Free Republic

SEATTLE - The city of Seattle has reached a $1.5 million settlement of claims brought by the family of slain woodcarver John T. Williams, who was shot dead by Seattle Police Officer Ian Birk last August. The settlement was reached after a mediation involving representatives of the John T. Williams estate, Williams’ mother and the city. The Williams family, which earlier failed in its attempts to get criminal charges filed against Birk, expressed relief that the matter could be resolved early without extended and costly litigation. "This is one step towards justice, but it is only a step. Nothing can...

A D.C. police officer shot a dog in a gated community of Foxhall Crescents in D.C. Tuesday afternoon after it menaced the officer and a contractor, police said. The dog, a Chocolate Lab named Russell, left when the officer approached, police said, but returned as the officer and contractor were talking. The dog displayed an "aggressive posture" and the officer shot the dog, police said.