Pyrotechnician Tim Hoffman, left, carries a shell that he will place into one of the mortars as he helps set up fireworks on a barge Monday. (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times)
(Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times)
Weather

July Fourth weather forecast: High temps, fire danger across Western WA

As people head outside to celebrate Independence Day, fire agencies hope to avoid an “ignition event” caused by people or nature. VIEW

Independence Day

Where to see fireworks and other 2023 July 4th events in the Puget Sound area
Here’s where fireworks are and aren’t banned around the Seattle area
Why some people opt to not celebrate on July 4th
Will America be ready for its 250th birthday? VIEW

Politics

FILE – Michael Vickers, then Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict & Interdependent Capabilities, speaks with The Associated Press during an interview at the Pentagon, Nov. 16, 2007. One of the architects of the covert U.S. strategy against the Soviets in Afghanistan has published a new memoir. In “By All Means Available,” Michael Vickers calls on President Joe Biden’s administration to increase its support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russia.(AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, File) WX201 WX201

He was the CIA whiz kid in ‘Charlie Wilson’s War.’ His new book offers advice for the US in Ukraine

Opinion

School Supply Drive: Help kids start school ready to soar | Editorial
This July Fourth, reflect on immigrants' contributions and urge reform | Op-Ed
Don't set off fireworks — it's the patriotic thing to do | Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board
David Horsey
Wildfire threat looms large | Horsey cartoon

Local News

Ehab Anas, from Bermerton, relaxes while waiting for his wife pick him up at the Pioneer Square Habitat Beach in Seattle, on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Anas had just finished his night shift and his ferry was cancelled. “Its gorgeous out here.” he said. Between Colman Dock and Pier 48, a new habitat beach supports the waterfront ecosystem, including enhancing the salmon corridor by adding rocks and nearshore vegetation.

New beach gives a glimpse of Seattle's pre-settler past VIEW

Featured Columnist

Affirmative action ruling shows how marginalized groups are co-opted

Mental Health

WA Rep. Adam Smith shares his mental health challenges in new memoir
What’s behind the ‘momentous’ move to close a WA for-profit psych hospital
Federal judge blasts WA officials for mental health settlement failures
Tukwila psychiatric hospital to close, lay off nearly 300 staff

Business & Tech

FILE — Wildfires burning in northern Quebec, Canada, June 14, 2023. Wildfires are hurting many industries and could strain households across Canada, one of many countries reckoning with the impact of extreme weather. (Renaud Philippe/The New York Times) XNYT0658 XNYT0658

Canada offers lesson in the economic toll of climate change

Most Read Stories

Nation & World

Police investigate the scene of a shooting Monday, July 3, 2023 in Philadelphia. Police say a gunman in a bulletproof vest has opened fire on the streets of Philadelphia, killing several people and wounding two boys before he surrendered to responding officers. (Steven M. Falk/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) PAPHQ205 PAPHQ205

Gunman opens fire at random on Philadelphia streets, killing 5 before he is arrested, police say VIEW

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Food & Drink

The first of the new crop remains my favorite. Milk Drunk (2805 Beacon Ave. S.) opened mid-2020, and food critics with less of a sweet tooth than I focused praise on their sandwiches, rather than their exceptional soft serve. There are six flavors — two vegan, two not, two seasonal — and the dairy-based vanilla and malted chocolate swirl cone is an almost preposterous upgrade in texture and flavor compared to the fast food standard. They have bowls and classic cake cones, but the spiced sweetness of their waffle cone is a nice touch, as are add-ons like house-make hard shell. Bonus: it’s less than 300 feet from the Beacon Hill light rail station, removing the car from future nostalgia fests.

Sample 5 shops soft-serving ice cream (and nostalgia) in South Seattle VIEW

Pacific NW Magazine

A King County refugee program turned 2 hotels into communities of support

A year in the life of Afghan refugees housed in King County hotels

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Arts & Life

Ebey’s Landing has something for everyone, but it’s hard to beat the Bluff Trail, which has stunning westward views to the Olympic Peninsula.

Seeking saltwater? Try 8 beach hikes around Puget Sound this summer

Photography

Bothell does not procrastinate when it comes to the Fourth of July, with multitudes of chairs already allowed along the city’s parade route, seen here on Main Street, Sunday, July 2, 2023. City signs up stating “advance chair placement begins July 1” helped start things going.
Local News

In Bothell, they’re already staking claim to spots on July 4 parade route VIEW

Racing Louisville FC defender Elli Pikkujamsa tries to hold back OL Reign forward Elyse Bennett during the first half. 224323
Reign

Photos: OL Reign vs. Racing Louisville FC VIEW

Bryce Miller comes out for his start Friday night against Tampa. 224267
Mariners

Photos: Mariners vs. Rays VIEW

Jewell Loyd gets the turnover of Minnesota’s Bridget Carleton in the first half. 224267
Storm

Photos: Storm lose to Lynx in OT, 99-97 VIEW