Sharon Meyer wants to know what happened to her daughter. The teenager was supposed to get better during her year at Tampa Bay Academy's mental health center. Instead, a child who was disruptive grew more violent and repeatedly escaped from what was supposed to be constant supervision. ...more

December 20, 2008

A bus filled with Russian tour guides crashed through a roadside barrier Tuesday and tumbled down a steep ravine in southern Israel, killing at least 26 people in Israel's worst traffic accident. ...more

December 17, 2008

Jack Boyle carries on a conversation in his San Antonio pottery studio while working at the wheel. His hands move so deftly as he crafts shapely bowls from lumps of clay that they almost belie the talent required for the job. ...more

December 13, 2008

Dozens of parents, students and faculty members at Rio Vista Elementary gathered for a Save Our School rally Monday morning, holding signs and chanting "Save Rio Vista." ...more

December 9, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG Dozens of parents, students and faculty members at Rio Vista Elementary gathered for a Save Our School rally this morning. They held signs and chanted "Save Rio Vista" for several minutes. ...more

December 8, 2008

Gerald Graup has always been handy with tools. When he wasn't making a living from it, he spent his spare time making things, like the wooden model of a Mississippi riverboat he displays in a case in his living room on top of a cabinet he built himself. ...more

December 6, 2008

China's president was signing dozens of trade and investment deals with communist ally Cuba on Tuesday, part of a Latin America trip on which Chinese businessmen have been snapping up all manner of raw materials. ...more

November 19, 2008

Taxpayers didn't purchase conservation lands all over Hillsborough County only to have developers access subdivisions through the middle of them, South Shore residents said Monday. ...more

November 18, 2008

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to our supporters during the sheriff's race. The work of dozens of loyal campaign supporters during the past year enabled us to conduct a very competitive and well organized campaign that focused on the important public safety issues facing our community both now and in the future. As a part of the campaign, my wife Karen and I have had the opportunity to attend scores of events during the past year where we have met literally thousands of Highlands County residents. We have been very impressed with the warm reception we have received, and in the interest that citizens have shown in the political process. I want to thank the thousands of voters who voted for me during the election, and I am truly honored and humbled by the trust you demonstrated in casting your vote. For our campaign workers, it has been a special privilege to work with you on our campaign, and I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the sacrifices and contributions you made during the campaign. To those who contributed to the campaign, and attended the various fund raising events, special thanks for your assistance, and the commitment you made in supporting the campaign. ...more

November 14, 2008