Bloglander

Around here

Multiple fires on the South Hill kept firefighters busy yesterday and are causing some to wonder about the impacts of the budget cuts last year that caused Station No. 9 to lose its first-response capabilities. (SR)

More fire. The National Weather Service is warning Eastern Washington about potential wildfires. (KHQ) 

Teacher contract talks have resumed in Coeur d'Alene. (CdA Press) 

The Spokane City Council passed a new temporary ordinance setting zoning and licensing restrictions for both medical and recreational pot in the city. (KREM) The new rules include a new $250 business licence and require that medical marijuana businesses, like recreational stores, must be at least 1,000 feet from schools, playgrounds and daycares. Another hearing will be held on the new rules within 90 days. Here's the full law:

Out there

Two days later, protests continue over the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial. Clashes in Los Angeles got violent last night. (NYT)

Edward Snowden, who leaked secrets about U.S. intelligence operations to international media, is still in Moscow. He's seeking temporary asylum, making things awkward for President Vladimir Putin. (Reuters)

Off the coast of Somalia, 40 hostages await help, 11 of whom have been held for more than 2 years. (BBC)