Three people injured following apparent explosion at Cherry Point refinery, California man arrested and charged with defrauding three Whatcom residents for over $1 million, Dept of Health recalls clams sold at three establishments in Bellingham following outbreak of norovirus-like symptoms, Shellfish beaches close across Whatcom, Motorcycle crash south of Blaine leaves rider hospitalized, Bellingham closes alleys, FBI warns of phishing scam, Candidate filing week approaches, WSDOT begins work to remove I-5 graffiti rock, Bail reform measures under consideration by State Supreme Court draw wide range of public comments, New housing rule workshop offered, Officials press pause on license plate readers in some parts of state, New housing rule workshop offered, Disaster relief is different this time, Chee and Freap
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KMRE brings you local news for Monday, April, 20. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Three people injured following apparent explosion at Cherry Point refinery
An apparent explosion injured three workers at the BP Cherry Point refinery on Saturday morning.
Emergency crews responded to reports of a loud blast at the Grandview Road facility around 10:25 a.m. According to the refinery, all three injured workers were transported to a local hospital and later treated and released; fire officials say at least one person initially suffered serious injuries. Whatcom County Fire District 7 says their crews assisted with medical transport, but were not involved in containing the incident.
Officials say the situation is now contained, all workers have been accounted for, and there is no risk to surrounding communities. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
STORY: California man arrested and charged with defrauding three Whatcom residents for over $1 million
A California man has been arrested and charged with defrauding three Whatcom residents for over one million dollars.
In a post on Facebook, detectives with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and federal agents said that 56-year-old Xiaobin Zhou (SHAH-bin JOE) was arrested in May of 2025. Investigators later developed probable cause for additional charges, which included first-degree theft, theft from a vulnerable adult, and criminal conspiracy.
Authorities say at least three Washington victims were defrauded of more than one million dollars combined. One victim, an 86-year-old individual, reportedly lost nearly 800 thousand dollars alone. Investigators say the scheme involved victims clicking malicious links that gave access to their computers, followed by instructions to withdraw large amounts of cash for pickup by couriers — all while being told not to contact police or family members.
Officials urge the public to stay vigilant, and warn that suspicious links may install malware, steal personal information, and compromise financial accounts.
STORY: Dept of Health recalls clams sold at three establishments in Bellingham following outbreak of norovirus-like symptoms
The Washington State Department of Health is recalling clams and oysters sold in Whatcom County after possible norovirus contamination.
In an announcement on Friday, health officials said five people became sick after eating the oysters.
The recall includes shellfish sold from late March into early April at the Community Food Co-op in downtown Bellingham, Rock and Rye Oyster House, and Keenan’s at the Pier. Businesses have stopped serving the affected products, and anyone who may have them at home is urged to throw them away.
The shellfish were harvested in Mason County and distributed across Washington, Oregon, and California. Officials say the risk is no longer ongoing; however, they remind people to avoid eating raw shellfish if they’re unsure of its source.
STORY: Shellfish beaches close across Whatcom
In more mollusk-related news, state health officials have closed recreational shellfish harvesting across all of Whatcom County.
In an announcement yesterday, the health department said unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins had been detected. The closure — which applies to clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops — includes areas around Point Roberts. While crab meat is considered safe, people are advised to avoid consuming crab butter or entrails.
Commercially sold shellfish remain safe because they are tested before reaching markets and restaurants. Health officials urge harvesters to check current conditions before digging, as toxin levels may change quickly.
STORY: Motorcycle crash south of Blaine leaves rider hospitalized
A motorcycle crash south of Blaine sent at least one person to the hospital yesterday.
The incident occurred on southbound I-5, north of the Loomis Trail Road overpass. Records indicate that a single motorcycle drove off the roadway at around 5:30 p.m. Authorities say at least one individual was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham.
The crash closed the left lane of southbound I-5 to traffic. By 8 p.m., the scene had been cleared and all lanes were open once again.
STORY: Bellingham closes alleys
The Bellingham City Council has given final approval to an ordinance allowing temporary street and alley closures.
The measure passed on April 13th. According to the City, it intends to address public safety concerns and disrupt drug activity. Later this month, the city plans to close a three-block stretch of alley between Railroad and Cornwall avenues, from Holly Street to Chestnut Avenue.
City leaders say the closure is part of a broader initiative to make downtown Bellingham safer and more welcoming.
STORY: FBI warns of phishing scam
The FBI is warning of a nationwide scam targeting people who have applied for permits, including some in Bellingham.
Officials say fraudulent emails are being sent using publicly available permit information, claiming applicants owe fees or that their permits or hearings will be delayed unless payment is made.
