Zachary Fletcher

usatoday.comWhy Bonnie Garmus turned to poetry for her second novel, 'Peck & Peck'Bonnie Garmus began thinking about the book that would become 'Peck & Peck' while living in Seattle in the late 2000s. And she turned to poetry to help her write it.

latest books piece came out last week, this one on Bonnie Garmus writing about poetry in her second novel. see video and more from our convo here -> Why Bonnie Garmus turned to poetry for her second novel, 'Peck & Peck' www.usatoday.com/story/news/s... via @usatoday.com

usatoday.comSeattle historian's new book tells a personal tale of Jewish life during Nazi occupationDouglas Smith talks with USA Today about this new book, 'The City Without Jews: Life and Death in Nazi Vienna.'

new author Q&A out this week, this time with Seattle historian Douglas Smith. his new book "The City Without Jews" (@fsgbooks.bsky.social) follows the life of one woman in Vienna during the years of Nazi occupation. see our (lengthy!) convo here on @usatoday.com: www.usatoday.com/story/news/s...

kitsapsun.com'Spooky Lake Month' is about more than lakes. 'Spooky Rivers' proves itA nationally known author and influencer will debut her new book, 'Spooky Rivers,' at a Sept. 20 event in Kingston, Washington.

21 Sept

last week I got to talk with Geo Rutherford, the author of SPOOKY RIVERS. Geo's first book (SPOOKY LAKES) was a hit when it came out in 2024. we talked about rivers and art and what spooky actually means to her and her 2 million+ fans online. www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2...

usatoday.comA Q&A with Peter Rock on his new novel about the end of the worldPeter Rock, author of eleven previous works of fiction, discusses his new novel 'Makeshift' (out Aug. 25 from Soft Skull Press).

earlier this month, I talked with the Portland-based novelist Peter Rock about his new novel, MAKESHIFT. our conversation touched on a lot of things, but I wanted to include some of my favorites below. www.usatoday.com/story/news/s...

View full thread

on characters experiencing the world and how that mirrors what fiction can do:

you can read more of Peter Rock's answers and other info on MAKESHIFT in our edited conversation for @usatoday.com here:

on writing young narrators:

on technology, and writing without a computer (!):

kitsapsun.comWhy are flags being lowered in WA? Trump orders change after Dolly Parton's deathFlags will soon be lowered in Washington to honor the iconic country music artist Dolly Parton, who died earlier today at 80.

25 Aug

flags to be lowered in WA and across the country to honor Dolly Parton, who died earlier today at 80. read more here: www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2... via @usatoday.com/network

usatoday.comSoil has an image problem. David R. Montgomery is here to helpDavid R. Montgomery's new book, "ReGen: A New Future for Farming, Food, and Health" (out Aug. 4 from Norton), offers a new way to think about soil.

14 Aug

last month, I spoke with David R. Montgomery about his new book REGEN, out from @wwnorton.com. the takeaway? soil is critical to life in many ways, but we often don't appreciate it -- Montgomery wants to change that. read from our convo here: www.usatoday.com/story/news/s... via @usatoday.com

npr.orgEmbedded: "We Keep Us Safe" from NPR, KUOW and The Seattle TimesIn the summer of 2020, sixteen-year-old Antonio Mays Jr. traveled a thousand miles to join the racial justice movement of his generation. He arrived in Seattle during the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest...

1 Aug

if you listen to one podcast this year, make it WE KEEP US SAFE by @willjames.bsky.social / @sydbrownstone.bsky.social this is a hard, complicated story to tell. will, sydney and david gutman do an incredible service for us all putting the pieces together. www.npr.org/2026/06/04/g...

1 Aug

the final twenty minutes of the show are some of the most impactful journalism moments I’ve ever heard — humanity on full display. all 8 eps out on @kuow.org / @npr.org.

