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Eviation, a Seattle-area aviation company known for its innovative electric aircraft, has reportedly laid off most of its staff, raising concerns about the future of its experimental passenger airplane, Alice. This development comes amid a challenging landscape for manufacturers in the aviation sector, which has been struggling with supply chain issues and market uncertainties.
Sound Transit will suspend light rail service between Capitol Hill Station and SoDo from February 14 through February 16, 2025, for critical systems integration testing in preparation for the upcoming 1 Line and 2 Line operations. Shuttle buses will replace the service during this period, running every 10-15 minutes to ensure passenger transport. This disruption is part of ongoing preparations for the full operations of the new light rail system connecting Seattle to the Eastside.
JOANN Fabrics and Crafts is set to close 21 stores in Washington as part of a nationwide plan to shutter approximately 500 locations amid ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The company cites inventory issues and a need to "right-size" its store footprint as key factors in this difficult decision, which has left many local customers disheartened. Longtime patrons express concerns about losing their go-to crafting supply source, emphasizing the therapeutic value of crafting in their lives.
A 17-year-old boy was injured in a robbery incident in Bellevue's Newport neighborhood early on February 14, 2025. The victim was assaulted by one of three suspects in a parking lot near the Newporter Apartments and was subsequently taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. Bellevue Police are investigating the case and seeking information from the public.
Four family members were arrested at a Yelm farm in Thurston County, Washington, where authorities discovered over 500 roosters bred for cockfighting, alongside numerous neglected livestock. The injured birds are being cared for by Joint Animal Services, while the healthier ones remain at the farm due to resource constraints. This incident highlights severe animal cruelty practices and the urgent need for intervention in such cases.
Five new appeals have been filed against Seattle's proposed growth plan update, joining existing appeals from the Friends of Madison Park. The appeals call for a more thorough environmental review, highlighting concerns over the potential impacts on local neighborhoods and the endangered Southern resident killer whales. As the city works to meet state housing requirements, public hearings are scheduled to address community concerns.
Seattle Police successfully apprehended a suspect in a gunfire incident on 18th Ave E, aided by snowy footprints left at the scene. The arrest followed multiple reports of gunfire near Stevens Elementary School, where officers found bullet holes in a vehicle and a recovered handgun. No injuries were reported, highlighting the effectiveness of community vigilance and police response.
A federal court in Washington has allowed a sex trafficking lawsuit against Choice Hotels to proceed, following claims that the hotel chain knowingly facilitated trafficking at a Quality Inn location in Kent. The lawsuit, filed under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, alleges that the hotel failed to act on clear signs of trafficking between 2012 and 2016. This ruling underscores corporate accountability in combating sex trafficking within hotel properties.
Light rail service between Capitol Hill and SoDo in Seattle will be temporarily suspended from February 14 to February 16, 2025, due to critical systems integration testing by Sound Transit. Shuttle buses will be provided to transport passengers during this period. This disruption is part of ongoing preparations for the future connection of the 1 Line and 2 Line light rail systems.
The City of Seattle is facing a significant wage theft lawsuit due to issues arising from its new payroll system, which has reportedly led to unpaid wages for city employees. This lawsuit highlights the urgent need for effective payroll management and accountability within local government operations, resonating deeply with Seattle's workforce and taxpayers.