30,000 Fentanyl Pills Seized, Update on Sheriff fired for sexual assault, High Speed Chase Results in Multiple Charges, WSP Urges Caution on Roads following 15 Deaths this Weekend, Public Health Alert: Water from Lake Whatcom, Inslee calls for action against Big Oil, Toxic Chemicals found in Seattle Area Breast Milk, Free and Cheap, Mayoral Primary Canidates interview after news,
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 21st. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: 30,000 Fentanyl Pills Seized
A months-long investigation ended on Wednesday when authorities seized approximately 30,000 fentanyl pills, 300 grams of fentanyl powder, and a kilogram of cocaine from six Whatcom County locations.
Six federal search warrants targeted four county and two Bellingham locations, and resulted in five individuals arrested on local warrants.
In a recent announcement, Undersheriff Doug Chadwick emphasized their commitment to combating the fentanyl epidemic by investigating those bringing drugs into the county and offering resources to those with substance use disorders.
STORY: Update on Sheriff fired for sexual assault
New details are emerging regarding former Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputy trainee, 23-year old Austin Michael Case, who was fired and arrested after two women accused him of sexual harassment.
The Sheriff’s office internal investigation was based on an anonymous tip with one woman reporting that Case coerced her into having sex by threatening her with arrest for a probation violation. Another woman stated that he forcibly kissed her and displayed a handgun, causing fear. According to a recent release from the Sheriff’s office, the investigation is continuing.
Case faces multiple felony charges, including unlawful imprisonment, extortion, rape, burglary, and indecent liberties. He was released on a $250,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment today.
STORY: High Speed Chase Results in Multiple Charges
A suspected DUI driver led State Patrol troopers on a high-speed chase on I-5 on Monday.
The driver was spotted speeding northbound near Meridian Street just before 2 a.m. He recklessly fled from the troopers, and spike strips were used to stop the vehicle north of Ferndale.
The driver, identified as 22-year-old Ethan Colson, was found with open alcohol, a partially smoked joint, and a handgun in the truck. Colson is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms. He now faces multiple charges in connection with the incident.
STORY: WSP Urges Caution on Roads Following 15 Deaths this Weekend
The Washington State Patrol issued a warning to drivers this week about an alarming number of fatal collisions during the summer.
In 2022, the state patrol investigated 314 fatalities, up from 283 in 2021. Over a recent weekend, WSP investigated crashes that resulted in 15 deaths, with six occurring in Tacoma and three outside Othello. Additionally, three more fatal collisions involving motorcycle riders were investigated since Monday.
The period from June 9 to September 7 historically sees the highest number of traffic-related fatalities in Washington, accounting for 31 percent of all traffic deaths over the past five years.
STORY: Public Health Alert: Water from Lake Whatcom
A public health alert has been issued for residents who draw their drinking water directly from Lake Whatcom.
The Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District received a report of an overflowing manhole containing wastewater that reached ditches flowing to Beaver Creek, a tributary of Lake Whatcom. The sewage overflow was stopped about an hour after it started, but the amount of wastewater released is not yet known.
Residents are strongly recommended to boil their water for at least one minute before drinking. Households with a disinfection treatment system should ensure it is working properly.
STORY: Inslee calls for action against Big Oil
Washington state leaders, including Gov. Jay Inslee, are calling for action against Big Oil’s excessive profits, which have surged even higher in 2023 after “monster profits” in 2022.
According to a recent announcement from the governor, the oil and gas giants are making huge profits while communities face climate-fueled disasters and high fuel prices.
The leaders are demanding “radical transparency” from the oil industry and announced they are exploring legislation similar to California’s price gouging law to address the issue.
STORY: Toxic Chemicals Found in Seattle Area Breast Milk
A recent study published in the journal Environmental Pollution reveals that toxic flame retardant chemicals, especially bromophenols, are accumulating in the breast milk of Puget Sound-area moms.
These chemicals, used as replacements for previously banned flame retardants called PBDEs, were found in 88% of breast milk samples, with higher exposure in younger moms. While PBDE levels have declined by 70% in the past two decades, bromophenols remain a concern.
Researchers from Toxic-Free Future, Emory University, the University of Washington, and Seattle Children’s Research Institute analyzed breast milk samples from 50 pregnant or breastfeeding women in the Tacoma to Everett region.
The research raises concerns about potential harm to children’s health, emphasizing the need for safer alternatives when replacing harmful substances.
FREE AND CHEAP
For free activities this weekend check out Concerts in The Park. The band Baby Cakes will be playing classic soul and R&B at Boulevard Park tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. This Sunday, join the Ferndale History Walk. Explore parks and landmarks in this 2-mile walking tour of Ferndale, where you can learn some of the city’s history related to communities of color. Explore mindfulness with the Inner City Meditation Practice Group this Sunday. Meditation practitioners of all levels are gathering at Majestic Art Cafe from 4:30 to 5:50
STORY: Mayoral Primary Candidates interviews after news
The KMRE Focus on Primary Candidates airs everyday after the 5pm news. You’ll hear the candidates for County Executive speak to issues that are on our listener’s minds. Today, the County Executive Candidates share their views on affordable housing in Whatcom County– please note, candidate Sukwant Gill was unable to attend. Tune in after the 5pm news.
WX: Sunny and Warm
The weather today is mostly cloudy with a high of 76 in Bellingham and an overnight low of 59, with some passing clouds. Expect mostly sunny tomorrow with clouds rolling in on Sunday, and temperatures in the mid to low 70’s.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Sarah Edmonds and 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.
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