15 July

print lives on! my @usatoday.com article on the Woodland Park Zoo’s recent gorilla birth/c-section is in pages of the Kitsap Sun. really enjoyed reporting this piece out. check out the fully story here: www.usatoday.com/story/news/s...

usatoday.comAuthor Susan Wiggs discusses 'Wayward Girls,' eras and readers in Q&ANYT bestselling author Susan Wiggs talks about history, characters and reader reactions on 'Wayward Girls', out in paperback July 7.

8 July

I am back on the books beat! chatted with WA author Susan Wiggs about her latest novel, "Wayward Girls," which came out in paperback yesterday. read a bit from our convo here: www.usatoday.com/story/news/n... via @usatoday.com

kitsapsun.comSeattle Storm snap record losing streak to hit season's halfway pointThe Seattle Storm beat the New York Liberty on Thursday for the first win since May 24. Here's where the team stands halfway through the WNBA season.

26 June

it was a crazy few days in storm basketball this week. I was at the OT game on Monday, and yesterday the team broke an 11 game losing streak for their first win since May. here's where the team is at as we near the @wnba.com halfway mark: www.kitsapsun.com/story/sports...

kitsapsun.comLive updates from the Belgium-Egypt World Cup game in SeattleThe first of six FIFA World Cup games in Seattle kicks off at noon on a scorching Monday in the Pacific Northwest.

15 June

the World Cup officially lands in Seattle today! I’ll be down at the stadium for live @usatoday.com network coverage throughout the day. follow along w/ us here: www.kitsapsun.com/story/sports...

kitsapsun.comWhen does the US play at the World Cup? How to watch US vs. ParaguayThe United States men's team opens World Cup play on Friday, June 12 in Los Angeles.

12 June

the @usmnt.ussoccer.com begins their 2026 World Cup journey tonight. some info for watching ahead of the opening match: When does the US play at the World Cup? How to watch US vs. Paraguay www.kitsapsun.com/story/sports...

Zachary Fletcher reposted

Katie Campbell, KUOW

@katiecampbell.bsky.social

11 June

Had a ball looking back on 50 years of @fantagraphics.bsky.social with "official shill" (aka VP) Eric Reynolds. Check out the story and conversation on @kuow.org's arts and culture podcast 👇

kuow.orgSeattle comics publisher Fantagraphics celebrates 50th anniversaryEric Reynolds used to hand out business cards that identified him as an "official shill and paid apologist."

Zachary Fletcher reposted

The Seattle Times

@seattletimes.com

11 June

A new podcast series from The Seattle Times, KUOW and NPR's "Embedded" investigates the unsolved killing that led to the end of 2020's Capitol Hill Occupied Protest.

seattletimes.comNew podcast on Seattle CHOP deadly shooting features eyewitnesses and unseen evidence

kitsapsun.comWhen does the World Cup Start? How to watch Mexico vs. South AfricaThe opening round of World Cup games begins on Thursday, June 9, at noon Pacific time.

11 June

the World Cup starts today! I'll be covering what's happening in Seattle throughout the group and early knockout stages. but today things get started in Mexico: When does the World Cup Start? How to watch Mexico vs. South Africa www.kitsapsun.com/story/sports...

10 June

completed a dream this week by writing about the mini-ferry boats you can get at Mariners games...which are now also available on actual ferries. how many times could I get 'ferry' into the headline? read more to find out: www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2...

kitsapsun.comGov. Ferguson proposes statewide phone ban in WA public schoolsA proposal to ban cellphone use at K-12 public schools across Washington state has Gov. Ferguson's backing, but would need legislative approval.

9 June

NEW: Gov. Ferguson proposes statewide phone ban in WA public schools, potentially coming in 2027-2028 school year www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2...

kitsapsun.comHow to watch San Antonio-Oklahoma City Game 6, and why Seattle caresAs the NBA's Western Conference finals reaches Game 6, here's why Seattle fans should care -- besides the obvious angst about OKC.

