Other News

Nordstrom has jumped deeper into the luxury online retailing world by acquiring the "flash sale" website HauteLook for $270 million. The Seattle-based chain made the announcement on the heels of a report citing regular-price sales of "historically high levels."

A new TV ad created by the Washington Federation of state Employees claims that violence has increased at Western State Hospital – because of budget cuts by the state. 

The Seattle Times "Truthneedle" picked that ad apart and says it's misleading and "mostly false."

A wrong-way driver is suspected of causing a fatal crash on Interstate 5 at Marysville this (Friday) morning.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Keith Leary said a driver going north in the southbound lanes slammed into two other vehicles about 5:15 a.m. near the Tulalip Casino. As of 9 a.m. traffic was still backed up about 4.5 miles.

Making headlines around the Northwest this morning:

• Seattle Mayor Vetoes Tunnel Plan as Expected
• Arraignment in Kent Today in 49th Green River Killing
• Investment Firm Buys Majority Stake in Haggen Chain
• Boeing, Alaska Air Employees Awarded Bonuses

McGinn Vetoes Tunnel Plan in Symbolic Move

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn is staying out on a limb and keeping his election promises, using his veto power Thursday in a symbolic attempt to stop the tunnel along the Seattle waterfront from being built.

Making headlines around the Northwest this morning:

• Hundreds Protest in Seattle After Birk Decision
• Agreement Reached on Deficit Cutting Package
• Wet Snow for Parts of Western Washington
• More Charges in Lakewood Police Shooting Case

Surprise, Anger, Emotion Follow Birk Rebuke, Resignation

Protesters numbering in the hundreds marched from downtown Seattle to a Capitol Hill Police precinct following a day of dramatic developments in the case of Officer Ian Birk. In the span of a few hours Wednesday:

• The King County Prosecutor's Office announced it would not file criminal charges against Birk for the shooting death of Native American woodcarver John T. Williams.
• The Seattle Police Firearms Review Board reported its finding that Birk's shooting of Williams was unjustified. (Video here.)
• Officer Birk resigned from the Seattle Police Department.
  

With the Alaskan Way viaduct scheduled to be demolished in 2016, Seattle area residents are dreaming up possibilities for connecting the waterfront to the city. For decades, the viaduct has largely blocked Elliott Bay, unless you're driving on it or looking out of a high rise building. 

Tolls on the old 520 bridge across Lake Washington are coming soon--likely starting in April.

It's an all-electronic system, so there won't be an option to just throw some coins into a box. You'll need a special pass on the windshield of your car. The price of driving over the floating span between Seattle and Bellevue will vary, depending on the time of day.  

State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond put on a happy face as she reminded folks to get ready to pay as much as $3.50 each way at the height of rush hour.