GARRETSON, S.D. — Local dignitaries joined space enthusiasts Monday to watch the launch of an Earth-observing satellite whose images will be bounced back to a South Dakota laboratory where … more

BILLINGS, Mont. — An estimated 5,000 gallons of a chemical used to deice roads spilled into the Clarks Fork River, killing dozens of fish, after a semitrailer crash Monday near the Montana-Wyoming … more

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — South Dakota educators are discussing whether to shorten medical school from four years to three for students pursuing careers as family doctors, though the state Board of … more

PYONGYANG, North Korea — Defying U.N. warnings, North Korea on Tuesday conducted its third nuclear test in the remote, snowy northeast, taking a crucial step toward its goal of building a bomb … more

WASHINGTON — A woman whose Chicago police officer brother was fatally shot in 2010 says it's time for Congress to pass laws keeping guns from criminals. Another woman says firearms restrictions … more

LOS ANGELES — Netflix is buffing up its credentials as a popular way for parents to keep their kids entertained. The subscription video provider said Tuesday that it will team up with DreamWorks … more

DALLAS — Florists and chocolate-makers are working around the clock in the run-up to Valentine's Day.In Dallas, chocolatier Andrea Pedraza, who loves designer high heels, molded her pedestrian … more

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Want to name Pluto's two tiniest moons? Then you'll need to dig deep into mythology.Astronomers announced a contest Monday to name the two itty-bitty moons of Pluto … more

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. — The Pentagon for the first time is considering scaling back the massive buildup of drones it has overseen in the past few years, both to save money and to adapt to … more

WASHINGTON — Still hampered by the vulnerable economy, President Barack Obama is using his State of the Union address to appeal for new spending to create jobs while also pledging to cut the … more