Bellingham International sees flight cancellations amid govt shutdown, Three Bellingham locals hope for $100,000 in food bank donations in upcoming fundraiser, Expect delays on Mt. Baker Highway this week, State suspends license of Bellingham acupuncturist accused of sexual assault, didgʷálič Wellness Center adds another vehicle to fleet, New accessible playground now open, Washington sees surge in bird flu cases, WIC funding to remain in place until December Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Mon, 11 , 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham International sees flight cancellations amid govt shutdown Travelers flying out of Bellingham International Airport are urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport. The Port of Bellingham says some flights out of BLI have been canceled after a nationwide directive to reduce air traffic that went into effect Friday. According to the Port’s website, at least one Alaska Airlines flight to Seattle has been canceled so far. Further south, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reports 28 flight cancellations and nearly 60 delays across the region. Again, the Port advises all passengers to verify their flight information online before traveling. STORY: Three Bellingham locals hope for $100,000 in food bank donations in upcoming fundraiser Bellingham locals have come together to fight hunger after the suspension of federal SNAP benefits. Local musician Veronica North, along with Ethan Hunger of Hunger vs. Hunger and Olivia Statham of Olivia Statham Real Estate, announced last week that they are organizing what they hope will be the largest Bellingham Food Bank fundraiser ever. The event is set for Saturday, November 22nd from 5 to 10 p.m. at Stemma West, formerly Twin Sisters Brewing, on Carolina Street. It’s free and open to all ages, with live music, games, a silent auction, and a raffle. All proceeds go directly to the Bellingham Food Bank, and Stemma West will donate 10% of its profits that night. Food Bank Executive Director Mike Cohen says the fundraiser couldn’t come at a better time — with about 15% of Whatcom County residents relying on SNAP benefits, the need for community support is greater than ever. Organizers say they hope to raise $100,000 by the end of the event, accepting only money donations to maximize buying power for food. STORY: Expect delays on Mt. Baker Highway this week The Washington State Department of Transportation is warning drivers to expect delays on the Mount Baker Highway this week. Rolling slowdowns are planned daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., tomorrow through Thursday, in both directions between Cornell Creek Road and Swamp Creek. Uniformed law enforcement officers will be on site to manage traffic. The slowdowns are for event filming, though WSDOT (WASH-dot) has not released details about who is filming. STORY: State suspends license of Bellingham acupuncturist accused of sexual assault A Bellingham acupuncturist is under investigation for alleged sex crimes involving patients. The Washington State Department of Health says Timothy Baglio, owner of Birchwood Acupuncture and Bellingham Chinese Herbs, had his license suspended in September after allegations he made sexual comments and engaged in misconduct with a patient between September 2024 and March 2025. An amended statement of charges issued in October includes accusations from a second patient, who reported being sexually assaulted “under the premise of providing internal massaging.” The department says text messages from Baglio show him asking the patient not to report him and apologizing. In suspending his license, officials said allowing him to continue practicing posed an immediate threat to public safety. Baglio’s license has since expired, and the case is now moving through the state’s disciplinary process. STORY: didgʷálič Wellness Center adds another vehicle to fleet A second didgʷálič Wellness Center (DEED-gwah-leech) mobile unit is hitting the streets of Bellingham. The Swinomish Tribe, in partnership with Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham, launched the program earlier this year to bring essential services directly to residents in need. According to the City of Bellingham, starting today the new mobile clinic will be stationed at the First Baptist Church parking lot at Flora and Unity Streets. It joins another didgʷálič mobile unit that’s offers mental and physical health care, dental services, and social support six days a week at the Anne Deacon Center of Hope. STORY: New accessible playground now open Bloedel Donovan Park now has Bellingham’s most accessible playground. According to an announcement from the City of Bellingham, the new play area is designed for fun, safety, and inclusivity, with equipment for all ages — including ramps, ground-level play features, and an accessible swing seat. The previous playground no longer met current safety or ADA standards. The City Rock Hill Park in the York neighborhood is also scheduled for a playground replacement next summer. The current play area is 26 years old and ready for an upgrade. STORY: Washington sees surge in bird flu cases Washington state reported nearly 2 million bird flu cases last month, the second-highest in the U.S. The H5N1 virus continues to evolve, which raises concerns about potential human transmission and impacts on food prices. As of this month, one report cited a 40% rise in turkey prices this year due to the disease. Another report mentioned wholesale prices surging by 75% since October 2024. Egg prices have also been higher, with estimates predicting a 20% increase for 2025, due in part to bird flu, but also inflation. State officials say the recent outbreak came from a large commercial facility, and highlights the ongoing threat to poultry statewide. Washington’s high numbers are partly due to its location along major migratory bird routes. Since 2022, more than 4 million birds in 21 counties have been affected. Nationwide, H5N1 has struck 62 flocks across 17 states in the past month, and impacted an estimated 6.6 million birds. Experts warn the virus is spreading fast, and federal coordination has slowed due to staffing and shutdown issues. STORY: WIC funding to remain in place until December Washington’s WIC program remains open despite the federal shutdown. Washington’s WIC program …
November 7, 2025 News Transcript
Election Night: Trinity, Judge orders Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits through November, Former Bellingham Hardware Sales employee sentenced to federal prison for embezzlement scheme, Whatcom County Council approves relocation of sheriff’s office, Elenbaas urges county council to take lead in Nooksack water adjudication, WA submits federal application for $1 billion rural healthcare plan, Free and Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, November 7th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Election Night: Trinity The race for Port of Bellingham Commissioner has a winner. According to the Whatcom County Auditor’s website, as of last night businesswoman Carly James leads by 1,439 votes against incumbent Ken Bell. The District 2 seat covers north Bellingham and rural Whatcom County, including Lynden, Everson, Nooksack, and Sumas. No other major shifts were reported in Whatcom County’s updated election results. Incumbents on the Bellingham City Council maintain solid leads, and two new women— Elizabeth Boyle and Jessica Reinstra— are set to join the Whatcom County Council, where they will form a 5 to 2 liberal supermajority. 75,900 total votes were cast, with 50 left to count, and a voter turnout of over 44%. STORY: Judge orders Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits through November Relief is on the way for millions of Americans who depend on food stamps. A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the Trump administration to come up with the money to fully fund November SNAP benefits. The ruling, issued yesterday, orders the government to make the payments today— though recipients may not see funds on their cards immediately. The decision follows a USDA announcement earlier this week that SNAP payments would be about half the normal amount this month. Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services says it’s working to issue payments as quickly as possible. Locally, just over 10 percent of Whatcom County residents rely on food stamps. STORY: Former Bellingham Hardware Sales employee sentenced to federal prison for embezzlement scheme A Sedro-Woolley woman has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for embezzling more than $1 million from Hardware Sales. 