Canadian Wildfire Smoke Expected Over Washington, Starting Friday

Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia is expected to drift overhead in Washington, but officials expect minimal air quality impacts.

Emergency Room Visits Surged In King County During Record Heat

While the recent heat wave was historic, King County's top health official said people should prepare for extremes to become the new normal.

Washington Celebrates Reopening Day As Most Restrictions Lift

Gov. Jay Inslee embarked on a "Washington Ready" tour Wednesday, speaking in Tacoma and Spokane ahead of planned stops in Seattle Thursday.

Washington State Is Reopening This Week. Here's What You Need To Know

From mask rules to where you can go around town, Crosscut answers your questions about what life without COVID restrictions may look like.

Inslee Lifts Capacity Cap For Some Washington Cooling Centers

The governor lifted pandemic capacity limits for eligible cooling centers, allowing them to welcome more people during the record heat wave.

Seattle Opens More Cooling Centers, Emergency Heat Shelters

Seattle is adding more cooling centers and emergency shelter options for those who need to escape the dangerous heat ahead.

29 Seattle Pools, Beaches And Spray Parks Are Open This Weekend

A variety of pools, beaches, spray parks and libraries are open this weekend to help Seattleites cool off amid a record-breaking heat wave.

WA DOH: More Vaccination Necessary To Contain Pandemic

Case counts and hospital admissions are on the decline, but state health leaders are concerned the vaccination rate isn't keeping pace.

COVID Vaccine Research Continues With Help Of Trial Participants

As the world reopens, a few community members are still putting their bodies on the line for science in UW research for another vaccine.

Failure At WA Chlorine Plant May Force Some To Conserve Water

The state says drinking water will remain clean and safe, but some towns may have to ask residents to limit water use.

King County's Daily COVID Counts Fall To Double Digits

New COVID-19 cases have declined 81 percent since late April, with hospitalizations falling by three-quarters.

'Murder Hornet' Found Near Seattle Is First Found In US This Year

Scientists have found a dead Asian giant hornet north of Seattle, which they suspect is unrelated to last year's hornet sightings.

King County Hits 70% Vaccination Target; Mask Mandate Ending Soon

King County is the largest county in the nation with more than 70 percent of its residents 16 and older fully vaccinated.

'I Got Lucky': $250K Vaccine Lottery Winner Claims Prize

Lottery officials on Thursday released a statement from the man who won Washington's first $250,000 prize for vaccinated residents.

When Washington Reopens, Some Restrictions Will Remain: Inslee

Washington has committed to fully reopening by the end of the month or earlier, but some familiar requirements will be sticking around.

Seattle Is America's Most Vaccinated Major City, Mayor Says

Seattle is the first large city in the U.S. to fully vaccinate 70 percent of residents 12 and older, Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Wednesday.

WA Middle Schoolers Get Vaccinated As Districts Expand Access

Unlike with other vaccinations like measles, school districts won’t be requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for attendance in the fall.

New Modeling Shows Vaccination Is Shrinking Case Counts

COVID-19 transmission is on the decline, but the DOH says the vaccination rate will still need to increase in order to end the pandemic.

500 Days Of COVID: As Pandemic Wanes, Health Leaders Look Back

Friday marked the 500th day of the pandemic response in Washington, and health leaders are using the day to reflect on all that's changed.

Looking To Escape Wildfire Smoke In WA This Year? A New Tool Could Help

Less than a year after Puget Sound's last major bout of wildfire smoke, the state Department of Ecology has a new tool in its toolbelt.

23 Suspected Norovirus Cases Linked To Shoreline Habit Burger

Public health officials said six unrelated parties fell ill after visiting a Shoreline restaurant between May 21 and May 24.

'Care-A-Van' Brings Vaccines To Communities Struggling With COVID

A new program from the Washington State Department of Health is working to get more vaccines to the communities that need them most.

Warm, Sunny Days Ahead Following Hot Memorial Day

Sea-Tac Airport recorded a high of 80.1° Monday, and while it won't be that hot the next few days, it will remain pleasant through midweek.

Seattle Will Close Most City-Run Mass Vaccination Sites In June

Citing high vaccination rates, which outpace much of the state, Seattle will wind down most of its mass vaccination sites next month.

As Weather Heats Up, Coast Guard Stresses Water Safety

While it is getting warmer out, the water is still cold and much more dangerous than it looks.

'Honor System' For Masks Enough For Compliance: Inslee

Gov. Inslee has issued a proclamation officially updating the state's mask guidance to match the recent CDC changes. Here's how it works.

COVID-19 Trending Downward In WA Thanks To Vaccination: DOH

The DOH now estimates that more than 36.5 percent of Washingtonians are fully immune to the coronavirus, which is limiting transmission.

King County Reinstates Mask Mandate For Indoor Settings

King County's health officer has signed an indoor masking directive to stay in place until 70% of residents 16 and up are fully vaccinated.

Keep Wearing Masks Indoors, King County Health Officer Urges

Dr. Jeff Duchin on Monday encouraged vaccinated and unvaccinated people alike to keep masking up in indoor public spaces for the time being.

Washington's Latest E. Coli Outbreak Linked To PCC Yogurt: DOH

The outbreak has now sickened a total of 11 people, seven of which have been hospitalized for severe symptoms.

WA Grocery Stores, Retailers Adapting To New Mask Guidance

New CDC guidance says fully-vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks in indoor settings. Here's what's changing locally.

King County Is Safe In Phase 3, With Future Rollbacks Unlikely

All counties will be eligible for Phase 3 on Tuesday, regardless of the metrics, as Washington heads toward a full reopening next month.

Washington Will Fully Reopen By June 30 Or Earlier: Inslee

All counties will drop restrictions by the end of June, and the state can reopen sooner if more people get their shots quickly, Inslee said.

COVID Cases Drop 20% As King County Looks To Vaccinate More Teens

King County appears to be "turning the corner" on the fourth wave, seeing fewer cases and hospitalizations, Dr. Jeff Duchin said Wednesday.

E. Coli Outbreak Causes Sickness In Multiple Washington Counties

At least six people have been sickened, though health officials warn more reports may be coming.

Pfizer Vaccine Cleared For Use In Kids Ages 12-15 In Washington

The Washington State Department of Health is now recommending the vaccine be used for anyone 12-years-old or older.

WA DOH: Too Soon To Tell If Case Counts Have Plateaued

There are signs that the recent wave of transmissions is evening out, but doctors say we'll still have to wait before declaring victory.

Why Our Public Memory Is Key To Post-Pandemic Recovery

For many people, even without true herd immunity, the American desire to move on has kicked in.

Seattle Refocuses Mobile Vaccination Efforts On Younger Adults

Seattle is deploying its mobile vaccination teams to reach younger adults where they live, work and play.

Red Cross Blood Drive Coming Up In Seattle Area

There's a Red Cross blood drive being held near you.

Flu Season Sends People To Their Doctors In Droves

Visits to the doctor for the flu haven't been this high since 2009.