Topic: North Dakota

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Who handled Major League Baseball’s ceremonial first-pitch honors in 2013?

One of the most anticipated moments of any baseball season occurs when ceremonial first pitches are thrown at each of 30 major-league ballparks. Often the identity of the persons or persons doing the honors is kept a secret until the last minute. Here’s the lineup of the 2013 VIPs:
Eight open US Senate seats in 2014

Here are eight senators who have opted out of a reelection bid in 2014, giving hopefuls in both parties a rare shot at a US Senate seat – and, moreover, one that could flip control of the Senate.
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
Gender pay gap: Top 5 best and worst states

The pay gap between men and women has steadily narrowed during the past few decades. Women earned 77 cents for every dollar men earned in 2011, compared with 59 cents in 1963. Here is a look at states with biggest and smallest gender pay gaps today.
Top 10 metros for job growth

Some metropolitan areas have a booming jobs market, thanks to energy, manufacturing, or sometimes just the right mix of highly diversified industries. Here's a look at the 10 metros that have seen the largest percentage increase in jobs over the past 12 months:

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Job market dismal? Here are the bright spots.

Although it added no net new jobs in August, the economy has some sectors that are growing robustly. Technology, health care, and some regional job markets are doing well.
Unemployment rate giving you the blues? Try these top five cities for jobs.

With the economy barely growing and investors bailing out of corporate stocks, the US job market isn't exactly sizzling. But conditions vary by region, with some metro areas showing substantial improvement over the past year, according to the Labor Department. Here are the five large metro areas with the lowest unemployment rates combined with unemployment that is down at least half a percentage point over last year.
From extremes to a world in balance

A Christian Science perspective.
Kurt Vonnegut gets the boot in a Missouri school

A high school in Republic, Mo. bans two books, including Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse Five," after a parent complains about material incompatible with the Bible.
In Pictures: Who's who in the US debt crisis
Obama open to short-term deal on debt ceiling. Here are five ideas.

The scramble on Capitol Hill to come up with a solution to the nation’s debt crisis produced a surprise announcement from the White House Wednesday: Contrary to previous statements, President Obama would support a short-term deal to raise the debt ceiling. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney added an important caveat, however. The president would only sign the short-term deal if it was a means to buy time to finalize a longer-term deal without running afoul of the Aug. 2 deadline. Suddenly, Washington is awash in prospects for short term deals. Here are five:
'Gang of Six' plan hailed as debt-ceiling breakthrough. What's in it?

The proposal by the 'Gang of Six' senators Tuesday draws on ideas from the deficit commission. The middle-of-the-road plan will have to overcome partisan concerns and a lack of time.
'Gang of Six' revives hope for big deal in stalled debt-ceiling talks

President Obama's hopes for a 'grand bargain' both to raise the debt ceiling and rein in the deficit got a boost Tuesday when the Senate's 'Gang of Six' proposed $3.7 trillion in deficit reductions.
Central US steams in a 'heat dome.' Mid-Atlantic braces for same.

A 'heat dome' has settled over 17 states in the central US, where it is likely to stay for several days. Temperatures will feel hotter than 110 degrees F. in some places.
Yellowstone River oil spill: US to test air in nearby homes

Yellowstone River oil spill: About 150 people showed up at an EPA meeting Wednesday night with questions about health risks, the duration of the cleanup, and whether the oil will permanently damage their livestock or property.
10 things I didn't know about Mickey Mantle

Here are 10 interesting facts that I didn't know about Mickey Mantle but learned from reading “The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America’s Childhood," by Jane Leavy.
Affordable colleges: a new tool for cost comparison

Affordable colleges might be easier to track down now with a new online tool out from the US Department of Education, which compares the cost of attending different kinds of institutions. We put together a list of the most and least expensive 4-year or longer institutions, in three categories: public institutions, not-for-profit institutions, and for-profit institutions. Prices are based on the "net cost" of each, which is the average price after grants or scholarship aid is subtracted from the total cost of attendance. Often, the average net cost is quite different from an institution's listed tuition. The numbers here are based on costs for the 2008-2009 academic year.
Can President Obama jump-start debt talks?

President Obama has invited congressional leaders to the White House Thursday to try to resolve the stalemate over raising the debt limit. The deadline for a deal is Aug. 2.
ExxonMobil oil spill into the Yellowstone River prompts evacuations

Hundreds of barrels of crude oil spilled into Montana's Yellowstone River after an ExxonMobil pipeline beneath the riverbed ruptured, sending a plume 25 miles downstream and forcing temporary evacuations.
Independence Day fireworks: Laxer state laws could mean more in tax revenue

A growing number of states are relaxing state laws on fireworks in hopes of generating a little extra tax revenue through sales and permit fees
Debt crisis: Senate cancels holiday leave, but will it accomplish anything?

Heeding a call from President Obama, the Senate cancels its July 4th break to deal with the looming debt crisis. But Democratic leaders are not planning any meetings with Republicans.
In Pictures: North Dakota floods
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 06/27
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 06/26
Flooding submerges parts of North Dakota city

The biggest flood in area history swallowed large swatches of Minot, North Dakota, Saturday as authorities worked to reinforce levees, protect the city's key infrastructure, and care for residents forced to flee their submerged homes.
Who's more productive: Switzerland or Wyoming?

Contrary to arguments that European social democracy is a success, a new ranking of US versus European states has American states ahead of fabled European powers.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 06/24
Monitor Breakfast Q&A: Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell

Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell told reporters at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast that Republicans likely 'muted' their foreign policy disagreements during the Bush administration and that Obama's health-care reforms 'constitute the single worst piece of legislation' he's seen passed. He also reminded the public that pundits previously wrote off the field of GOP candidates in 1980 – including one Ronald Reagen.
Home solar gets $280 million boost from Google

Home solar is target of Google's largest clean-energy investment yet. Under home solar program, homeowners would get free rooftop panels, paying set amount for the power.
A glint of compromise in Congress's debt limit stalemate?

Republicans say they'll raise the debt limit only if Congress passes 'real savings' in the form of spending cuts. Democrats prefer tax increases. A Senate vote Tuesday could offer a way to help bridge the divide.