Three arrests made in Maple Falls, two in connection with fatal Mount Vernon shooting, Barbecue fire displaces residents of Bellingham duplex, PSE reports nearly 6,000 addresses affected by power outage in south Bellingham, Partial closure of James Street extended through early July, JULY 4th – Port of Bellingham, WA still expecting budgetary difficulties next year despite windfalls from capital gains tax, WA Cares Fund benefits start in July, Weeklong closure of SR 9 planned for early August, F&C – JULY 25 (not June) from FB post: Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, June, 29. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Three arrests made in Maple Falls, two in connection with fatal Mount Vernon shootingThree more arrests have been made in connection with a deadly June shooting in Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon Police served a search warrant at a home on Lacey Lane in Maple Falls on Thursday. A 17-year-old Mount Vernon boy and a 20-year-old Burlington woman were arrested on charges related to the homicide investigation. Police also arrested a 26-year-old Mount Vernon man after finding him in possession of a firearm with its serial number removed. Investigators say that weapon was not used in the June 11 shooting that killed 23-year-old Arturo Ortiz Lopez. STORY: Barbecue fire displaces residents of Bellingham duplexA backyard barbecue grill is being blamed for a duplex fire in Bellingham last week. Firefighters responded to the blaze on West Indiana Street Tuesday evening after flames spread from the grill up the back wall of the building and into the attic. Crews were able to quickly contain the fire, and no injuries were reported. However, several residents were displaced from their homes for at least one night as a result of the damage. STORY: PSE reports nearly 6,000 addresses affected by power outage in south BellinghamNearly six thousand homes and businesses in south Bellingham lost power Saturday morning. Puget Sound Energy reported that more than 59-hundred customers were affected. The cause of the outage remained under investigation. Around the same time, Bellingham firefighters responded to an electrical emergency at a PSE substation near McKenzie Avenue and 13th Street. Officials have not confirmed whether the incidents were connected. STORY: Partial closure of James Street extended through early July The closure of James Street between Bakerview and Kellogg in north Bellingham has been extended through July 10. The City of Bellingham says unforeseen challenges have delayed the reopening, including repaving delays, utility and tree-related complications and additional retaining wall construction. The closure is part of a project to improve safety along the James Street corridor with a new shared multi-use path, sidewalks and bike lanes. The city expects to reopen at least one lane of James Street by July 11. Construction is expected to continue through the fall. JULY 4th – Port of Bellingham A section of the ASB Waterfront Trail in Bellingham will be closed July 2 through July 6 ahead of the Port of Bellingham’s annual Fourth of July event. The event will begin at 4 p.m. at Zuanich Point Park and Squalicum Boathouse, featuring live music, games and food vendors. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10:30 p.m. The closure will allow for event preparations and is expected to reopen after the holiday. STORY: 4th of July fireworks info (use this as follow to July 4th – Port of Bellingham) If you’re planning to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, make sure you know the rules before you light the fuse. Fire officials remind residents to celebrate safely and know your local fireworks laws. In unincorporated Whatcom County, consumer fireworks may only be discharged July 3rd and 5th from 6 to 11 p.m., and July 4th from 6 p.m. to midnight. They cannot be used on public property, roads, school grounds or parks, and must be kept clear of people, buildings and dry vegetation. In Bellingham, all consumer fireworks are illegal. Officials urge residents to check local regulations, use fireworks responsibly, and consider attending a professional fireworks display instead. STORY: Federal judge rules against executive order demanding states provide voter registries A federal judge has ruled in favor of Washington state’s push back on vote-by-mail. On Thursday, a federal judge in Boston blocked the Trump administration’s effort to tighten mail-in voting rules ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The ruling halts a March executive order that would have required states to provide voter registration lists to the federal government or face penalties. The administration also warned that the Postal Service may stop delivery of mail ballots in states that refused to comply. Washington joined a multi-state lawsuit that challenged the order, and argued that vote-by-mail systems are safe, secure, and under the purview of the states. The judge’s ruling declared that the federal government, including the USPS, does not have constitutional authority to require states to turn over voter registries. It also barred the federal government from investigating state election systems for not complying. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs praised the decision, and called it a victory for free and fair elections. STORY: WA still expecting budgetary difficulties next year despite windfalls from capital gains taxWashington state will get an unexpected budget boost after capital gains tax collections came in far above expectations. The state collected about one-and-a-half billion dollars from the tax this year — roughly double what economists predicted and enough to erase a projected budget deficit in 2028. Washington has a 7% tax on the sale or exchange of long-term capital assets such as stocks and bonds. This funding goes into a state account that pays for schools, early learning and child care programs. Funds exceeding $500 million go to a separate account that pays for school construction and renovations. But lawmakers say the windfall is only temporary. Other tax collections are down, and state officials still expect a difficult budget cycle next biennium as the cost of programs and services continues to rise faster than revenues. Governor Bob Ferguson has already signaled that …
