Bloglander

Zags make it look easy — The Gonzaga men's basketball team passed the first round of NCAA play by beating St. John's University 86-71. (SR)

State budget deficit grows — The forecast for Washington's two-year budget came in $780 million lower than expected, raising the budget gap to $5.1 billion. Forecasters cited increasing global financial uncertainty and the fact that Japan, now struggling to recover from disaster, is one of its major trade partners. (SR)

Medical marijuana supplier convicted — Scott Shupe, who we wrote about last week, was convicted of drug trafficking. The case was watched closely by those looking for guidance on how to enforce the state's medical marijuana laws. (SR)

Don't take anti-radiation pills — Gov. Gregoire has advised citizens not to take potassium iodide pills as protection against the wave of Japanese nuclear radiation, as the pills could have an adverse health effect. (KXLY)