Here at Seattlest, we care about our readers. But more than our readers, we care about the city's most influential people, like politicians and journalists and public figures that are also hot messes. In fact, we care about them so much that we've come up with a list of Halloween costume suggestions for them that we think the masses would really enjoy. Also, because it is Friday afternoon, we decided to write a nice, fluffy softball article of no real relevance. more ›

Police, litigation, surveillance tapes. These are some of the common threads in today's headlines. If those don't sound enticing, however, we've got plenty of other news, including some positive budget announcements (for once), and an important announcement for West Seattle Metro riders. more ›

The City Council has put their stamp of approval on an agreement between the City and the County over the King County Jail -- one that would put the County's space to use, and sparing the City from having to build a new one. more ›

Dow Constantine pulls out the big guns, a deadline is revealed for Washington's new congressional district proposals, and a health care worker's union calls out the state legislature. All this (plus accountants behaving badly) in today's headlines. more ›

Tonight, Metro is holding the first public hearing regarding their budget shortfall, and Dow Constantine's proposal to keep the buses running. Even die-hard drivers will want to attend and make their voices heard. more ›

Metro reveals exactly which buses are facing the axe should a proposed car tab fee increase fail to pass, the head of Washington State prisons reveals the reason for his sudden resignation last Friday, and we reveal which initiatives are likely to show up on your ballot this November. more ›

King County Metro's motto tells you that they'll "get you there", but upcoming budget cuts may render even that slogan a lie. more ›

With Metro facing a nasty budget shortfall, Dow Constantine has proposed a temporary car tab hike to make up the difference. Can he close the gap and keep the buses rolling? more ›

A proposal to solve King County Transit's budget gap by raising car tab registration fees is likely to be heading to the ballot this November, according to several transit reports. The new fee, which would raise car tab rates by $20 for a two-year trial period, is expected to be formally announced by County Executive Dow Constantine tomorrow, who will bring the proposal to the King County Metropolitan Council for a vote. more ›

Hooray! The sun is finally out, and it's supposed to be around all weekend. What exciting news. Now, time for your PM buzzkill, from your friends in government, and here at Safety Seattlest. more ›

An official County inquest will probe the details of a 19-year-old man's death at the hands of King County Sheriff's deputies. more ›

The Mayor and the Executive get all kinds of friendly, as they agree to share the jail. Aww. more ›

Publicola's ECB reports that, wrapping up a 20-minute KUOW interview, King County Executive candidate Susan Hutchison offered what sounded like a challenge to her rival Dow Constantine: three debates, come and get it. (Constantine was making hay with Hutchison's infrequent public appearances during the primary.) But Dow told Publicola that debate arrangements are already in progress, and talks are ongoing with two TV stations about the logistics. ECB quotes Dow's comeback as: "Is she going to challenge me to a primary election next?" more ›

Publicola's ECB has a tea-leaf reading of yesterday's ballot drop that augurs well for Dow Constantine in the King County Executive's race. While Susan Hutchison (TV) is up on Dow (D) by almost 13 percent, the later ballots are trending Constantine's way. more ›

Starting today, the Sound Transit Link Light Rail line from Westlake to Tukwila is officially open. This weekend, everyone rides for free. (As of noon, that's been about 13,000 people.) Paid service starts on Monday. Transit officials said yesterday that the system is ready to go. Fourteen two-car trains are operating all weekend. On Monday, 14 trains will be operating during peak hours and 12 trains at all other times. more ›

The trains will open with service from Westlake to Tukwila on July 18. It will be free to ride on the 18th and 19th with paid service starting on Monday, July 20. The base ticket price will be $1.75 with a .05-cent increase with every mile. When the Tukwila to SeaTac section opens in December, it will cost $2.25 from Westlake to the airport. Trains come about every 7.5 minutes during peak times, and every 15 minutes otherwise. more ›

ELECTIONEERING: Do you make all your voting decisions based on the enthusiastic support of aging rock musicians? If so, tonight's your night, with the likes of Krist Novoselic, Dave Dederer, and Kim Thayil turning out at the Croc to support the electoral efforts of Dow Constantine to become the new King County Exec. Music will be provided, and there's a special VIP treatment if you can cough up $100 for a donation. more ›