GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- Traveling to our nation's capital will be easier starting Wednesday. Non-stop service to Washington DC is kicking off. 

If you like to fly United Airlines, you'll now have another international option. So far Grand Rapids International Airport has 23 markets, 6 served by United Airlines.

There will be an inaugural flight at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport round 9:00am after a speech from the airline and airport. City leaders, businesses, and passangers are invited to the celebration.

Washington DC is the 6th largest market for Grand Rapids.

This isn't the airport's first expansion this year. Earlier this year, it announced Southwest would be expanding as well, adding more domestic flights to Denver and St. Louis.

This may sound like an early notice to some people, but the 3rd Annual Grand Rapids Triathlon is really not that far off. Mark your calendars for June 9th if you are interested in participating. This event benefits Kids Food Basket.

Approximately 1500 athletes sign up for this event that brings thousands of spectators to the Ada/Cascade area.

If you feel you would like to get involved and volunteer to help with this event, you can register at www.grandrapidstriathlon.com  Additional information is available also by contacting Andy Vidro, Co-Director at andy@tris4health.com or call 616-805-3059

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM/AP) -- Grand Rapids says recent flooding sent 429 million gallons of partially treated sewage into the Grand River. The overflows occurred at retention basins where wastewater doesn't get a complete treatment.

West Michigan Environmental Action Council spokesman Dan Schoonmaker says it wasn't raw sewage. He says there were worse threats to the environment during intense rain and floods in the Grand Rapids region.

Thursday the Kent County Health Department tested the water at several sites along the Grand River. Test results released Friday afternoon show lower than expected levels of E. coli in the water. However, experts need three more days of test results before they can consider the water to be safe.

As a result, a no-contact advisory for the Grand River remains in effect throughout Kent County until further notice.