Sabah Randhawa Responds to Affirmative Action, More Landmark Supreme Court Decisions, Final Round of Federal Grocery Assistance, Overdose Prevention Website Launched, Fireworks Banned in Bellingham, Holiday Travel could be a Nightmare, Weekend Free for Cheap Events, Tabling Plug:
______________________________
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Sunday, June 30th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: SABAH RANDHAWA RESPONDS TO AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
In a written response to yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admission, Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa (ran-DOW-wha) says the ruling will not impede the University’s efforts to create a diverse and inclusive campus.
He also said the university’s Office of Equity will continue to support legal compliance and equal opportunity for all individuals.
STORY: MORE LANDMARK SUPREME COURT DECISIONS
In more Supreme Court news, the court announced two more landmark decisions this morning.
In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority supported a Christian graphic artist’s right to refuse service to same-sex couples seeking wedding websites, despite a Colorado law prohibiting discrimination. In the second decision, the Court found that President Biden does not have the authority to forgive student loan debt. The finding states that the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act does not grant the power to cancel $430 billion in student loan principal.
Writing for the majority in the website case, Justice Gorsuch emphasized the First Amendment’s safeguard of freedom of thought and speech. Justice Sotomayor dissented, expressing concerns about granting businesses the right to refuse service to protected classes.
The court split along ideological lines in a 6-3 decision on student debt, finding that President Biden’s proposed debt forgiveness was a complete rewrite of the statute and was therefore not legal. About 43 million people would have been eligible for loan relief.
STORY: Final Round of Federal Grocery Assistance in Whatcom County
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a fourth and final round of assistance for families in Whatcom County to help pay for their children’s groceries.
The Pandemic EBT benefits will be distributed starting today and continue until the end of the summer. Children under the age of six who qualify may receive almost $44 a month. Qualifying school-aged children will receive a one-time sum of $120 to cover the summer.
This round of assistance follows three previous periods of pandemic-related food benefits provided over the past three years.
STORY: OVERDOSE PREVENTION WEBSITE LAUNCHED
A new website has been launched to increase access to opioid and overdose prevention resources.
The local overdose crisis, driven by fentanyl and fentanyl-laced substances, prompted a group of area health officials to launch the site.
People can order free naloxone kits, access local overdose statistics, and find information on local prevention resources from whatcomoverdoseprevention.org.
STORY: Fireworks Banned in Bellingham
The City of Bellingham will be enforcing its city-wide ban on fireworks this holiday with evening patrols. Violators face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000.
The Whatcom County Fire Marshal wants to remind everyone that fireworks purchased at reservation stands are not legal outside tribal territory, and the use of powerful fireworks like M-80’s and M-100’s can result in criminal charges.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging consumers to prioritize safety during Fourth of July celebrations by either leaving fireworks to professionals or taking precautions when using consumer-grade fireworks. A report from the Commission says almost 7500 fireworks-related injuries occur during the month surrounding July 4th.
Those who want a safe fireworks experience can attend the People’s Bank Fourth of July Spectacular, which will include a fireworks display over Bellingham Bay or the Blaine Old Fashioned Fourth of July fireworks show.
STORY: HOLIDAY TRAVEL COULD BE A NIGHTMARE
Despite having the most expensive gasoline in the nation, Washington residents are still expected to log record travel miles this holiday weekend.
Triple A predicts about 900,000 car trips will be taken in the state, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. Heavy traffic is anticipated, and drivers are advised to plan accordingly.
STORY: WEEKEND FREE OR CHEAP EVENTS
There’s a lot going on around the county this weekend. If you are on a budget here are just a few ideas for free or cheap things to do.
Saturday afternoon, The Deaf & The Musician, a mesmerizing duo merging sign language with music, will perform catchy covers to cult classics at the New Prospect Theater at 2pm– tickets are $10.
In the live music category, head on down to KulshanTrackside for free music, or out to Semiahmoo for live-music-by-the-sea– both on Saturday.
There’s free live ‘Theater In The Park’ in Ferndale on Saturday afternoon, and on Sunday, Stemma Brewing is hosting a trivia contest– entry is $2 dollars.
STORY: TABLING PLUG
Just a note– KMRE wants to share your voice on the radio. Come down to the Trackside Container Village next to the pump track on W. Laurel Street and Granary Avenue this weekend and visit with KMRE DJs, reporters, and volunteers.
Tell us your favorite thing about living here, what you would like to see changed, or share your favorite story about something that could only happen here in Bellingham. We’ll be there all weekend along with Cascadia Daily News and we’d love to hear from you!
WX: Sunny and Warm
Get ready for perfect weekend weather. All sun, all weekend long, with temperatures in the early- mid 70’s. Summer is truly here, so get out there and enjoy it if you can!
OUTRO:Today’s newscast was produced by volunteer Myles Weber. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
