The hero this city needs

Matt Paynton, AKA “Batman in Seattle,” saw the 1989 “Batman” film, and resolved to emulate the superhero in action and dress ever since. Before comic conventions took off, wearing the costume was just for Halloween. These days, the character brings nostalgia and hope to public and charity events across Seattle.

Meet SAM's conservators, preserving the museum's art with heart

How do the sculptures at Olympic Sculpture Park stay so shiny? How do the paintings in the Seattle Asian Art Museum hold their luster? Turns out it’s all thanks to SAM's art conservation department. This intrepid team maintains the integrity and structure of your favorite art across the city.

Can sports give an assist to a fractured democracy?

Regardless of identity or political leanings, so many people unify themselves by uniform. Teammates and like-minded fans often find themselves on opposite sides of societal issues while playing or rooting for the same team, which begs the question - can sports bridge divides in our democracy?

Your favorite ’90s musicians like you’ve never seen them before!

Photographer Mike Hipple followed up his book "80s Redux: Your Favorite Musicians Today" with "Lived Through That: ’90s Musicians Today," and boy does it live up to its predecessor. Nancy Guppy gets all the deets on the spontaneous moments, tricks of the trade, and near-mishaps that resulted in one-of-a-kind portraits of your favorite rockers.

Election help is here!

Overwhelmed by general election info? We feel it. That’s why we’re bringing you the 2021 general election Video Voters' Guide with introductions to candidates in 14 races, City Inside/Out debates for five major races, and more so you can start making decisions in the most stress-free way around. Read on, and remember to vote and turn in your ballot by November 2!

✅ Ballot in hand? If you're unsure about some of the local races, head to our Video Voters' Guide to hear video statements from candidates running for King County Executive, King County Council, Port of Seattle Commissioner, Seattle Mayor, Seattle City Attorney, Seattle City Council, and Seattle School Board.

✅Watch the Washington State Debate Coalition's two mayoral debates. First, candidates Bruce Harrell and M. Lorena González debated on business and the economy. Their second debate focused on public safety and public health.

✅Dive deeper with City Inside/Out. Watch debates with the candidates in five important races: Seattle Mayor, Seattle City Attorney, Seattle City Council Position 8, Seattle City Council Position 9, and King County Executive. Then, hear insights from three local journalists who are following the fall's biggest races.

✅ Learn how Seattle candidates running for mayor, city council, and school board would protect and bolster the diverse and creative community that makes Seattle a nationwide artistic hub.

✅ Ballot signed and sealed? Ballots must be postmarked by or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on November 2. Find a ballot drop box and plan ahead to avoid lines. 

✅ Not registered to vote? Don't delay; you can still register in person through Nov. 2.

✅ Need more help? For help getting a replacement ballot, changing your address, tracking your ballot and everything else ballot- and election-related, visit King County Elections' How to Vote website.

Check out the King County Elections website for more resources or to get assistance with anything and everything elections-related.

COVID-19 updates: Vaccination verification, mask mandates & vaccine locations

Free Vaccinations & Boosters

Free COVID-19 vaccinations are currently available to everyone 12 and older regardless of insurance, citizenship, or immigration status. Booster doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for some people. Learn who is eligible to get a booster shot at kingcounty.gov/covid/vaccine.

The City of Seattle and partners are offering free and accessible first, second, and/or booster doses at hubs across Seattle. Learn more at www.seattle.gov/vaccine. Visit Public Health – Seattle & King County for additional vaccination locations or consult with your primary care provider, if you have one.

Vaccination Verification

As of October 25, King County has implemented a countywide vaccination verification policy. People 12 years of age and older are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, a negative PCR COVID-19 test in the last 72 hours, or a negative rapid test result conducted on site in order to enter many events and establishments:

• Outdoor events with 500 people or more. Examples include professional and collegiate sports and entertainment events.
• Indoor recreational events or establishments regardless of size. Examples include professional and collegiate sports, performing arts and live music venues, movie theaters, museums, gyms, and conventions.
• Restaurants and bars, including indoor dining. This does not apply to outdoor dining, take-out customers, and places that aren’t primarily used for indoor dining such as grocery stores. Small restaurants and bars, defined as those with seating capacity for less than 12 people, will phase in on December 6, 2021.  

The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce has put together a Vaccine Verification Toolkit that provides businesses with resources to comply with King County’s new vaccine verification order.

Mask requirements

In Washington state, everyone 5 years of age and older, regardless of vaccination status, is  required to wear a mask in public indoor spaces, at larger outdoor events, and in outdoor public places when six feet of distance is not possible.

Testing

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get a free test, with or without an appointment, regardless of immigration or insurance status.

Need help?

If you need language interpretation, help finding a vaccination or testing site, or ADA accommodation, call the King County COVID-19 Call Center at (206) 477-3977, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

COVID-19 Resources