Whatcom County Council set to hold public hearing over criminal justice sales tax, Northbound I-5 set to undergo overnight lane closures this week, Stretches of Whatcom Estuary trail closed over fears of erosion causing unsafe conditions, Seismologists largely unconcerned about swarm of tremors on Juan de Fuca ridge over weekend, Models predict stronger el nino, higher wildfire risk, Community-driven flood solutions work best, research says, Washington leaders try to rein in AI, PNW candy classic introduces new flavor, PNW candy classic introduces new flavor, New housing rule workshop offered, Chee and Freap
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, April, 14. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Whatcom County Council set to hold public hearing over criminal justice sales tax
A public hearing will be held today over the potential introduction of a new sales tax.
Members of the Whatcom County Council will meet this evening to decide if voters should have a say in the introduction of a sales tax that will help fund the criminal justice services.
A dime of every $100 purchase will raise $7 million a year to help fund the rising cost of law enforcement, courts and corrections services.
Bellingham, Lynden, and Skagit County have already approved the tax, and voter approval is not needed. However, the Whatcom County Council was split on the idea in a meeting last month.
The open meeting starts at 6pm tonight, and the public is invited to join in person, online, or via phone. More information is available at Whatcom County’s website.
STORY: Northbound I-5 set to undergo overnight lane closures this week
Northbound I-5 in Bellingham is set to undergo overnight lane closures this week.
The right lane of northbound I-5 between Lakeway Drive and the Guide Meridian will be closed between 9 p.m. this evening and 5 a.m. tomorrow for maintenance, as crews will be mowing along the freeway.
The section between the Lakeway Drive on- and off-ramps will be closed between 9 p.m. tomorrow and 6 a.m. on Thursday for the same reason.
STORY: Stretches of Whatcom Estuary trail closed over fears of erosion causing unsafe conditions
The City of Bellingham is permanently closing two stretches of the lower trail at Maritime Heritage Park.
The City says these stretches are experiencing increased erosion, which poses safety concerns for the trail’s users. Park Operations workers will remove park signs, bridges and benches, and also cover the trail with woody debris.
Users can still get to the park via the upper Whatcom Estuary Trail.
STORY: Seismologists largely unconcerned about swarm of tremors on Juan de Fuca ridge over weekend
Seismologists say a recent swarm of earthquakes off the Washington coast is not a threat to the region.
More than 18 quakes were recorded early Sunday along the Juan de Fuca Ridge, about 250 miles west of Aberdeen. Most registered between magnitude 3 and 4 and occurred roughly six miles below the surface.
Scientists with the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network say the activity is not connected to the Cascadia Subduction Zone — the major fault capable of producing a large earthquake — nor to the Axial (AK-see-uhl) Seamount, the most active submarine volcano in the northeast Pacific Ocean.
No tsunami warning was issued, and the U.S. Geological Survey reports there were no indications the quakes were felt on land.
STORY: Models predict stronger el nino, higher wildfire risk A potential El Niño is raising concerns about wildfire season in the Pacific Northwest.
Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say there’s a 61 percent chance of El Niño developing this spring and summer.
The pattern typically brings warmer, drier conditions to the region — increasing wildfire risk.
Washington is already in a fourth straight year of drought, and officials say preparations for fire season are underway as they continue to monitor rainfall in the coming weeks.
STORY: Community-driven flood solutions work best, research says Researchers in Washington are testing new, nature-based ways to reduce flooding while strengthening communities.
The effort, led by the University of Washington and local partners, aims to find solutions that protect neighborhoods without disrupting the people who live there. Reporter Isobel Charlet (shar-LAY) has more.
FLOOD PLAIN AUDIO
STORY: Washington leaders try to rein in AI
Washington state is trying to set some guardrails around AI.
Last month, Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1170, which requires companies to disclose when images, video, or audio are created or altered by AI systems.
Meanwhile, House Bill 2225 targets so-called companion chatbots. It requires companies to clearly tell users they are interacting with a machine — providing frequent reminders, especially for minors — as well as build in safeguards for users in distress.
