Reuters - Police in riot gear battled hundreds of protesters with pepper spray and smoke bombs and arrested 130 people on Monday at the start of the Republican presidential convention.

AP - With their plans for opening day of the Republican National Convention dashed, first lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain instead appealed to GOP faithful to donate time and money to those caught in Hurricane Gustav.

AP - The message from the pulpit was "Wine, Water and Worship" — with no mention of the other "W," George W. Bush.

AP - Demonstrations near the Republican National Convention site turned violent Monday, as protesters harassed some delegates, smashed windows, slashed car tires and threw bottles. Police using pepper spray arrested more than 250 people.

AP - Republicans set aside the agenda to focus on hurricane relief in the opening hours of their national convention, only to see the scaled-back program for Day One overshadowed by jarring disclosures about the family and work life of John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin.

AP - The political red meat that was missing from speeches on Day One of the Republican National Convention managed to make its way into the convention hall on delegates' hats and vests.

AP - Republican National Convention script, Day One: Take your seats, 2:39 p.m. Call to order, 2:45 p.m. Recite the Pledge of Allegiance, 2:49 p.m. Singing of the national anthem by Miss Minnesota 2008, 2:52 p.m.

AFP - A subdued Republican convention opened, blown off course by Hurricane Gustav and revelations that the teenage daughter of vice presidential pick Sarah Palin is pregnant.

AP - Republican National Convention off to rocky start amid hurricane, running mate distractions ... McCain's veep vetter says Palin voluntarily disclosed teen's pregnancy, husband's past DUI ... First Lady Laura Bush, Cindy McCain, ask GOP delegates to put politics aside, help victims

Reuters - Not only is Gustav slowing Republican presidential hopeful John McCain's big convention party, it also is sparing him from Democratic criticism that his election would amount to a third Bush term.

Reuters - Republicans shifted from politics to storm relief on the opening day of their convention on Monday, shelving the usual glitter and celebration out of deference to Hurricane Gustav.

AP - President Bush said Monday that coordination among states and the federal government in response to Hurricane Gustav has been better than during Katrina, which devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005 and tattered his administration's reputation for handling crises.

AP - Barack Obama is condemning campaign rumors involving the children of candidates, including Republican vice presidential contender Sarah Palin. He says he will fire any campaign worker that violates his rule.