46-year-old Amy Siniscarco pled guilty to embezzlement, wire fraud, and filing a false tax return. Investigators found she used fake checks, unauthorized credit card charges, and wire transfers to steal from the Bellingham company where she worked as an assistant manager. Prosecutors said her actions cost co-workers bonuses and profit-sharing, and forced the store to cut budgets and borrow money to remain afloat. U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead handed down the 24-month sentence Thursday in Seattle, calling it fair punishment for what he described as a daily act of fraud for nine years. Siniscarco apologized in court and was ordered to repay $1.4 million dollars to Hardware Sales and more than $226,000 in unpaid taxes. She will also serve three years of supervised release after prison. STORY: Whatcom County Council approves relocation of sheriff’s office The Whatcom County Council has approved a long-term lease for a new Sheriff’s Office headquarters located on Ryzex Way in the Cordata neighborhood. The 6–0 vote Wednesday night (with Councilmember Todd Donovan abstaining), clears the way for the Sheriff’s Office to relocate next summer to the 30,000-square-foot facility. The county will pay about $500,000 a year for the site under an eight-year lease, with options to renew. The property’s owner is former County Council member Rud Browne, which prompted Donovan’s abstention over concerns about funding and perception — though council members said the deal is transparent and above-board. Sheriff Donnell Tanksley called the move an operational necessity, saying the current basement offices are plagued by leaks, poor air quality, and no natural light. Officials say the new space will give the department modern offices, evidence storage, and room to grow. STORY: Elenbaas urges county council to take lead in Nooksack water adjudication In more council news, Whatcom County Council member Ben Elenbaas says it’s time to take the lead in settling the massive Nooksack water rights lawsuit. In late October, he proposed six amendments to the County comprehensive plan that he says would help deal with water rights. Elenbaas argues that the state’s water adjudication process, launched by the Department of Ecology earlier this year, won’t solve the core problems that face agriculture, salmon recovery, or urban growth. Adjudication involves roughly 30,000 water users across the Nooksack Basin, which includes local governments, tribes, and private well owners. The proposed new amendments would guide a negotiated settlement. Ellebaas says they would save money, preserve farmland, and create certainty for farmers, homeowners, and businesses. Elenbaas also says the county has enough water to support salmon, farming, and growth, but it will take new approaches as well as investments in water storage and mitigation projects to make it work. The proposed amendments could be voted on as part of the county’s Comprehensive Plan update by late 2025 or early 2026. STORY: WA submits federal application for $1 billion rural healthcare plan Washington state has applied for $1 billion in federal funding to boost rural health care. Governor Bob Ferguson announced Wednesday that the state submitted its plan to the Rural Health Transformation Program— part of the federal H.R. 1 law. The program will offer a total of $50 billion for rural health care to approved states over five years. The Washington proposal asks for $200 million annually over five years, which would be focused on hospitals, maternal health care, technology improvements, and support for Indigenous health providers. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), half of the money will be divided equally among approved states. CMS will allocate the other half based on need, which is based on the number of health facilities, population, and accessibility. Washington’s plan emphasizes hospital infrastructure, telehealth, cybersecurity, and AI tools to strengthen rural care. Ferguson said the bipartisan plan aims to modernize and sustain rural health systems, which serve over 1 million residents across 29 counties. The federal government is expected to approve or deny applications by the …
November 5, 2025 News Transcript
Election results that Kyler does not currently have, At-risk missing person out of Point Roberts, Winter weather warning in place for Cascades area, Murder charges against Bellingham man dropped after judge rules insufficient evidence to establish probable cause, WWU students draft bill to extend collective bargaining rights to unrepresented student workers, Bellingham residents voice lack of support for parking minimums at public hearing Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, November, 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Election results that Kyler does not currently have Results from the election are in, and Democrats had a good night nationwide. Here in Whatcom, according to the County Auditor, almost 27% of registered voters cast a ballot. Currently, about 25% of ballots are left to be counted. It will take a few days for results to be official, but preliminary numbers for the Whatcom County Council District 2 race has Elizabeth Boyle at 73% leading Maya Morales at 25%. In District 3 Jessica Rienstra (REEN-struh) is ahead of Kyle Christensen 56% to 43%, and Barry Buchanan is leading Misty Flowers 63 to 36%. In City Council races, Holly Huthman is ahead of Leah Wainman with 64% to 34%. Skip Williams leads Kerri Burnside by a similar margin— 63 to 36. In City Council Ward 6, Michael Lilliquist is ahead of Andrew Reding (REED-ing) by 61 to 38. For Bellingham Initiative 25-03– the landlord initiative– ‘yes’ is in the lead with 60%, and 39% ‘no’. The Port of Bellingham District 2 race is a nailbiter. Ken Bell currently holds a slim lead on Carly James, 50-49. For Proposition 2025-04 which increases the number of Port Commissioners, ‘yes’ leads ‘no’ 64% to 35%. The Bellingham School District operations levy and the maintenance levy are both cruising to victory 66 to 33, and 62 to 37. Jenn Mason is ahead of Corinne Thorsen for School District Director Position 4– 74% to 25%. County-wide, voters are currently approving Proposition 3, Proposition 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12. Voters are currently rejecting Proposition 1, Proposition 2, 6, and 11. In the City of Blaine, Prop 7 seems headed for approval, In the Blaine City Council races Jiggy Sorrell, Isaac Newland, Don Enos, and Sarbie Banes lead in their races against Eric Lewis, Ray Leone (lee-OWN-ee), Sukwant Gill, and Mike Hill. In the Blaine School District, Bob Feaster is ahead of Jim Shaver in the District 3 Director race with 61% of the vote to 37%. In Everson City Council Position 1, James Wilson is ahead of Eric Oettel (OTT-uhl) 55 to 44. In the City of Ferndale ‘yes’ on Initiative 25-01 leads 70-29%. For Ferndale City Council, Robert Pinkley is ahead of Ian Harper 56 to 42. John Mutchler leads Steve Potvin 60% to 39%. It’s a toss up right now in Ferndale School District Director position 4– Matt Beck has just over 50%, while Brian Lynch has 49%. For District 5, Peggy Uppiano leads Jacob Rosenblum 55 to 44. The City of Lynden is currently rejecting their school bond proposal by 54 to 45, and in the School District Director Position 5 race Nick Sawka leads Kenneth “Spin” Owsley 59 to 40. In the Meridian School District race, Jasmine Fast is ahead of Steve Corwin 54-43. And in the Nooksack Valley School District race, Britt Lentz leads Connor Smith 58 to 40. In the City of Sumas (SOO-mass) Council Position 2, Richard Postma is in the lead over Brett Egbert 63 to 36. The Fire Protection District 7 prop 8 which restores the regular property tax levy is winning 62 to 37. Fire Protection District 18 tax levy for EMS is also currently approved 65-34. The next vote update will occur tonight at 8pm. Check the Whatcom County auditor’s website for more details. Results will be certified by November 25th. STORY: At-risk missing person out of Point Roberts A silver alert has been issued for a missing Point Roberts man. David Anderson is 73 years old and was last seen on Monday at around 9am. Anderson is 5’7”, about 150 pounds, and wearing a blue shirt and black pants. If seen, please call 9-1-1. STORY: Winter weather warning in place for Cascades area Be ready for snow if you’re headed over the North Cascades Highway this week. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Cascades in Whatcom and Skagit counties — which starts today at 4 p.m. and lasts through Friday morning. Forecasters expect 4 to 8 inches of snow along the Cascade crest and the highest points of Highway 20, with Mount Baker getting up to 10 inches by Thursday morning. Travel could be difficult, so drivers are urged to slow down and use caution. And, if you’re swapping tires — studded tires are now legal in Washington through March 31st. But WSDOT (WASH-dot) reminds drivers that studded tires are not a replacement for chains when they’re required. The State Patrol says they’ve started emphasis patrols to make sure drivers are chaining up when the signs go up over the passes. STORY: Murder charges against Bellingham man dropped after judge rules insufficient evidence to establish probable cause Charges have been dropped against a 20-year-old Bellingham man accused of attempted first-degree murder. A judge dismissed the case against Alexis Molina, ruling there wasn’t enough evidence to establish probable cause. Molina was arrested last November after his roommate was shot five times while bringing groceries into their apartment. Police said they found a gun in Molina’s safe which matches the caliber used in the shooting — but his attorneys argued the search warrant was invalid. In July, a judge agreed, saying there wasn’t a reasonable link between Molina and the crime. The case was dismissed without prejudice on August 5th, which means prosecutors could refile charges in the future. STORY: WWU students draft bill to extend collective bargaining rights to unrepresented student workers Students at Western Washington University are pushing a new bill that would give …
November 4, 2025 News Transcript