9 June

dropping this here in case anyone in Seattle has recently tuned into the NBA Finals and is trying to decide their fandom... www.kitsapsun.com/story/sports...

seattletimes.comNorman Barlow, Longview implosion victim, was mentor and adopted ‘papa’Norman Barlow, 58, of Vancouver, Wash., was one of 11 workers killed May 26 when a tank imploded at a Longview pulp and paper mill.

3 June

"On May 26, he had come in early for work at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill in Longview because he wanted to attend a grandkid’s kindergarten graduation later in the day, according to his daughter." www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news... via @seattletimes.com

npr.orgA kid's book newly published in English has a long backstory in the Soviet UnionThe classic Italian children's book The Adventures of Cipollino was translated into English for the first time last year. The book has a surprising backstory in the former Soviet Union.

2 June

long live Cipollino! this book — from @enchantedlion.bsky.social — was one of my fav books released in the past few years. if you’ve interacted with me in person during that time, I’ve probably brought it up! www.npr.org/2026/06/01/n...

2 June

also, I once dressed up as Cipollino and I think there’s a lil resemblance there…

kitsapsun.com11 deaths confirmed after Longview chemical tragedyEleven people have died after a chemical implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packing Company paper and pulp mill in Longview, Washington.

1 June

11 deaths confirmed after Longview chemical tragedy www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2...

kitsapsun.comEight confirmed dead after paper mill chemical implosion in LongviewEight are confirmed dead and three others remain unaccounted for after a chemical implosion at a paper mill in Longview.

29 May

update on the Longview, WA chemical explosion: eight confirmed deaths yesterday, and three more individuals still missing at the site. water system and air are clear as of now, but EPA/ecology are continuing to monitor. more info here: www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2...

28 May

Seattle fans might have a reason to root for the Spurs tonight -- HC Mitch Johnson has deep ties to the city. check all that out here before tip-off tonight: www.kitsapsun.com/story/sports...

NBA@nba.com

OKC SEEKS BACK-TO-BACK NBA FINALS 🍿 SGA (32 PTS, 9 AST in G5) and OKC protected home court to take a 3-2 WCF lead. Tonight, they look to become the first team to reach back-to-back NBA Finals since the Warriors in 2019… while Wemby and the Spurs look to keep their season alive and force a Game 7!

seattletimes.comDeadly paper mill implosion illustrates industry’s risksMixing dangerous chemicals with high temperatures and pressure can amount to a recipe for disaster under the right conditions, one researcher said. “If there is any way for an accident to happen, it w...

28 May

great reporting from @conradswanson.bsky.social / @isabellabreda.bsky.social on the dangers of chemicals used at paper mills and across the industry after Tuesday's implosion in Longview via @seattletimes.com: www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...

28 May

last paragraph in this screenshot, especially:

kitsapsun.comFatal explosion leaves 9 missing in Longview chemical accidentTwo people were killed and several others are injured or missing after a chemical explosion at the Nippon Dynawave facility in southwest Washington.

27 May

at a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Governor Bob Ferguson said that officials are bracing for this to be the "deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington state history." our story on the Longview updates here: www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2...

kitsapsun.comFatal explosion leaves 9 missing in Longview chemical accidentOne person was killed and several others are injured or missing after a chemical explosion at the Nippon Dynawave facility in southwest Washington.

27 May

updated piece on the fatal Longview chemical accident, including: -one fatality confirmed, nine others xfer'd to hospitals -nine employees missing -tank remains "unstable," rescue efforts paused yesterday resumed this AM more info expected @ 1pm today. www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2...

Zachary Fletcher reposted

USA TODAY

@usatoday.com

27 May

At least one person was killed when a tank of caustic chemicals ruptured. Officials said they will resume searching for missing workers May 27.

bit.ly9 workers missing after fatal chemical tank explosion in WashingtonAt least one person was killed when a tank of caustic chemicals ruptured. Officials said they will resume searching for missing workers May 27.

kitsapsun.comWhat we know about a fatal chemical explosion at Longview facilityAuthorities confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries from an explosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company early Tuesday.

