A sign advises shoppers to wear masks outside of a store Monday, July 19, 2021, in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles. Infections are climbing across the U.S. and mask mandates and other COVID-19 prevention measures are making a comeback in some places as health officials issue increasingly dire warnings about the highly contagious delta variant. But in a possible sign that the warnings are getting through to more Americans, vaccination rates are creeping up again, offering hope that the nation could yet break free of the coronavirus if people who have been reluctant to receive the shot are finally inoculated. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / The Associated Press)
A sign advises shoppers to wear masks outside of a store Monday, July 19, 2021, in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / The Associated Press)
Health

The ‘fifth wave’ of COVID-19 is here. What you should know about the delta variant and masking

The delta variant now makes up most new cases of infection in Washington state as the "fifth wave" of the pandemic here begins to take off. So what does delta mean for mask recommendations -- or mandates?

Olympics

Rapinoe converts and US gets past Netherlands on penalties VIEW Updated

A foot bridge crossing the south fork of the Sauk River that leads to the entrance of the ghost town of Monte Cristo.
Outdoors

History in the hills: 2 classic Pacific Northwest hikes for history buffs VIEW

The Winema Hotshots began a strategic firing operation about 2:00 pm Tuesday afternoon, July 27, 2021. They are working from Sweet Grass Butte south to tie into a dozer line. (Courtesy of Okanogan National Forest)
Environment

Methow Valley's miserable summer of fires and heat brings early end to tourism season

Don't Miss

Ben Burr-Kirven warms up for thursday’s practice. The Seattle Seahawks held camp Thursday, July 29, 2021 at the VMAC in Renton, WA. 217730
Seahawks

Seahawks’ Ben Burr-Kirven appreciates ability to learn from Bobby Wagner

Visitors to Seattle Center’s Mural Amphitheatre lawn watch The Princess Bride on the opening night of Movies at the Mural in 2016.
Events

Movies under the stars and more fun things to do around Seattle

Bob Cummins rowed at the University of Washington and later helped found the Lake Stevens Rowing Club.
Huskies

Former Husky Bob Cummins, a ‘giant’ of the Northwest rowing scene, dies at 72

Editorial

In the Aug. 3 primary, voters should choose candidates to lift Seattle to better days

More Top Stories

SPD Captain Steve Hirjak, who was demoted from assistant chief after the protests and is filing a $5.48 million discrimination and retaliation claim against the city, is seen Thursday, July 29, 2021 in Issaquah. 217773
Local News

Seattle police commander files $5.48 million claim, alleging Chief Diaz falsely blamed him for ‘pink umbrella incident’ WATCH

Local News

AME Zion Church removes bishop after alleged misconduct

The Washington State University campus in Spokane is shown before the start of classes in August.
Education Lab

WSU to lead new research institute to apply AI innovations to farming

The scene near the 2800 block of SW Roxbury Street Thursday night in White Center.
Crime

Shooting in White Center leaves one dead

Crime

Man arrested for sexual attack in King County courthouse restroom

Politics

FILE – In this Saturday, July 24, 2021, file photo former President Donald Trump speaks on a variety of topics to supporters at a Turning Point Action gathering in Phoenix. Trump urged senior Justice Department officials to declare the 2020 election results “corrupt” in a December phone call. That’s according to handwritten notes from one of the participants in the conversation. The notes of the Dec. 27 call were released Friday by the Democratic-led House Oversight Committee. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File) WX108 WX108

Justice says IRS must give Trump tax returns to Congress Updated

How Ashli Babbitt went from Capitol rioter to Trump-embraced martyr
President Joe Biden speaks with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee via teleconference during a meeting with governors to discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen wildfire prevention, preparedness and response efforts, and hear firsthand about the ongoing impacts of the 2021 wildfire season in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House Campus in Washington, Friday, July 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) DCAH123 DCAH123
Biden, meeting with Western governors, calls for more resources to fight wildfires VIEW
Senate advances nearly $1 trillion infrastructure plan Updated
Trump urged Justice officials to declare election ‘corrupt’ Updated
Evictions are about to restart as tenants wait on billions in unspent rental aid
We asked mayoral candidates 10 questions about Seattle. Take the quiz yourself, then see how they answered. WATCH
Biden's push to vaccinate federal employees forces uncomfortable questions Updated

Local News

SPD Captain Steve Hirjak, who was demoted from assistant chief after the protests and is filing a $5.48 million discrimination and retaliation claim against the city, is seen Thursday, July 29, 2021 in Issaquah. 217773

Seattle police commander files $5.48 million claim, alleging Chief Diaz falsely blamed him for ‘pink umbrella incident’ WATCH

Featured Columnist

How the City Council left Seattle in a no man’s land on crime

Education Lab

Summer school in Seattle: ‘It’s hard for us to know if he is truly accessing education’