Dept. of Agriculture to pay roughly half of lost November SNAP benefits, Lighthouse Mission asking for community aid in supporting those now without SNAP, Bellingham City Council considering installing speed cameras in school zones, Opioid overdoses continue to decline in Whatcom, First responders urge Whatcom County council to allocate max levy dollars to fund EMS, Lynden City Hall to begin closing to public on Fridays next month, Amazon cuts hurt, WA among 22 states suing Trump administration over restrictions to student loan forgiveness program Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, November 4th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Dept. of Agriculture to pay roughly half of lost November SNAP benefits The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will release about half of November’s SNAP food assistance benefits — but those payments could take weeks or even months to reach families. The move follows a federal judge’s order requiring the Trump administration to use emergency funds to get at least partial payments out by Wednesday, despite the ongoing government shutdown. In a four-page report, the USDA says it’s tapping a $4.65 billion contingency fund, but logistical hurdles mean the money won’t reach EBT cards right away. Officials cite outdated state systems and complex recalculations needed for the 42 million Americans who rely on the program. The department also outlined the process of authorizing states to distribute funds once calculations are complete. Meanwhile, the federal shutdown — now in its 34th day — is on track to become the longest in U.S. history as lawmakers remain deadlocked over a stopgap spending bill. Saturday marked the first lapse in SNAP payments since the program began as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. STORY: Lighthouse Mission asking for community aid in supporting those now without SNAP In more SNAP news, Lighthouse Mission Ministries is calling on the community to help feed hundreds of unhoused people in Whatcom County who lost their benefits this month. In a recent release, the Mission said most of its residents — more than 80 percent — rely on about $190 a month from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to buy fresh and healthy food. Those benefits ended Saturday. Executive Director Hans Erchinger-Davis (HANS ERCH-in-ger DAV-is) says SNAP gives residents autonomy and dignity, and without it, food banks will face even more strain. Lighthouse Mission already supports up to 300 people a day and serves around 600 meals daily. STORY: Bellingham City Council considering installing speed cameras in school zones The city says it will roll out cameras in school zones next year to catch speeders. Public Works Director Joel Pfundt told the City Council in his 2026 budget presentation that funding for the program has been included. Under state law, fines for going over 20 mph in a school zone are double the normal rate — often starting around $250. According to the City, the goal is to protect Bellingham’s children while walking and biking near schools. A grace period with warnings will come before tickets are issued. The City Council will review the details and timeline of the new safety camera program in the coming months. STORY: Opioid overdoses continue to decline in Whatcom Drug overdoses are down this year in Whatcom County — a hopeful sign that mirrors a national decline in the opioid crisis. Health officials say 911 calls and hospital visits for overdoses have fallen back to about 2022 levels, though they remain higher than before fentanyl flooded the market in 2020. County Health Officer Dr. Meghan Lelonek (luh-LAWN-ek) told the Whatcom County Health Board that overdose deaths are down roughly 25% from last year — about eight deaths a month, down from twelve deaths a month in 2023. She credits the drop to wider Narcan distribution and increased access to treatment that has come from coordinated efforts among local government, nonprofits, and first responders. Lelonek says it’s important to remember that behind every statistic is a person — and that substance use affects every neighborhood. Fentanyl remains the leading cause of overdose deaths both locally and nationwide. STORY: First responders urge Whatcom County council to allocate max levy dollars to fund EMS Fire chiefs and emergency responders across Whatcom County have urged the County Council to use “banked capacity” to shore up funding for local EMS services next year. The request comes as inflation and rising costs strain the county’s emergency medical system — which now faces a nearly $3 million deficit that could double by 2028. The term “Banked capacity” refers to property tax revenue already approved by voters but not yet collected. Using it would add about $2.5 million to the EMS fund — roughly $26 more a year for the owner of a $635,000 house. It was identified as a possible strategy to backfill funds by the independent fire and EMS study commissioned by the county council. The Whatcom Fire Chiefs Association says it’s not a tax increase but a way to restore the voter-approved rate from the 2022 EMS levy. They warn that without action, rising fuel, insurance, and equipment costs could erode emergency response. County leaders are also exploring expense cuts and reserve policy changes as they prepare to finalize the 2026 budget later this month. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Wednesday at the Whatcom County Courthouse. STORY: Lynden City Hall to begin closing to public on Fridays next month In December, Lynden City Hall will be closed on Fridays as the city works to address rising costs and budget shortfalls. In a budget message delivered to the Lynden City Council on Oct. 20, Mayor Scott Korthuis (KORT-hoys) said stagnant revenue, inflation, higher insurance, and tariffs have outpaced the city’s budget. To cope, the proposed 2026 budget includes closing offices on Fridays, as well as a cut of seven city positions, and employee workweek reductions to 32 hours. The city plans to use the state’s SharedWork program so staff can collect partial unemployment benefits. The budget also …
November 3, 2025 News Transcript
Lynden man arrested in Homeland Security raid, advocates decry pattern of intimidation and harassment, One-vehicle crash near Lake Whatcom leaves driver seriously injured, Housing prices and mortgage rates fall in both Bellingham and greater Whatcom County, Residents of Bellingham neighborhood express concerns over planned development project, Library Director honored, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife closes recreational fishing outside of a newly declared salmon season along stretch of Nooksack River, State Democrats eyeing income tax on residents making over $1 million annually Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for 11, 3, 2025. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lynden man arrested in Homeland Security raid, advocates decry pattern of intimidation and harassment A Lynden man is in federal custody after a dramatic arrest Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security. 29-year-old Jesus Alejandro Lopez Ruiz (hay-SOOS ah-lay-HAN-dro lo-PEZ roo-EES) was wanted for assault on law enforcement, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Bystander video shows armored vehicles and agents surrounding his Lynden apartment before breaking down the door. Ruiz was booked into the Whatcom County Jail and transferred to federal custody Thursday morning. His partner, Jocelyn Peña (JAH-suh-lin PAY-nya), says she was told he was taken to the ICE detention center in Tacoma — and that she hasn’t been able to reach him since. The arrest follows a reported pursuit in Ferndale two weeks ago involving unmarked vehicles believed to be ICE agents. Local advocates, including Racial Unity Now, are raising concerns about what they call intimidation and a lack of accountability from federal authorities. Homeland Security and ICE have not responded to requests for comment. STORY: One-vehicle crash near Lake Whatcom leaves driver seriously injured One person was seriously injured early Thursday morning in a crash involving a downed tree near Lake Whatcom Boulevard. According to South Whatcom Fire Chief Mitchell Nolze, crews were alerted just after 12:40 a.m. and found a single vehicle with one occupant.An airlift was requested, but poor weather made that impossible. The driver was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center, and their condition has not been updated. