Norway attacks shock, disgust Europe

A massive bombing Friday in the heart of Oslo was followed by a horrific shooting spree on an island hosting a youth retreat for the prime minister’s center-left party. The same man, a Norwegian with reported Christian fundamentalist, anti-Muslim views, was suspected in both attacks.

Strong earthquake rocks northeastern Japan

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 hit Japan’s northeastern coast on Sunday, prompting a tsunami warning for the area still recovering from a devastating quake and killer wave four months ago. Residents in coastal areas were warned to evacuate, but no damage was reported immediately afterward.

Added pain in Minn. shutdown: It costs millions

“It’s going to be a slow force on the economy,” said Tom Stinson, a University of Minnesota professor who is laid off from his job as the state economist. “But it’s not going to be something that would create a recession or anything like that in Minnesota. It’s clearly not good the longer that it goes on.”

Cleanup under way after massive Ariz. dust storm

The huge dust wall that crossed the metro Phoenix area Tuesday night drastically reduced visibility, halting all flights coming in and out of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport until conditions improved. Winds ripped up trees, tossed around lawn furniture and caused hazardous driving conditions. WITH VIDEO