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To mask or not to mask, that is the pressing pandemic question

caption: Seattle Sounders fans wear masks as they stand during the singing of the national anthem before an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Sunday, May 2, 2021, in Seattle.
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Seattle Sounders fans wear masks as they stand during the singing of the national anthem before an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Sunday, May 2, 2021, in Seattle.
AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

Two weeks ago, the CDC recommended that fully vaccinated adults could visit establishments indoors without a mask. But our local health authorities caution against celebration just yet. Plus, a look at why we argue online and how we can make our disagreements more productive.

Individual segments are available in our podcast stream or at www.kuow.org/record.

Are you supposed to wear a mask indoors, or aren't you?

The CDC announced that fully vaccinated adults don't need to wear masks indoors, a statement that's led to confusion about the state of COVID transmission. Even with vaccination levels rising, local health officials say your mask should stay on. Bill Radke is joined by King County Public Health officials Patty Hayes and Dr. Jeff Duchin, who answer your questions about public health guidance and mandates.

Arguments online are a toxic mess. Here's how we fix them

A blue and black dress, the proper way to do PEMDAS, a political argument with your estranged uncle -- the internet has a way of making us argue. All the time. About everything. Is there a way to make our digital disagreements more productive? University of Washington Doctoral student Amanda Baughan and assistant professor Alexis Hiniker review their latest study in search of the answer.

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