Lifestyle

Samsung unveils its latest Galaxy smartphones during a showcase in San Francisco on Wednesday, Feb....

Samsung rolls out more AI, new privacy shield mode with the new Galaxy S26 lineup

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Samsung on Wednesday unveiled its latest Galaxy smartphones, which boast an even bigger toolbox of artificial intelligence technology than the previous two generations and introduce a new privacy shield mode that blocks snoopy bystanders from sneaking a peek at the display screen. The upgrades on the Galaxy S26 lineup — arriving […]
8 months ago
FILE - A Waymo vehicle drives past a No U-Turn sign in San Bruno, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. ...

Waymo’s robotaxis now being dispatched in 10 major U.S. markets with expansion in Texas and Florida

Waymo will begin dispatching its robotaxis in four more cities in Texas and Florida, expanding the territory covered by its fleet of self-driving cars to 10 major U.S. metropolitan markets. The move into Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Orlando, Florida, announced Tuesday, widens Waymo’s early lead in autonomous driving while rival services from Tesla and […]
8 months ago
A board above the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange displays the closing number for the ...

Should higher earners still make 401(k) catch‑up contributions?

Since 2002, retirement savers age 50 and over have had the option of making “catch-up” contributions to their 401(k) plans, which stack on top of the regular limits for employee contributions to tax-deferred retirement plans. The amounts were limited to $1,000 per year when they first came out but expanded to $7,500 by 2025. In […]
8 months ago
Benaroya Hall Seattle renovations...
Jason Sutich

Seattle’s Benaroya Hall to close for 6 weeks this summer for $20M renovation

Seattle's Benaroya Hall, a popular performing arts venue, is set to briefly close in July as it undergoes renovations for "reimagined public spaces."
8 months ago
Actor Max Voehl, who plays the lead character Auggie, performs during the musical "Wonder" at the A...

In ‘Wonder’ the musical, young actors with facial differences find their voices onstage

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — When Max Voehl auditioned to play a young boy in the musical “Wonder,” he sensed he was playing a version of himself on stage. Voehl, who was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, has endured multiple surgeries like Auggie Pullman — 13 to Auggie’s 28. The 12-year-old from Utah […]
8 months ago
FILE - Hazel Soares, 94, center, gets her picture taken with some of her classmates before the star...

Why adults pursuing career growth or personal interests are the ‘new majority’ student

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Interested in starting a business, learning about artificial intelligence or exploring a new hobby? There’s a class for that. Millions of U.S. adults enroll in credit and non-credit college courses to earn professional certificates, learn new skills or to pursue academic degrees. Some older students are seeking career advancement, higher pay […]
9 months ago
First lady Melania Trump presents her 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian National Museum o...

Melania Trump donates her white and black-trimmed inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian

WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump said “it’s incredible” to see her white and black-trimmed inaugural ball gown on display at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. It’s the second inaugural gown she has turned over to the First Ladies Collection at the museum, following the donation of her 2017 gown. On Friday, Melania […]
9 months ago
This undated photo provided by Jenny Anderson shows Vivian Tu, personal finance content creator. (J...

‘Your Rich BFF’ Vivian Tu shares her favorite personal finance tips

NEW YORK (AP) — Are you intimidated by personal finance? Vivian Tu wants to help. Tu is known for her TikTok account, “Your Rich BFF,” where she makes entertaining videos about personal finance. Topics include how to negotiate your salary and practical tips for dealing with credit card debt. Tu, who refers to herself as […]
9 months ago
weekend spring seattle...
Paul Holden

Gear up for spring during a busy weekend in Seattle

The theme this weekend seems to be that people are ready to get back outside and get ready for spring. Just take a look at what's going on over the next couple of days.
9 months ago

Mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar, who created mirrored dreamscapes across Philadelphia, dies at 86

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia-based mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar, known for creating mirrored dreamscapes on buildings across the city, has died, according to a nonprofit art center he created. Zagar died Thursday at home of complications from heart failure and Parkinson’s disease, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens announced in a statement. He was 86. Born in Philadelphia, Zagar […]
9 months ago
Lennon Flowers, right, Project Director of The Parents' Network hugs Lori Schott, mother of Annalee...

