WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued the following news: * * * Archived Skin Samples Reveal New Insights on Habitat Use of Rare Eastern North Pacific Right Whales The eastern North Pacific right whale is among the world's rarest and most mysterious great whale populations. With fewer than 50 animals in a vast ocean, these whales are challenging to study. Essential information, including their migration and feeding patterns, remains unknown. But rec  more

TUMWATER, Washington, Feb. 14 -- The Washington Department of Labor and Industries issued the following news release: * * * U-Haul exposed workers to asbestos, driving L&I to issue heavy fines Mechanics working on rental trucks at a Spokane U-Haul facility had no idea the building they were working in was tiled with potentially toxic vinyl flooring. As the tiles peeled and popped up in the course of their work, it exposed them to deadly asbestos. Now, their employer must pay a $231,000 fine  more