Upbeat image of massive Best Starts for Kids levy doesn’t tell King County voters full story

What we learned from examining King County’s Best Starts for Kids levy

Parents are returning to work, but Seattle’s child care industry continues to struggle with COVID-19 impact

Washington kids are behind on routine vaccines, at risk of missing the start of school

Business & Tech

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and space tourism company Blue Origin, participates in post launch briefing from its spaceport near Van Horn, Texas, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) OTKTG104 OTKTG104

GAO denies Jeff Bezos’ attempt to overturn NASA’s lunar lander award to SpaceX

Featured Columnist

When we say ‘affordable housing,’ we mean one of America’s biggest dilemmas

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Nation & World

This Jan. 2, 2016 photo shows the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Mercer Street off Cape Town, South Africa. The oil tanker linked to an Israeli billionaire reportedly came under attack off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, authorities said Friday, July 30, 2021, as details about the incident remained few. (Johan Victor via AP) ARE106 ARE106

Ship tied to Israeli billionaire attacked off Oman, 2 killed

Most Read Stories

Coronavirus

FILE – In this July 19 2021 file photo, employees check out customers at 2nd Street second hand store in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles. New evidence showing the delta variant is as contagious as chickenpox has prompted U.S. health officials to consider changing advice on how the nation fights the coronavirus. Recommending masks for everyone and requiring vaccines for doctors and other health care providers are among measures the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering, Friday, July 30. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) NY109 NY109

Study: Vaccinated people can carry as much virus as others VIEW

Food & Drink

Monday, July 19, 2021. Seattle chef Rachel Yang speaks out about sexual harassment in the restaurant industry and the problematic James Beard Award. She is photographed at Revel in Fremont. 217677

Seattle chef Rachel Yang speaks out about harassment in the industry — and the problematic James Beard Awards

Pacific NW Magazine

Beth Takekawa, who will retire from Wing Luke Museum after 14 years as executive director and more than 20 years at the museum, stands in the old Yick Fung Co. general store, which museum patrons get to see when they are part of a tour at the museum. One thing she loves about the store is the smells from the spices. Shot Thursday, June 17, 2021. The museum focuses on the history, culture and art of Asian Pacific Americans and is an important part of Seattle’s International District. 217369

Wing Luke Museum, a model of community and commitment, is poised for success after Beth Takekawa's retirement

Editorials & Opinion

A middle path to climate-smart forestry | Op-Ed

Featured Columnist

Sen. Cantwell on local news and keeping Americans informed

Horsey Cartoon

Impasse at the intersection of compassion and civic duty

Sports

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Philipp Grubauer (31) knocks the puck away against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series Sunday, June 6, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) NVJL114

Analysis: Answering key questions as the Kraken’s roster starts to take shape during NHL free agency

Featured Columnist

Seahawks’ Ben Burr-Kirven appreciates ability to learn from Bobby Wagner

Arts & Life

Drummer Jerry Granelli, who died July 20, recorded with pianist Vince Guaraldi on “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and, who, as a teacher at Seattle’s Cornish College of the Arts in the 1980s, helped shape an extraordinary generation of young players who went on to successful careers in New York.

Jerry Granelli, drummer behind ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ and former Cornish instructor, dies at 80

4 compelling and graceful books for ballet lovers

Newspaper archive: free access with your subscription

Explore daily life in our region all the way back to 1895.

Photography

WESTLAKE PARK – HALLOWEEN IN JULY – LO-LINES ONLY- 072521 Vernie Stoneberg, 8, has his picture taken during a Halloween in July event on July 25, 2021 at Westlake Park. The event was part of the Welcome Back Weeks initiative and featured costume contests, trick-or-treating and thriller dance classes and live music performances.
Local News

Seattle trying variety of tricks and treats to lure people back downtown

Dylan Moore of the Mariners gets the first of three liquid baths after the M’s beat the Astros on Moore’s grand slam Monday, July 26, 2021 in Seattle. Getting out of the way at right is Jen Mueller who was interviewing Moore for Root Sports. 217746
Sports

Photos: Grandma, get out the rye and mustard! VIEW

Kari Kussmann leads the way as she and friend Dave Levine head down the ramp at Constellation Park in West Seattle to paddle board in the Sound. The boards are light and Levine estimated them to weigh 15-pounds. They’re using inflatable boards that pack up into carrying bags. Inflated to 12-PSI. REF To MORE online LO Linesonly Sunday July 25, 2021 217738
Local News

With portable boards, you have to pump before you can paddle

It’s a hair-raising set as Haley Graves rocks the Occidental Square stage at “Welcome Back Seattle”, part of Downtown Summer Sounds on Saturday. It featured live music, art installations and more. Sunday, more events continue in Westlake Park. Ref to more photos online LO Occidental Square Saturday July 24, 2021 217734
Local News

Summer music welcomes listeners to downtown Seattle VIEW