Social media companies face legal reckoning over mental health harms to children

For years, social media companies have disputed allegations that they harm children’s mental health through deliberate design choices that addict kids to their platforms and fail to protect them from sexual predators and dangerous content. Now, these tech giants are getting a chance to make their case in courtrooms around the country, including before a […]
9 months ago
CHhildren drawing after school inside one of the classrooms at the Children's Promise Centers child...

New Mexico’s promise of free child care comes with a fiscal escape hatch

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An ambitious universal child care program aimed at fully footing the bill for working families across New Mexico is being enshrined into law, with state legislators making good on promises by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to make the state the first in the nation to offer such a program […]
9 months ago
PNW colleges suzzallo library university of washington...
Julia Dallas

2 PNW colleges listed among most beautiful in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure

Discover which Pacific Northwest colleges made Travel + Leisure's top 30 beautiful campuses in the U.S. and their stunning features.
9 months ago
Seattle Seafair winter...
KIRO 7 News Staff

Seafair hosts first-ever Winter by the Water event

This weekend, Seafair is hosting its first-ever Winter by the Water event. It’ll take place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. along the Seattle waterfront.
9 months ago
Trader Joe's opening woodinville washington...
Jason Sutich

Trader Joe’s expanding to new Washington city for first time

Trader Joe's has announced it is opening up its first location in Woodinville to add to its collection of nearly 30 stores across Washington.
9 months ago
U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe, in view of Independence Hall, departs after inspecting the locati...

Trump administration appeals order to restore George Washington slavery exhibit in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Trump Administration will appeal a federal judge’s order to restore a Philadelphia exhibit on the nine people enslaved by George Washington at his former home on Independence Mall. The Justice Department insists the administration alone can decide what stories are told at National Park Service properties. Park service workers last month […]
9 months ago
A board above the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange displays the closing number for the ...

5 Smart Ways to Diversify Your Portfolio in 2026

Portfolio diversification might sound like a chore, but it’s worth the effort in 2026, given how dominant the artificial intelligence trade was last year. Without some smart diversification, your “just fine” investment portfolio from 2025 may be vulnerable in 2026. “Investors don’t have to think there’s an AI bubble to be concerned about the concentration […]
9 months ago
The Reptile Zoo Monroe closes...
Jason Sutich

The Reptile Zoo permanently closes after 30 years in Monroe, citing poor attendance

The Reptile Zoo in Monroe closed its doors for good on Monday, after 30 years of operating as a family-owned roadside attraction along U.S. Highway 2.
9 months ago
John Mulaney The Gorge tour...
Jason Sutich

Comedian John Mulaney to headline The Gorge Amphitheatre this summer

High-profile comedian John Mulaney will host a show at The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington for his "Mister Whatever" tour this summer.
9 months ago
Raising Cane's...
Julia Dallas

Seattle’s first Raising Cane’s opens today

Raising Cane's is opening in the University District, at 345 University Way N.E., on Feb. 17, according to a news release from the company.
9 months ago

Lunar New Year prayers, robots and festivities usher in the Year of the Horse

BEIJING (AP) — People are marking the Lunar New Year on Tuesday with prayers, fireworks and festivities. The activities ushered in the Year of the Horse, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, succeeding the Year of the Snake. The Lunar New Year is the most important annual holiday in China and some other […]
9 months ago
lunar new year food seattle puget sound...
ARTHUR AU YEUNG

Best Lunar New Year restaurants and eats in the Puget Sound area

Lunar New Year is a holiday that celebrates prosperity, luck, and family unity. And nothing is more important to the holiday than celebrating it over some good food.
9 months ago
FILE - A real estate sign is shown at a home for sale in Houston, Jan. 13, 2021. (Melissa Phillip/H...

How the rich pass on their wealth. And how you can too

NEW YORK (AP) — Death and taxes may be inevitable. A big bill for your heirs is not. The rich have made an art of avoiding taxes and making sure their wealth passes down effortlessly to the next generation. But the tricks they use – to expedite payouts to heirs and avoid handing money to […]
9 months ago

Biodegradable Mardi Gras beads help make Carnival season more sustainable

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — It is Carnival season in New Orleans. That means gazillions of green, gold and purple Mardi Gras beads. Once made of glass and cherished by parade spectators who were lucky enough to catch them, today cheap plastic beaded necklaces from overseas are tossed from floats by the handful. Spectators sometimes pile […]
9 months ago