Dept. of Agriculture to pay roughly half of lost November SNAP benefits, Lighthouse Mission asking for community aid in supporting those now without SNAP, Bellingham City Council considering installing speed cameras in school zones, Opioid overdoses continue to decline in Whatcom, First responders urge Whatcom County council to allocate max levy dollars to fund EMS, Lynden City Hall to begin closing to public on Fridays next month, Amazon cuts hurt, WA among 22 states suing Trump administration over restrictions to student loan forgiveness program
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, November 4th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Dept. of Agriculture to pay roughly half of lost November SNAP benefits
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will release about half of November’s SNAP food assistance benefits — but those payments could take weeks or even months to reach families.
The move follows a federal judge’s order requiring the Trump administration to use emergency funds to get at least partial payments out by Wednesday, despite the ongoing government shutdown.
In a four-page report, the USDA says it’s tapping a $4.65 billion contingency fund, but logistical hurdles mean the money won’t reach EBT cards right away. Officials cite outdated state systems and complex recalculations needed for the 42 million Americans who rely on the program. The department also outlined the process of authorizing states to distribute funds once calculations are complete.
Meanwhile, the federal shutdown — now in its 34th day — is on track to become the longest in U.S. history as lawmakers remain deadlocked over a stopgap spending bill.
Saturday marked the first lapse in SNAP payments since the program began as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty.
STORY: Lighthouse Mission asking for community aid in supporting those now without SNAP
In more SNAP news, Lighthouse Mission Ministries is calling on the community to help feed hundreds of unhoused people in Whatcom County who lost their benefits this month.
In a recent release, the Mission said most of its residents — more than 80 percent — rely on about $190 a month from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to buy fresh and healthy food. Those benefits ended Saturday.
Executive Director Hans Erchinger-Davis (HANS ERCH-in-ger DAV-is) says SNAP gives residents autonomy and dignity, and without it, food banks will face even more strain.
Lighthouse Mission already supports up to 300 people a day and serves around 600 meals daily.
STORY: Bellingham City Council considering installing speed cameras in school zones
The city says it will roll out cameras in school zones next year to catch speeders.
Public Works Director Joel Pfundt told the City Council in his 2026 budget presentation that funding for the program has been included. Under state law, fines for going over 20 mph in a school zone are double the normal rate — often starting around $250.
According to the City, the goal is to protect Bellingham’s children while walking and biking near schools. A grace period with warnings will come before tickets are issued.
The City Council will review the details and timeline of the new safety camera program in the coming months.
STORY: Opioid overdoses continue to decline in Whatcom
Drug overdoses are down this year in Whatcom County — a hopeful sign that mirrors a national decline in the opioid crisis.
Health officials say 911 calls and hospital visits for overdoses have fallen back to about 2022 levels, though they remain higher than before fentanyl flooded the market in 2020.
County Health Officer Dr. Meghan Lelonek (luh-LAWN-ek) told the Whatcom County Health Board that overdose deaths are down roughly 25% from last year — about eight deaths a month, down from twelve deaths a month in 2023.
She credits the drop to wider Narcan distribution and increased access to treatment that has come from coordinated efforts among local government, nonprofits, and first responders.
Lelonek says it’s important to remember that behind every statistic is a person — and that substance use affects every neighborhood.
Fentanyl remains the leading cause of overdose deaths both locally and nationwide.
STORY: First responders urge Whatcom County council to allocate max levy dollars to fund EMS
Fire chiefs and emergency responders across Whatcom County have urged the County Council to use “banked capacity” to shore up funding for local EMS services next year.
The request comes as inflation and rising costs strain the county’s emergency medical system — which now faces a nearly $3 million deficit that could double by 2028.
The term “Banked capacity” refers to property tax revenue already approved by voters but not yet collected. Using it would add about $2.5 million to the EMS fund — roughly $26 more a year for the owner of a $635,000 house. It was identified as a possible strategy to backfill funds by the independent fire and EMS study commissioned by the county council.
The Whatcom Fire Chiefs Association says it’s not a tax increase but a way to restore the voter-approved rate from the 2022 EMS levy. They warn that without action, rising fuel, insurance, and equipment costs could erode emergency response.
County leaders are also exploring expense cuts and reserve policy changes as they prepare to finalize the 2026 budget later this month.
A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Wednesday at the Whatcom County Courthouse.
STORY: Lynden City Hall to begin closing to public on Fridays next month
In December, Lynden City Hall will be closed on Fridays as the city works to address rising costs and budget shortfalls.
In a budget message delivered to the Lynden City Council on Oct. 20, Mayor Scott Korthuis (KORT-hoys) said stagnant revenue, inflation, higher insurance, and tariffs have outpaced the city’s budget. To cope, the proposed 2026 budget includes closing offices on Fridays, as well as a cut of seven city positions, and employee workweek reductions to 32 hours. The city plans to use the state’s SharedWork program so staff can collect partial unemployment benefits.
The budget also calls for a 7% utility rate increase and raises the Ambulance Utility Fee from 12 to $20 per unit.
The final budget hearing is set for Monday, December 1st at 7 p.m. The draft budget is available online at lyndenwa.org.
STORY: Amazon cuts hurt
Amazon cut about 2,300 jobs in the Seattle area last week— one of the company’s largest white-collar reductions to date.
Software development and recruiting roles were hit hardest, with more than 600 positions cut statewide. The Doppler building in downtown Seattle saw the most cuts, with around 361 jobs eliminated.
Amazon says the layoffs respond to automation, artificial intelligence, and efforts to streamline management. Local experts warn the cuts could ripple through other businesses and the city’s tax base.
The Seattle-King County Workforce Development Council is offering rapid-response workshops to connect affected employees with new opportunities.
STORY: WA among 22 states suing Trump administration over restrictions to student loan forgiveness program
Washington and 21 other states are suing the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that could limit student loan forgiveness for public service workers.
The rule, set to take effect next July, would prevent borrowers from receiving Public Service Loan Forgiveness if they work for organizations the department says serve a quote “substantial illegal purpose” unquote. Officials say that could include groups involved in services for undocumented people, gender-affirming care for trans youth, or diversity and inclusion efforts.
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown says the rule is vague and could reduce loan forgiveness nationwide, adding billions in extra payments for borrowers. PSLF, created in 2007, forgives remaining federal student loan debt for those who work in government or nonprofit roles for at least 10 years while making qualifying payments.
The lawsuit argues the department lacks the authority to impose such restrictions and seeks to block enforcement of the rule. Brown says PSLF is crucial for recruiting and retaining teachers, nurses, police, and other public servants.
More than 23,000 Washington borrowers have received loan forgiveness under PSLF since 2021.
WX: Ben Stein in meteorological form
And now weather:
Today’s forecast calls for more clouds and light showers here in Whatcom. Daytime highs continue to hover in the mid-50s. This evening should be fairly mild and blustery, with wind speeds reaching up to 23 miles per hour and lows in the mid-40s.
Look for tonight’s winds to carry on through tomorrow, along with heavier rainfall.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron Danielson, Glen Hirshberg, Kathi O’Shea, Bella Mae, and Kai Blais-Schmolke. 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 _David Korb________… thanks for listening!
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