Supporters say the laws aim to reduce deception and protect vulnerable users as AI becomes more common in daily life. Critics, however, say that parts of the chatbot law could lead to legal uncertainty by allowing private lawsuits.
The chatbot rules take effect in January of 2027, with AI media disclosure requirements following later in the year.
STORY: Change in postmark rules could affect tax filers Tomorrow is tax day, and a key change could impact anyone mailing their return.
According to recent postal service updates, the Internal Revenue Service now considers a return “on time” based on when it’s postmarked — not when it’s dropped in the mail. That postmark is applied when the United States Postal Service processes the envelope, meaning a return sent on April 15th could be stamped a day later and considered late.
Late filings may carry a penalty of 5 percent of unpaid taxes per month.
Tax experts recommend mailing early, requesting a hand postmark at the counter, or filing electronically to avoid delays.
STORY: PNW candy classic introduces new flavor
Almond (ALL-mund) Roca has announced its first new flavor in decades.
The Tacoma-based Brown & Haley Company says it will debut a hazelnut version of its Almond Roca in the form of a Mountain Bar this summer. The limited-time treat is expected to hit stores in July or August, but could stick around longer if demand is strong.
It marks the company’s first new retail flavor since 1972, when it introduced the Peanut Butter Mountain Bar.
A pistachio version of Almond Roca is also planned for a limited release during the 2026 holiday season.
WX: David Blowaine
And now for the weather:
A spring storm is expected today and tonight with up to ½ an inch of rain and highs around 50 degrees, with wind speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Tonight’s forecast calls for more rain and lows in the upper-30s.
Be prepared for more showers tomorrow, along with an increased chance of thunderstorms.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRAH-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Kieran (KEAR-un) Dang, Bella Farris, and Jenny Lam. 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. To help support our work, check out our Patreon, or Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: New housing rule workshop offered
The City of Bellingham is hosting a free workshop to help renters and landlords navigate new housing rules.
The event takes place April 28 at City Council Chambers, where city staff and local groups — including Western Washington University Off Campus Living and the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center — will break down new rental regulations and answer questions.
Topics include local ordinances, statewide rent stabilization, and fair housing laws, with a focus on disability discrimination — the most common complaint in Whatcom County.
The session is part of Fair Housing Month, which also includes a film screening and panel discussion on April 22.
STORY: Chee and Freap
Celebrate Earth Day with us
Save the date for Earth Day on April 22! The City is hosting several events throughout April to celebrate, including:
● Free First Friday at the Whatcom Museum with activities around the new exhibition, Painted Forest: The Science and Beauty of Petrified Wood
● Earth-themed Children’s Storytimes with the Bellingham Public Library
● Volunteer work party to improve water quality and habitat at Squalicum Creek
● A recycling drop-off event for hard-to-recycle items – bring your sensitive documents for shredding, electronic waste, batteries, and used athletic sneakers
● A tour of our recently completed Padden Creek fish passage project
Check out a full list of events with details online.
Residents of Whatcom County can safely and responsibly dispose of old or leftover household paint at a Free Paint Collection & Recycling Event. The event will take place on Saturday, May 2, in Lynden. https://www.whatcomcounty.us//CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5453
THRIFTOPIA! A FLEA MARKET BLOCK PARTY
Saturday, April 25 10AM – 3PM | 900 E Fairhaven Ave, Burlington
Held just once each spring during the Tulip Festival season, this FREE-admission event features 70+ local vendors offering everything from arts & crafts and jewelry to clothing, garage sale treasures, and new or gently used goods.
With booths filling the Burlington Parks & Recreation Building, Burlington Public Library (Friends of the Library Used Book Sale), and Burlington Senior Center, you’ll find plenty of INDOOR and OUTDOOR shopping. Grab a bite from Mexicraves or Drifters Desserts, and don’t forget to ride your bike for a FREE tune-up from the Skagit Valley Bicycle Coalition! Visit our facebook event page for updates.
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