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of the crash. STORY: Housing prices and mortgage rates fall in both Bellingham and greater Whatcom County Home prices in Bellingham and Whatcom County dipped in September. According to Redfin data, Whatcom County’s median sale price fell to $593,000, down slightly from August and nearly 3% lower than a year ago. In Bellingham, the median price was $668,000 — a 4.8% drop from August, but still up compared to last year. Local broker Jason Lee with Windermere Real Estate says the slowdown in sales and rising days on market are typical for this time of year. Statewide, the median home price was just over $630,000 in September, keeping Washington in the top five most expensive housing markets in the U.S. STORY: Residents of Bellingham neighborhood express concerns over planned development project In Bellingham’s Roosevelt neighborhood, a proposed housing development has stirred debate over growth and neighborhood character. According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, residents on St. Clair Street, a quiet dead-end off Alabama Street, say plans to add 18 new residential units threaten to upend the area’s peaceful, close-knit feel. The 1.7-acre infill project would add nine homes, each with an accessory dwelling unit. The proposal is part of the city’s broader push for middle housing— smaller, more affordable homes such as duplexes, cottages, and townhouses — which is a key strategy to address Bellingham’s housing shortage. The Roosevelt neighborhood has more middle housing than any other area in Bellingham, and accounts for about 42% of its housing stock. While neighbors say they support adding homes, some argue the changes are moving too fast, with little input from long-term homeowners. City Planning Director Blake Lyon says the project aligns with state and local goals to increase housing options and make better use of existing infrastructure. Lyon also said that Bellingham has limited space to expand outward, so using properties within the city is essential to meeting the community’s increased housing demand. STORY: Library Director honored Bellingham Library director Rebecca Judd has been honored with a 2025 Peace Builder Award for Public Service. Library Director Rebecca Judd accepted the award Friday, Oct. 24th on behalf of the staff, recognizing their work in creating a safe, free, and inclusive space for community members of all ages to explore, connect, and grow. Other awardees included Bellingham TheatreWorks, Brothers to Brothers’ Erik McFrazier, Trans Survival’s Selene Etheredge, The Way Station, Bellingham Holi (HOLLY) Festival, and Sarah Chan of PNW Plateful. STORY: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife closes recreational fishing outside of a newly declared salmon season along stretch of Nooksack River The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced the simultaneous closing of all recreational fishing and the opening of a new salmon season along two separate segments of the Nooksack River. Both actions became official on Friday, and remain in effect through December 31st of this year. The announcements came out of the annual series of meetings known as the North of Falcon Process. Through these discussions, representatives of federal, state, and tribal governments, as well as emissaries from commercial and recreational fishing industries and members of the public, plan and manage the region’s fisheries. The closed portion of the Nooksack runs from the Lummi Reservation boundary to a yellow marker upstream of Slater Road. The open salmon season section encompasses the area between the same yellow marker and Deming’s Future Farmers of America barn. Fish and Wildlife has set a daily limit of six salmon, and also established specific species restrictions. For full details, consult the Department website. STORY: State Democrats eyeing income tax on residents making over $1 million annually Washington lawmakers are once again considering a state income tax — this time aimed at millionaires. Democratic senators are discussing a proposal that would impose a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million, potentially raising about $3 billion from roughly 20,000 households. Senate …
October 31, 2025 News Transcript
SNAP food benefits stop, Ole man atmospheric river comes for a visit this weekend, Bellingham City Council needs your input on Monday, Blaine man accused of assault after shooting another with rubber bullets, Feds spy on Seattle, Leaders of WA, OR, and B.C. sign memorandum recommitting to strong cross-border partnerships, Fallback on Sunday, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 31st. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: SNAP food benefits stop The federal government shutdown is creating uncertainty for our community, but local and state resources are available. Households that now face a pause in SNAP benefits can access free hot meals and groceries throughout Whatcom County. Bellingham Food Bank and Western Washington University both offer information on food programs for students, seniors, and families. Washington’s WIC program announced that they have funding to continue through most of November. Federal workers impacted by the shutdown may qualify for mortgage, rental, and other financial assistance through the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions. Other supports — including clothes, childcare, and financial help — are listed at Whatcom Resources. Medical and cash programs in Washington remain unaffected this month. For details, visit the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services website, and consider supporting your community if you are able. STORY: Ole man atmospheric river comes for a visit this weekend Forecasters warn a strong storm is set to hit western Washington this weekend — bringing gusty winds and heavy rain. A moderately strong atmospheric river is expected to drop two to four inches of rain across much of the region, with up to five inches possible in the Olympics and the north and central Cascades. The Skokomish River is forecast to reach minor flood stage Saturday, while several others — including the Bogachiel (bo-guh-CHEEL), Skagit, Snohomish, Skykomish, and Snoqualmie — could approach action stage. Currently, officials expect water in the Nooksack and the Stillaguamish to rise, but not flood. However, the National Weather Service says localized flooding and debris flows are possible, especially near burn scars or in urban areas where drains are clogged with leaves. Snow levels will rise to around 9,000 feet, which adds to runoff concerns. A Wind Advisory is also in effect for western Whatcom County until 10pm tonight, with southeast gusts up to 45 miles per hour. STORY: Bellingham City Council needs your input on Monday Bellingham City Council will hold a public hearing Monday at 7 p.m. on two key issues — the city’s 20-year growth plan and the proposed 2026 budget. The Bellingham Plan will shape how the city grows over the next two decades — including housing, jobs, and services. Monday’s hearing is the community’s final chance to weigh in before the plan is adopted later this year. The Council will also take comments on the 2026 city budget, which will be finalized in December. Residents can submit written comments or sign up to speak during the meeting. More information and materials are available on the city’s website. STORY: Blaine man accused of assault after shooting another with rubber bullets Whatcom County authorities have arrested a Blaine man for assault using non-lethal ammunition. Court documents say 34-year-old Dillon McKinley Wilson fired rubber bullets at another man during an argument earlier this month on Maple Crest Avenue in Blaine. Deputies found black rubber projectiles at the scene and the injuries were consistent with rubber bullet impacts. Wilson was arrested two weeks later after deputies spotted him near Birch Bay Drive. In addition to existing felony warrants, he has now been charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and remains in Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Feds spy on Seattle Federal agencies have accessed police surveillance data in Washington state — in some cases, without permission. A new report from the University of Washington Center for Human Rights found that eight local law enforcement agencies using Flock Safety license plate readers shared data directly with U.S. Border Patrol this year. Ten more were accessed through technical back doors, despite no formal authorization. The findings raise questions about Washington’s claim as a sanctuary for immigrants and those seeking abortion or gender-affirming care — as gaps in data-sharing rules may be exposing private information. According to their website, Flock Safety is a public safety technology company that provides license plate reading cameras to law enforcement, communities, and private organizations. Flock Safety says it has paused pilot programs with federal agencies amid growing concern over how their data are used. Critics warn that such surveillance networks — increasingly common across U.S. cities — could put vulnerable communities at risk. STORY: Leaders of WA, OR, and B.C. sign memorandum recommitting to strong cross-border partnerships Leaders from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia have reaffirmed their commitment to work together on shared regional priorities. According to a recent release, the three governments signed a new memorandum to strengthen cooperation on innovation, housing affordability, sustainability, and high-speed rail. At this week’s Cascadia Innovation Corridor Conference in Seattle, Governor Bob Ferguson called the partnership a reflection of the region’s “commitment to progress,” while Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said it will help expand housing supply and create more jobs. British Columbia Premier David Eby (EEE-bee) added that working together keeps the region globally competitive and economically strong. The agreement expands earlier partnerships and marks Oregon’s first formal inclusion in the Cascadia collaboration. STORY: Fall back on Sunday Remember to “fall back” on Sunday as clocks turn back an hour for daylight saving time. With evenings getting darker earlier, safety on the roads is key. Drivers, walkers, and cyclists should stay alert — wear bright or reflective clothing, slow down, and watch for others. Wildlife like deer may also be more active at dawn and dusk, so keep your eyes peeled. A little caution goes a long way in keeping both people and animals safe this time of year. STORY: Free and cheap It’s Friday – and Halloween – if you’re looking for something free …
October 30, 2025 News Transcript
