Al-Qaeda affiliate shakes Iraq with surge of violence

The country’s instability has worsened as an al-Qaeda affiliate has waged a bloody campaign, virtually erasing security gains made in the past five years.

The procedure is common, but is it medically necessary?

An analysis of spinal fusions raises questions about whether financial rewards are spurring the boom.

If Hillary Clinton sits out in 2016, who else might run?

THE FIX | Clinton is the lone potential presidential candidate in the first tier of Democrats; here’s where others stand.

Robert Griffin III leaves the field. (Jonathan Newton/Post)

  • Robert Griffin III leaves the field.
  • (Jonathan Newton/Post)
  • Broncos' Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie scores.
  • (John McDonnell/Post)
  • Griffin, center, fumbles the ball.
  • (John McDonnell/Post)
  • Robert Griffin III is knocked out ofthe game.
  • (John McDonnell/Post)
  • Redskins' Jordan Pugh dives for extra yardage.
  • (J. Newton/Post)
  • Redskins coach Mike Shanahan before the game.
  • (John McDonnell/Post)

Broncos storm back to stomp Redskins

Washington suffers a late collapse as Denver hits the Redskins with 38 unanswered points in the final 23 minutes of play.

The best and worst moments of the game

The best and worst moments of the game

SPORTS BOG | What made us cheer, and what made us want to run and hide?

Metro took out his flowers in Dupont, but guerrilla gardener pops back up

Metro took out his flowers in Dupont, but guerrilla gardener pops back up

The so-called Phantom Planter installs protest art, prompting debate about power and beauty.

Will the force be with him? Pentagon weighs future of its 92-year-old ‘Yoda.’

Will the force be with him? Pentagon weighs future of its 92-year-old ‘Yoda.’

Andrew Marshall can gain attention just by twitching an eyebrow, but he might not overcome budget cuts.

Lou Reed  1942-2013

04/17/97 - FILE - CAPTION: Lou Reed performs in concert in 1997 in this publicity photo for 'Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart,' an American Masters production premiering Wed., April 29 at 10 p.m. EDT on PBS. (AP Photo/WNET, Kevin Mazur)

Lou Reed died Sunday in New York at age 71. (AP)

Rock-and-roll’s punk-poet dies

As the Velvet Underground’s leader, he influenced generations by expanding the territory of rock lyrics.

Editors’ Picks

ONE TIME USE ONLY WITH or to promote 101 OBJECTS THAT MADE AMERICA GALLERY; DO NOT ARCHIVE; NO SALES: DO NOT DISTRIBUTE the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem almost 200 years ago in 1814. Courtesy of the National Museum of American History.

18 objects that define America

PHOTOS | A look at several of the 101 objects chosen by Smithsonian magazine to symbolize the nation.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 27: Runners head under the Memorial Drive bridge near Arlington Cemetary to start the 38th Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday, October 27, 2013. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post)

26.2 miles, one step at a time

PHOTOS | Tens of thousands of runners hit the streets of D.C. and Virginia for the Marine Corps Marathon.

Featured Photo Galleries

Dozens killed as car bombs strike Baghdad

Insurgents on Sunday unleashed a wave of car bombs in predominantly Shiite neighborhoods of the Iraqi capital.

Lou Reed, leader of Velvet Underground, dies at 71

As leader of the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed influenced generations of musicians by expanding the territory of rock lyrics.

Marine Corps Marathon

The 38th Marine Corps Marathon route winds its through Arlington, up Rock Creek Parkway and along the monuments.

Guerrilla gardener returns to Dupont Circle

Seeking “closure,” Henry Docter manages to install a large boxlike artwork filled with comments about his flower-power works.

World Series: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Boston Red Sox

St. Louis steals a 5-4 win in the ninth to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Barcelona defeats Real Madrid, 2-1

Goals by Neymar and Alexis Sanchez give hosts Barcelona the win over Real Madrid in the first “clasico” of the season.

Best news photos of the week

A quick way to catch up on the week’s news.

Animal views

A newborn giraffe, an Alpine ibex, swimming pigs, a canine wedding and more.

Politics

The most important race of 2014 won’t happen on Election Day

The most important race of 2014 won’t happen on Election Day

THE FIX | Circle May 20 on your political calendar.

More Opinions

Four decades in solitary

Four decades in solitary

Two inmates, accused in a guard’s death, endured cruel and inhumane punishment.

Local

President Clinton campaigns for his longtime backer, Terry McAuliffe

President Clinton campaigns for his longtime backer, Terry McAuliffe

The Va. gubernatorial candidate has spent much of his political career on getting the Clintons elected.

Sports

Five thoughts on Caps-Flames

Five thoughts on Caps-Flames

CAPS INSIDER | Notes and observations from Saturday’s game in Calgary.

Business

Successful space mission has Orbital looking to future

Successful space mission has Orbital looking to future

By showing it could resupply the space station, the Dulles-based firm positions itself well for the future.

Technology

Business tech spending slow but steady, earnings show

Business tech spending slow but steady, earnings show

Tech giants such as Intel and IBM have seen mixed results this year as consumer demands change.

World

Tehran removes anti-U.S. billboards

Tehran removes anti-U.S. billboards

The move comes as Iran’s moderate president has made unprecedented gestures toward the United States.

Federal Government

At Supreme Court, tradition trumps technology

At Supreme Court, tradition trumps technology

A panel last week looked at how the justices’ stubbornness goes beyond barring cameras in the courtroom.

Lifestyle

In ‘Killing Kennedy,’ Rob Lowe emerges in role of a leader

In ‘Killing Kennedy,’ Rob Lowe emerges in role of a leader

It’s nearly impossible to pin down the actor, who’s become less of a person and more of a Hollywood ur-type.

Discussions

Eight user comments that explain the failings of HealthCare.gov

Eight user comments that explain the failings of HealthCare.gov

Complaints dominate the comments section of an HHS blog post soliciting feedback.

Diversions