VA says it'll stop almost all use of unproven drug on vets

WASHINGTON (AP) — Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie said Thursday that his department has all but stopped use of an unproven malaria drug on veterans with

AP FACT CHECK: Biden overstates how many Americans immunized

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday vastly overstated the number of Americans who've been vaccinated against COVID-19. And when addressing the racial gap in vaccinations, he claimed progress that is not apparent in the statistics.

GOP asks permission to oppose Democrats' election lawsuit

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican National Committee and the state Republican Party have asked a federal judge to let them officially oppose a lawsuit brought by Democrats who want to ease voting regulations for Wisconsin's spring election because of the coronavirus.

Tennessee county leads US in virus cases per capita

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's Trousdale County has the highest per capita coronavirus infection rate in the U.S. and Bledsoe County has the fifth, according to an Associated Press analysis. In both counties, the high infection rates are attributable to their local prisons.

Analyst: Gas prices likely to continue falling

MOSES LAKE — It may be the welcome Christmas surprise this season is steeply falling gasoline prices, which have fallen more than $1.30 per gallon in the last six months and look to fall even more, according to Patrick DeHaan, the head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy. “It could fall another 50 cents per gallon if nothing changes,” DeHaan said...

Grant County PUD 2023 budget includes recommended rate increase

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners will consider a 3% overall rate increase for 2023, followed by a 2.5% increase in 2024 and a proposed 2% increase in 2025. That’s the recommendation of the PUD’s staff, presented to the commissioners at a budget hearing Oct. 11. Utility district rates have remained unchanged since 2019. John Mertlich, senior manager of financial planning and analysis, said the 3% rate increase next year, decreasing to 2.5% in 2024, best fits the PUD’s long-term goal of predictable rate increases, while taking into account the impact of inflation. And inflation is having a big impact.....

AP FACT CHECK: Biden overstates how many Americans immunized

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday vastly overstated the number of Americans who've been vaccinated against COVID-19. And when addressing the racial gap in vaccinations, he claimed progress that is not apparent in the statistics.

Final plans done for 2 Utah national monuments Trump shrunk

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The U.S. government implemented final management plans Thursday for two national monuments in Utah that President Donald Trump downsized. The plans ensure lands previously off-limits to energy development will be open to mining and drilling despite pending lawsuits by conservation, tribal and paleontology groups challenging the constitutionality of the president's action.

Florida Legislature going to the dogs (and cats)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Sometimes Florida lawmakers fight like cats and dogs. Now they are fighting for cats and dogs.

Florida Legislature going to the dogs (and cats)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Sometimes Florida lawmakers fight like cats and dogs. Now they are fighting for cats and dogs.

Study ties blood type to COVID-19 risk; O may help, A hurt

A genetic analysis of COVID-19 patients suggests that blood type might influence whether someone develops severe disease.

Legals for October, 2 2025

Spain confiscates 35 tons of hashish smuggled in yachts

MADRID (AP) — Spanish authorities said Wednesday that they have confiscated 35 tons of hashish that was being smuggled aboard luxury yachts in what they called the country’s largest bust at sea involving the drug.

Pennsylvania Capitol closing to public amid virus surge

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The Capitol complex in Harrisburg will close to the public until further notice because of a statewide surge in coronavirus infections, officials said Thursday.

POT LEGALIZATION

Reader urges 'no' vote

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Del's Feed and Farm Supply to Close in Othello

OTHELLO — Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States and owner of Del’s Feed and Farm Supply, has announced that the Del’s location in Othello will close this fall.

Coulee City carbon monoxide victims identified

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison identified the two people who died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning earlier this week as 68-year-old Roxy Mae Ergler and 72-year-old Kenneth W. Gomez.

Detectives need help in double murder case

MATTAWA - Grant County Sheriff's detectives investigating the Feb. 11 shooting homicide of Esperanza Vicente-Mestizo in Mattawa have released a flier asking the public for help solving the case.

WA businesses preparing for new retail sales taxes to hit consumers Oct. 1

(The Center Square) — One month from Labor Day, a slew of Washington businesses will be subject to new retail sales taxes, which will be passed onto consumers. The 2025 Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5814, which added new business activities to the definition of retail sales. Those new taxes will be collected starting Oct. 1. According to the Washington Department of Revenue, new business activities impacted by the tax include advertising services, live presentations, information technology services, custom website development services and more. “Not only is it going to be a significant new tax on a