Investigation into Cherry Point incident begins, One injured in I-5 crash south of Bellingham, Ferndale man killed in car crash in Mountlake Terrace, 35mph speed limit extended along Chuckanut Drive, Local advocates prepare for school board meeting tomorrow, Detour set as southern portion of South Bay Trail closes to public, High school graduation requirements for WA students under review, WA’s population of gray wolves continues to bounce back, Seattle area moves to limit ICE, New housing rule workshop offered, Chee and Freap
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, April, 22. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Investigation into Cherry Point incident begins
The explosion at BP’s Cherry Point Refinery in Blaine is now under investigation by multiple agencies.
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries said yesterday it has launched a formal inspection that involves BP and two contractors— a process that could take up to six months. All findings will be made public.
Meanwhile, the Northwest Clean Air Agency announced on Monday that it will work alongside BP as the company conducts its own internal review to determine the cause.
Officials with the Department of Ecology say the incident was limited to a release into the air, with no impact to water and no ongoing risk to nearby communities. According to BP Spokesperson, Cesar Rodriguez, three workers who were injured have since been treated and released from the hospital.
The explosion was reported around 10:20 Saturday morning, but BP has not yet confirmed what caused it or how it may affect refinery operations.
STORY: One injured in I-5 crash south of Bellingham
Northbound Interstate 5 through Bellingham was fully blocked yesterday after a crash involving a bicyclist and two vehicles.
The collision was reported near the Samish Way exit just after 11 a.m., with at least one person injured.
According to WSDOT (WASH-dot) one lane reopened shortly after noon, and all lanes were cleared by about 3:30 p.m.
STORY: Ferndale man killed in car crash in Mountlake Terrace
A 43-year-old Ferndale man has died following a fiery crash early yesterday morning in Mountlake Terrace.
According to the State Patrol, the driver was exiting northbound I-5 around 3:30 a.m. when the vehicle struck a wall and caught fire. The car became fully engulfed, and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
STORY: 35mph speed limit extended along Chuckanut Drive
WSDOT (WASH-dot) has permanently lowered the speed limit on nearly nine miles of Chuckanut Drive.
New 35 mile-per-hour signs were installed last Friday, covering a stretch from Blanchard Road to south of Spokane Street. Officials say the change follows a review of traffic data and increased recreational use along the scenic corridor.
The new speed limit is now in effect, with a short transition zone remaining at 40 miles per hour.
STORY: Local advocates prepare for school board meeting tomorrow
A growing controversy is unfolding in Bellingham as the school district weighs whether to close elementary schools.
At the center of the issue is a projected $7.5 million budget shortfall and a steady decline in student enrollment. District leaders say fewer students—linked largely to falling birth rates—mean less state funding, since schools are funded on a per-student basis.
To address the gap, the district is already planning to cut about 60 staff positions and reduce programs. At the same time, a facilities task force is studying whether consolidating schools could save money.
The possibility has sparked strong community reaction. Parents and neighborhood groups have begun organizing, questioning both the district’s enrollment projections and the financial logic behind closures.
KMRE sat down with J.R. Johnson and Christina Lovell (LOVE-ull). They are members of the newly-formed local group, Save Bellingham Schools. Johnson has a kid in Columbia School, and Lovell’s child goes to Carl Cozier; both schools slated for closure. Lovell explains.
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Johnson says the prioritization of the completion of the new district administration offices and shifting district information gives him cause to question the process.
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For Lovell and Johnson, the impacts are real, and affect the entire city.
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A large turnout is expected at the school board meeting tomorrow, but Lovell fears the dye may already be cast.
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The public is invited to attend the Bellingham School Board meeting tomorrow at 6pm in the District Administration building at 1985 Barkley Blvd.
WX: Mercy me, c’est mercredi
And now for the weather:
A spell of morning rain looks to give way to predominantly sunny skies and highs in the low 60s later this afternoon. Don’t expect the cloud cover to ever fully go away, though, as this evening’s forecast calls for partly overcast skies as well. Nighttime lows are projected around the mid-40s.
If we end up getting swindled out of some sunshine today, never fear, for tomorrow looks to bring the brightness back in spades.
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: Detour set as southern portion of South Bay Trail closes to public
STORY: High school graduation requirements for WA students under review
From credits to careers, Washington may be rethinking what it means to graduate.
For many students, the finish line doesn’t come with a clear next step.
FutureReady, a statewide task force, suggests gaps remain – pointing to limited support, fewer real-world learning opportunities, and a narrow definition of success.
The state’s 24-credit graduation requirement has only been in place since 2021, and questions remain about how well it prepares students for what comes next.
The group is now working with schools, community partners, and tribal leaders to shape a more connected plan, with legislation intended for 2027.
STORY: WA’s population of gray wolves continues to bounce back
STORY: Seattle area moves to limit ICE
Seattle and King County are moving to limit federal immigration enforcement on staging in city and county spaces.
Under the new rules passed by the Seattle City Council in March, immigration agents are restricted from gathering, conducting surveillance, or setting up operations in places like parks and government buildings without a judicial warrant. King County also passed a similar ban. Both jurisdictions are also placing temporary bans on new detention centers.
The shift comes as Whatcom County’s Superior Court reports suspected enforcement activity near its courthouse. Judges there say they’re expanding remote access to hearings and adding new advisements to ensure people can safely reach court.
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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