Bloglander

HERE

The state patrol is investigating allegations of mishandled case files at the state crime lab in Cheney. (KREM)

The man charged in the death of his girlfriend’s toddler pleaded not guilty, telling investigators that the child was injured in a fall. (S-R)

Police are investigating the disappearance of more than $130,000 from a local youth soccer organization. (KXLY)

A miner’s family sues Hecla Mining Co. over his death in a tunnel collapse at Lucky Friday Mine. (S-R)

THERE

Dozens may be dead after a strong earthquake near the border of Iran and Pakistan. (CNN)

At least 37 people were killed in a string of bombings in Iraq, as people there prepare for local elections scheduled for this weekend. (NYT)

Gold had a really terrible day on the stock market, but things seem to be looking up again today. (Reuters)

This year’s Pulitzers were announced, but most newsrooms were a little too preoccupied for any celebrating. (NYT)

BOSTON

The latest toll: Three people died, including an 8-year-old. More than 170 were sent to the hospital with injuries, 17 of them critically wounded. (NYT)

Doctors say the bombs appear to have been packed with metal intended to inflict shrapnel wounds. (Boston Globe)

The older runner knocked down by the blast in some of the first photos from the scene is Bill Iffrig of the Seattle area, well-known in the running community. His only injury was a scraped knee. (Everett Herald)

The first responder wearing a cowboy hat was there to watch National Guard members run the marathon in honor of fallen soldiers, including his son. (WaPo)

Local runners who were there are, as far as we know, all fine. (S-R)