Human remains found in Terminal Building, Bellingham Library, WTA add behavioral help to staff, Lummi Nation opposes sale of BP Cherry Point, Lake Whatcom water quality appears stable, State closes Nooksack fishing early, New law aimed to curb street racing goes into effect, Conservative advocacy group moves new initiatives forward, WA Android users who bought apps from Google’s store may get payout
______________________________
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, December 27th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Human remains found in Terminal Building
According to an update provided by the City of Bellingham yesterday, searchers have discovered a deceased individual within the heavily damaged Terminal Building structure.
The historic Fairhaven building was destroyed by a fire on December 16th, and one person linked to the incident is still unaccounted for. Bellingham Fire Chief Bill Hewett (HYOO-it) stated that the investigation team entered the building on December 23rd after removing additional debris, leading to the discovery. While a preliminary identification was made, confirmation by the Medical Examiner’s Office is pending.
The investigation team will continue searching to determine the fire’s origin. As of now, no cause has been identified. Chief Hewett emphasized the meticulous and time-consuming nature of the investigation process. The City says it will keep the public informed as new information emerges.
STORY: Bellingham Library, WTA add behavioral help to staff
Both the Bellingham Public Library and the WTA are expanding access to behavioral health resources.
Starting on January 1st, the library will work with the Lake Whatcom Residential & Treatment Center to provide daily help to reduce drug use risks and provide intervention for those with declining mental health conditions. This comes in response to a post-pandemic increase in behavioral health and substance use-related issues in the library. The program will supplement weekly drop-in support by social service agencies.
Meanwhile, the WTA is developing internal training to provide transit operators with skills on how to resolve conflicts on a bus. Narcan training and naloxone, an overdose antidote, have also been made available to transit employees. The WTA currently provides a space for people to sit and warm up during the day, as well as 50,000 free six-ride tickets a year to low-income community members through social service agencies.
STORY: Lummi Nation opposes sale of BP Cherry Point
The Lummi Nation recently refused the sale of the 1,100 acre Cherry Point to British Petroleum.
The site has been used as an ancient burial ground for centuries and is considered a Tribal Cultural Property by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is also the first recognized archaeological site in Whatcom County. Earlier this month, BP-owned Phillips 66 offered to buy the land to create a renewable diesel refinery.
Several companies have tried to purchase the land to no avail, including SSA Marine, which attempted to turn it into the largest coal port in America.
According to a recent release, the Lummi Nation says Cherry Point has been a vital piece of their heritage for centuries, and they will continue to refuse its purchase.
STORY: Lake Whatcom water quality appears stable
After 25 years of concerns due to increased pollution, Lake Whatcom is finally showing signs that it might be stabilizing.
The lake is Whatcom County’s primary source of drinking water, and has been on the state’s list of polluted water bodies since 1998 due to phosphorus and nitrogen run-off.
Around 2016, restrictions on excavations and soil removal were put in place to limit the amount of pollution released into the lake. Recently, Western Washington University’s Institute of Watershed Studies found that phosphorus levels have become stable or decreased slightly.
According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, the Institute is unsure if these results are due to the restrictions, and claim it may take 50 years to notice a real change in water quality. However, these results show some hope that the efforts put into decreasing watershed pollution are making a noticeable difference.
STORY: State closes Nooksack fishing early
Fishing on the North and South Fork of the Nooksack River is closing early for the season, according to an announcement by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Department hopes the decision to close these areas early will protect steelhead populations, and comes as a response to a significant increase in fishing in locations where wild steelhead are present.
The closures include the North Fork from the Highway 9 Bridge to Maple Creek, starting February 1st through February 15th. The South Fork will be closed from its mouth to Skookum Creek, starting January 1st through January 31st.
STORY: New law aimed to curb street racing goes into effect
Starting next Monday, a new law goes into effect that proponents say will help curb illegal street racing.
Senate Bill 5606, signed into law last May, grants officers the authority to arrest or cite drivers engaged in drifting or other vehicular stunts. Additionally, the law prohibits racing in non-roadway areas like parking lots or garages.