June 26, 2026 News Transcript
Blaine and Bellingham School Districts named in lawsuit alleging deaf student was repeatedly sexually assaulted over year, Details released in Wednesday I-5 rollover crash, Burn ban set to take effect for North Cascades next week, One entrance to popular Bellingham park to close for repaving next week, In more road construction news…, Blaine PD seeking owner(s) of stolen tools, Gov. Ferguson signs executive order establishing new Economic Development Council, WA, CA, and Quebec sign historic carbon market agreement, FREE or Cheap, 4th of July fireworks info (use this as follow to July 4th – Port of Bellingham), F&C – JULY 25 (not June) from FB post: Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, June 26th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Blaine and Bellingham School Districts named in lawsuit alleging deaf student was repeatedly sexually assaulted over years The parents of a disabled, Blaine elementary student are suing both the Blaine and Bellingham school districts over repeated sexual assaults. A lawsuit filed in Whatcom County Superior Court on June 18th says the student was assaulted multiple times on school buses over several years. The suit says the first assault happened six years ago, when an older boy attacked her on a Blaine bus. Another student reported it and the boy was removed, but the lawsuit says the district never investigated. Court documents say she was assaulted again last fall on a Bellingham-operated bus to the Salish Sea Deaf School. The alleged assailant had previously attacked other students and was supposed to have a safety plan, but it was not implemented. The lawsuit accuses both districts of negligence and disability, and gender-based discrimination. Her parents say she no longer feels safe riding the bus and now refuses to attend school. STORY: Details released in Wednesday I-5 rollover crash Details have been released about a rollover crash that closed northbound I-5 for about 4 hours Wednesday evening. The Washington State Patrol says the crash happened around 7:45pm near North Lake Samish Drive. An SUV failed to merge in a construction zone, struck a barrier and rolled onto its roof. An 83-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman, both from Elma, were injured in the crash. The man was taken to Harborview in Seattle, while the woman was taken to St. Joseph’s in Bellingham. Both were wearing seatbelts; no drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash. All northbound lanes reopened around 11:30 Wednesday night. STORY: Burn ban set to take effect for North Cascades next week A burn ban is set to take effect in the North Cascades. The ban is active over the entire North Cascades National Park Service Complex, as well as Ross Lake and Lake Chelan. Prohibited items include campfire pits, barbeque grills, and propane-powered fires. Visitors are allowed to use gas and propane stoves for cooking if there is no flammable material within 3 feet. All stoves must have an off-switch capable of extinguishing flames quickly. The North Cascades National Park Service says the burn ban will lower the chances of human-caused fires during a dry summer. STORY: One entrance to popular Bellingham park to close for repaving next week One Lake Padden Park entrance will be closed next week for repaving. The Wilkin Street entrance and parking lot will be temporarily closed from Monday to Wednesday. The Whatcom Parks and Recreation Department asks visitors to use the Samish Way entrances and parking lots during the construction. The dog park, golf course, tennis courts, playground, restrooms, boat launch, and trails will remain open. STORY: In more road construction news… Work is underway on the second phase of the stormwater project in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood which will reduce pollution flowing into Little Squalicum Creek. The project includes new treatment facilities along the Pinewood corridor and West Illinois Street, as well as replacement of a century-old water main beneath West Illinois. Drivers should expect temporary lane closures and detours. Meanwhile, the full closure of James Street between Bakerview and Kellogg is extended through July 10th due to paving delays, utility conflicts, and additional retaining wall work. That project will add a new shared pedestrian/bicycle path to the road. STORY: Blaine PD seeking owner(s) of stolen tools Blaine Police are searching for the owners of some stolen tools. Officers recovered a large number of tools after the search of a storage unit. Most have been returned to their owners, but several Dewalt handheld tools are still unclaimed. Blaine PD says they were stolen before April 23. If you think they might belong to you, reach out to the Blaine Police Department. Any tools not claimed in 60 days will be disposed of according to Washington law. STORY: Gov. Ferguson signs executive order establishing new Economic Development Council Governor Bob Ferguson has created a new Economic Development Council. A group of 26 major employers will advise the governor on economic policies to help accomplish the