Bloglander

Budgets down, security-guard hires up — More businesses hiring private security in a climate of budget cuts and higher crime. (SR)

Pool visits stay steady — Spokane park officials estimate they're getting as many people in their public swimming pools as last year, despite raising fees from $2 to $4. (KXLY)

Spokane County mulls helmet law — The law would require helmets on all "wheeled transport," including bikes, scooters and skateboards. The city of Spokane passed a similar law in 2004. (SR)

Eight Bank of Whitman branches re-open today — Eight locations from downtown Spokane to Walla Walla will re-open as Columbia State Bank today after the State of Washington closed the Bank of Whitman on Friday, due to large loan losses. (KREM) (Read our story from Friday.)

Autographed ball stolen — The U. High baseball team had been selling raffle tickets all week for a baseball signed by Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia. Then some jerk stole it. (KXLY)

Coeur d'Alene to ban e-cigarettes? (CdA Press)