Rain this afternoon, high 59. Latest forecasthere.
Making headlines around the Northwest:
- $32 Billion Dollar Deal Closes State Budget Gap
- Auburn Shooting Suspect Arrested Dressed as Woman
- 3 Seattle Officers Suspended for Foul Language
- Seattle 4th of July Fireworks a Go
House Passes Budget Deal, Hours After Unveiling
House lawmakers have given tentative approval to a state spending plan that cuts teacher pay and makes other massive reductions in education spending.
The measure passed Tuesday evening by a 54-42 margin, just hours after budget writers from both parties unveiled the plan.
Supporters of the measure acknowledge that the budget makes painful cuts, but they say it is sustainable and necessary during the economic downturn. Many Republicans voted against the plan, with some saying the spending was still excessive and others saying the cuts to education were unacceptable.
The budget includes a 1.9 decrease in teacher pay and a 3 percent salary cut for other K-12 workers.
The bill now moves to the Senate, which is expected to take it up today (Wednesday).
Teen Wanted in Auburn Shooting Tried Disguise as a Girl
Officers have arrested a 16-year-old wanted in a fatal Auburn shooting after he showed up at his mother's house in Kent disguised as a girl. Auburn police Commander Mike Hirman says James Anthony Mills had cut his dreadlocks and was wearing a wig, dress and high-heel shoes.
Mills was booked into jail last night for investigation into murder in the Sunday death of 16-year-old Adrian Wilson. The two teens had purportedly fought over a girl.
Three Seattle Cops Suspended for Using "Gutter Language"
Seattle police officers have been reminded to watch their language.
Three officers have been suspended for using vulgar words in March of last year while dealing with suspected gang members.
KING-TV reports one officer was suspended for 15 daysand two others for 20 days.
The officers said the language was justified in dealing with "obvious gang-bangers." But the office of accountability said profanity is unprofessional.
July 4th Fireworks Show at Lake Union a Go
Organizers of Seattle's Fourth of July fireworks say they've raised enough money to put on this year's show over Lake Union.
Last year's celebration, produced by One Reel, was almost canceled after a lack of funding due to the tough economy. To avoid a repeat, organizers started fundraising last July. Instead of relying on a single sponsor, they took a community-based approach.
"We've heard lound and clear from the community that this is their event, they want to take ownership of this. Hundreds of individuals contributed last year as is the case this year, One Reel Executive Director told KING 5.
Big corporate contributors include Microsoft and Starbucks, BECU, Nordstrom and Talking Rain. One Reel says a $25,000 sponsorship by Coca-Cola helped them push across the finish line.
