Census: Minnesota to keep 8 seats in U.S. House

Minnesota’s population grew just enough in the past decade for the state to retain its eight seats in the U.S. House for the next 10 years, according to the first data released from the 2010 Census. The Census Bureau reported Tuesday that Minnesota’s population grew 7.8 percent — to 5.31 million — from 2000 to 2010. The nation as a whole grew faster, however, at 9.7 percent to 308.7 million.

Police kill gunman who held 3 at Discovery Channel

SILVER SPRING, Md. — A man who railed against the Discovery Channel’s environmental programming for years burst into the company’s headquarters with at least one explosive device strapped to his body Wednesday and took three people hostage at gunpoint before police shot him to death, officials said.

Obama: End of Iraq combat mission not victory lap

FORT BLISS, Texas — President Barack Obama says the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq is not a time for a victory lap.

Speaking with troops in a dining hall on an Army base in El Paso, Texas, Obama said there is still much work to be done before Iraq can be an effective partner for the U.S. But he also said that Iraq has an opportunity to create a better future for itself.

Titanic expedition shows off some crisp new images

ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland — An expedition surveying the wreck of the Titanic is showing off some crisp images of the world’s most famous shipwreck, but officials said Sunday they are headed back to shore. Officials from Expedition Titanic said in a statement they are now headed back to Newfoundland because high seas and winds brought on by hurricane Danielle are preventing researchers from carrying out their work.

Rallies over mosque near ground zero get heated

NEW YORK — The proposed mosque near ground zero drew hundreds of fever-pitch demonstrators Sunday, with opponents carrying signs associating Islam with blood, supporters shouting, “Say no to racist fear!” and American flags waving on both sides.