WSDOT announces northbound I-5 scheduled to reopen this Thursday, Federal government approves major disaster declaration of December floods, opening doors to millions in recovery funding, Major roadwork project in Everson set to begin this week, Man arrested for DUI racks up additional charges of smuggling meth into prison with him, Man pleads guilty to role in overdose death of Lummi woman A fatal overdose, Guemes Island canine corpses determined to be foxes, State to hire over 300 employees to aid in enacting planned income tax, Washington leaders try to rein in AI, New housing rule workshop offered, Chee and Freap, Celebrate Earth Day with us, THRIFTOPIA! A FLEA MARKET BLOCK PARTY
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KMRE brings you local news for Monday, April, 13. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: WSDOT announces northbound I-5 scheduled to reopen this Thursday
A date has been set for the reopening of northbound I-5 near Bellingham.
It was almost a month ago — on March 19th — when a landslide dumped thousands of cubic yards of debris onto the freeway. Since then, workers with the state Department of Transportation have been anchoring unstable rocks using grouted steel dowels, removing large unsupported slabs from the slope, and collecting debris. These workers have begun the final stages of stabilization work; that work forced the closure of all lanes on northbound I-5 between North Lake Samish Road and State Route 11.
Pending final inspection, crews expect to demobilize equipment and open all lanes by 5 a.m. this coming Thursday. Motorists should note, however, that reopening could still be delayed if those inspections reveal unexpected concerns.
WSDOT (WASH-dot) Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith stressed on the agency’s website that, quote, “our focus from day one has been to open the highway as quickly as possible, but only when we can do so safely,” unquote.
STORY: Federal government approves major disaster declaration of December floods, opening doors to millions in recovery funding
President Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for Washington state following devastating floods last December.
According to an announcement from FEMA, millions in federal aid have now been unlocked for residents and local governments across 10 counties — including Skagit and Whatcom. People impacted by the floods may now apply for help with housing, repairs, and uninsured losses.
State leaders say the flooding forced nearly 75,000 evacuations and caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. Governor Bob Ferguson called the declaration “excellent news,” and said federal support is critical for recovery.
The federal government is expected to cover up to 75% of repair costs as rebuilding continues across Western Washington.
STORY: Major roadwork project in Everson set to begin this week
A major construction project will bring months of roadwork to Everson starting on Wednesday.
The City of Everson announced that crews will work along Kale Street and Mead Avenue, also known as State Route 544, to install new sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, and upgraded curb and gutters to improve safety and accessibility.
The project also includes a new water main, major storm drainage improvements, and full roadway reconstruction with fresh paving.
Drivers should expect a half-mile detour via Everson Road and Robinson Street during the closure. Construction is expected to continue until July.
City officials say the $4.8 million project is funded in part by the Transportation Improvement Board.
STORY: Whatcom Superior Court to expand public access to court proceeds in response to increased ICE arrests
The Whatcom County Superior Court announced it will expand remote access to hearings.
Presiding Judge David Freeman says reports of detainments by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement around the courthouse — including on nearby streets and even inside viewing areas — have raised concerns.
The court will now allow remote participation for most hearings, with the goal to keep proceedings open and accessible while addressing community safety concerns.
Court officials say they will continue to track enforcement activity and work with local partners to monitor the situation.
STORY: Man arrested for DUI racks up additional charges of smuggling meth into prison with him
A 27-year-old man is facing additional charges after drugs were found on him inside the Whatcom County Jail.
Bellingham Police say the man was arrested early last Thursday on suspicion of DUI. Officers say they found a meth pipe during a search. The suspect denied having any other drugs; however, once at the jail, a corrections officer discovered a small bag of methamphetamine hidden in his sock.
The suspect now faces an additional charge for possession of drugs inside a correctional facility.
STORY: Man pleads guilty to role in overdose death of Lummi woman A fatal overdose on the Lummi Reservation has led to a guilty plea in a federal court in Seattle.
A grand jury had indicted 29‑year‑old Stephan (STEH-fahn SHAR-low) Charlot in February, accusing him of distributing the fentanyl that killed a Lummi Nation woman last May.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, first responders found the woman unresponsive in her home, with burned foil and Narcan (NAR-kan) nearby. Investigators say cell‑phone records tied the drugs to Charlot, and a forensic interview revealed the woman’s young child was with her as she went into distress.
Charlot was arrested by Lummi Nation Police last June, and has remained in custody. He had initially pleaded not guilty in federal court, but eventually changed his plea to guilty a little over a month later.
Charlot faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $1 million, and three years of community supervision after his release. His sentencing date is yet to be set.
STORY: Guemes Island canine corpses determined to be foxes
The animal carcasses that washed ashore near Guemes (GWEE-miss) Island were foxes.
Deputies say the remains came from foxes legally purchased out of state for use in commercial fishing operations.
The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office says it has identified the person connected to the incident — a commercial crabber — and that he’s cooperating with the investigation.
KOMO News reports a mechanical problem on a vessel caused part of that packaged cargo to spill overboard, leading to the carcasses washing up on local beaches.
Based on what they know so far, deputies do not expect to refer charges to the Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office. Officials say they are not releasing more details while the investigation continues.
STORY: State to hire over 300 employees to aid in enacting planned income tax
Preparations have begun for the implementation of the new state income tax on millionaires.
By July 1st of this year, the Department of Revenue plans to begin funding to hire more than 300 new employees to do the work that the tax changes require.
The new tax, which will go into effect in 2029, is estimated to bring in approximately 3-to-4 billion dollars a year for Washington state. About 131 employees will be responsible for administering the new tax, and 106 will support the expansion of the Washington Families Tax Credit.
The majority of this new revenue will be directed towards funding public schools and eliminating the sales tax on hygiene products, diapers, and over-the-counter medicine.
WX: Postwar inflation
And now for the weather:
It’s back to clouds and cool temperatures here in Whatcom, with this weekend’s dreary weather set to persist for a good few days. Highs today are projected in the upper-50s, with an increasing chance of showers as the day carries on. This evening, be prepared for some light, persistent rainfall and lows in the upper-40s.
We’re looking at yet more rainfall tomorrow, to the tune of about a quarter-inch falling during the daytime.
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: Washington leaders try to rein in AI
Washington state is trying to set some guardrails around AI.
Last month, Governor Bob Ferguson signed new laws that require companies to disclose when images, video, or audio are created or altered by AI systems.
Another measure targets so-called companion chatbots. It requires companies to clearly tell users they’re interacting with a machine — and provide 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, though, warn parts of the chatbot law could lead to legal uncertainty by allowing private lawsuits.
The chatbot rules take effect in January, with AI media disclosure requirements following later in 2027.
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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