Disaster unfolds in Alaska, Whatcom County helps, Governor’s office orders $2.2 million per week to be directed towards food banks as SNAP benefits face termination, Mount Vernon police arrest man on suspicion of murder, Cleanup of Bellingham’s Walmart homeless encampment continues, reimbursement from property owner still unpaid, Residents of Bellingham neighborhood express concerns over planned development project, Environmentalist groups and City of Bellingham clash over means of waste disposal at Post Point water treatment plant, Blaine interim superintendent’s contract extended through 2027-28 school year Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, October, 30th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Disaster unfolds in Alaska, Whatcom County helps A major disaster is unfolding in western Alaska, where the remnants of a typhoon have left thousands of people without homes. Back-to-back storms have flattened remote villages, killed at least one person, and forced roughly 2,000 residents into shelters. Nearly 1,700 miles away in Ferndale, volunteer Sky Terry coordinates relief efforts with groups including Operation Airdrop and Mercy Volunteer Air Corps Northwest. TERRY AUDIO 1 Terry warns the timing is critical, with Alaska’s harsh winter approaching, and FEMA is nowhere in sight. TERRY AUDIO 2 A group of volunteer aviators called Operation Airdrop have been key to providing relief for the thousands affected in Alaska. The non-profit volunteers all have experience with airlifts of food and supplies after major disasters. And Terry says these relief efforts can also serve as training for potential disasters here in the Pacific Northwest, where residents could one day face similar challenges. TERRY AUDIO 3 Terry emphasizes the message for western Washington: more help is needed by our neighbors to the north, and communities come together to support those in need, wherever disaster strikes. TERRY AUDIO 4 STORY: Governor’s office orders $2.2 million per week to be directed towards food banks as SNAP benefits face termination Governor Bob Ferguson has announced plans to provide over two million dollars of additional state support weekly to Washington’s food banks. The initial transfer of funds will take place on November 3rd if, as expected, the Trump Administration suspends funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program this weekend. Over 900,000 low-income residents of Washington—more than a tenth of the state’s population—rely on SNAP benefits to get sufficient food for themselves and their families. Rural regions, in particular, face daunting impacts from any loss of funding. 28 percent of Yakima County’s inhabitants, for example, receive SNAP assistance. The federal government typically provides about $37 million dollars a week to Washington to support the program. However, SNAP funding is now at risk due to the ongoing government shutdown as well as cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which slashed funding by about $187 billion and imposed new work requirements. Meanwhile, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown announced Tuesday that he has joined 22 other state attorneys general and three governors in a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture. The suit alleges that suspending the SNAP program is illegal. In his statement, Ferguson expressed gratitude for the essential work of local food banks and pantries, and encouraged anyone who can to volunteer and donate. STORY: Mount Vernon police arrest man on suspicion of murder Mount Vernon police have arrested a 54-year-old man accused of killing another man near the Skagit River Bridge. Officers responded to reports of a stabbing late Sunday morning on Riverside Drive and found 43-year-old Ryan Windfield with multiple stab wounds. Witnesses helped officers identify the suspect, who was taken into custody without incident. Police say the man claimed self-defense, but investigators recovered a blood-covered knife at the scene. He was booked into the Skagit County Jail on probable cause of second-degree murder. A judge has set his bail at $1 million, with formal charges expected at his arraignment on Thursday. STORY: Cleanup of Bellingham’s Walmart homeless encampment continues, reimbursement from property owner still unpaid Nearly a year after the city of Bellingham began clearing one of Whatcom County’s largest homeless encampments, work still continues and officials say the property owner still hasn’t paid the bill. The site, behind Walmart off East Stuart and Deemer Roads, had been home to dozens of unhoused people for more than a decade. The city first moved to clean the area in November 2024 after a court declared the property a public nuisance. A Whatcom County judge later ordered owner Li-Ching Fang (LEE JING FONG) to reimburse the city more than $126,000 for abatement costs — money the city says it has yet to receive. Deputy City Administrator Janice Keller says the second phase of cleanup began in mid-September. Crews have removed more than 30,000 pounds of waste so far. She says the project could ultimately take several years and cost up to $6 million. STORY: Residents of Bellingham neighborhood express concerns over planned development project In Bellingham’s Roosevelt neighborhood, a proposed housing development has stirred debate over growth and neighborhood character. According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, residents on St. Clair Street, a quiet dead-end off Alabama Street, say plans to add 18 new residential units threaten to upend the area’s peaceful, close-knit feel. The 1.7-acre infill project would add nine homes, each with an accessory dwelling unit. The proposal is part of the city’s broader push for middle housing— smaller, more affordable homes such as duplexes, cottages, and townhouses — which is a key strategy to address Bellingham’s housing shortage. The Roosevelt neighborhood already has more middle housing than any other area in Bellingham, accounting for about 42% of its housing stock. While neighbors say they support adding homes, some argue the changes are moving too fast, with little input from long-term homeowners. City Planning Director Blake Lyon says the project aligns with state and local goals to increase housing options and make better use of existing infrastructure. Lyon also said that Bellingham has limited space to expand outward, so using properties within the city is essential to meeting the community’s increased housing demand. STORY: Environmentalist groups …
October 28, 2025 News Transcript
Halloween expected to see second atmospheric river hit western Whatcom and Skagit, Whatcom County Council to consider new lease agreement that would relocate sheriff’s office, Ballots due next week, Skagit County names new director of public health, WA immigration court judges continue to deny bonds to detainees despite District Court order, Judge blocks Trump administration from cutting kids mental health funds Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, October 28th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Halloween expected to see second atmospheric river hit western Whatcom and Skagit More wet and windy weather is on its way this Halloween. The National Weather Service says another atmospheric river will pass over the region starting Friday. Heavy rain is expected through Saturday morning, especially across western Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Coastal winds could reach up to 55 miles per hour, with additional gusts expected through Monday, November 3rd. There’s also a chance of heavy snow in the North Cascades as levels drop to around 3,000 feet by Sunday. In the meantime, a weaker system arrives tomorrow which could bring gusts up to 30 miles an hour along the Whatcom coast. STORY: Whatcom County Council to consider new lease agreement that would relocate sheriff’s office The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is one step closer to a new home. A deal announced Monday involves the long-term lease of the vacant Ryzex Inc. building in Bellingham’s Cordata area — a move that would relocate deputies and staff from their cramped and outdated office space under the county jail. The two-story, 30,000-square-foot building at 4600 Ryzex Way is owned by former County Council member Rud Browne. County Executive Satpal Sidhu said in a statement that this site is a “strategic location for emergency response” as it offers easy access to Guide Meridian and that the Sheriff’s Office could relocate there as early as next summer. The proposed lease runs through 2033, with rent just over half a million $ per year with an option to buy. The Sheriff’s Office was supposed to move to the new county jail being planned in Ferndale. But that building is several years from completion. Sheriff Donnell Tanksley told his staff about the deal in an email with the subject line “great news” Monday afternoon, saying the new location would finally give the department a dedicated, safe, and accessible workspace after years in substandard conditions. The County Council will consider the lease proposal at its November 5th meeting. STORY: Ballots due next week Next Tuesday is election day — just one week away! As of yesterday, just over 14,000 ballots have been returned out of more than 169,000 in Whatcom County. If you haven’t received your ballot, contact the Auditor’s Office at 360-778-5102. You can register or update your information in person at the Whatcom County Courthouse. Drop boxes are open until 8 p.m. on election day — but a reminder that Ferndale’s box is temporarily at Pioneer Pavilion Community Center. Mail ballots must be postmarked by November 4 — the USPS recommends sending them by today. You can always check your ballot