Lelo receives court hearing date, Trial begins for man accused of killed brother during Whatcom County pit stop, Lynden School District to pursue legal action against transgender student athlete policy, City posts warnings around Lake Padden following fatal attack on dog, Whatcom County burn ban to begin on June 15th, Air agency allocates funds for clean energy projects in Bellingham, AG’s office defends state’s sanctuary policies amid congressional scrutiny, State lawmakers move forward on bills that would crack down on reckless driving and littering, WA Democrats unveil new spending plan following Gov. Ferguson’s wealth tax veto
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KMRE brings you local news for Monday, April 21st. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Lelo receives court hearing date
Alfredo “Lelo” (LAY-lo) Juarez Zeferino (zeh-feh-RENO) has now been scheduled to appear at an immigration hearing in November, where he will be advised of his rights and allowed to respond to his removal charges.
The prominent farmworker/advocate was arrested on March 25th in Sedro-Woolley during a traffic stop in which, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he failed to comply with federal agents. However, according to advocacy group Community to Community Development — where Lelo volunteers — ICE agents violently detained him, breaking his car window while he attempted to exercise his rights. The group also reported that several other workers were taken into custody that day.
Although a Seattle judge issued a deportation order for Juarez Zeferino in 2018, his legal team filed a motion to reopen the case on March 31st. The case was officially reopened earlier this month. Edgar Franks, political director of Familias Unidas por la Justicia (fuh-MEE-lee-ahs ooh-NEE-dahs POR LA whose-TEE-see-ah), stated that Lelo never received notice of the original deportation order, and would have appeared in court if he had.
Born in Mexico and raised in Washington, the 25-year old has been involved in farmworker rights since his early teens. He helped found Familias Unidas por la Justicia and his activism has earned him recognition — including the Whatcom Peace & Justice Commission’s Peacemaker Award.
STORY: Trial begins for man accused of killed brother during Whatcom County pit stop
The trial of a 42-year-old Seattle man charged with the shooting death of his brother began Thursday at the Whatcom County Superior Court.
Prosecutors allege the shooting occurred in August of 2022, after John Roper Thomson and his 69-year-old brother, Robert, stopped during a drive back from a trip to Republic, where John Thomson was attempting to detox from heroin and alcohol. According to court documents, a conflict escalated at a pull-out along the North Cascades Highway, where Robert reportedly pepper sprayed John. In response, John retrieved an AR-15 from the vehicle and shot his brother with multiple rounds. Defense attorneys Matthew Mearns (MIRNS) and Starck Follis (STARK FALL-is) argued that John acted in self-defense, believing his brother was about to shoot him.
Jurors heard testimony from law enforcement and park rangers who responded to the scene. Thomson was located in Newhalem shortly after and, according to multiple rangers, appeared disheveled and intoxicated. Two firearms were later found in his vehicle.
The trial was set to resume today.
STORY: Lynden School District to pursue legal action against transgender student athlete policy
The Lynden School District Board unanimously passed a resolution on Thursday that reaffirmed its opposition to current state policy which allows transgender students to compete in school sports according to their gender identity.
The resolution signals the board’s intent to pursue legal action against the state agency overseeing K-thru-12 education in Washington. The move follows controversy from the 2A State Track & Field Championship last May, where a Lynden female athlete competed against — and lost to — a transgender student who won the girls’ 400-meter final. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association policy currently allows students to participate in sports, quote, “in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity” unquote.
Superintendent David VanderYacht told the Bellingham Herald that Lynden thinks the WIAA’s current policy is unworkable. Lynden’s resolution is part of a broader effort that includes 13 other school boards across Washington, which includes the Blaine School District and Lynden Christian School. Together, they have proposed amendments to the WIAA policy that would effectively bar transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports. Their alternative framework would establish two categories of competition: Boys-slash-Open and Girls.
The board’s action marks a significant escalation in a growing statewide debate over gender identity and student athletics.
STORY: City posts warnings around Lake Padden following fatal attack on dog
A deadly attack on a dog at Lake Padden Park on April 11th has raised concerns about coyotes in the Bellingham area.
The attack occurred during daytime hours on the off-leash trails between the dog park and the Galbraith Trailhead. The dog had wandered away on its own into the trees. Parks and Recreations Operations Manager Steve Janiszewski (YAWN-uh-SHEF-ski) indicated that bite wounds to the dog’s neck suggested an attack by a coyote or another dog.
There was no confirmed sighting of a coyote in the area at the time of the incident, but Janiszewski says the Parks Department has recently received reports of coyote sightings at both Lake Padden and Whatcom Falls parks.
The City of Bellingham has posted warning signs at both locations, and urges pet owners to remain vigilant.
STORY: Whatcom County burn ban to begin on June 15th
A burn ban will go into effect in Whatcom County on June 15th.
The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office says that, starting that day, all yard debris burning and land clearing burns will be prohibited in unincorporated parts of the county. Barbecues and recreational fires in approved fire pits will still be allowed.
People living within the Point Roberts, Lummi Island or Sandy Point fire districts should refer to their respective departments for outdoor burning restrictions.
STORY: Air agency allocates funds for clean energy projects in Bellingham
Grants totaling $3 million will be awarded to the City of Bellingham and the Opportunity Council for clean energy projects.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency announced both grants on Thursday afternoon. Bellingham will receive up to $1.7 million for a proposed solar array that could save the city $69,000 per year; that money would then go toward community climate projects.
On their end, the Opportunity Council will receive up to $1.3 million for the installation of energy-efficient ductless heat pumps at Mercy Housing’s Sterling Meadows complex, which houses farm workers and their families.
The money for both grants comes from Clean Air’s 2023 settlement with Petrogas (PEH-tro GAS) West LLC over air-quality issues at the Cherry Point plant.
WX: Suncle Roger’s Egg Fried Rice
And now for the weather:
Today the warm, sunny weather is expected to return slowly. Expect the clouds to gradually disperse and highs to return to the mid-50s. Evening skies should remain relatively clear, as temperatures dip to lows around 40 degrees.
The sunshine is expected to stick around throughout tomorrow, which will bring slightly warmer weather.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Stevie Sjogren (SHOW-gren), Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, and Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg). 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. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and thank you for listening.
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STORY: AG’s office defends state’s sanctuary policies amid congressional scrutiny
STORY: State lawmakers move forward on bills that would crack down on reckless driving and littering
STORY: WA Democrats unveil new spending plan following Gov. Ferguson’s wealth tax veto
Washington Democratic lawmakers rolled out a revised revenue package this week aiming to raise nearly $12 billion over four years, after Gov. Bob Ferguson halted their initial wealth tax proposal.
The updated plan still targets the state’s wealthiest residents and large corporations, but avoids the previously proposed wealth tax on individuals with over $50 million. Key proposals include increased business and occupation (B&O) tax rates, tiered capital gains surcharges, and reforms to estate and property taxes. Democrats say the changes will fund public education, community safety, and essential state services while making the tax code more equitable.
While progressive advocacy groups praise the plan as a step forward, Republicans and business leaders blast it as excessive. Sen. Chris Gildon (a Republican from Puyallup) warned the package still represents quote “the largest tax increase in state history.” Others argued the tax hikes would raise costs for consumers and strain small businesses.
With the legislative session ending next Sunday, lawmakers are working against the clock to finalize the budget and revenue bills.
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