goals outlined in his first budget. The Council will also weigh in on marketing Washington to outside business, and review regulations to reduce barriers to economic growth. Members of the Council include representatives from Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, T-Mobile, the University of Washington, the Suquamish Tribe, and the Puyallup Tribe. STORY: WA, CA, and Quebec sign historic carbon market agreement Washington, California, and Quebec have signed an historic agreement to merge their carbon pollution markets. When the agreement takes effect next year, it will establish the world’s largest sub-national carbon market. Separately, each government has been issuing what are called “carbon allowances”, paid by the largest corporate polluters for their part in damaging the climate. Now, the polluters will be able to buy and sell carbon allowances from anywhere in the three jurisdictions by 2027. The revenue from the carbon allowances is used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health. The agreement is intended to make the market more stable and reduce fuel costs for residents. When it goes into effect, the joint prices of carbon allowances will be lower than Washington’s …
June 25, 2026 News Transcript
Three Whatcom farms apply for preservation easement funding from state RCO, Coast Guard rescues injured hiker from Mount Larrabee over weekend, Recent crashes in and around Ferndale claim lives of two motorists, Rep. Larsen co-sponsors bill requiring consultation of U.S. exclave residents before altering border crossing policies, Incidental fire on Mount Baker destroys baler and roughly a half-acre of hay, Election center tours scheduled, Inbound rainstorm moves Ferndale’s Jam on the River festival indoors, Get a piece of the rock!, Child welfare deaths in WA down significantly from record year, though plenty of work remains to be done, FREE or Cheap for next weekend Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, June, 25. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Three Whatcom farms apply for preservation easement funding from state RCO Three Whatcom farms are applying for preservation funding to protect their land from development. The Whatcom County Council Planning and Development Committee passed a resolution authorizing grant applications for Steensma Farm, Jensen Farm and Cloud Mountain Farm Center. Whatcom County’s Planning Development Services Conservation Easement Program will apply on behalf of the three farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office compensates landowners for limiting development opportunities to protect the livelihoods of working farms, preserve water quality and wildlife. The grant is a matching fund of up to 10 thousand dollars that provides 50% of the funds needed to place preservation easements on the land and set up farm stewardship plans. Cloud Mountain Farm Center has already been placed under a permanent easement through interim ownership from the Whatcom Land Trust. Steensma Farm and Jensen Farm do not currently have any preservation easements. STORY: Coast Guard rescues injured hiker from Mount Larrabee over weekend A Coast Guard helicopter crew helped local search and rescue efforts in the evacuation of an injured hiker from Mount Larrabee. The hiker fell 120 feet down a ravine on the mountain east of Glacier on Saturday. The fall left her seriously injured and unable to descend as sunset was approaching. Knowing that nightfall would hamper rescue efforts, the Washington Emergency Management Division requested assistance from the Coast Guard. After a 40-minute search, the Coast Guard spotted a reflection from hikers, leading them to the injured woman. She was safely transported to emergency medical services at the Bellingham airport. STORY: Recent crashes in and around Ferndale claim lives of two motoristsThe Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has released new details about two fatal crashes this week in west Whatcom County. A driver involved in a two-vehicle collision on West Laurel Road near Ferndale on Sunday, later died after being airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Investigators say no criminal activity was involved in the crash. In a separate incident Tuesday evening, a motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a pickup truck at the intersection of Slater and Elder roads. According to deputies, the motorcycle was traveling westbound on Slater Road at a high rate of speed when it struck a truck turning into a gas station. No citations or charges were issued to the truck driver. STORY: Rep. Larsen co-sponsors bill requiring consultation of U.S. exclave residents before altering border crossing policies U.S. Representative Rick Larsen wants the government to discuss changes to border policies with exclave residents before making changes. An exclave is a place that can only be accessed by crossing through another country. Point Roberts, Washington is one of the only towns in the U.S. that can only be entered through Canada. Point Roberts residents have a unique stake in border policies, as they must cross the Canadian border to go to work, school, get groceries, and receive health care. Because there are so few exclaves, they’re often overlooked. Larsen said the new bill would require federal agencies to consult with communities like Point Roberts before finalizing laws that would impact their regular border crossings. STORY: Incidental fire on Mount Baker destroys baler and roughly a half-acre of hay A fire near Mount Baker destroyed a baler and burned about half an acre of hay Monday evening. According to Whatcom County Fire District 14 Chief Jerry DeBruin, the fire was caused by a machinery failure while