Bloglander

Soggy weekend doesn't deter veteran ceremonies Despite a steady downpour Monday, some 3,000 people turned out to dedicate Washington's first state veterans' cemetery. (SR) On a cold, wet day Saturday, Idaho's governor and senior U.S. Senator traveled to Plummer to help the Coeur d'Alene Tribe dedicate a monument to its veterans. (CDA Press)

Defining candy can be taxing Washington's new candy tax is filled with chewy complications even as it takes effect today as part of an $800 million new tax package. (Seattle Times)

Beware large, bald-headed men. Spokane Police say a dispute over loud music booming from a car's sound system in a McDonald's restaurant drive-thru turned into an armed car-jacking when the aggrieved parties accosted the loud car behind them at gunpoint and stole it. (KXLY)

State Line bridge closes today The crumbling Appleway Bridge at the state line closes for 18 months today to be replaced with a modern span. The TV news story talks about traffic on the bridge, but underneath is just as important to whitewater kayakers, who fear the new span will change the hydraulics of one of their favorite playboating spots on the Spokane River — Dead Dog Hole. (KXLY)

Commando raid on aid ship gets blowback The United Nations, amid world uproar, demands an investigation into an Israeli commando raid on a convoy of ships attempting to break a blockade and bring aid to Palestinians in Gaza. (BBC)