A 35-year-old man in Renton, Washington, was arrested following a SWAT standoff after he allegedly fired shots at police officers. The incident began around 11 a.m. on Saturday when police responded to reports of gunfire and ended with the suspect surrendering after several hours, with no injuries reported.
Seattle restaurants and bars are uniting this weekend to support immigrant rights by donating a portion of their sales to local organizations. Over 150 businesses are participating in the fundraiser, which responds to the Trump Administration's crackdown on immigrants, fostering community involvement and awareness. Notable establishments like Life on Mars and Other Coast Café are actively contributing, emphasizing the importance of immigrants in various industries.
Three men have been arrested in connection with a shooting incident on I-5 North near Downtown Seattle, where a driver reported being shot at while on the road. The suspects were apprehended with spray paint cans and firearms, and the investigation is ongoing as authorities seek more information from potential witnesses.
The Bellevue City Council reported a 6% decrease in overall crime for 2024, alongside a successful recruitment effort that added 46 new officers to the Bellevue Police Department. The council also discussed land use code amendments aligned with state law and provided updates on the Innovation Forum aimed at enhancing community engagement and service delivery. Additionally, February was proclaimed as Black History Month, featuring an art exhibit honoring Pacific Northwest Black artists.
Bellevue is exploring the implementation of paid street parking in its densest neighborhoods to alleviate congestion and manage curb access. A community survey is currently open for feedback, and a virtual open house is scheduled for February 10, 2025, to discuss the Curb Pricing Study, which is part of the city's broader Curb Management Plan.
Winter weather has led to the suspension of residential garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste collection in Seattle and parts of Bellevue on Thursday, impacting many residents. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) advises residents to bring their carts inside and will allow double the usual waste on the next pickup day at no extra charge. For the latest updates, residents can check SPU's At Your Service blog and follow them on social media.
Winter weather has caused significant disruptions in Bellevue, leading to the cancellation or postponement of multiple city events scheduled for February 5 and 6, 2025. With a Winter Weather Advisory in effect, residents are advised to exercise caution when traveling, especially in hilly areas. The city has provided resources for weather preparedness in multiple languages to assist the community.
Washington lawmakers are evaluating a new bill aimed at enhancing judicial accountability and revising bail requirements in response to several high-profile legal cases. This legislative initiative is designed to address public concerns over the judicial system's effectiveness and transparency.
Bellevue police successfully recovered two stolen mini donkeys, Juan and Julio, in Fall City, WA, after a Good Samaritan alerted authorities. The donkeys were reported missing from Bellevue, and local law enforcement expressed gratitude for the community's assistance in the search.
Central Bar + Restaurant has recently completed a two-week remodel, enhancing its Pacific Northwest ambiance with modern design and flexible layouts suitable for various events. The updated menu now features 24 new items, including vegan options, affirming the restaurant's commitment to a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.
Theo Chocolate is closing its flagship store in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood and its Bellevue Square location on February 16, 2025, after nearly two decades of operation. The company will continue online sales and maintain partnerships with local retailers. The closure announcement highlights the company's gratitude for the community's support and invites customers to participate in final events before the stores close.
The Bellevue Downtown Association's Transportation Committee is updating its meeting structure and focusing on key areas such as the Mobility Implementation Plan and Curbside Management. Membership grants access to vital meetings and policy updates, encouraging community involvement in local transportation initiatives. Members are invited to join and contribute to the ongoing discussions and planning efforts.
The Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA) introduces the Ground Level Group (GLG), an affinity group designed to support smaller businesses reliant on vibrant street activity. This initiative aims to enhance public space vitality and will provide members with access to key committee meetings and policy updates. Membership inquiries can be directed to Matt Jack at the BDA.
The Bellevue City Council has unanimously approved over $1.8 million in funding for two affordable housing projects aimed at supporting low-income residents, including veterans and families with children. Additionally, the council endorsed a Housing Stability Program initiative, allocating funds for a transitional housing project that will assist refugee families. These efforts are part of Bellevue's ongoing commitment to address the city's urgent housing needs.
Downtown Bellevue's art scene is revitalized with the launch of "Art on the Avenue," a dynamic exhibition featuring local and international artists. Open from January 31 to March 31, 2025, this initiative, operated by Silverstein Properties, offers artists a platform free from commercial constraints, emphasizing community engagement and artistic expression.
Explore Downtown Bellevue's charm this Valentine's Day with a comprehensive guide featuring romantic dining options, unique gift ideas, and special events. Perfect for couples seeking memorable experiences, this guide highlights the best spots to celebrate love in Bellevue, Washington.
Meredith Everist, a principal at Baylis Architects, emphasizes the impact of well-designed environments on community experiences. Through her podcast, The Blackprint, she shares inspiring stories from architects of diverse backgrounds, advocating for greater representation in the field. Her recent project in Bellevue involved the successful conversion of a development into 108 affordable housing units, showcasing her commitment to innovative design.
The City of Bellevue is actively providing resources and support for its immigrant and refugee communities in response to potential changes in immigration policy. The city emphasizes the importance of safety and accessibility, encouraging all residents to report crimes without fear of immigration status inquiries. With multilingual assistance available, Bellevue aims to ensure that all community members have access to vital information and services.
Bellevue residents are invited to comment on the city's draft 2025 stormwater management plan during an upcoming Environmental Services Commission meeting on February 6. The plan, required by the state Department of Ecology, outlines the city's initiatives to comply with federal water quality standards under the NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit. Public feedback will be considered before finalizing the submission to state authorities.
The City of Bellevue is set to host the "Voices Unbounded" art exhibit, celebrating Black History Month and featuring the works of 21 Black artists from the Pacific Northwest. Originally scheduled for an opening reception on February 5, the event has been postponed due to inclement weather. The exhibit aims to highlight the significance of Black art and its cultural impact.