Whatcom’s unemployment rate continues to decline, Rep. Larsen calls on Coast Guard to increase oil spill protections in Salish Sea in response to Canadian pipeline, Sixth annual “Hunger vs Hunger,” fundraiser set to take aim at triathlon world record, New law allows air conditioning in rentals, Tips to beat the heat, Harbor seal pup previously shot in head euthanized, drawing scrutiny towards congressional bill on culling species, Washington DFW seeking public comment on potential reclassification of endangered frog species, WA joins multi-state lawsuit challenging EPA’s weakening of restrictions on greenhouse gas-emitting coolant, Two states seek to break the hold of corporate money in local elections, F&C – JULY 25, FREE & CHEAP, August 9th:
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July, 22. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Whatcom’s unemployment rate continues to decline
Whatcom County’s unemployment rate continues to decline, despite decreasing job numbers.
The Washington State Employment Security Department reports the county lost just over one thousand jobs in June compared to May. However, the unemployment rate dropped, due to a loss of over 15-hundred people from the labor force.
The non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in June was 4.1 percent. That’s lower than both the national unemployment rate and Washington’s overall rate.
June is the fourth month in a row without an unemployment rate increase.
STORY: Rep. Larsen calls on Coast Guard to increase oil spill protections in Salish Sea in response to Canadian pipeline
U.S. Representative Rick Larsen is calling for stronger oil spill planning after Canada proposed a new pipeline at Robert’s Bank in Delta, British Columbia.
Up to one million barrels of oil a day would be exported and sent from Alberta to the marine export terminal just across the border. Larsen says the increased tanker traffic through the Salish Sea, including Haro Strait and Boundary Bay, raises the risk of catastrophic oil spills that could damage sensitive marine habitats in Northwest Washington.
During a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee roundtable, Larsen urged the U.S. Coast Guard to immediately begin prevention planning with Canada under the joint U.S.-Canada Marine Pollution Contingency Plan.
LARSEN AUDIO 1
Larsen says he will continue to press federal officials and Canadian leaders for answers while opposing the project.
STORY: Sixth annual “Hunger vs Hunger,” fundraiser set to take aim at triathlon world record
A Bellingham real estate agent is taking on a world‑record challenge to fight hunger.
On July 24th at 6 PM at Bloedel Donovan Park, Ethan Hunger will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most super‑sprint triathlons completed in 24 hours. The current record is 54. Hunger is pushing for 74 — a pace organizers say will take everything he has.
He’s doing it to raise awareness about food insecurity in Whatcom County and to support the Bellingham Food Bank. This year’s goal is half a million dollars — a big number, but one the Food Bank says the community can hit.
Donations to the fundraiser are being matched, and supporters can give at ethanhunger.com.
STORY: New law allows air conditioning in rentals
As hot weather settles over Western Washington, renters have new rights to stay cool.
A new state law now allows most tenants to install portable air conditioners unless their lease specifically prohibits them. Window-mounted units require two days’ notice to landlords and must meet safety and insurance requirements. Landlords can still deny units that pose safety risks, damage property, or exceed a building’s electrical capacity.
The law took effect in June as Washington adapts to hotter summers and more frequent heat waves.
STORY: Tips to beat the heat
With warm overnight temperatures expected to continue, staying cool while you sleep can be a challenge.
Experts recommend keeping blinds and curtains closed during the day to block heat, put frozen water bottles or a bowl of ice in front of a fan, and using chilled gel packs under your neck or knees. You can also hang a damp sheet in front of an open window to cool incoming air, unplug unnecessary electronics that generate heat, and even take a hot shower an hour or two before bed.
While it may seem counterintuitive, a hot shower helps lower your body’s core temperature, and makes it easier to fall asleep.
STORY: Harbor seal pup previously shot in head euthanized, drawing scrutiny towards congressional bill on culling species
The death of a harbor seal pup known as Waffles has renewed debate over a bill that would allow the culling of seals.
