The Sound Transit 2 Line that connects Redmond with Bellevue is ready to roll, nearly eight years after breaking ground.

Why it matters: The 6.5-mile line connects several Eastside communities with each other and will eventually link up with Seattle.

Driving the news: The eight-stop line from South Bellevue to the Redmond Technology Station opens midday Saturday.

• Riders should be able to get from the Redmond Technology Station to downtown Bellevue in 13 minutes, per Sound Transit.

What they're saying: "Ever since the Eastside community voted for Sound Transit, I've dreamed of a day when I can hop on a train in Redmond and quickly get to Bellevue. Now, that day is here," Redmond Mayor Angela Birney told Axios.

How it works: Trains will run every 10 minutes from 5:30am to 9:30pm every day, per Sound Transit.

• An ORCA card is the easiest way to pay and the only way to transfer between buses and trains.
• Fares range from $2.25 to $2.50 depending on how far you travel.

Fun facts: Opening day festivities are planned at each of the eight stations with a chance of prizes for people who check out all of them.

• Mario and Luigi, iconic characters from Nintendo, which has a corporate office in Redmond, will make a special appearance at the Redmond Tech Station.
• Birney, who rode the line on Thursday, said another highlight was "gliding by all the cars below that were stuck in traffic on 405."

Between the lines: With Sound Transit expecting about 6,000 daily riders to start off, businesses along and near the line are anticipating a boost to their trade, Birney said.

• Dote Coffee Bar under the bridge at the Redmond Technology Station saw a 30%-plus increase in business since Monday, she said.

The latest: The Bellevue Police Department announced this week it is rolling out a new police unit to"foster a safe and positive riding experience" for those using the new line through Bellevue.

What's next: Light rail service over I-90 to Mercer Island and Bellevue is expected to open sometime in 2025.

Share this story

Some Seattle Kraken and Reign games are coming to your TV for free.

Driving the news: Nine upcoming Reign games will be broadcast on KONG-TV and streamable on KING 5's app, and this fall, all Kraken games that aren't broadcast nationally will be available on either KONG or KING 5, per the teams.

• Kraken games will also be available on Amazon Prime Video.

Why it matters: We love our Seattle teams, but without accessible broadcasting, it can be challenging to keep up if you don't have the money or time to attend games in person or pay for streaming or cable — or if the games you want to watch aren't broadcast anywhere.

• This is especially true for women's teams like the Reign, even though industry analytics show increasing interest in watching them, per Nielsen.

What they're saying: "We look forward to teaming up on dedicated coverage that reflects the demand and growth we are experiencing in women's soccer, while also working together on community-based initiatives that impact our region," said Reign CEO Vincent Berthillot in a statement.

The intrigue: To team up with local TV stations, Kraken first parted ways with regional broadcasting partner ROOT Sports, which is owned by the Mariners.

• The Kraken is also the first team in the NHL to make a deal with Amazon.

What's next: Kraken games will begin airing on TV this fall, and Reign games will be broadcast on KONG on April 27; May 8, 19 and 24; June 9 and 23; July 7; and Sept. 21 and 29.

• Check local listings for specific time slots.

Tell a friend

🐻 The National Park Service announced yesterday that it plans to restore grizzly bears to the North Cascades.

• NPS plans to move grizzlies from the Rockies and British Columbia, but has no date set for when the transition will begin. (National Park Service)

✈️ After first-quarter losses, Southwest Airlines is suspending operations out of four airports, including Bellingham International Airport. (Axios)

🌹 Will you accept this rose, Seattle? "The Bachelorette" filmed in town this week, with stops at Pioneer Square, Kerry Park and Pike Place Market (reportedly for a fish-throwing date). (Seattle Times)

🌾 With most of the state under a drought emergency, Washington farmers are shifting their growing practices so crops can withstand erratic conditions caused by climate change. (Cascade PBS)

You'll find this niche in a caboose about an hour away

Where you can get brochures and maps and find a place to stay

Once promising, this city is no longer in its prime

For when its industry collapsed, it fell upon hard times

If you know where we are, hit reply to answer.