Severe thunderstorms packing large hail and tornadoes have rumbled across the United States’ midsection, killing at least eight people and damaging dozens of homes.

REPUBLICAN presidential candidate John McCain has a big decision ahead of him — picking a vice presidential running mate whose presence on the ticket would reassure Americans concerned about McCain’s age.

WITH the bang of a drum and a high-pitched wail, the first funerals began for victims of a teenager’s shooting rampage on the Red Lake Indian Reservation where 10 people died.