Attention SeaTac Travelers: al-Qaida Threat Prompts Travel Alert

The State Department on Friday issued an alert to all air travelers, specifically international travelers, as the terrorist threat is thought to be based in or coming from the Arabian Peninsula.

City of Renton Invites Residents to Participate in National Night Out

The city marks the 30th annual event with a gathering at Philip Arnold Park on Tuesday, August 6 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and encourages neighbors to spend time together in the interest of community safety and prevention.

Public Meeting on King County Marijuana Zoning August 12 in Maple Valley

The event is one of four public meetings set on proposed zoning for marijuana-related businesses in King County.

Kirby Wilbur Steps Down as State GOP Chair

Kirby Wilbur, who has helmed the Washington State Republican Party since 2011, has resigned from his post as chairman.

Public Meeting on Eastside Rail Corridor Set for Wednesday

Those interested in learning more about the regional project are invited to attend an open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bellevue City Hall.

Reminder: Fate of King County Parks Levy Will Be Decided in Primary Election

The proposal would replace two expiring levies with a new six-year levy of 18 cents per $1,000 in value. Ballots must be returned by Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Burn Ban in Effect for King County Starting Monday

King County is issuing a fire safety burn ban in unincorporated areas of the County effective July 29, 2013.

Are You Ready for Tighter Boating Laws Effective July 28?

A BUI conviction will become a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a $5,000 fine and/or 364 days in jail.

State's Tobacco Quit Support to Shrink Starting Aug. 1

More than 147,000 people have received help from the Washington State Tobacco Quitline since it opened in 2000.

King County Purchases Mobile Home Park Along Flood-Prone Cedar River

The County is working to provide relocation benefits and assistance to affected tenants.

King Co. Jail May Loosen Immigration Hold Policy—What Do You Think?

The proposal would defy federal guidelines by allowing the jail to decline to hold certain inmates who are in the country illegally.

Road Work Alert: Section of S.E. May Valley Closed Wednesday

Southeast May Valley Road between 188th Avenue S.E. and S.E. 127th Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24.

Mount Rainier Officials to Rely Less on Helicopters During Rescues

Due to the changes in upper mountain rescue procedures, response times to injured parties may be longer.

Update: Renton Farmers Market Vendor Open One Week Following Closure by Health Inspectors

The Oak Hills vendor at the Renton Farmers Market was closed by a King County Public Health food inspector on Tuesday for not having available handwashing facilities.

Update: Final Round of Public Hearings Set for I-502

The Washington State Liquor Control Board recently approved 42 pages of rules for marijuana legalization.

Rep. Marcie Maxwell Resigns From State House to Join Gov. Inslee's Staff

The Democrat from Renton has been tapped as Gov. Jay Inslee's Senior Education Policy Adviser for K-12, early learning and higher education.

Autism Ads Pulled From Metro Buses—What Do You Think?

Seattle Children's Hospital was behind the campaign, which bore a photo of a young child with the message "Let's wipe out cancer, diabetes and autism in his lifetime."

County Executive Proposes Seattle Partnership in Transfer of Rural Development Rights for Preservation

The Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program has, to date, protected 141,500 acres of rural/resource land and includes parcels in and around Renton.

Contagious Measles Confirmed in SeaTac Passenger

King County health officials are warning that other travelers may have been exposed to the disease on July 4.

Renton Woman Appointed to State Commission on African American Affairs

Sara Franklin is a King County Metro transit operator from Renton and among four new appointments to the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs.

Online Voter Registration Deadline Ends Monday for August Primary

Monday, July 8, will be the last day to register to vote or update voter registration information online or in person in time for the Aug. 6 primary election, according to King County Elections.

Pot Plan Approved: Outdoor Grows Allowed, Sales Restricted to Lab-Tested Products

A final set of public hearings on the implementation of I-502 will be held in early August throughout the Puget Sound area.

Budget Wrap-up: College Tuition Frozen, Standard Pay Raises Suspended for Teachers

A $33.6-billion state budget was signed by Gov. Jay Inslee on Sunday, but the state senate adjourned without acting on a $10-billion transportation package.

State Senators Request Supreme Court Review of Valley Medical Alliance with UW Medicine

Sen. Pam Roach (R- rural Auburn) and Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Kent) have asked the Washington State Supreme Court to hear an appeal brought by the commissioners of King County Hospital District #1 (Valley Medical in Renton) against UW Medicine.

Slimmed-Down Version of DUI Bill Passes Through Legislature

Repeat offenders will be required to install automatic interlock devices in their vehicles as soon as charges are filed for their second DUI.

Sunset Area Community Plan Earns Renton 2013 Governor's Smart Communities Award

Governor Jay Inslee announced that Renton has been awarded a 2013 Smart Communities Award for the City’s Sunset Area Planned Action.

Lawmakers Reach Budget Deal in Olympia

The agreement would allow the state to avoid a major shutdown Monday.

Supreme Court Rules DOMA Unconstitutional

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional.

State Parks, Early Learning Set to Close in Possible Government Shutdown

The state issued a report today detailing what will happen if the legislature fails to pass a budget by July 1. Would you be affected by any of the closures?

King County Holds Semi-Annual Auction June 22

The County's semi-annual surplus vehicle and equipment auction will be held at the Fleet Administration Division of the King County Department of Transportation, 3005 NE Fourth Street. Bidding starts at 9 a.m.

Cedar River at Rainbow Bend Closed to Recreation on June 20

The river will be closed for a day to allow construction on a project to reduce flood risk and protect State Route 169.

Renton Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Chihuly Artwork

Michael Little admitted buying various pieces of generic glasswork and artwork over the Internet and falsely claimed to buyers that it was authentic Dale Chihuly work.

Letter to the Editor: Community Leader Announces Council Candidacy

Stuart Avery has filed to run for position No. 2 on the Renton City Council this fall.

Take-Back Program Would Tackle 'Epidemic' Prescription Drug Abuse in King County

Drug overdoses have surpassed car crashes as the leading cause of preventable death in King County.

Newcastle Massage Therapist's License Suspended After Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Matthew E. Usher of Maple Valley is accused of sexual misconduct with a patient during a massage treatment.

Eastside Transportation Town Hall Set for June 19

The meeting will focus on local transportation funding issues and infrastructure needs.

Fraternal Order of Eagles Donates $1,000 for Renton Heart Health Program

During the month of February the City of Renton Fire & Emergency Services Department, along with UW/Valley Medical Center, holds their annual “Heart Month” community outreach program throughout the city.

East King County Town Hall June 19 to Discuss Transportation

The public is invited to an open house and town hall meeting with elected leaders from cities and the county to learn more about critical infrastructure needs for roads, bridges and transit service.

County 4Culture Seeks Artists for Environmental Health Projects

The projects, in collaboration with the Local Hazardous Waste Manage Program, involve creating a comic book and short film to bring community awareness to the issue.

County Hosts Two Meetings June 19 on Flood Control District Projects

The projects involve placing large wood in rivers - the technique is used in levee repair and flood risk-reduction projects.