The Seattle area's air quality is generally better than in many parts of the U.S. — but the region still experiences unhealthy levels of soot and smog pollution, according to the American Lung Association.

Why it matters: Exposure to smog and fine-particle pollution can harm lung function and contribute to diseases including strokes, heart attacks and diabetes, the group says.

The latest: The American Lung Association's annual "State of the Air" report ranked the Seattle-Tacoma area 8th worst nationally for short-term particle pollution.

• That means the region saw unhealthy spikes in soot and other tiny airborne particles that can lodge deep in the lungs and bloodstream.
• The Seattle-Tacoma metro area also received failing grades for ozone pollution — commonly known as smog — and year-round particle pollution, which measures average levels of soot in the air over time.

Yes, but: Out of more than 200 metros analyzed, the Seattle-Tacoma metro area ranked 64th worst for ozone pollution and 75th worst for year-round particle pollution — far from the nation's most polluted regions.

The big picture: Nearly half of children in the U.S. live in counties with a failing grade for at least one type of air pollution, the report found.

What they're saying: "Children need clean air to grow and play, and communities need clean air to thrive," Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, said in a news release.

• "Leaders at every level must act to improve and protect America's air quality."

Between the lines: The report's pollution grades include wildfire smoke, which has increasingly driven short-term spikes in soot pollution across the West in recent years.

• That differs from the approach used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which can exclude certain wildfire smoke events from air-quality compliance calculations.
• The ALA says the pollution still poses serious health risks regardless of where it comes from.

What we're watching: Local officials have expanded smoke preparedness efforts, including by opening cleaner-air shelters and by distributing indoor air purifiers.

• Meanwhile, Washington state is investing in cleaner transportation and electrification programs aimed at reducing air pollution.

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One of Amtrak's new Airo trainsets arrived at Seattle's King Street Station over the weekend — but it was only a test run.

Why it matters: The trains — which are set to debut later this year on the local Amtrak Cascades line — can travel at speeds of up to 125 miles per hour.

• They are billed as having higher fuel-efficiency and more modern interiors, among other upgrades.

What's next: The trains are now in their final stage of testing and route training on Pacific Northwest tracks, the final step before they enter service on later this year, Amtrak says.

Yes, but: They won't be available ahead of this summer's World Cup matches in Seattle.

• Instead, the Airo trains are expected to start operating in late summer or fall, the Washington State Standard reports.

📈 Seattle added about 11,500 residents over the past year, ranking fifth for population growth among large U.S. cities as many peers slowed or shrank. (KOMO)

☕ Starbucks says it will lay off 300 more U.S. employees and close multiple regional offices amid as the company's restructuring continues. (MyNorthwest)

Two Navy aircraft based out of Whidbey Island collided during an air show in Idaho yesterday, in a crash that was captured on video. All four crew members ejected safely. (AP)

Occidental Square is now home to signs greeting visitors to the World Cup in dozens of languages.

I happened to walk by Friday as these were being installed — and it definitely drove home that we're less than one month away from the first local match.

Seattle is hosting World Cup matches on June 15, June 19, June 24, June 26, July 1 and July 6, which will significantly affect traffic and parking around Pioneer Square and Lumen Field.