Lynden man arrested under suspicion of arson, WWU president signs letter condemning Trump administration, WA university students with revoked visas begin seeing reinstatements this week, Peacehealth workers speak out about stalled contract negotiations, Skagit farmworker leaders meet with Sen. Murray to hold ICE accountable for arrest of Lelo, Free and Cheap, Bellingham man arrested after fleeing Seattle medical center, CA man previously arrested for smuggling people into Whatcom County sentenced
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, April 25th. Good afternoon, I’m __David Korb____.
STORY: Lynden man arrested under suspicion of arson
A 71-year-old Lynden man was arrested Sunday night on suspicion of arson after refusing to exit an RV that had caught fire in a local trailer park.
According to Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater, deputies responded around 8 p.m. to reports of smoke and flame at a trailer park on the Guide Meridian. Upon arrival, deputies found the RV engulfed in flames with the man still inside, armed with hammer and knife, and refusing to come out.
The situation was particularly dangerous as the burning RV was near other trailers and propane tanks. Deputies were eventually able to detain the man before the RV became fully engulfed. Fire crews extinguished the flames, but the RV was destroyed.
The man was treated at the scene and later booked into Whatcom County Jail on probable cause for first-degree arson, felony harassment, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
STORY: WWU president signs letter condemning Trump administration
Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa is among over 400 college leaders nationwide who signed a letter opposing government overreach by the Trump administration.
The letter, published on Tuesday by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, criticizes political interference in academic affairs, threats to research funding—especially projects tied to diversity—and recent visa revocations for international students. While Western has not seen student visas impacted, President Randhawa confirmed the cancellation of three National Science Foundation grants. The letter urges support for academic freedom, research, and the essential role universities play in democracy and innovation.
Other Washington signatories include leaders from the University of Washington, Central and Eastern Washington Universities, and the Independent Colleges of Washington.
STORY: WA university students with revoked visas begin seeing reinstatements this week
In more university-related news, several international students at Washington universities saw their visa status reinstated yesterday.
At least eight students from the University of Washington and one from Seattle University were affected. More than 35 students across seven Washington schools were among thousands nationwide whose records were terminated in the federal Student & Exchange Visitor database without a clear explanation. The revocations sparked lawsuits, and federal judges have since ordered some of them restored.
Despite some reinstatements, attorneys and students say the damage has been done. Universities said they were not notified by the government and only discovered the changes through database monitoring. It remains unclear whether more reinstatements will follow or whether the lawsuits will proceed.
STORY: Peacehealth workers speak out about stalled contract negotiations
PeaceHealth workers at St. Joseph Medical Center have announced plans to hold an informational picket on Wednesday, following months of contract negotiations without resolution.
KMRE sat down with cardiology nurse-practitioner Graham Meeks to find out more about the union position.
Graham 1
Meeks says frustration is growing, but healthcare workers are clear about what’s at stake.
Graham 2
KMRE News offered PeaceHealth the chance to share their perspective; however, the organization declined the opportunity. Listen to the entire interview today after the 5 O’clock news.
STORY: Skagit farmworker leaders meet with Sen. Murray to hold ICE accountable for arrest of Lelo
The partner of detained farmworker and activist Alfredo “Lelo” Juarez-Zeferino and members of a local farmworker union met with U.S. Senator Patty Murray yesterday to discuss recent ICE activity in the community.
The 25-year-old Juarez-Zeferino is known for his work translating between Mixteco (meeks-TEK-o), Spanish, and English for farmworkers. Advocates say his detention disrupts vital communication and organizing efforts in the field. In the hour-long meeting, Murray not only heard from his partner, Beatriz Godinez (beh-ah-TREES goh-DEE-nez), but also listened to stories from other farmworker activists and union workers in Burlington to understand how their lives have been affected during this time of heightened ICE activity.
Octavia Santiago (ok-TAH-vee-ah san-tee-AH-go), farmworker and executive board member of the union Familias Unidas por la Justicia (fuh-MEE-lee-ahs ooh-NEE-dahs POR LA whose-TEE-see-ah), talked about the impact on workers.
Octavia Audio 1
Senator Murray pledged to investigate the case, and emphasized the importance of protecting immigrant communities.
STORY: Free and cheap
It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county.
There’s a recycled art show at It’s About Time Cultural Arts Center at 2013 Main St, Ferndale today. The show is free, and features a collage and sculptures made from everyday objects and salvage.
LinuxFest Northwest begins today at Bellingham Technical College at 3028 Lindbergh Avenue and will run the entire weekend. This free event features presentations and exhibits on free and open source computer applications and is for everyone from novice to professional!
Finally, the City of Bellingham will host a Community Work Party at Lake Padden tomorrow — all ages can help care for our local environment! Tools, gloves, and instructions are provided. Find more info at cob.org.
WX: Sun may the wellerman come
And now weather:
Sunshine is on the menu, with today’s highs expected to break into the 70s once more. We can expect mostly cloudless skies today and tonight, with evening lows around the mid-to-high 40s.
The weekend looks to remain mostly sunny, with temperatures sliding back into the 60s.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Stevie Sjogren (SHOW-gren), Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, and Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg). 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. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _ David Korb ________… thanks for listening.
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STORY: Lynden man arrested under suspicion of burglary, arson
Lynden police arrested a 35-year-old man on Wednesday in connection with a fire that destroyed a co-worker’s RV.
According to police, the man entered the RV, located at East Badger Road during an ongoing dispute with the vehicle’s owner. A witness reported seeing the suspect throw belongings out of the RV before both the pile and the vehicle caught fire. No injuries were reported.
The man was booked into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of first-degree arson and residential burglary and remains in custody.
STORY: Bellingham man arrested after fleeing Seattle medical center
A Bellingham man awaiting trial on multiple felony charges was arrested on Wednesday, after he left a Seattle medical center without authorization.
Nathaniel Ernest Keith Deal, 37, had been granted a temporary release from the Whatcom County Jail on April 7th to undergo a medical procedure. Court documents state that Deal was instructed that leaving the facility would result in escape charges.
According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Deal discharged himself against medical advice on April 12th and failed to return to custody. Deal was re-arrested and booked into Whatcom County Jail on Wednesday. Channelle Grace Legros, 37, a known associate of Deal’s, was also booked on charges of rendering criminal assistance. Legros, who is also facing charges of first-degree robbery and delivery of fentanyl.
Deal and Legros are subjects in an ongoing investigation by the Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force for multiple counts of drug delivery.
STORY: CA man previously arrested for smuggling people into Whatcom County sentenced
A Santa Rosa, California man has been sentenced to five months in federal prison for his involvement in an illegal border smuggling operation.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, Rajat Rajat, a 27-year-old citizen of India, was described by prosecutors as a “mid-level manager” in a smuggling ring that helped noncitizens cross from Canada into the U.S. The organization reportedly directed individuals to Peace Arch Park in Canada, then facilitated their illegal entry into the U.S. and transport to various destinations across the country.
Two co-defendants—Sushil Kumar, 36, and Bobby Joe Green, 68—were sentenced in March to six and four months in prison, respectively. A fourth individual, 20-year-old Sneha, is expected to go to trial in January.
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