Bipartisan bill H.R. 9621 would allow Washington and tribal governments to remove certain seals and sea lions to protect endangered salmon.
A House subcommittee held a hearing on the proposal yesterday. Supporters say it would help recover struggling salmon runs, while opponents argue habitat loss—not marine mammals—is the biggest threat. Although there is no scheduled formal public comment docket, citizens can still contact their representatives to provide feedback.
Lawmakers stress the bill is unrelated to the illegal shooting that killed Waffles, which remains under federal investigation.
STORY: Washington DFW seeking public comment on potential reclassification of endangered frog species
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife wants public input on whether a local frog should stay on the endangered species list.
The northern leopard frog has been on the list in Washington since 1999. Fish & Wildlife is taking public comments from other experts and local stakeholders on the continued listing of the frog.
According to the department, humans– who contribute to habitat loss, water pollution and increased presence of invasive species– are the biggest threat to their existence.
The WDFW is currently working with Washington State University to bolster the northern leopard frog population in captivity for future release.
The comment period is open until October 19. Input can be submitted on the Department website or mailed to their Olympia office.
STORY: WA joins multi-state lawsuit challenging EPA’s weakening of restrictions on greenhouse gas-emitting coolant
Washington state is co-leading a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency for delaying climate change regulations.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HI-dro-FLOR-uh-car-bons) are among the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioning. The federal government committed to phasing out HFCs in 2020, but the EPA adopted a rule that gave industries more time to transition to alternative gases.
Washington and 17 other states are arguing the EPA violated the AIM act with the new rule.
WX: help
And now for the weather…
Today– expect temperatures approaching 90 around coastal Whatcom County and into the early 90’s in the east county– around Sumas, Everson, and northeast Lynden. With no wind to speak of and humidity around 40%, it’s going to feel a little like an air fryer around the region.
This evening, look for clouds to come in and winds to pick up a little, with nighttime lows in the mid-60s.
Tomorrow begins some much-needed gradual cooling here in Whatcom, with temperatures falling to the low 80s and mostly sunny skies. Stay hydrated, one and all!
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRAH-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Bella Farris, Jenny Lam, Natalie Jones, Noelle Reger (REE-ger), and Sean Lynch. 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 your donations. To help support our work, check out our Patreon, or Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: Two states seek to break the hold of corporate money in local elections
Hawaiʻi and Montana are challenging the role of corporate dark money in elections.
Hawaiʻi has changed its state law by saying that corporations have “artificial-person powers” and cannot engage in any election or ballot measure activity reserved for real people. Montana has a citizen’s initiative on the November ballot that would ban organizations from contributing “anything of value” to candidates, political parties, and state or local ballot issues.
The efforts seek to sidestep the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision by using state authority over corporate charters. Supporters argue the measures would reduce the influence of money in politics and increase transparency. Opponents contend the laws violate First Amendment protections for organizations.
The legal challenges could test whether states have the authority to redefine the political powers they grant to corporations.
F&C – JULY 25
Birch Bay is hosting the Battle of the Badges BBQ. North Whatcom Fire District 21 and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office face off on the grill on Saturday from 11 to 2 in the Birch Bay Waterslides parking lot. Families can enjoy free burgers and hot dogs, games, raffles, music, and a chance to meet local first responders — plus a little friendly rivalry between firefighters and deputies.
The Inclusion Festival brings a full day of accessible, all‑ages activities to Bellingham Sunday. The event runs from 11 to 6 at the Fisherman’s Pavilion and Zuanich Park, with inclusive games, sensory‑friendly areas, craft vendors, food trucks, live music, workshops, and a Walk‑n‑Roll‑athon. Admission is free.
Pioneer Days in Ferndale
FREE & CHEAP, August 9th:
Ferndale hosts a free Play, Learn & Connect Festival this weekend. The event runs Sunday from 11 to 2 at Pioneer Park, with giant building blocks, arts and crafts, hands‑on learning activities, community booths, and food trucks. It’s designed to celebrate play while connecting families with local programs and services.
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