Mount Baker Imaging proposing over $3 million settlement to data breach lawsuit, hearing set for Friday, Whatcom advocacy group gathering signatures for ballot measure banning algorithmic rental-pricing software, Whatcom County announces creation of data-tracking site to increase transparency amid ongoing criminal justice reform, Whatcom Family YMCA receives reaccreditation for abuse prevention, El Capitan’s listed for sale, Mount Baker Ski Area to close for season after this weekend, Experts warn: drought is here, Public survey open for creation of state Dept. of Housing, New housing rule workshop offered, New housing rule workshop offered, Chee and Freap,
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, April, 15. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Mount Baker Imaging proposing over $3 million settlement to data breach lawsuit, hearing set for Friday
The Whatcom County Superior Court will meet this Friday for a hearing over Mount Baker Imaging’s proposed settlement to a data breach lawsuit.
The proposed class action settlement of $3.3 million comes after a ransomware attack in January of 2025, which exposed the data of more than 340,000 patients and led to multiple lawsuits later consolidated in the county Superior Court.
The multi-million-dollar settlement would offer reimbursements, credit monitoring, and cash payments to affected individuals. Mt. Baker Imaging and Northwest Radiologists — the other defendant in the trial — have also agreed to additional investments in cybersecurity improvements.
STORY: Whatcom advocacy group gathering signatures for ballot measure banning algorithmic rental-pricing software
A local advocacy group wants to ban algorithmic rent-setting tools in Bellingham.
According to their website, Community First Whatcom is gathering signatures to place a measure on the November ballot that would prohibit software used to analyze rental data and recommend pricing, lease terms, or occupancy levels. In an announcement of the initiative campaign, organizer Serena Knoblauch (NAWB-lawk) said the technology enables landlords to coordinate pricing and contribute to “artificial rent increases”.
If successful, the measure would add Bellingham to a growing list of cities restricting algorithmic pricing tools, amid broader legal and legislative action in Washington state. The campaign needs about 3,500 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.
STORY: Whatcom County announces creation of data-tracking site to increase transparency amid ongoing criminal justice reform
Whatcom County has launched a new public website aimed at increasing transparency around the local criminal justice system.
Announced yesterday, the site tracks data tied to the county’s Justice Project, a broad initiative made up of 15 separate efforts, including plans for a new jail and changes to behavioral health and incarceration systems.
The platform provides statistics, reports, and updates from multiple agencies — including courts and alternative response programs — and is designed to show how incarceration is being reduced and what alternatives are in place.
County officials say residents may also stay engaged through public meetings with the project’s planning committee and incarceration reduction task force.
STORY: Whatcom Family YMCA receives reaccreditation for abuse prevention
Whatcom Family YMCA has earned national reaccreditation for its abuse prevention and child safety practices.
The Whatcom Y is among the first 11 YMCA facilities in the country to receive the distinction. The accreditation was awarded by Praesidium (pruh-SIH-dee-um), an international organization focused on preventing the abuse of children and vulnerable adults.
YMCA leadership says the recognition reflects ongoing efforts to embed safety into all programs and interactions, while simultaneously strengthening protections for children and families.
The announcement coincides with the YMCA’s “Five Days of Action” campaign, which runs until Friday and focuses this year on keeping kids safe in digital spaces, including online safety education and community resources.
STORY: El Capitan’s listed for sale
El Capitan’s, the pirate staple taproom in downtown Bellingham, has been listed for sale.
The well-known establishment has enjoyed a successful operation for more than two decades; however, the owner is ready to move on to the next chapter of his life. The current lease is set to expire on August 1st, 2028, which will give the new buyer some stability while they get their feet on the ground.
The listing on BizBuySell.com states that, quote, “a buyer who wishes to continue the El Capitan’s concept can maintain the current restaurant and taproom dynamic, while another operator may see opportunities to utilize the spaces differently,” unquote.
The establishment is currently listed for $149,000 — this includes $75,000 in furniture, the restaurant’s brand, and about $3,000 worth of inventory. El Capitan’s remains open Tuesday through Saturday on Cornwall Street.
STORY: Mount Baker Ski Area to close for season after this weekend
The Mount Baker Ski Area will close for the season this Sunday.
The information comes from a video posted to the ski area’s website. The season was challenging from the start. Low snowpack, closures on the Mount Baker Highway, and other factors led to a delay in opening until late December. Additionally, a lack of snow resulted in the cancellation of the Legendary Banked Slalom.
According to the video, the Mount Baker Ski Area is closed through Thursday this week, but is set to reopen Friday for one last weekend with a possible powder day for a festive finale.
According to statistics posted on its website, Mount Baker received only 446 total inches of snow through March 30th — the least in 20 years.
Skiers considering the trip up should note that the Northwest Avalanche Center still has an avalanche advisory in effect.
STORY: Experts warn: drought is here
And speaking of that low snowfall… officials say Washington state is in for another year of drought.
According to Director of Ecology Casy Sixkiller, a drought is declared when the water supply drops below 75% of what’s normal. This is the fourth year in a row for a statewide drought, and according to county records, Whatcom has been in a declared Drought Emergency every year since 2023.
While Mount Baker is the best packed mountain in the state, its snow is only at about 60% of its normal levels, while White Pass stands at a measly 25%. This is the third warmest winter on record in the past century. Sixkiller says the driving factor behind the low snow was rain melt throughout the season.
According to the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County is urging water conservation due to increasing drought, low stream flows in the Nooksack River, and dropping aquifers (AK-wuh-fuhrs). Residents are encouraged to reduce water usage, check for leaks, and implement smart irrigation to make sure there’s enough water for people, fish, and agriculture.
Additionally, officials say they are already preparing for a severe wildfire season. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove stated that, quote, “it’s more important than ever that Washington residents follow the rules as it relates to burning,” unquote.
STORY: Public survey open for creation of state Dept. of Housing
Washington wants to hear from residents as the state considers creating a new Department of Housing.
Governor Bob Ferguson created the Housing Task Force in December through an executive order. The group meets on a monthly basis, and will recommend later this year whether the state should form a cabinet‑level agency to better coordinate housing programs and speed up construction.
Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck says the housing shortage touches every county, and argues the state’s response must match the scale of the problem. His memo urges long‑term statewide planning, more homes near transit, faster permitting, and incentives to boost building.
The Department of Commerce is also gathering public input through an online survey on what a new housing agency should prioritize. A link is available on the Housing Task Force’s website.
The task force will continue collecting feedback throughout the year.
WX: Ororo Munroe’s First Sneeze
And now for the weather:
Showers are possible today, but expect mostly sunny skies and highs in the low-50s. There is a chance of thunderstorms today, and light northwest winds will bring in more clouds this evening with highs in the upper-30s.
Tomorrow, the clouds will slowly move out and we should see a return to high sunshine with temperatures in the mid-50s. PNW is as PNW does.
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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