hay was being baled. The fire caused an estimated $30,000 in damages. Wind helped spread it through about half an acre of hay before firefighters arrived. Crews used off-road brush trucks to access the field and had the fire under control within about 15 minutes. Firefighters stayed an additional 30 to 45 minutes to put out hot spots. No injuries were reported. STORY: Election center tours scheduledWhatcom County residents can get a behind-the-scenes look at how local elections are run. The Auditor’s Office will host public tours of the county Election Center July 28th through the 30th. The tour gives visitors a chance to see how ballots are processed, learn about election security measures, and ask questions about voting procedures. The Auditor’s office says the tour takes less than an hour and advance reservations are encouraged through the Whatcom County Elections Division. STORY: Inbound rainstorm moves Ferndale’s Jam on the River festival indoors Incoming rainstorms have moved the Ferndale’s Jam on the River festival indoors. The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce announced the first day of the Jam on the River festival will be held in the Pioneer Pavilion tomorrow due to forecasted rain and thunderstorms. Jam on the River is an annual celebration put on by the Chamber of Commerce, created as a larger and more accessible version of the Ferndale Street Festival. It’s an all-ages event that features local vendors, kids activities and musical guests. Saturday’s event is still scheduled to take place at the Centennial River Walk Park, but could be moved to the Pioneer Pavilion if the rain continues. The festivities will take place from 4:30 to 9pm Friday and noon to 9 pm Saturday. STORY: Get a piece of the rock! If you’ve ever wanted a piece of Bellingham history, you’ll get your chance next month. WSDOT is …
June 24, 2026 News Transcript
Three Whatcom farms apply for preservation easement funding from state RCO, Two Whatcom men charged in unrelated cases of child sexual assault, Small Bellingham business owner seeking support as storefront nears closure, Case potentially informing WA’s future policy concerning transgender prisoners lands before State Supreme Court, AG’s office spearheads brief opposing federal advancement of oil and gas development in Alaska, Sen. Maria Cantwell decries vote-by-mail changes, Team of UW researchers develop system for condensing scientific research papers into short-form video content, Small Bellingham business owner seeking support as storefront nears closure, FREE or Cheap for next weekend, Election center tours scheduled Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, June, 24. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Three Whatcom farms apply for preservation easement funding from state RCO Three Whatcom farms are applying for preservation funding to protect their land from development. Steensma Farm, Jensen Farm and Cloud Mountain Farm Center are seeking grant funding from the state. Whatcom County’s Planning Development Services Conservation Easement Program is applying on behalf of the three farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office compensates landowners for limiting development opportunities to protect the livelihoods of working farms or preserve water quality and wildlife. The RCO grant matches 50% of the funds needed to place preservation easements on the land, and set up farm stewardship plans that fall under 10-thousand dollars. Cloud Mountain Farm Center has already been placed under a permanent easement through interim ownership from the Whatcom Land Trust. Steensma Farm and Jensen Farm are not currently under any preservation easements. STORY: Two Whatcom men charged in unrelated cases of child sexual assault Two men are facing child‑sex charges in separate cases in Whatcom County. The Bellingham Herald reports Shaun Gordon Conley pleaded not guilty after being extradited from Oregon. A teen in Chelan County told police last fall that Conley sexually assaulted them multiple times about six years ago, when they both lived in Whatcom County. Conley was arrested May 29th and booked into the Whatcom County Jail last week. In a separate case, 68‑year‑old Antonio Carlos Segar of Bellingham pleaded not guilty to first‑degree child molestation. Deputies interviewed him Sunday and found probable cause to arrest him. A commissioner set his bail at 100-thousand dollars and issued a no‑contact order. Segar remains in custody. STORY: Small Bellingham business owner seeking support as storefront nears closure The owner of EverLocal has asked for community support while he closes his store. According to their website, the store– which sells local products, gifts, and secondhand clothes— has to close before the end of the lease. That leaves the owner responsible for 90-thousand dollars worth of rent and fees. He says he’s worked out an agreement that would allow him to exit the lease and avoid additional penalties if he can pay his rent through July. He’s asking Bellingham residents to shop, donate, and spread the word about his situation. EverLocal will close at the end of July. STORY: Case potentially informing WA’s future policy concerning transgender prisoners lands before State Supreme Court The Washington state Supreme Court will soon decide whether it’s unconstitutional to hold incarcerated transgender women in a men’s facility. The Court heard oral arguments yesterday for the case of Amber Kim, a transgender woman confined at Monroe Correctional Facility, a men’s prison. She is being represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington. From 2021 to 2024, Kim was located at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. In March 2024, Kim and her