Bloglander

With our powers combined -- Spokane and Coeur d’Alene have now merged into one giant “Metropolitan Statistical Area” when being calculated for the U.S. Census. The two cities hope businesses will notice the larger population and move to Spokane-Coeur d’Alene. (SR)

Gubernatorial dreams – Turns out all Attorney General Rob McKenna’s media-friendly crusades and accompanying press releases were in service of a larger purpose. He’s running for governor. (KREM)

Empty community chest running -- Recessions have consequences. The latest comes at the Northeast Youth Center, on East Queen in Spokane. Despite being in the poorest legislative district in the state, funding has been cut. Now, they’re asking for help from the community. For now, they’re hoping their landlord will let them delay rent as they raise money to purchase the building they use. (KXLY)

The family business -- As many in the Syrian army defect, the President Bashar al-Assad’s brother, Maher al-Assad, will likely play a larger and larger role. Already, he’s been behind the crackdown that’s resulted in the deaths of 1,300 Syrians. Some even believe he has been one shooting at demonstrators. (NYT)