status at VoteWA.gov or sign up for text alerts by texting “Vote” to 868392. STORY: Whatcom County receives $6 million grant for expanding permanent supportive housing Whatcom County will receive a major boost to expand housing for residents with behavioral health needs. The county has been awarded $3.6 million in grant funding through the Trueblood Diversion Workgroup — money that will help create 37 new permanent supportive housing units at Lake Whatcom Center’s Lincoln Street redevelopment in Bellingham. Of those units, 11 will be reserved for those who have experienced unconstitutional delays in mental health evaluations or restoration services after a criminal charge. Other funders include the Washington State Department of Commerce and a direct appropriation from the state legislature. In a recent news release, County Executive Satpal Sidhu thanked state lawmakers, including Senator Sharon Shewmake, for helping to secure the funding, calling it, “a step toward building a more effective, compassionate, and sustainable justice and behavioral health system.” According to the release, the project supports goals outlined in the Justice Project Implementation Plan, which identified a critical shortage of affordable and supportive housing in Whatcom County as one of the primary hurdles for the unhoused. STORY: Skagit County names new director of public health Another local government has named a new public health director. The Skagit County Board of Commissioners announced on Monday that it has appointed Monica Negrila as Director of Public Health. Negrila previously served as director of strategic initiatives within the Commissioner’s Office, where she helped lead the North Star partnership — a joint effort launched in 2022 to address behavioral health and the unhoused in Skagit County. Commission Chair Lisa Janicki praised Negrila’s leadership on what she called “the community’s highest priority issues.” Her appointment follows Whatcom County’s recent selection of Champ Thomaskutty as its next director of Health and Community Services. He’s expected to start at the end of the month. STORY: WA immigration court judges continue to deny bonds to detainees despite District Court order A legal standoff is unfolding in Tacoma’s immigration court — where judges are accused of ignoring a federal court ruling. On September 30th, the U.S. District Court found that Tacoma immigration judges were unlawfully denying bond hearings to many detained immigrants — keeping them in jail-like conditions for months or even years. On September 29th, District Court Judge Tiffany Cartwright ruled that immigrants living in the U.S. long-term are legally entitled to bond hearings — rejecting a recent practice that treated them as if they were just arriving at the border. Despite the ruling, judges have continued to claim they lack jurisdiction to issue bonds. Federal prosecutors, however, argue that Cartwright’s decision is merely “advisory” and not binding, setting up a clash between the judicial and executive branches of government. Meanwhile, long-time U.S. residents continue to live in detention unless or until lawyers can get an intervention from federal courts. Legal …
October 27, 2025 News Transcript
Open enrollment for state health insurance begins next week, on heels of newly approved hike in rates, Former WWU police officer now under state investigation for striking handcuffed suspect, WCC under financial sustainability review after months of cuts and furloughs, Raw milk products at Whatcom dairy linked to E. coli outbreak, Vehicle crash blamed for widespread power outages in Skagit County on Saturday, St. Joe’s breaks ground on new Peter Paulsen Pavilion, Mount Vernon seeks property tax hike to avoid reductions in first responder and municipal staff Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, October 27th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Open enrollment for state health insurance begins next week, on heels of newly approved hike in rates The Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board has approved a 21 percent average increase in health insurance premiums for 2026 — nearly double last year’s hike. And other insurance buyers will face even larger increases. Officials say the sharp rise stems from uncertainty over federal premium tax credits set to expire at year’s end. Those credits are a key sticking point in the ongoing government shutdown debate between Republicans and Democrats. According to state records, nearly 300,000 Washingtonians bought plans through the Exchange last year. Three out of four received federal credits and saved an average of $1,330 a year. The Exchange warns that without an extension, 80,000 people could lose coverage next year. Open enrollment for Washington’s health insurance marketplace starts November 1 — but small business owners, freelancers, and others who buy their own coverage can now preview next year’s rates at Washington Healthplanfinder dot org. STORY: Former WWU police officer now under state investigation for striking handcuffed suspect The case of a former Western Washington University police officer who struck a handcuffed suspect in early 2024 is now under review. 44-year-old Robert Anderson was fired by WWU Police after video showed he hit a man who had broken into his personal truck. Anderson later pleaded guilty to fourth-degree assault; he received probation, a fine, and mandatory anger management. A Bellingham Police investigation found both Anderson and his supervisor, Sergeant Wolf Lipson, violated multiple department policies. Lipson was placed on leave, voluntarily demoted himself and subsequently retired before the conclusion of the internal review. Anderson was fired in July of 2024, and briefly rehired by Lummi Nation Police Department later that year — he was, however, dismissed weeks later when a background discrepancy surfaced. According to the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission, Anderson’s peace officer certification remains active, though he has not worked in law enforcement since last December. STORY: WCC under financial sustainability review after months of cuts and furloughs After a series of cuts, furloughs, and budget shortfalls, Whatcom Community College is undergoing its first-ever comprehensive financial review. According to reporting by Cascadia Daily, President Justin Guillory (GILL-or-ee), who took office in May, says the college faces a $2.3 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, with another $1 million shortfall in 2026-27 if no changes are made. Every program and service at Whatcom has been asked to report on enrollment, efficiency, and potential cost savings. Those reports will be reviewed by a task force made of faculty and staff before final recommendations reach the president by December 12th. Guillory says he plans to present his proposals to the Board of Trustees on January 14th. In the meantime, furloughs have begun with nearly all employees taking between six and twelve unpaid days this year, which is estimated to save the college about $900,000. Controversy has surfaced over retention bonuses for two senior administrators, who are each scheduled to receive $3,000 a month through January. Guillory defended the payments, and called them key to maintaining leadership continuity during a challenging transition. Faculty leaders are now calling for greater transparency about college finances — and how it plans to make lasting change in its approach. STORY: Raw milk products at Whatcom dairy linked to E. coli outbreak An E.coli outbreak has been tied to raw milk products from a Whatcom County creamery. According to the Washington State Department of Health, raw milk cheeses produced by Ferndale’s Twin Sisters Creamery are being recalled after an outbreak of E. coli (EE KOH-lye) infections in Whatcom County and Oregon. Two adults and a small child fell ill between September 5th and September 16th; one person was hospitalized. The patient from Oregon reported eating Twin Sisters Creamery Farmhouse cheese before they fell ill. A sample revealed the presence of E.coli. Bacteria was also found in an additional sample from a Washington retail location. As a result, all sizes of Whatcom Blue, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed cheeses produced on or after May 27th of this year have been recalled. The Washington State Department of Health says it is working with the Oregon Health Authority – as well as local, state, and federal partners – to investigate the infections. Twin Sisters is cooperating with the investigation. STORY: Vehicle crash blamed for widespread power outages in Skagit County on Saturday Thousands of Skagit County residents woke up Saturday morning without power. Puget Sound Energy says it started to receive outage reports after a crash damaged multiple transformers in Sedro-Woolley. Police say the outage was caused by a motor vehicle crash at Wicker and Fruitdale roads. The people in the vehicle were safely rescued. Much of Sedro-Woolley and Burlington were affected; power fully was restored about 24 hours later. STORY: St. Joe’s breaks ground on new Peter Paulsen Pavilion St. Joseph Medical Center broke ground last Friday on a major expansion that honors the late developer Peter Paulsen. According to a release from PeaceHealth, the new six-story Peter Paulsen Pavilion will add 80 single-patient rooms, a modern emergency department, and new childbirth and pediatrics floors. Paulsen, who died last year, donated $50 million dollars toward the $336 million dollar project — which helped PeaceHealth make the project happen. Officials say the expansion will bring better care to Whatcom County and help attract more doctors …