cellmate were found engaging in sexual contact and were both issued an infraction. They were transferred to a heightened security level in the women’s correctional facility. In June, although she hadn’t received any more infractions according to the ACLU, the Department of Corrections decided Kim was a safety risk, and she was transferred to Monroe Correctional Facility. Her cellmate was allowed to stay in the women’s prison. Kim is the first transgender woman in Washington state to be transferred from a women’s prison to a men’s. The ACLU argued that transferring Kim to a men’s facility was cruel and unusual punishment, which exposed her to potential violence, sexual assault, and harassment. The Department of Corrections argued that keeping Kim in the women’s prison was a safety risk, and the transfer was necessary to carry out a reasonable punishment. It may take months for the Court to release their official ruling on the case. STORY: AG’s office spearheads brief opposing federal advancement of oil and gas development in Alaska Washington Attorney General Nick Brown is leading a 13‑state challenge to new oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Most of the new development in the Refuge would take place on the Refuge’s Coastal Plain. The 1.6 million acre area is described by the National Wildlife Federation as the region’s most diverse wildlife habitat, home to polar bears, musk oxen, porcupine caribou and millions of migratory birds. Brown argues the scale of industrial activity will intensify climate impacts and severely harm Washington’s migratory birds, many of which are considered internationally vulnerable. He says they are essential to coalition-state ecosystems and support local economies through birdwatching and hunting. Brown also claims the Administration broke the law by rushing through incomplete environmental impact studies and disregarding mandatory standards for transparency and public participation. STORY: Sen. Maria Cantwell decries vote-by-mail changesU.S. Senator Maria Cantwell is criticizing what she called the Trump administration’s latest effort to restrict voting access. Cantwell said the new U.S. Postal Service policy, implemented in December, shifts where ballots receive postmarks from local post offices to regional processing centers– which can delay postmarks by several days. Cantwell pointed to testing conducted during February’s special election in Snohomish County. Election officials mailed sample ballots on several dates and found many were not postmarked until one or more days after they were dropped in the mail. In one test on Election Day, less than half of ballots mailed that morning received same-day postmarks, meaning …
June 23, 2026 News Transcript
Public hearings scheduled today, City of Blaine seeking developer proposals for envisioned multi-use facility on city ground, Drop Your Nets recycling event tomorrow, Drop Your Nets recycling event tomorrow, Campground closed due to black bears, Transportation funding projected to fall, WA joins multi-state lawsuit against federal government’s addition of contract terms targeting DEI, Postal Service representatives abruptly cancel meeting with WA legislators regarding proposed rule changes to mail-in ballots, FBI arrests Belfair man on suspicion of planning to attack White House UFC event, Small Bellingham business owner seeking support as storefront nears closure, 4th of July fireworks info Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, June, 23. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Public hearings scheduled today Whatcom County residents will have a chance to weigh in on two proposed ordinances during public hearings tonight. One proposal would temporarily stop new or expanded civil detention centers in Whatcom County for one year. The ordinance says that one-year period would give the county time to review the land use and impact of these facilities before starting any new projects. The proposal would not affect the existing county jail, the planned new jail, or any behavioral health facilities. Another proposal would add restrictions on when fireworks may be used in the county. Under the ordinance, fireworks would only be allowed on the evening of July Fourth, and no longer on July third or fifth. Fireworks could also be prohibited during Stage Two Burn Bans or other emergency conditions. Both hearings are scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight in the Whatcom County Council Chambers. STORY: City of Blaine seeking developer proposals for envisioned multi-use facility on city ground The City of Blaine is planning a major redevelopment that could bring new housing, childcare, and a public library to its downtown core. The city is looking for developers to submit plans to redevelop city-owned property downtown. City Manager Michael Harmon said the project reflects a vision for a more vibrant downtown space that will also support long-term economic growth. Along with these new facilities, the city plans to improve parking and transportation, and make downtown more walkable. The city is accepting developer proposals through July 8th. STORY: Drop Your Nets recycling event tomorrow Looking for a volunteer opportunity tomorrow? The Drop Your Nets recycling event is an effort aimed at keeping plastic waste and microplastics out of local waterways. It’s happening from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. The event is organized by Bellingham SeaFest, Net Your Problem, and Samson Rope; it’s also partially funded by the Washington Department of Ecology. Volunteers will work with fishermen — under the shade — to sort nets so they can be recycled into new products. Those interested in attending may sign up at Seafest.com. STORY: