New and returning theater shows cover the Big Issues (with laughs); Microsoft ‘shopping extension’ said to take influencers’ commissions; Ferguson talks of family at his inaugural; Biden talks of dangers to democracy.

Gov. Jay Inslee’s tenure ends while Bob Ferguson’s begins; ‘less-lethal weapons’ bill advances in City Council; Boeing’s market share shrinks a lot; NY investor bets big on ‘affordable’ housing here.

Things to see in southeast Seattle; WA Legislature gets underway; 20 candidates apply to replace Tammy Morales on City Council; guy allegedly tries to stop friend from driving drunk—by shooting him.

Last chance to see the Icelandic digital fake flowers; local Jimmy Carter tribute; Ferguson orders budget cuts to most state govt. departments; Eddie Bauer merging with JCPenney.

Mama’s Mexican Kitchen building razed; Jackson’s Catfish Corner folds; Seahawks win last game but miss playoffs due to tiebreakers; Bill Nye gets a Medal of Freedom—of Science!

Painter documents city’s changing scenes; Amazon office workers now expected back every day; more light-rail maintenance disruptions coming; trans people moving to WA to escape MAGA 2.0.

The Ins and Outs for the resistance-centric year ahead.

AI scientist sees the ‘code’ in biology; Harvard Exit theater cofounder dies; Maserati SUV shot at near Aurora, Merchant’s Cafe not closing for good after all.

Remembering a vital music journalist and zine editor; another deadly Boeing plane disaster; Seattle’s oldest restaurant/bar closes tonight; Jimmy Carter’s proud legacy.

Pike Place thrives while most downtown retail doesn’t; will anyone run against Harrell for re-election?; new orca calf spotted in the Sound; my annual Boxing Day sermonette.

Nordstrom family taking chain ‘private;’ Starbucks strike expands; last Pecos Pit BBQ locations closed; victory in racial-discrimination suit against Seattle Children’s.

‘Human composting’ parlor marks five years; another windstorm knocks out power to many; Seattle’s shelters improve on services but remain crowded; Machinists hope to unionize Boeing plants in South Carolina.

Remembering Seattle Times music writer Patrick MacDonald (and Kraken co-owner David Bonderman); big grocery-merger plan scrapped amid new lawsuits; an ‘adult cabaret’ (NOT a ‘strip club’) planned for Ballard.

Cornish College merging into Seattle U; judge rejects Boeing/FAA plea bargain deal; West Seattle teen fatally shot; a ‘strong earthquake’ off the Pacific coast led to a tsunami warning.

Tammy Morales quits City Council; legal-aid lawyer runs for city attorney; Teamsters file union-bashing charges against Costco; HomeStreet Bank merger’s off.