Crowds of protesters gather outside of Lelo’s court hearing, no immediate verdict rendered, Bellingham grassroots group launches petition to impose term limits on mayoral and city council positions, Fueler’s strike expected to impact Sea-Tac flights, State supreme court upholds ban on high-capacity magazines, It’s Mother’s Day. Do not settle for free and cheap, Whatcom drug dealer reportedly transferred to ICE custody
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, May 9th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Crowds of protesters gather outside of Lelo’s court hearing, no immediate verdict rendered
An immigration judge has delayed ruling on whether Alfredo “Lelo” (LAY-lo) Juarez Zeferino will be granted bond following his March 25th arrest by ICE.
Zeferino, a Whatcom County farmworker and immigrant rights activist, is being held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center, and seeks release ahead of a November court date. His attorney requested a $5,000 bond, but Judge Theresa M. Scala could rule that she lacks jurisdiction — a growing trend in immigration cases.
ICE argued Zeferino is a flight risk due to a missed court date, which his attorney says he was never notified of. Over 60 supporters rallied outside the facility during Thursday’s hearing.
Zeferino is known for his work with Community to Community and the farmworker union Familias Unidas por la Justicia (fah-MEE-lee-us oo-NEE-duhs POR LAH hoo-STEE-see-uh). Both U.S. Senator Patty Murray and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen have voiced support for Zeferino and criticized ICE’s actions.
A ruling is expected soon.
STORY: Bellingham grassroots group launches petition to impose term limits on mayoral and city council positions
A grassroots group in Bellingham is pushing for term limits for the city’s elected leaders.
Community First Whatcom has launched a petition drive for a ballot measure that would cap service at 12 years for the mayor and City Council members. The proposed charter amendment would limit council members to three consecutive four-year terms, and the at-large seat to six two-year terms. The group has until June 27th to collect nearly 4,800 valid signatures to qualify the measure for the November ballot.
Some council members voiced skepticism this week. Councilmember Dan Hammill, now in his 11th year, said he’s still learning. Skip Williams added that the decision is ultimately in the hands of voters.
Community First Whatcom previously led successful initiatives on renter protections and raising the minimum wage.
STORY: Fueler’s strike expected to impact Sea-Tac flights
Members of Teamsters Local 174, which represents 150 aircraft fuelers at SeaTac Airport, voted unanimously to authorize a strike on Tuesday night.
If enacted, the strike could disrupt travel, and compel most planes passing through the airport to find alternative ways to refuel. Union members serve planes from Alaska, American, Delta, and United airlines.
In addition to an increase in pay, workers want designated parking, a clean lunchroom, and the opportunity to wash jet fuel off their clothes after completing their shifts.
Employer Swissport Ltd. issued a response later that Tuesday night, claiming that their latest proposed offer would make union members the highest paid fuelers at SeaTac.
Both Swissport and the Port of Seattle say the company has contingency plans in place to minimize disruptions in the event of a strike.
STORY: State supreme court upholds ban on high-capacity magazines
The Washington State Supreme Court has voted to uphold the state’s ban on the sale of high-capacity gun magazines.
Yesterday, justices voted 7-to-2 to side with the state, reversing a lower-court ruling from last year on a lawsuit brought by Gator’s Custom Guns, a gun shop in Kelso.
Gator’s attorneys claimed that Washington’s 2022 prohibition on the sale, import and manufacture of ammunition magazines containing over 10 rounds violated both the state’s constitution and the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment. However, most of the justices found that such magazines are not “arms,” instead viewing them as a modifier or an attachment to a weapon. They also disagreed with the Gators’ attorneys’ argument that high-capacity magazines are used for self-defense.
The ruling has led to varying responses from state leaders. Washington State Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh said in an interview that he was disappointed but not surprised by the news, and that, quote, “this will end up in federal court, by hook or by crook” unquote. However, state Attorney General Nick Brown applauded the decision, saying in a social media post that it will save lives.
STORY: It’s Mother’s Day. Do not settle for free and cheap
It’s Mother’s Day Weekend– if you’re looking for something to do with your mother-figures, here are some options.
On Saturday, there’s Live Music at The Shakedown, the show starts at 8:30 pm and features The Palmer Squares.
Why not check out Improv Game Night: Blood on the Clocktower at The Upfront Theatre. It’s a social deduction game where everyone has a trick up their sleeve. Tickets are about $10 and the fun starts at 9:30pm.
On Sunday, consider taking mom to the EN Valley Farmers Market at Everson City Park, and maybe pair it with a run in the Farmers Market 5k at Everson City Park.
WX: Particle Man, Partlysunny Man. Doin’ the things a partlysunny can.
And now for the weather:
A predominantly overcast day is in store for us today, with periods of sunshine breaking through here and there. Daytime highs are projected around the mid-60s, with evening lows falling into the high 40s. The UV index has fallen back to the low-to-moderate range, but pollen counts are considered high today, at 8.3. According to pollen.com, they are expected to spike up to 8.7 on Sunday
– so if you have allergies, bring tissues.
Look for a mostly overcast, albeit warm, weekend as well, with infrequent showers expected throughout Saturday and Sunday.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), and Kathi O’Shea (O-shay). 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: Whatcom drug dealer reportedly transferred to ICE custody
A man convicted of drug trafficking in Whatcom County is now in ICE custody.
ICE officials say 36-year-old Victor Alcala-Arellanes, (all-CALL-uh are-ee-AHN-uss) a Mexican national, was arrested in Bellingham on Monday. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to drug trafficking and possession charges and was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
Alcala-Arellanes was one of five people arrested in March 2024 in connection to a Mexico-based drug trafficking ring.
He was transferred to the state Department of Corrections in February, but it’s not clear when—or if—he was released before ICE took him into custody.
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