ND Gov, US Sen. have flood talks with Sask premier

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said two provincial reservoirs that hold water back from the Souris River are being kept at lower-than-normal levels to make them better able to contain potential spring flooding in North Dakota and southern Saskatchewan.

Governors' speeches reflect states' cautious mood

NEW YORK (AP) — Glimmers of economic optimism. Deep concerns about jobs and health care costs. These are among the recurring themes as governors across the nation deliver their annual State of the State addresses. And the speeches have this in common, too: a striking absence of grand and costly proposals.

Foes of N.D. property tax measure say idea will damage local control

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Opponents of a proposal to abolish North Dakota's property taxes say it would end local control of the financing of projects and services.

Foes of ND property tax measure say idea 'radical'

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Opponents of a proposal to abolish North Dakota's property taxes say it would end local control of the financing of projects and services.

N.D. could explore Internet lotto sales

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's lottery may pursue using the Internet to sell tickets directly to buyers, a move touted as the “wave of the future” that some retailers fear will cost them business.

Oil wells take millions of gallons of water

Please publish details of fracking, especially chemicals used.

Changes in wake of troubled probe

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is tightening procedures for responding to information requests from Congress in the aftermath of a troubled arms trafficking investigation.

State Department: 'Serious' questions on GOP pipeline bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican bill that would strip President Barack Obama of his authority to decide on a Canada-to-Texas oil pipeline raises “serious” legal questions, the State Department said Wednesday in objecting to the bill.

Amid tears, Giffords bids her farewell to Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — The applause rolled through the big chamber, growing ever louder as hundreds of Republicans and Democrats suddenly realized Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was back in the House.

Fed unlikely to raise rates until at least 2014

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve went further than ever Wednesday to assure consumers and businesses that they'll be able to borrow cheaply well into the future.

In GOP response, Daniels blames Obama for economy

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has resorted to "extremism" with stifling, anti-growth policies and sought to divide Americans, not unite them, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels said Tuesday in the formal Republican response to the president's State of the Union address.

Obama challenges: Shrink gap between rich, poor

WASHINGTON (AP) — Declaring the American dream under siege, President Barack Obama delivered a populist challenge Tuesday night to shrink the gap between rich and poor, promising to tax the wealthy more and help jobless Americans get work and hang onto their homes. Seeking re-election and needing results, the president invited Republicans to join him but warned, "I intend to fight."

Promises, promises: A mixed record for Obama goals

WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Barack Obama prepares to deliver his annual address to Congress, many goals he outlined in previous State of the Union speeches remain unfulfilled. From reforming immigration laws to meeting monthly with congressional leaders of both parties, the promises fell victim to congressional opposition or faded in face of other priorities as the unruly realities of governing set in.

Are oil companies taking advantage of natural gas?

Do you know if any of the oil companies that are proposing spending $3 billion collecting flare gas (are) considering converting it to anhydrous ammonia that is (in) great demand by farmers in the state?

Giffords to resign from Congress this week

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona announced Sunday she intends to resign from Congress this week to concentrate on recovering from wounds suffered in an assassination attempt a little more than a year ago that shook the country.

• Gabrielle Giffords