The death toll from China's massive earthquake could reach more than 50,000, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday, quoting rescue headquarters.

The road leading to the epicenter of Monday's massive Chinese earthquake still wasn't clear of obstacles, but stretches of it have been transformed into major staging areas.

It would have meant more in February or March, but the former rival's endorsement for the Democratic presidential nomination was welcomed nonetheless by a politician eager to turn the page.

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s hopes for the presidential nomination may in large part rest on an obscure Democratic National Committee panel, a group of several allies, but not enough at this point to achieve her goal of counting the votes or delegates of Florida and Michigan.

Many analysts believe current record oil prices are a result of speculation and are certain to head lower. But others say they see no reason to expect a price crash.