Science Want some good news? King County streams are getting healthier Several 20-year long studies show that King County streams have fewer pollutants compared to previous samples, despite a population boom. In one study, a quarter of sites improved in water quality while only 3% declined in health. Natalie Akane Newcomb
Environment Tacoma Rail to buy Northwest’s first electric locomotives Tacoma Rail is replacing two diesel locomotives with battery-powered ones, a first in the Northwest. John Ryan
Major Walla Walla gas station leak fouling the ground beneath historic Marcus Whitman hotel, federal The spill’s source isn’t yet known, and more buildings are becoming involved downtown Anna King
Government To lid or not to lid: Should I-5 be covered through the heart of Seattle? Soundside host Libby Denkmann speaks with Seattle's Office of Planning and Community Development urban planner Lyle Bicknell about the proposal to create a lid on top of I-5. Libby Denkmann Jason Burrows
Environment Tribes call for national ban on salmon-killing chemical in car tires Three Northwest tribes have petitioned the federal government to ban a salmon-killing chemical found in tires and urban streams worldwide. John Ryan
Oregon’s new SB 85 will further regulate water use on big livestock operations Some Oregon farmers say they need less regulation, not more. But Governor Tina Kotek recently signed new laws on water rules for big farms. It’s called Senate Bill 85. Anna King
Environment Congress moves to mandate leaded fuel sales The U.S. House of Representatives voted to require airports to keep selling leaded aviation fuel. The small-plane fuel is the biggest source of airborne lead pollution in Washington and nationwide. John Ryan
Environment The price of polluting has gone up in Washington state The latest auction raised about $557 million for programs to prevent or adapt to climate change. John Ryan
Health Researchers tackle asthma hotspot: Seattle’s Duwamish Valley People in the 98108 ZIP code are nearly four times more likely to end up in the hospital with asthma than King County residents overall. Duwamish Valley has twice the poverty rate of Seattle and is mostly people of color. John Ryan