October 24, 2025 News Transcript
Blaine man dies in federal custody following brief chase, Seattle judge blocks federal cuts to climate change preparation funds, Mount Ker Theater sign damaged by wind, Food programs try to get by, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 24th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Blaine man dies in federal custody following brief chase A Blaine man died while in federal custody after a car crash and brief chase near the Canadian border on September 20th. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says that 43-year-old Trinn Hatch died near the Peace Arch Port of Entry. Officials say Hatch crashed into a curb near the inspection lanes and then tried to run away. During the chase, officers saw a handgun fall from his waistband. After taking him into custody, they say Hatch continued to resist, so they used restraints and a wheelchair to move him to a secondary inspection area. A short time later, officers say Hatch became unresponsive. Emergency crews tried to revive him but declared him dead about an hour after the incident began. A preliminary autopsy found a major artery blockage, though toxicology results are still pending. The Border Patrol’s Office of Professional Responsibility says it is reviewing the incident. STORY: Seattle judge blocks federal cuts to climate change preparation funds A federal judge in Seattle has blocked the Trump administration from cutting millions in climate adaptation funds for Washington state. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges’ Tribal Steward Program was awarded more than $9 million under the Inflation Reduction Act to train over 2,000 students in environmental and natural resources. According to court records, the goal was to increase tribal representation in those careers. The funding, along with a separate $250,000 grant for coastal hazard reduction work by the Department of Ecology, was terminated in May. However, U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman (PESH-man) ruled this week that ending multiyear grants simply because of an administrative change would cause “unnecessary chaos” across government-supported programs. State officials say the decision protects critical work to help Washington adapt to more severe heat waves, wildfires, flooding, and sea level rise. Attorney General Nick Brown called the ruling a major win for communities on the front lines of climate change. STORY: Mount Ker Theater sign damaged by wind Strong weekend winds caused some unexpected drama at one of Bellingham’s most iconic landmarks. The Mount Baker Theatre says gusty winds nearly tore the “B” and “A” from its signature sign. City officials stepped in to help after reports that one of the letters was hanging tenuously. Bellingham PD used a drone to inspect the damage, while the Fire Department brought a ladder truck to remove the loose letters before they could fall. The Mount Ker Theatre remains open, and the letters will soon be replaced. STORY: Ferguson signs executive order intended to broadly strengthen tribal and state government relations Governor Bob Ferguson has signed a new executive order to strengthen Washington’s relationship with Native American tribes. The order, signed Wednesday during the Centennial Accords meeting hosted by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, expands tribal relations training for state workers and directs agencies to develop new consultation policies with tribes. It also gives the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs a permanent seat in the governor’s cabinet, along with expanded authority to help carry out the new directives. Tribal leaders praised the move as a meaningful step toward deeper, government-to-government collaboration — though some pointed to ongoing challenges around trust and treaty obligations. Ferguson said the goal is to move beyond “checking boxes” and towards genuine communication and respect for tribal sovereignty. The Office of Indian Affairs will report back next year with recommendations to improve state-tribal relations. STORY: Food programs try to get by Washington state announced it has secured additional federal funding to keep the WIC Nutrition Program running through mid-to-late November. The funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture helps support the state’s WIC administrative team and ensures food benefits continue for eligible women, infants, and children. But they warn, if program redemption rates rise, the funds could quickly run out. Meanwhile, the USDA has stopped processing SNAP benefits for November, which puts 42 million Americans at risk as the holidays approach. In Washington state, more than 1 in 10 residents rely on SNAP. Over half of participants are families with children and nearly 40% are families with older adults or people with disabilities. Food banks across the state are struggling to keep up with demand, following federal budget cuts that tightened eligibility and work requirements for SNAP benefits. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to check the state’s Federal Government Shutdown webpage for updates. 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. Make a Difference Day is tomorrow. Support the continued conservation at Whatcom Falls Park with NSEA and the City of Bellingham. Join the City and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association and celebrate with a work party from 9am to noon. Participants will help improve habitat along the banks of Whatcom Creek by planting native trees and shrubs and removing invasive species close to Derby Pond. All ages and abilities are welcome, but participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Spots are limited, so please register in advance at volunteerbellingham.org. WX: Swimming pedestrians And now weather: Today, we end the week with more stormy weather. Winds are expected to reach speeds of 30 miles per hour, and heavy rainfall is projected from dawn ‘till dusk, perhaps reaching three-quarters of an inch. The windstorm should persist through the evening, with increased chances of a thunderstorm in the late hours. Daytime highs are projected around 60 degrees with evening lows in the upper 40s. Looks like we’ll have stormy weather throughout the weekend— with heavy rain. A Winter Weather Advisory is …
October 23, 2025 News Transcript
Strong windstorm bound for northwestern WA, Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of assault, Sedro-Woolley man sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to last year’s fatal Halloween vehicle crash, : Bellingham City Council adopts plan to combat invasive freshwater mussels, Sedro-Woolley man sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to last year’s fatal Halloween vehicle crash, WA Dept. of Health launches map tracking measles exposures, Potential “moderate,” coalition taking shape in state Senate, Recall issued for BMW and Supra cars Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, October 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Strong windstorm bound for northwestern WA An intense storm could bring wind, heavy rain, and power outages to Western Washington today and tomorrow. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Seattle warn that winds will be particularly strong along the coast, in western Skagit and Whatcom Counties, on Whidbey Island, and in the San Juans. Gusts of 40 to 45 miles an hour have been predicted for Thursday night and Friday, with a small possibility they could reach 60 miles an hour in Whatcom County. No hazardous weather warning has been posted as of yet, but high winds can bring down tree limbs, a leading cause of power outages in the region. Heavy rain is also expected, with up to 1 to 2 feet of snow predicted for Mt. Baker. Snow levels could drop down as low as 2500 feet on Friday. STORY: Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of assault Bellingham police have arrested a man accused of an assault earlier this month in downtown Bellingham. According to Lieutenant Claudia Murphy, officers were called to the 100 block of East Holly Street on the evening of October 7th after a man said he was attacked by a group. The victim told police that one of the attackers, 29-year-old Cecil Leroy Harvey, shouted a derogatory remark, forced him into an alley. They then knocked him down and beat him before they fled. The victim suffered a head injury that required staples. Police later located Harvey in the same area on October 18th and took him into custody. He is now being held at Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Bellingham City Council adopts plan to combat invasive freshwater mussels Bellingham officials have a new plan to fight a local invasion of invasive freshwater mussels in Lake Whatcom. The Lake Whatcom Mussel Response Plan, presented to the City Council’s Public Works and Natural Resources Committee Monday, outlines how local and state agencies would respond if zebra, quagga, or golden mussels are ever detected. While Washington has no infestations yet, scientists warn that mussels spreading from Idaho and California could reach Whatcom County through shipping or transported watercraft. The mussels can destroy ecosystems, clog water systems, and damage recreation equipment. According to Senior Scientist Mark Cecchini Beaver (chuh-CHEE-nee), from consultant group Four Peaks Environmental, the plan’s purpose is to protect the City’s water supply