05/13/2008 03:26 AM CDT - BEIJING — A powerful earthquake rocked a region of southwest China on Monday, killing nearly 10,000 people, burying schoolchildren in collapsed classrooms and rattling high-rise buildings across much of East Asia.  

05/12/2008 11:58 PM CDT - Minneapolis police detectives Rick Zimmerman and Tammy Diedrich are used to dealing with criminals and the occasional pushy reporter.  

Pioneer Press: John Doman

05/12/2008 11:59 PM CDT - From Joe down the block to Joe behind the 18-wheeler, people have adopted ways to lessen the pain at the pump.  

PIONEER PRESS: BRANDI JADE THOMAS

05/12/2008 11:55 PM CDT - It's 3 a.m. — do you know where your car is? If you're late on payments, your local towing company probably does.  

Minnesota lawmakers defied a veto threat from Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Monday in approving a reform measure that would define affordable health care, offer more Minnesotans state-subsidized health care and promote public health.  

(AP Photo/Lisa Billings)

RICHMOND, Va.—The assignment for Virginia Commonwealth University fashion students: design an abaya, an enveloping cloak worn by Muslim women, that is stylish yet acceptable in Arab countries.   Full Story

(AP Photo/Florida Today, Craig Rubadoux)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Relentless wildfires burned into the early morning Tuesday across Florida's Atlantic coast, taxing firefighters and overwhelming residents trying to save their homes with garden hoses.   Full Story