Critics of the new ordinance argue that it may strain law enforcement resources.
STORY: Conservative advocacy group moves new initiatives forward
The conservative group Let’s Go Washington is proposing two initiatives aimed at rolling back recent laws passed by state Democrats.
The group has submitted signatures for two initiatives, I-2109 and I-2111, which seek to halt the new capital gains tax imposed in 2021 and also hope to stop local governments from imposing an income tax. The new capital gains law levies a 7% tax on returns from assets over $250,000 with exemptions for retirement accounts, real estate, and certain farming transactions. Both initiatives will be reviewed by the legislature, which can pass, modify, or send them to voters.
Proponents of the new tax see it as a move toward tax system equity. However, Let’s Go argues it is unconstitutional and should be removed.
The group has also submitted signatures for measures that would repeal the state’s carbon emissions law and would further relax rules on police pursuits.
STORY: Gusty winds through Thursday
It got a little windy over the holiday, and the National Weather Service says more wind is ahead.
Gusty winds up to 25 mph are forecast through Thursday, especially in the western part of Whatcom County. The winds are associated with an atmospheric river system moving through the Pacific Northwest. While a coastal flood advisory may be issued, no significant flooding is anticipated in the region.
WX: Rainy
Today expect mostly cloudy weather, with a few rainy spots, a high of around 52 degrees, and an overnight low of 50. Tomorrow will be mainly cloudy with some possible sun breaks, and a high of 56.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, 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 ________________, thanks for listening.
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(Upcoming)
WA Android users who bought apps from Google’s store may get payout
Washington state residents who have used the Google Play Store since 2016 could be entitled to a share of over $10 million. The money is the result of a national antitrust lawsuit against Google claiming the company had an unlawful monopoly on the Android app distribution market, and was burying competition. The lawsuit, filed in 2021 by 37 states and Washington D.C., means Google will pay out $700 million nationwide.
Eligible Android users are those who bought apps within the Play Store or made in-app purchases. These users are eligible for a payment of around $2, or more depending on purchase amounts. Eligible users do not have to submit a claim, as payments will automatically be made to accounts associated with Play Store purchases.
______________________________
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Day, Date. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Human remains found in Terminal Building
According to an update provided by the City of Bellingham yesterday, searchers have discovered a deceased individual within the heavily damaged Terminal Building structure.
The historic Fairhaven building was destroyed by a fire on December 16th, and one person linked to the incident is still unaccounted for. Bellingham Fire Chief Bill Hewett (HYOO-it) stated that the investigation team entered the building on December 23rd after removing additional debris, leading to the discovery. While a preliminary identification was made, confirmation by the Medical Examiner’s Office is pending.
The investigation team will continue searching to determine the fire’s origin. As of now, no cause has been identified. Chief Hewett emphasized the meticulous and time-consuming nature of the investigation process. The City says it will keep the public informed as new information emerges.
STORY: Bellingham Library, WTA add behavioral help to staff
Both the Bellingham Public Library and the WTA are expanding access to behavioral health resources.
Starting on January 1st, the library will work with the Lake Whatcom Residential & Treatment Center to provide daily help to reduce drug use risks and provide intervention for those with declining mental health conditions. This comes in response to a post-pandemic increase in behavioral health and substance use-related issues in the library. The program will supplement weekly drop-in support by social service agencies.
Meanwhile, the WTA is developing internal training to provide transit operators with skills on how to resolve conflicts on a bus. Narcan training and naloxone, an overdose antidote, have also been made available to transit employees. The WTA currently provides a space for people to sit and warm up during the day, as well as 50,000 free six-ride tickets a year to low-income community members through social service agencies.
STORY: Lummi Nation opposes sale of BP Cherry Point
The Lummi Nation recently refused the sale of the 1,100 acre Cherry Point to British Petroleum.
The site has been used as an ancient burial ground for centuries and is considered a Tribal Cultural Property by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is also the first recognized archaeological site in Whatcom County. Earlier this month, BP-owned Phillips 66 offered to buy the land to create a renewable diesel refinery.
