Bloglander

HERE

The Spokane City Council plans to vote tonight on several issues to make downtown areas safer as part of a newly introduced "Downtown Livability Initiative" announced last week. (KXLY)

Bundle up and hold on tight — high winds are going to keep up all day until about 7 pm tonight. (KHQ) 

After word spread that a local men's shelter would close on Oct. 3 due to a lack of operating funds, community members donated enough to keep Truth Ministries open through October now. (KREM) 

THERE

The U.S. Government is hours away from possibly shutting down. It's a pretty confusing and complicated topic, but what does it mean? If there is a shutdown, how would it affect you (video)? (Wa-Post and CNN)

Two commuter trains in Chicago collided this morning, sending dozens to the hospital with minor injuries. (CNN)

Seattle resident Amanda Knox won't be present during the retrial of the murder of her British roommate Meredith Kercher in 2007 while Kercher and Knox attended college in Italy (CNN).

SOMETHING FUN

WSU Veterinary students participated in a poll to name the newborn giraffe at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo. His name is Misawa. (WSU News)

Last night marked the end of an era of sorts, as Breaking Bad came to close. Read Inlander staffer Daniel Walters take on the show, pre-finale. (Inlander) 

CATS!

The world's latest viral feline is a one-eyed, snarly-faced kitten out of Troutdale, Ore. Meet Sir Stuffington! (HuffPo)