N.D. federal judge says courtrooms in Grand Forks, Minot should be safe from cuts

GRAND FORKS - Federal officials are talking about saving money by closing some federal courthouses and court rooms mostly in rural areas across the country, including ones in Grand Forks, Minot and Fergus Falls, Minn.

Government spending a point of discontent for disaster victims

WATERBURY, Vt. – For disaster victims rebuilding their homes, towns and lives, the anxiety is matched only by anger at Congress for entangling their future in a political battle over government spending. A sharply divided Congress had repeatedly rejected a deal that included funding federal disaster assistance, raising fears that there would be no plan to continue aid for victims of disaster like storms Irene and Lee or the tornado in Joplin, Mo.

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• Martha Gordon

Shutdown averted; Congress ends dispute over disaster aid

WASHINGTON – Ending weeks of political brinkmanship, Congress finessed a dispute over disaster aid Monday night and advanced legislation to avoid a partial government shutdown only days away.

Book brings GOP's Pawlenty back to Iowa

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Oppose unholy alliance in Washington

‘We the People” are confronting a twin-headed leviathan that must be defeated.

Feds proposes graphic cigarette warning labels

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UND department chair gets national post

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AP Sources: Emanuel leaving White House on Friday

Two people close to Rahm Emanuel said Thursday he will resign as White House chief of staff on Friday, and will begin his campaign for Chicago mayor by meeting with voters in the city on Monday.

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Senate votes to turn down volume on TV commercials

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A federal role vital to success

My conservative Republican friends tell me that the United States is sliding into socialism.

Dorgan optimistic about U.S.-Canada water meeting

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Pawlenty returns to NH for 3rd trip in 7 months, for possible presidential profile

Obama awards $2B for solar power, hails new jobs

Obama announced the initiative in his weekly radio and online address Saturday, saying the money is part of his plan to bring new industries to the U.S.

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U.S. Military officials will need OK before agreeing to media interviews

Military officials will need Pentagon clearance for interviews and other dealings with reporters, according to an order from Defense Secretary Robert Gates not long after the top general in Afghanistan was fired for his comments in a magazine article.

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Supreme Court nominee Kagan declines to take sides on 'Twilight' debate