US: Big drop in migrant kids at largest emergency shelter

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The number of migrant children housed at the Biden administration's largest emergency shelter for those who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border alone has dropped by more than 40% since mid-June, a top U.S. official said Monday, touting progress at the facility that has been criticized by child welfare advocates.

A 'generational' thing

Latino State Championship brings slow pitch tourney to Othello

OTHELLO – The scene at Lions Park in Othello this weekend was one of family for the Latino State Championship, a slowpitch-style tournament that brought in more than 40 teams from the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere. “The environment we create is a family-type of environment,” Tournament Organizer Charles Garcia said. “We want people to stay, we want people to eat here, visit and socialize. Ultimately we want them to spend money in our town, and support our economy.” The tournament was brought to Othello by Garcia and revitalized what the Latino State Championship was. Now, the annual tournament is full of teams and entertainment throughout Lions Park “At the end of the day, this is exactly the type of atmosphere that we want,” Garcia said of the fun times that were being had over the weekend. “Where you can hang out in the park, you can set up the lawn chair and watch a game. You’re not worrying about your kids going too far because they’re playing with another set of kids that you know.” ...

PLANT NOTES: Why grow native?

Whether you lean green, are into buying local and living sustainably, or just a little allergic to hard work, landscaping with native plant species has a lot to offer.

UM: Computer Science faculty member under investigation

An investigation of University of Montana Computer Science faculty member Rob Smith is underway following reports of derogatory statements about women and LGBTQ people he made on his blog, “Upward Thought,” a UM spokesperson said Monday.

Arizona election officials say primary will be safe

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona's top officials tried Monday to reassure voters that Tuesday's Democratic presidential primary will be safe despite the unprecedented cloud of a global pandemic and pleas by public health officials to avoid unnecessary social interactions.

Backup of bodies overwhelms nursing home amid outbreak

An extraordinary number of coronavirus-related deaths overwhelmed a nursing home in northern New Jersey where police found 18 bodies in what the governor called a “makeshift morgue” on two consecutive days earlier this week.

‘Oh, the Places You Cannot Go,’ and what you can do otherwise

Before the COVID-19-related closures, many children celebrated Dr. Seuss’ March birthday at school.

Father says Boris Johnson likely out of action for a while

LONDON (AP) — British Prime minister Boris Johnson needs time to recover from the new coronavirus and is unlikely to be back at work soon, his father said Friday, as millions of Britons began an Easter holiday weekend in lockdown.

New Michigan absentee rules could impact Biden-Sanders race

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Bernie Sanders is looking to Michigan on Tuesday to rekindle his presidential campaign in the same way his surprise primary victory here did four years ago.

Avalanche top line overwhelms Sharks in 4-3 win

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog each had a goal and two assists and Colorado's top line overwhelmed the San Jose Sharks in a 4-2 victory for the Avalanche on Sunday night.

As coronavirus spreads, Medicare gets telemedicine option

WASHINGTON (AP) — The coronavirus legislation

Rocket men

Aaron Davis and Scott Stegman admit they wouldn’t mind taking a trip to space, if the price were affordable.

Seahawks land pass rusher in Tennessee's Darrell Taylor

SEATTLE (AP) — Before the coronavirus pandemic shut down most of the NFL's pre-draft process, the Seattle Seahawks were able to get a couple of prospects to visit the Pacific Northwest for an evaluation.

Seahawks land pass rusher in Tennessee's Darrell Taylor

SEATTLE (AP) — Before the coronavirus pandemic shut down most of the NFL's pre-draft process, the Seattle Seahawks were able to get a couple of prospects to visit the Pacific Northwest for an evaluation.

The puppy timeline: A socialization guide

Socializing is important for raising puppies into emotionally healthy dogs, just as caring for a puppy’s growing needs is important to physical and mental health. In order to have a well-adjusted and social dog, owners should provide training specific to each stage of a puppy’s development.

Hidden paradise features a life-size replica of Stonehenge

Near Fortine, on Smith’s property, sits a full-size model of the prehistoric English monument.

Quilts, sausage and service

Mennonite Country Auction goes all-out for disaster relief

RITZVILLE — According to Pastor Bryce Miller, on an ordinary worship day, there are at most 40 or 50 people gathered at Menno Mennonite Church about 22 miles west of Ritzville. “Menno is a long-established congregation that dates back to about 1900,” Miller said. But last Saturday, Oct. 1, hundreds of people gathered at this little church situated amid the rolling, wheat-covered hills of Adams County for the 45th annual Mennonite Country Auction, to help raise money to support the domestic and international relief efforts of the Mennonite Church USA.

Fires, smoke continue to affect region

Smoke from the region's wildfires continued to affect air quality Monday as firefighting response teams continued to battle multiple blazes throughout North Idaho and Eastern Washington.

New bake shop a sweet addition to Whitefish

Whitney Brien remembers baking cookies with her family every year around Christmastime. They would have a ‘cookie day’ — an entire day to bake for their friends and family.

Polls open Tuesday for general election

Polls will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, for residents of Flathead and Lake counties to cast their ballots in the general election.