Baby Orca Named After Olympia Man Who Saved Its Relative 50 Years Ago
The Olympia City Council honored the anniversary of the last killer whale capture in U.S. waters.
Washington Bans Employer-Mandated Microchip Implants
Washington Lawmakers Consider Raising Cigarette Tax to $5 Per Pack
Sports
Olympia Wrestlers Earn Top-Five Finishes at State
Holloway takes fourth, Gaither takes fifth in their respective weight classes.

Bill Moos' memoir highlights 40 years in college athletics, with WSU holding marquee spot
Former WSU player and AD authors a colorful rise from the wheat fields of Eastern Washington to the heights of college sports
No. 22 LC State Men's Basketball Routs Evergreen With 19 3-Pointers
Warriors shoot 54% from deep in dominant conference victory
Lifestyle
State Lawmakers Propose Bill to Boost Funding for Western Washington University
The bill aims to align WWU's per-student funding with other regional schools in the state.

Washington Senate Passes Bill to Boost Financial Aid for Private College Students
The measure would increase tuition scholarships for students attending private universities in the state.
Bald Eagle Rescued from I-5 in Tumwater
Authorities, residents team up to save injured bird on busy highway
Business
Washington Breweries Face Frigid February Sales Slump
Craft beer industry grapples with inflation, supply chain issues, and declining sales during the winter months.

Washington Lawmakers Consider Tax Break for Spokane County Data Centers
The proposed legislation aims to provide sales and use tax exemptions for new data center projects in Spokane County.
Washington Businesses Weigh Leaving State Over Tax Policies
Policy expert warns recent and proposed tax increases are pushing companies to consider exit strategies
Crime
Washington Court Allows Probe Into Catholic Church's Abuse Allegations
Appellate court overturns prior ruling, gives AG's office authority to investigate use of charitable funds to cover up abuse claims.

Six Indicted for Alleged Farmworker Visa Fraud Scheme
Prosecutors say defendants obtained hundreds of fraudulent H-2A visas and exploited workers
San Jose Man Admits Bilking Washington Businesses in P.O. Box Scam
Johnny Q. Nguyen pleaded guilty to mail fraud after investigators seized $395K in fraudulent payments sent to his Olympia P.O. box.
Politics
Washington State Moves to Link Carbon Market With California and Quebec
The shared market could start as early as 2027, aiming to decrease and stabilize decarbonization costs.

Washington State Moves to Ban Police Face Coverings
Legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability for law enforcement officers
WA Governor Warns Income Tax Passage Could Slip to 2027
Democratic lawmakers and the governor remain at odds over how to use revenue from the proposed 9.9% tax on household income over $1 million.