Out on bail, Bellingham manslaughter suspect ODs in same apartment a day after an 18-month had, Trial underway for Everson man accused of murdering father, New Skagit hearing examiner to review controversial decision on gravel mine project, New Skagit hearing examiner to review controversial decision on gravel mine project, Low wages, high costs: WA prisoners say they’re being exploited, according to report, WA Legislature passes 3 initiatives covering taxes, schools and police chases, Downtown Bellingham Partnership looking for new leadership
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STORY: Out on bail, Bellingham manslaughter suspect ODs in same apartment a day after an 18-month had
A man out on bail for a conviction of suspected murder was found overdosed in the same apartment as an 18-month-old who overdosed on fentanyl.
Brian Christensen, aged 55, was released from Whatcom county jail after he posted his $200,000 bail on February 10th. One day later he was found overdosing in the same apartment where an 18-month-old was rushed to the hospital after overdosing on fentanyl the day before. According to an affidavit filed by court prosecutors, the child handled a ‘tooter straw’, a method the adults in the home used to take fentanyl, and stopped breathing before being resuscitated by first responders.
The affidavit also noted that Police could not investigate the case as fentanyl is not included in the ‘endangerment by a controlled substance’ statute. That statute has not been updated since 2005.
Christensen was initially arrested in 2023 for first degree murder and drug possession after a man died from reportedly using his fentanyl. He is now booked in Whatcom county jail with his bail requirement doubled to $400,000.
STORY: Trial underway for Everson man accused of murdering father
A Whatcom County jury will decide whether an Everson man killed his father in self-defense or if he committed premeditated first degree murder.
The incident happened in January 2022. Ethan Michael Knight, aged 23, says he was protecting himself and his mother when he killed his father, following escalating tension and violence in the home. During the investigation, it was found that the shooting was captured in a 8 minute cell phone video that prosecutors say undercuts the argument that he was fighting off a drunken attack from his father. According to the defense, it followed a long term pattern of drunken abuse that Knight and his mom endured.
Ultimately it will be up to the jury to decide whether Knight acted in self-defense or not. The jury will weigh the definitions of self-defense, justifiable homicide, or premeditated first degree murder. Knight is currently out on bail. His mother posted a $25,000 cash bond on Knight’s behalf.
STORY: New Skagit hearing examiner to review controversial decision on gravel mine project
Skagit County Commissioners have assigned a new hearing examiner to review plans for a controversial gravel mine in Sedro Woolley.
A previous decision made by former examiner Andrew Reeves approving the special-use permit to develop the Grip Road Gravel Mine faced criticism for being incomplete and legal pressure due to missed deadlines. The commissioners said they lacked confidence in Reeves’ ability to issue a decision on the reconsideration that would satisfy the concerned parties.
The new examiner, William Nielsen, now has 90 days to review the extensive evidence from seven days of testimony and numerous documents submitted to Reeves in 2022 and issue a decision. The proposed gravel mine has faced opposition from local community groups, who have raised concerns about road safety, truck traffic, and environmental impacts.
STORY: Low wages, high costs: WA prisoners say they’re being exploited, according to report
A new report characterizes Washington’s incarceration system as akin to modern-day slavery.
The report by advocacy group Columbia Legal Services (CLS), based on surveys and interviews with prisoners, details a system that compels individuals in prison to work for as little as $1 per hour, and at the same time face exorbitant costs to maintain their health and connections to the outside world. Advocates say the inability to save money while in prison also contributes to higher rates of recidivism.
The Department of Corrections disputes some aspects of the report, pointing out that the 13th Amendment’s exception for criminal punishments allows for such labor practices, and highlighting the fact that some prison jobs pay up to $2.85 an hour.
The report calls for legislative action to address these systemic issues and support measures to improve the successful re-entry into society of former-prisoners upon release. Despite recommendations for policy changes, such as higher wages and reduced costs, the state has not addressed these concerns in the current legislative session, which ends tomorrow.
STORY: WA Legislature passes 3 initiatives covering taxes, schools and police chases
The Washington Legislature has passed initiatives that bar an income tax, enact a “parents’ bill of rights” in schools, and ease restrictions on police pursuits of suspects.
The first initiative prohibits the state and local governments from imposing an income tax, a tax that voters have rejected multiple times before. The second initiative entitles parents to certain information at public schools, including instructional materials, and medical and safety matters. The last initiative allows police to chase people if they have a “reasonable suspicion” that the person they want to chase has violated the law and threatens others’ safety. Each passed by comfortable margins in both houses of the legislature. The initiatives will now become law unless a referendum is filed within three months after the session ends.
The legislature chose not to approve three initiatives to repeal the state’s capital gains tax, repeal the carbon market, and make long-term care insurance optional, but they will go on the ballot in November.
All six initiatives were filed by Jim Walsh, the state Republican Party chair and state representative from Aberdeen, and received financial backing from Brian Heywood, a Redmond businessman. Progressive groups criticize the passed initiatives, while supporters argue they reflect the will of the people and enhance public safety.
WX: Sun
Your Whatcom County weather – today will be partly sunny, with a high of 44 degrees. Expect clouds to roll in tonight, as temperatures drop to a low of 32. The weather is projected to be the same tomorrow.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman and Tristan Trudell. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. If you would like to help keep local news accessible, check out our new Patreon page at patreon.com/kmrenews or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for listening.
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STORY: Downtown Bellingham Partnership looking for new leadership
The Downtown Bellingham Partnership is looking for someone to serve as the new executive director.
The Downtown Bellingham Partnership works to revitalize the neighborhood through the promotion of commerce, culture, and celebration. Alice Clark left as executive director last year after seven years in the position. According to their website, the non-profit is looking for a, quote, “dynamic leader with a passion for urban development and community building.” Expectations for the positions include leadership skills, encouraging the collaboration of stakeholders, overseeing the day-to-day operations, and working alongside the board of directors, staff, volunteers and community partners. Lindsey Payne Johnston, who has been with the organization since 2008, is currently acting as interim executive director.
Applications for the position are due at the end of the month. More information is available online at DowntownBellingham.com.
