Bloglander

HERE

A state of emergency has been declared for 20 counties in Eastern Washington, including Spokane, as multiple wildfires burn and temps continue to hover near 100 degrees. (KREM)

Vivint, the Utah-based home security company (read our story about the company here) that recently closed its year-old call center after being lured to Spokane by economic incentives, has repaid the $150,000 in state funds it received to move here. (S-R)

SCRAPS is investigating a case of animal cruelty after a dog died of apparent heat-related distress, and another was in serious condition, after being tied up to a fence yesterday without water in the heat of the day. (KXLY)

A Spokane County Sheriff's deputy has been fired after it was discovered that he was also still posting hours at his former job at Best Buy. (S-R)

THERE

Residents of many Southwestern U.S. border towns continue to firmly protest the arrivals of thousands of immigrant children fleeing the violence in their home countries of Central America, while other towns are embracing the refugees. (CNN)

Israeli military officials fear a ground invasion of the Gaza strip is inevitable after nine days of air strikes that have left more than 200 Palestinians dead, including the recent deaths of four children. (NYT)

Director Ron Howard announced he's working on a feature-length documentary about the Beatles' touring years, scheduled to open sometime next year. (Reuters)