and ensure rapid, coordinated action to eradicate the mussels if they’re detected. The Bellingham City Council adopted the plan, with the Whatcom County Council and Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District expected to vote on it in the coming weeks. STORY: Sedro-Woolley man sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to last year’s fatal Halloween vehicle crash A Sedro-Woolley man will spend the next decade in prison for a deadly Halloween night crash that killed an 11-year-old Sumas girl. Thirty-one-year-old Tyler Patton Higdon pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and vehicular assault in Whatcom County Superior Court this week. Prosecutors say Higdon was driving 100 miles per hour and had a blood alcohol level over the legal limit when he T-boned a car and killed 11-year-old Yaretzi Davila-Estrada. Her brother was critically injured, and two other siblings were also hurt. The accident happened east of Everson last October. Judge Lee Grochmal sentenced Higdon to 10 years in prison followed by 18 months of community custody. Grochmal said the punishment cannot reflect the full value of Yaretzi’s life — but she hopes time will help the family heal. STORY: WA Dept. of Health launches map tracking measles exposures The Washington State Department of Health has launched a new online tool to help track possible measles exposures across the state. The Measles Exposure Location Tracker shows public places where someone with contagious measles recently visited. Measles is highly contagious and can live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. The Department of Health says the tool makes it easier for people to see if they may have been exposed in order to take quick, preventive action. People who are not immune to measles and are exposed to the virus have a high risk of being infected. Getting vaccinated within 72 hours of first exposure can reduce the chance that a person will become infected or seriously ill. The tracker now includes Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on October 13th, when a traveler with a confirmed case passed through. Washington has confirmed 11 cases so far this year. You can find the new tracker and measles updates at doh.wa.gov. STORY: Potential “moderate,” coalition taking shape in state Senate Some Republican candidates for the Washington State Senate say they hope to reshape politics in Olympia — not by pushing further right, but by building a bipartisan coalition of moderates. The idea comes as both parties gear up for a handful of tight Senate races this November. Lawmakers expect the 2026 session to again focus on tax reforms and affordability, and a centrist bloc could complicate the Democratic majority’s ability to advance its agenda. According to reporting by the Seattle Times, Representative Michelle Caldier (call-DEER), a Republican from Gig Harbor running in the state’s most expensive Senate race, says she’s already spoken with Democrats who may join such a coalition. Fellow candidates Amy Walen (WHALE-un), a Democrat from Kirkland, and Chad Magendanz (MAG-un-danz), a Republican from Issaquah, have also expressed interest in working across the aisle. …
October 22, 2025 News Transcript
Bellingham Public Library to reduce operating hours and staff in response to budget shortage, Community engagement workshop on upcoming Ferndale jail to be held next month, WWU President Randhawa’s contract extended through 2028, Port of Bellingham seeks public comment on updates to five-year plan, Bellingham-based hot sauce company takes home several awards from New York expo, Report released by state agencies points to potential energy shortages across the PNW in coming years, WA cuts rebates to farmers affected by heavy fuel surcharges amid budget restrictions, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, October 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham Public Library to reduce operating hours and staff in response to budget shortage Bellingham’s public libraries will close on Sundays starting next year as part of citywide budget cuts. The move is among several cost-saving measures to help close a projected $10 million deficit heading into 2026. Library Director Rebecca Judd told the City Council this week the change affects both the Central Avenue and Bellis Fair branches. The Barkley and Fairhaven branches already close Sundays. The library will also trim its new materials budget by about $90,000 and leave several staff positions unfilled. According to Judd, the move will also help address ongoing staffing challenges. STORY: Community engagement workshop on upcoming Ferndale jail to be held next month The new jail and behavioral care center needs your input. Whatcom County will host a Justice Project community workshop on November 20th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center in Ferndale. According to Policy and Communications Specialist with Whatcom County, Riley Sweeney, the event will give residents a chance to learn about progress on the project and share input on design and service priorities. SWEENEY AUDIO 1 Elected officials, county staff, and construction experts will be on hand to answer questions and gather feedback. Sweeney says the Justice Project aims to reshape the county’s approach to criminal justice and behavioral health. SWEENEY AUDIO 2 According to Sweeney, key decisions remain to be made. SWEENEY AUDIO 3 The Justice project is funded by a sales tax approved by voters in November of 2023. STORY: WWU President Randhawa’s contract extended through 2028 Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa will stay on through July 2028. The university’s Board of Trustees approved a two-year contract extension during its meeting last Friday. Board Chair Faith Pettis says the updated contract encourages Randhawa to take up to 30 days each year for professional development or rest — something she called important for sustaining his leadership. Randhawa earns just over $506,000 a year and also holds a tenured faculty appointment in Western’s College of Business and Economics. Randhawa has led Western since 2016, following a decade as provost at Oregon State University. STORY: Port of Bellingham seeks public comment on updates to five-year plan The Port of Bellingham has asked for public input on its five-year strategic plan. Port officials are revising the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for 2027 through 2031 and have launched an online survey to gather community feedback. Residents are invited to share priorities, challenges, and opportunities for local economic growth through December 20. Economic Development Director Tyler Schroeder says the plan will help guide action and keep Whatcom County eligible for key state and federal funding. STORY: Bellingham-based hot sauce company takes home several awards from New York expo A Bellingham hot sauce maker is in the news again. According to a recent release, Funky’s Hot Sauce, founded by Matthew Mini in 2019, took home multiple honors at the New York City Hot Sauce Expo last month — including two first-place Screaming MiMi awards. Funky’s Nirvana sauce won in the triple-X-hot category, and Trilby’s Chipotle Marionberry BBQ sauce took first in fruit-based BBQ. The local company has now racked up 31 awards in just six years — and has been featured on the popular YouTube show Hot Ones. STORY: Report released by state agencies points to potential energy shortages across the PNW in coming years A new report raises concerns about the Pacific Northwest’s ability to meet growing electrical demands. The report, produced by consulting firm E3, projects the region could face a shortfall of 1,300 megawatts in 2026, growing to 8,600 megawatts by 2030. The analysis was commissioned by the region’s largest utilities, and warns that power shortages could occur during extreme weather. According to the report, a rise in demand from population growth, electric vehicles, data centers, and increased air conditioning, along with retiring coal plants, has put pressure on the grid. Last winter, during a cold stretch in January 2024, the Northwest had to rely on power imports from California and came close to implementing rolling outages. Utilities say they are adding wind, solar, and battery projects, but experts say delays in construction and transmission could make it difficult to close the gap by 2030. While the report flags potential shortages, officials stress that a blackout in the next five years remains unlikely. Experts say the situation highlights the need for a diverse mix of energy resources and careful planning to maintain grid reliability. STORY: WA cuts rebates to farmers affected by heavy fuel surcharges amid budget restrictions Washington has quietly ended a program that gave millions in rebates to farmers and agricultural haulers who paid improper fuel surcharges under the state’s Climate Commitment Act. According to reporting in the Washington State Standard, the Agriculture Support Program, funded with $30 million in 2024, issued nearly $7.9 million in rebates before it closed on June 30th. Remaining funds were returned to the climate fund. Lawmakers say new legislation and a state-created online directory of retailers who sell exempt agricultural fuel will help farmers avoid surcharges at the pump rather than seek rebates after the fact. Some Republican lawmakers praised the change as an easier path for farm fuel users and haulers of agricultural goods to receive the fuel exemption promised under the state’s cap-and-trade system. But, they say, the broader …
