AROUND HERE
Amid national outcry over treatment delays within the Department of Veterans Affairs, Spokane's VA hospital says it's making progress toward better care after a 2012 report identified problems. (Inlander)
Three people have been charged with beating a man to death for stealing drugs and cash. The victim's body was found in Kootenai County earlier this month. (SR)
Spokane City Councilmembers are looking for ways to make crosswalks safer after the October collision that killed a 5-year-old girl who was crossing Monroe Street with her mother. (KREM)
Three megaloads have been stuck near Clarkston, Wash., for five months waiting to receive permits. (CdA Press)
The Seattle City Council will vote Monday on an ordinance to require a $15 minimum wage for nearly all workers, phased in over the next seven years. (Seattle Times)
ELSEWHERE
Police knew about the videos Elliot Rodger posted online threatening his "Day of Retribution" before killing six people last week, but they never viewed them. (AP)
Conflict in Syria continues to ravage that country, with nearly 2,000 people dead at the hands of the government so far this year. (BBC)
Former Microsoft executive Steve Ballmer wants to buy the Los Angeles Clippers from embattled owner Donald Sterling for $2 billion, the highest price ever paid for an NBA team. (Businessweek)
U.S. officials say Edward Snowden never raised substantial concerns about unconstitutional programs during his time at the NSA. He disputes that. (Reuters)
Two students were declared co-winners of the Scripps National Spelling Bee after they ran through the entire official word list. (WaPo)
VOLUME!
If you don't already have your tickets for our two-day, 80-band music festival that starts tonight, the bad news is they go up in price today. But the good news is they're still a steal: $15 a day or $25 for both days. (Remember: 80 bands!) If you have bought your wristbands, pick them up before 5:30 pm at Inlander HQ (1227 W. Summit Pkwy) or from 5-9 pm at our will call booth at Stevens and Sprague. To plan your weekend, learn about the bands here, check out the full schedule here and find recommendations based on what you're into here.
