As Seattle settles into the rainy season, don't expect a sea of umbrellas on the sidewalks. Around here, they're as common as sunny forecasts in January.

Why it matters: In the Pacific Northwest, the humble umbrella isn't just a rain shield — it's a cultural lightning rod. For some, it's a beacon of rookie status, signaling a hesitance to embrace the city's "rain jacket only" ethos.

• But others see false pride sidelining a useful tool.

Driving the news: The majority of the 287 readers who responded to Axios Seattle's survey in November (82%) said they own an umbrella — yet only 6% reported using one exclusively when it's wet out.

• 60% opt for a rain jacket alone.

What you're saying: Many respondents said the region's typical drizzle combined with gusty winds means "proper rain gear" — from jackets to hats, pants and shoes — give better protection, reader MG McManus told Axios. An umbrella is simply "more trouble than it's worth," wrote Patricia Duarte.

• Light rains rather than downpours make umbrellas unnecessary, said David Fleishman. "I've been in Seattle for 37 years and I have never owned an umbrella."
• Why bother, wrote another reader who didn't give their name. It's "just one more thing to lose. Or to poke in someone else's eye."

The other side: Some readers pointed out that there are moments when an umbrella makes sense — like when braving the sidelines at a youth soccer game or protecting a sharp suit or a fabulous hairdo.

• "The only time I use an umbrella is when I am dressed up for an event and I've curled my hair," wrote Sue DuBois.

Between the lines: The disdain for umbrellas is a newer phenomenon, noted third-generation Seattleite Tina Riss Christiansen.

• Thirty years ago, locals proudly carried vibrant umbrellas decorated with fish, flowers and stripes, Christiansen wrote.

The intrigue: Umbrella usage may grow as the city gets more extreme weather and heavier rain.

The bottom line: "Use an umbrella when you need one to keep dry, suggests reader Roland Null. "You don't have to refuse to use one just to show your Seattleness."

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One Washington spot is among the most expensive small towns in America, according to a Lending Tree study.

Why it matters: These "micropolitan" areas — towns with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 — are giving the country's largest cities a run for their money in the real estate game.

By the numbers: Ellensburg ranked eighth among 50 U.S. micropolitan areas with a median home value of $418,000 — on par with Salt Lake City, LendingTree found.

• Two Oregon towns, Hood River and Astoria, came in seventh and 10th on the list, respectively.

What they did: LendingTree analyzed census data from the 2022 American Community Survey.

The bottom line: Swapping the city for small-town living might seem like a money-saving move, but with price tags like these, think again.

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📝 The Seattle City Council started accepting applications yesterday to fill its open District 2 seat. People can apply through Jan. 9 to replace Tammy Morales, who is resigning. (KING 5)

⚕️ The state Health Department is tracking weather-related health incidents — like heatstroke, frostbite and smoke exposure — with a new public dashboard. (KUOW)

What initially seemed like a release of pent-up demand for air travel immediately following the worst of COVID-19 now looks like a never-ending climb.

Driving the news: Record numbers of travelers took to the skies last year, according to the latest TSA data.

• Nearly 3.1 million people passed through U.S. airport security checkpoints on Dec. 1 (the Sunday after Thanksgiving) — an all-time agency high.
• 2024's numbers have consistently been above those of 2023, just as 2023's figures were above those of 2022, and so on.

Between the lines: This huge demand is partly why aviation leaders like United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby have been calling for more air traffic controllers and other improvements.

The bottom line: If your flights seem particularly jam-packed lately, well, you're not wrong.

Tell a frequent flyer

Just because you're drying out this January doesn't mean you need to stop drinking beer.

State of play: The increasing popularity of better-for-you beverages is leading to more nonalcoholic beer options.

• And the newest NA beers actually taste enough like beer to be satisfying.

What to know: We put roughly 50 NA beers in a variety of styles to the test.

• Here are the best NA beers, and other great sips:

Hazy IPA

Sam Adams Just the Haze and Athletic Brewing's Free Wave both burst with tropical fruits and finish with a soft mouthfeel.

• Also good: Mash Gang's Chug IPA, Untitled Art Non-alcoholic Juicy IPA, Brewdog Non-alcoholic Hazy AF, Best Day Hazy IPA and Gruvi Juicy IPA.

IPA

Athletic Brewing's Run Wild IPA is a go-to with the right balance of hops and malt.

• Also good: Boulevard Flying Start IPA.

Lager

Patagonia Provisions and Deschutes Brewing's Kernza Lager offers a classic and clean-flavored sip just like an alcoholic version.

• Also good: Untitled Art American Gold and Sierra Nevada Trail Pass Golden.

Pilsners, dark beers and more