Lynden man arrested in Homeland Security raid, advocates decry pattern of intimidation and harassment, One-vehicle crash near Lake Whatcom leaves driver seriously injured, Housing prices and mortgage rates fall in both Bellingham and greater Whatcom County, Residents of Bellingham neighborhood express concerns over planned development project, Library Director honored, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife closes recreational fishing outside of a newly declared salmon season along stretch of Nooksack River, State Democrats eyeing income tax on residents making over $1 million annually
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KMRE brings you local news for 11, 3, 2025. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Lynden man arrested in Homeland Security raid, advocates decry pattern of intimidation and harassment
A Lynden man is in federal custody after a dramatic arrest Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security.
29-year-old Jesus Alejandro Lopez Ruiz (hay-SOOS ah-lay-HAN-dro lo-PEZ roo-EES) was wanted for assault on law enforcement, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Bystander video shows armored vehicles and agents surrounding his Lynden apartment before breaking down the door.
Ruiz was booked into the Whatcom County Jail and transferred to federal custody Thursday morning. His partner, Jocelyn Peña (JAH-suh-lin PAY-nya), says she was told he was taken to the ICE detention center in Tacoma — and that she hasn’t been able to reach him since. The arrest follows a reported pursuit in Ferndale two weeks ago involving unmarked vehicles believed to be ICE agents.
Local advocates, including Racial Unity Now, are raising concerns about what they call intimidation and a lack of accountability from federal authorities.
Homeland Security and ICE have not responded to requests for comment.
STORY: One-vehicle crash near Lake Whatcom leaves driver seriously injured
One person was seriously injured early Thursday morning in a crash involving a downed tree near Lake Whatcom Boulevard.
According to South Whatcom Fire Chief Mitchell Nolze, crews were alerted just after 12:40 a.m. and found a single vehicle with one occupant.
An airlift was requested, but poor weather made that impossible. The driver was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center, and their condition has not been updated.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of the crash.
STORY: Housing prices and mortgage rates fall in both Bellingham and greater Whatcom County
Home prices in Bellingham and Whatcom County dipped in September.
According to Redfin data, Whatcom County’s median sale price fell to $593,000, down slightly from August and nearly 3% lower than a year ago.
In Bellingham, the median price was $668,000 — a 4.8% drop from August, but still up compared to last year.
Local broker Jason Lee with Windermere Real Estate says the slowdown in sales and rising days on market are typical for this time of year.
Statewide, the median home price was just over $630,000 in September, keeping Washington in the top five most expensive housing markets in the U.S.
STORY: Residents of Bellingham neighborhood express concerns over planned development project
In Bellingham’s Roosevelt neighborhood, a proposed housing development has stirred debate over growth and neighborhood character.
According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, residents on St. Clair Street, a quiet dead-end off Alabama Street, say plans to add 18 new residential units threaten to upend the area’s peaceful, close-knit feel.
The 1.7-acre infill project would add nine homes, each with an accessory dwelling unit. The proposal is part of the city’s broader push for middle housing— smaller, more affordable homes such as duplexes, cottages, and townhouses — which is a key strategy to address Bellingham’s housing shortage.
The Roosevelt neighborhood has more middle housing than any other area in Bellingham, and accounts for about 42% of its housing stock. While neighbors say they support adding homes, some argue the changes are moving too fast, with little input from long-term homeowners.
City Planning Director Blake Lyon says the project aligns with state and local goals to increase housing options and make better use of existing infrastructure. Lyon also said that Bellingham has limited space to expand outward, so using properties within the city is essential to meeting the community’s increased housing demand.
STORY: Library Director honored
Bellingham Library director Rebecca Judd has been honored with a 2025 Peace Builder Award for Public Service.
Library Director Rebecca Judd accepted the award Friday, Oct. 24th on behalf of the staff, recognizing their work in creating a safe, free, and inclusive space for community members of all ages to explore, connect, and grow.
Other awardees included Bellingham TheatreWorks, Brothers to Brothers’ Erik McFrazier, Trans Survival’s Selene Etheredge, The Way Station, Bellingham Holi (HOLLY) Festival, and Sarah Chan of PNW Plateful.
STORY: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife closes recreational fishing outside of a newly declared salmon season along stretch of Nooksack River
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced the simultaneous closing of all recreational fishing and the opening of a new salmon season along two separate segments of the Nooksack River.
Both actions became official on Friday, and remain in effect through December 31st of this year.
The announcements came out of the annual series of meetings known as the North of Falcon Process. Through these discussions, representatives of federal, state, and tribal governments, as well as emissaries from commercial and recreational fishing industries and members of the public, plan and manage the region’s fisheries.
The closed portion of the Nooksack runs from the Lummi Reservation boundary to a yellow marker upstream of Slater Road. The open salmon season section encompasses the area between the same yellow marker and Deming’s Future Farmers of America barn.
Fish and Wildlife has set a daily limit of six salmon, and also established specific species restrictions. For full details, consult the Department website.
STORY: State Democrats eyeing income tax on residents making over $1 million annually
Washington lawmakers are once again considering a state income tax — this time aimed at millionaires.
Democratic senators are discussing a proposal that would impose a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million, potentially raising about $3 billion from roughly 20,000 households.
Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen says the idea is still in early discussions and may not become a formal bill when the 2026 legislative session begins in January.
Governor Bob Ferguson says he’s skeptical of new taxes after major increases earlier this year, while Republican lawmakers call the proposal “another example of endless taxation.”
Supporters say an income tax would make Washington’s tax system more fair, but legal and political challenges make its future uncertain.
WX: An Albuquerque monsoon
And now for the weather:
The skies should remain cloudy today, with an occasional passing shower. Daytime temps will stay relatively mild, with highs around 50 degrees. The overcast skies may recede somewhat as this evening rolls in, leaving us with a partly-to-mostly cloudy night with lows in the mid-upper 30s.
Tomorrow look for some scant sunshine poking through the gaps in the clouds, and some more light rain will make a cameo here and there.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THARE-un) Danielson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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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