OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington voters have approved the state’s new "everything but marriage" law, expanding rights for domestic partners and marking the first time any state’s voters have approved a gay equality measure at the ballot box. With about 72 percent of the expected vote counted Thursday in unofficial returns, Referendum 71 was leading 52 percent to 48 percent, with   Full Story

FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) -- Pfc. Marquest Smith, on his way to Afghanistan in January, was completing routine paperwork about a bee-sting allergy when the sounds erupted. A loud, popping noise. Moans. The sudden, urgent shout of "Gun!" Smith poked his head over the cubicle's partition and saw an extraordinary sight: An Army officer with two guns, firing into the crowded room.   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- A former Arlington teacher received a nine-month deferred sentence Friday after pleading guilty in Bennington District Court to enabling the consumption of alcohol by minors. Allyson Hoffman, 38, of Sunderland, will also have to complete tasks assigned to her by a reparative board as part of her sentence.   Full Story

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Democrat who came within 50,000 votes of unseating billionaire New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is open to running again and said he’s not bitter that many in his party deserted his campaign when it seemed like a long shot. William Thompson Jr. said in an interview with The Associated Press that he isn’t ruling out any option for his next move, including a   Full Story

Calendar Saturday, Nov. 7 Monthly peace vigil BENNINGTON - The Peace Resource Center's monthly peace vigil will be held at the Four Corners at 12:30 p.m. The public is invited. Sunday, Nov. 8 Pancake Breakfast BENNINGTON - A breakfast will be offered at the parish center of Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales, 238 Main St.   Full Story