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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Alli users report liver problems

From Wire Reports

WASHINGTON – The Food and Drug Administration is investigating reports of liver damage in patients taking the nonprescription weight loss drug alli.

Regulators said Monday they have received more than 30 reports of liver damage in patients taking alli and Xenical, the prescription version. The reports, submitted between 1999 and October 2008, included 27 hospitalized patients and six who suffered liver failure.

Same-sex marriage lawsuit dismissed

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A same-sex marriage lawsuit that created a public rift between President Barack Obama and his gay supporters was dismissed Monday on a technicality.

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter ruled the case – the first of several pending challenges to the federal Defense of Marriage Act – must be refiled in federal court. Carter said the suit had been improperly filed in state court before it was transferred to his jurisdiction.

Stranded belugas free themselves

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – About 20 beluga whales that became stranded in mud during a low tide over the weekend have apparently freed themselves.

Two federal biologists flew over the area Monday and found no sign of stranded or dead whales, and saw quite a few whales swimming freely.

The whales were spotted by a pilot Saturday afternoon, wallowing in a large mud hole.