Three teenagers injured in roll over accident in Deming, Border 2 and Luna fires continue to burn in east Whatcom, defying earlier projections, Lighthouse Mission to offer outreach and extra beds ahead of King Mountain encampment cleanup, Whatcom County proposes plan to construct roundabout at Birch Bay-Lynden and Blaine Road intersection, WDFW inviting public comments on proposed plan to close recreational scallop harvesting, AG’s office spearheads multi-state coalition combating proposed rule to fast-track gas pipeline construction, FTC warns of veterans scams, What do students do after graduation? A new report tells, FREE & CHEAP, July/Aug, August 9th:
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July, 28. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Three teenagers injured in roll over accident in Deming Three teenagers were injured after their vehicle crashed into a power pole on Mount Baker Highway earlier today.
The Washington State Patrol says three young men, ages 15, 16, and 17, were traveling east on State Route 542 near Hatchery Road in Deming. Shortly after midnight, the car veered off the road, struck a utility pole, rolled over, and came to rest in a nearby field. The three teens, who were all wearing seatbelts, were transported to St. Joseph Medical Center. Troopers suspect drugs or alcohol were involved.
This morning, east and westbound traffic along State Route 542 near Hatchery Road is alternating while crews make emergency repairs.
UPDATE: Border 2 and Luna fires continue to burn in east Whatcom, defying earlier projections
The Border 2 and Luna fires continue to burn in the North Cascades despite cooler temperatures and chances of rain.
The Border 2 fire is estimated at 1,255 acres. It has spread downslope and is less than a mile from Hozomeen. Fire activity slowed Saturday, but increased again Sunday as warmer and dryer conditions returned.
Meanwhile, the Luna Fire is estimated at 330 acres and continues to burn east of Big Beaver Creek and north of McMillan Creek. Fire managers say the fire is creeping along slopes.
Firefighters are using helicopters, aerial water support and ground crews to slow the spread. Crews are also installing hose lines and taking steps to protect nearby infrastructure.
Trails and camps in the areas near both fires are closed. Campfire restrictions also remain in place.
STORY: Lighthouse Mission to offer outreach and extra beds ahead of King Mountain encampment cleanup
Lighthouse Mission Ministries is preparing to help people displaced by the upcoming cleanup of the King Mountain encampment in Bellingham.
The city announced Wednesday that residents will soon receive notices to leave the 40-acre site, which property owners plan to clean up and restore in the coming weeks.
According to The Bellingham Herald, Lighthouse Mission says it is working to connect residents with services and supplies. The nonprofit also plans to temporarily add up to 30 shelter beds if needed.
Lighthouse Mission says past encampment removals have shown that only a small number of displaced people accept shelter offers, often due to the community and autonomy that encampments provide.
Officials say the cleanup is intended to address health, safety and environmental concerns, but outreach workers expect it to be especially disruptful for longtime residents.
STORY: Whatcom County proposes plan to construct roundabout at Birch Bay-Lynden and Blaine Road intersection
Whatcom County is asking people to take a survey on how they use the intersection of Birch Bay-Lynden and Blaine roads.
It is part of a project designed to improve traffic flow and safety in the area, and which includes construction of curbs, gutters, sidewalks and stormwater conveyance.
According to Whatcom County, the design phase is completed and the plan is to advertise for bids and start construction before the end of this year. The link to the survey is on the county’s website, and Whatcom County Public Works will hold a virtual meeting to gather public feedback.
STORY: WDFW inviting public comments on proposed plan to close recreational scallop harvesting
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is inviting public comments on a proposed ban on recreational scallop harvesting.
The ban would seek to reduce the risk of public exposure to biotoxins. Scallops may collect biotoxins in the most commonly eaten part of their bodies – the adductor muscle – as well as their organs. They also tend to retain the toxins longer than other shellfish.
If passed, the ban could start by late December; it would apply to divers as well as collectors in intertidal areas. The public may comment on the closure proposal until September 14th through Fish and Wildlife’s website.
A virtual public hearing on the closure will be held on August 5th, while a final decision is expected by October 9th.
STORY: AG’s office spearheads multi-state coalition combating proposed rule to fast-track gas pipeline construction Washington’s Attorney General is leading a multi-state effort against a proposed plan to fast-track gas pipeline construction.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is seeking to increase the dollar threshold for automatic approval of pipeline projects across the country, meaning construction could start without input from nearby communities.
Attorney General Nick Brown, as well as attorneys general from 13 other states, argued against the proposition in comments submitted to FERC. The coalition argues the proposed rule would violate several federal laws. They also say it will worsen climate pollution and raise consumer energy bills.
In Washington, multiple expansions are planned for the Northwest Pipeline, which runs alongside I-5 and the Columbia River. The projects are intended to serve data centers in the area, and could move forward with no oversight if the plan is approved.
STORY: FTC warns of veterans scams
The Federal Trade Commission is warning veterans to watch out for scammers posing as representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Fraudsters may promise to help someone get benefits, a 100% disability rating, or speed up their claim — for a fee. The VA says applying for benefits is always free, and accredited representatives and Veterans Service Organizations never charge for help.
Officials urge veterans to apply directly through the VA, verify anyone offering assistance, and report suspected scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the Washington Attorney General’s Office.
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 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.
WX: John Foster Dull
And now for the weather…
Expect partly sunny skies for the remainder of today, with winds around 20 miles per hour and highs in the mid-70s. Clouds will roll in tonight, and lows should drop into the mid-50s.
Tomorrow – look for mostly sunny skies with light winds, with temperatures in the mid-70s.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRAH-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell (can-TRELL), Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Jenny Lam, Nate Landi, Natalie Jones, Noelle Reger (NO-ell 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: What do students do after graduation? A new report tells us. Washington students are taking more varied paths after high school than ever before.
According to a new study from the Washington Student Achievement Council, researchers identified 12 different school-to-work pathways among nearly 64,000 Washington students who graduated high school in 2017. Fewer than one in five followed the traditional route of earning a bachelor’s degree before entering the workforce. Instead, many students
attended community and technical colleges or combined multiple types of education.
The study found the most common path—nearly 29% of students—was to enroll in college but leave without earning a credential. Researchers say helping those students complete a degree or certificate could significantly boost the state’s workforce credential goals.
Among students who completed bachelor’s degrees, median annual earnings reached about $60,000, while registered apprenticeship graduates earned average annual wages of roughly $81,000 a year.
FREE & CHEAP,
July/Aug
Shoppers, mark your calendars, and tell your friends! It’s time for the Library’s annual Children’s Craft Fairs. Enjoy two festive opportunities to take home unique treasures made by entrepreneurial local kids. The first is Friday, July 31, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lee Memorial Park outside the Central Library. The second is Friday, Aug. 21, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. inside Bellis Fair Mall. All items are priced $5 or less. Bring cash to help kids learn to count money, and bring a joyful spirit to take home goodies! More than 100 youths are spending their summer days crafting special items just for you.
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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