Several companies have tried to purchase the land to no avail, including SSA Marine, which attempted to turn it into the largest coal port in America.
According to a recent release, the Lummi Nation says Cherry Point has been a vital piece of their heritage for centuries, and they will continue to refuse its purchase.
STORY: Lake Whatcom water quality appears stable
After 25 years of concerns due to increased pollution, Lake Whatcom is finally showing signs that it might be stabilizing.
The lake is Whatcom County’s primary source of drinking water, and has been on the state’s list of polluted water bodies since 1998 due to phosphorus and nitrogen run-off.
Around 2016, restrictions on excavations and soil removal were put in place to limit the amount of pollution released into the lake. Recently, Western Washington University’s Institute of Watershed Studies found that phosphorus levels have become stable or decreased slightly.
According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, the Institute is unsure if these results are due to the restrictions, and claim it may take 50 years to notice a real change in water quality. However, these results show some hope that the efforts put into decreasing watershed pollution are making a noticeable difference.
STORY: State closes Nooksack fishing early
Fishing on the North and South Fork of the Nooksack River is closing early for the season, according to an announcement by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Department hopes the decision to close these areas early will protect steelhead populations, and comes as a response to a significant increase in fishing in locations where wild steelhead are present.
The closures include the North Fork from the Highway 9 Bridge to Maple Creek, starting February 1st through February 15th. The South Fork will be closed from its mouth to Skookum Creek, starting January 1st through January 31st.
STORY: New law aimed to curb street racing goes into effect
Starting next Monday, a new law goes into effect that proponents say will help curb illegal street racing.
Senate Bill 5606, signed into law last May, grants officers the authority to arrest or cite drivers engaged in drifting or other vehicular stunts. Additionally, the law prohibits racing in non-roadway areas like parking lots or garages.
Critics of the new ordinance argue that it may strain law enforcement resources.
STORY: Conservative advocacy group moves new initiatives forward
The conservative group Let’s Go Washington is proposing two initiatives aimed at rolling back recent laws passed by state Democrats.
The group has submitted signatures for two initiatives, I-2109 and I-2111, which seek to halt the new capital gains tax imposed in 2021 and also hope to stop local governments from imposing an income tax. The new capital gains law levies a 7% tax on returns from assets over $250,000 with exemptions for retirement accounts, real estate, and certain farming transactions. Both initiatives will be reviewed by the legislature, which can pass, modify, or send them to voters.
Proponents of the new tax see it as a move toward tax system equity. However, Let’s Go argues it is unconstitutional and should be removed.
The group has also submitted signatures for measures that would repeal the state’s carbon emissions law and would further relax rules on police pursuits.
STORY: Gusty winds through Thursday
It got a little windy over the holiday, and the National Weather Service says more wind is ahead.
Gusty winds up to 25 mph are forecast through Thursday, especially in the western part of Whatcom County. The winds are associated with an atmospheric river system moving through the Pacific Northwest. While a coastal flood advisory may be issued, no significant flooding is anticipated in the region.
WX: Rainy
Today expect mostly cloudy weather, with a few rainy spots, a high of around 52 degrees, and an overnight low of 50. Tomorrow will be mainly cloudy with some possible sun breaks, and a high of 56.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, 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 ________________, thanks for listening.
###
(Upcoming)
WA Android users who bought apps from Google’s store may get payout
Washington state residents who have used the Google Play Store since 2016 could be entitled to a share of over $10 million. The money is the result of a national antitrust lawsuit against Google claiming the company had an unlawful monopoly on the Android app distribution market, and was burying competition. The lawsuit, filed in 2021 by 37 states and Washington D.C., means Google will pay out $700 million nationwide.
Eligible Android users are those who bought apps within the Play Store or made in-app purchases. These users are eligible for a payment of around $2, or more depending on purchase amounts. Eligible users do not have to submit a claim, as payments will automatically be made to accounts associated with Play Store purchases.
