The Latest

Casual Friday with Chase Hutchinson and Vaughan Jones

This week… Washington was rocked by what Governor Bob Ferguson is calling “one of the worst natural disasters in state history.” But luckily, people are stepping up to help. A West Seattle holiday light display is back on track after being knocked out by last year’s bomb cyclone. And the Stranger’s December issue is full of complaints about Seattle - we have some ideas. Film Critic Chase Hutchinson and Seattle Now Producer Vaughan Jones are here to break down the week.

Law & Courts

What we could learn from the Justice Department's Epstein files release

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with investigative reporter Vicky Ward about what could be revealed in the Justice Department's Epstein files.

Politics

Trump signs executive order that could ease marijuana restrictions

Trump's executive order stops short of legalizing marijuana for recreational use, but will allow more research and medical treatment, and will clear the way for Medicare to cover some cannabis-related treatments.

Politics

Friday is the deadline to release the Epstein files. Here's what to expect

Friday is the deadline for the government to release files related to the life and death of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and there are still questions about what will be published and when.

Food

Meet the new WaPo food critic who won't dine in anonymity

NPR's Leila Fadel tags along for lunch with Elazar Sontag, the Washington Post's new food critic.

National

What to watch for in this weekend's College Football Playoff first round

An unpredictable and exciting college football season is coming to a close. This weekend's first-round slate is set up for two tight games and two blowouts — but in the playoffs, anything goes.

National

Morning news brief

The suspect in the Brown University shooting was found dead, police say, Friday is the deadline for the DOJ to release the Epstein files, Trump to add his own name to the Kennedy Center.

World

Cuba on edge as U.S. moves against Venezuela risk fuel shortages and deeper isolation

Cuba is watching nervously as the U.S. ramps up pressure on Venezuela, threatening a lifeline and deepening the island's isolation.

World

After years of war, Palestinians in Gaza bring back Christmas celebrations

Palestinians in Gaza are slowly bringing back Christmas celebrations after more than two years of war. The Holy Family Church in Gaza City gathered this week to decorate the church.