The City of Bellingham’s Permit Center says it has already received at least one report of this type of scam locally. City officials emphasize that legitimate payments are only handled through the city’s official eTRAKiT system.
Residents are urged to carefully review any suspicious messages and verify information through the city’s Permit Center website before taking action.
STORY: Candidate filing week approaches
If you’re thinking about running for local office in Whatcom County, candidate filing week is just around the corner.
Declarations of Candidacy will be accepted from May 4th through May 8th; officials encourage candidates to prepare ahead of time.
Candidates may file online through the state’s candidate portal, or submit their paperwork in person, by mail, email, or fax. Filing opens at 8 a.m. on May 4th and closes at 5 p.m. on May 8th, and all filing fees must be paid by the deadline.
More information, including a list of open offices and step-by-step filing instructions, is available on the Whatcom County Auditor’s website.
STORY: WSDOT begins work to remove I-5 graffiti rock
A Bellingham landmark that’s greeted drivers for decades is one step closer to being moved.
WSDOT (wash-DOT) says crews have begun the prep work needed to relocate the well‑known Bellingham Rock along I‑5 to make room for major fish‑passage construction at Chuckanut Creek. The rock sits directly in the footprint of the project, where crews will replace old culverts that block salmon and steelhead from moving upstream.
Crews are stripping away layers of paint — including some lead‑based coatings — and removing contaminated soil around the site. Once that work is complete, the rock will be broken into pieces and transported to a private property in Bellingham that has agreed to allow public access.
The relocation is part of a larger effort to replace 17 culverts and open new habitat for native fish.
STORY: Bail reform measures under consideration by State Supreme Court draw wide range of public comments
Washington’s Supreme Court is weighing one of the biggest bail‑rule overhauls the state has considered in years.
Four public‑defense organizations are asking the court to change how judges decide whether someone should be held before trial. The proposal would raise the standard for imposing bail, cap bail for most misdemeanors at $200, and let people post 10% of the amount directly with the court instead of using a bondsman.
Supporters say current rules lead to “wealth‑based pretrial incarceration” and disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Opponents — including prosecutors, GOP lawmakers, judges, and victims’ advocates — warn the changes could weaken accountability and public safety.
Public comments are open through April 30th.
WX: Lundia, the Star Dragon
And now for the weather:
Today looks to keep up this weekend’s streak of warm spring weather for at least one more day, with highs expected to crack the low-70s. Expect the skies to be picturesque and partly sunny throughout, with a touch more cloud cover expected to accumulate during the evening. Our nighttime forecast is currently calling for overcast skies and just over a tenth of an inch of rain, with lows remaining fairly warm at just above 50 degrees.
Tomorrow, look forward to predominantly sunny skies once again, with the chance of the odd shower or two in the early afternoon.
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: Officials press pause on license plate readers in some parts of state
Police departments across Washington are reassessing their use of license plate readers after new statewide restrictions took effect last month.
The cameras, which track vehicle movements, are seen by law enforcement as valuable tools for solving crimes, but critics argue they raise serious privacy and surveillance concerns.
The new law, signed March 30 by Governor Bob Ferguson, places limits on how long data can be stored—now capped at 21 days—and restricts how that information can be shared, including with federal agencies. It also bans data collection near sensitive locations like schools, health care facilities, places of worship, and immigration-related sites.
Some departments, including Seattle and Kent, have temporarily shut off their systems while reviewing policies to ensure compliance. Others, like Redmond, Lynnwood, and Sedro-Woolley, had already scaled back or discontinued the technology. Civil liberties advocates, including the ACLU of Washington, say the law is a step forward but doesn’t go far enough to limit surveillance.
Officials say the pause reflects a broader debate over how to balance public safety with personal privacy, as communities weigh how much surveillance they are willing to accept.
STORY: Disaster relief is different this time
A new federal disaster declaration is in effect, and officials say the aid process includes some notable changes.
The declaration, approved by FEMA and published last week, covers 10 counties including Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish. One of the biggest changes is that applicants are no longer required to apply for and be denied Small Business Administration loans before qualifying for certain FEMA assistance. Officials say this removes a step that previously delayed access to aid.
Other updates include a shift from reimbursement-based hotel assistance to upfront displacement payments for temporary housing. In addition, home repair coverage has been expanded in some cases to include work needed to make homes safe and functional, even if pre-existing damage is involved.
In addition to the 2026 declaration, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds were released for the elevation of 16 properties in Sumas, Everson and Ferndale that were damaged in the 2021 flood disaster.
State officials also note it took about 123 days to issue this declaration, compared to roughly 50 days following the 2021 flood disaster, leaving less time for residents to complete applications before deadlines.
The application deadlines for assistance are June 10th for physical damage, and January 7th 2027 for economic injury.
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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