive wildfire burning near the park in California.

New D.C. police recruit must sniff for his supper

Sam, a 16-month-old bloodhound, has already helped find two people.

50th anniversary of the March on Washington

Thousands attended the event on the Mall, where President Obama and others spoke.

Travel Photo Contest 2013 winners

The field of more than 1,700 entries was painstakingly narrowed to four winners and nine honorable mentions.

Animal views

London Zoo weigh-in, pet boar, baby pandas, desert tortoise conservation and more.

Sports

Mets beat up on Haren, Nationals

Mets beat up on Haren, Nationals

While the door to the playoffs hasn’t shut quite yet, dropping the first two games of their series vs. the Mets is not what the Nationals had in mind.

Discussions

Millennials: What do you think of life in D.C.?

Millennials: What do you think of life in D.C.?

We’re curious about how the District’s 24- to 35-year-olds ended up here, what they think of the city and how long they plan to stay.

Diversions