26 May

news from Longview, WA: Local authorities confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries related to a "major chemical explosion" via @usatoday.com network -> www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2...

Zachary Fletcher reposted

KUOW Public Radio

@kuow.org

20 May

Family and friends of 19-year-old Juniper Blessing remember her as intelligent, talented, and sensitive, highlighting her kindness and love of music.

kuow.orgJuniper Blessing, UW student fatally stabbed, remembered for her 'magnificent' voiceFamily and friends of 19-year-old Juniper Blessing remember her as intelligent, talented, and sensitive, highlighting her kindness and love of music.

kitsapsun.comWeather and traffic to help plan the upcoming Memorial Day in WAMemorial Day in Washington is Monday, May 25, in 2026. Rain and temperatures in the 60s and 70s are forecast across the state.

20 May

lots of weather and traffic to be on the lookout for this Memorial Day weekend. here's a bunch of it all put together! -> www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2...

omny.fmAn alarming number of gray whales are washing up dead in WA - Seattle NowGray whales are getting stranded on the Washington coast. This year alone, 21 whales have washed up dead, many of them malnourished. And that’s raising the alarm for scientists, who’ve been documentin...

19 May

great Seattle Now ep out today from @kuow.org on gray whale standings in the puget sound: omny.fm/shows/seattl...

Zachary Fletcher reposted

Mount St. Helens Archive (On Leave)

@mtsthelensarchive.bsky.social

May 18, 1980 | 8:32 a.m. The ground shudders. A M5.1 quake hits beneath Mount St. Helens. Weakened critically, the north face bulge collapses outward. Within seconds, a pyroclastic density surge bursts through the disintegrating slope. The clock strikes zero.

cascadiaresearch.orgWorking List of Gray Whale Strandings in 2026 – https://cascadiaresearch.org

I wrote a story about gray whale strandings last week and...it's already out of date. and so is this one (!). two more whales have stranded in the last week, bringing up the total to 21 for year so far. all of those strandings are tracked here: cascadiaresearch.org/working-list...

FOX 13 Seattle@fox13seattle.bsky.social

A 19th gray whale has been found dead on Washington’s coast, this time near Whidbey Island. bit.ly/4utb5vL

kitsapsun.comGray whale death adds to 'alarmingly high' strandings in 2026Another gray whale washed ashore in Washington last week, adding to the 'alarmingly high' strandings count for 2026 in the state.

it's an alarming start to the year and crazy to think this past week had three new strandings. here's that original story: www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2...

4 May

some news to share: today's my first day as a trending news reporter for @usatoday.com! I'm working from Seattle but covering news across the state. please drop me a line if something trends your way! I'm here -> zfletcher [at] usatodayco [dot] com

kitsapsun.comZachary FletcherZachary Fletcher is a reporter covering Washington state news for the USA TODAY Network. He is from Syracuse, New York and graduated from the University of Puget Sound and UC Berkeley’s Graduate Schoo...

here's my page on the USA Network site I'm working with, the Kitsap Sun! www.kitsapsun.com/staff/750646...

seattletimes.comNew memoir by UW dean explores his upbringing and the power of storiesEd Taylor spoke with The Seattle Times about growing up in a small town, feeling drawn to the power of stories and the metaphor of a river.

latest @seattletimes.com piece went up last week, and it was a great conversation to have with Ed. his new memoir came out last month with some upcoming events in Seattle -> www.seattletimes.com/entertainmen...

seattletimes.comFamily estrangement explored in new collection edited by Tacoma writerTacoma editor and writer Jenny Bartoy poses the question "Who are we without our families?" in the introduction of “No Contact: Writers on Estrangement."

30 Apr

2/2 my most recent piece is about a new anthology about estrangement called NO CONTACT. I spoke with the book's editor about her journey with the project and what it takes to bring 32 different voices together on one topic. www.seattletimes.com/entertainmen...