Campground closed due to black bears The Goodell Creek Campground has been closed due to increased black bear activity. Officials with the National Park Service say bears have repeatedly entered camping areas and ignored standard deterrents while searching for food. This has prompted an emergency closure of the campground. The nearby Newhalem Creek Campground remains open. Visitors, however, are being urged to strictly follow food storage rules and use bear boxes or hard-sided vehicles. STORY: Transportation funding projected to fall Washington’s transportation funding is projected to fall due to a decrease in revenue. The Office of Financial Management released a report this week detailing an expected $36 million decrease in transportation revenue compared to the forecasted funds for the 2025-2027 time frame. The decrease is due to loss in revenue from vehicle registration fees, gas taxes, and rental car taxes. OFM says they anticipate a drop in overall transportation revenue by over 2.6% by 2031 if the trend continues. State officials are concerned the decrease will put pressure on an already tight budget amid rising costs and shifts in demand for gas. STORY: WA joins multi-state lawsuit against federal government’s addition of contract terms targeting DEI Washington Attorney General Nick Brown is suing the Trump administration over new contract requirements tied to DEI programs. The lawsuit challenges a March executive order directing federal agencies to prohibit what it calls “racially discriminatory DEI activities” in federally funded contracts. Brown says the new rules are vague, confusing, and could jeopardize billions of dollars in federal contracts, including agreements with Washington state agencies. The coalition argues federal agencies failed to follow required public notice and comment procedures. They are asking a federal court to block enforcement of the new contract terms. STORY: Postal Service representatives abruptly cancel meeting with WA legislators regarding proposed rule changes to mail-in ballots Officials with the U.S. Postal Service cancelled a meeting with Washington legislators Monday regarding proposed changes to mail-in-ballots. The Washington State Standard reports these USPS representatives cancelled just a few hours before they were scheduled to appear in front of a public panel at the House of Representatives. The meeting would have addressed the potential upcoming changes to mail-in ballots across the country. The changes would require election officials to provide a list of mail-in voters to the USPS. Washington Democrats have been fighting changes to the voting process since last year, when the federal government sued 30 states for refusing to turn over voter rolls. These voter rolls include sensitive information such as social security and driver’s license numbers. Supporters of the move say they would increase trust in elections. Critics say it would cause confusion too close to the November election and disproportionately impact Democratic voters, who vote by mail more often. STORY: FBI arrests Belfair man on suspicion of planning to attack White House UFC event A Belfair resident was arrested Friday in connection with a plot to attack the UFC event at the White House. 21-year-old William Falkner (FAWLK-ner) was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. The arrest came as part of an FBI investigation into a multistate plan to attack the White House. According to communications uncovered by the FBI, Falkner (FAWLK-ner) planned …
June 22, 2026 News Transcript
Heat advisory in place for northwestern WA, Housing alternative resources available at City, Library card night at the Bells on Thursday, Collision in North Bellingham results in road closure, two passengers seriously injured, House fire in Ferndale displaces residents, no injuries, Landmark tree protection in Bellingham moves forward, Opposition movement to Let’s Go Washington initiatives launches campaign, : WA unemployment rate remains stagnant even amid solid job growth, Campground closed due to black bears, 4th of July fireworks info, FREE or Cheap for next week, Election center tours scheduled Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, June, 22. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Heat advisory in place for northwestern WA After a milder-than-expected weekend, it looks like we’re in for a change in the weather. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for large swaths of northwest and west-central Washington, effective until 11 pm tomorrow night. Areas from the San Juan Islands to the North Cascades Foothills, and from Whatcom and Skagit Counties to the Southern Puget Sound Lowlands could see highs between 85 and 95 degrees. The hottest temps are expected south of Olympia. Nighttime lows should drop into the merciful 55 to 60 degree range. Still, the NWS warns that heat at this level can greatly increase the risk of illness or adverse effects in individuals sensitive to it, especially if they don’t have access to cooling and hydration. A reminder– never leave children or pets in vehicles unattended, stay out of the sun when possible, and, if you’re working outside, take breaks where it’s cool. And be alert for signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion which include: heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, dizziness, rapid pulse, and confusion. STORY: Housing alternative resources available at City Thinking about adding an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, to your property? The City of Bellingham has launched a new set of online tools designed to help homeowners explore their options and better understand local development rules. The resources include a new ADU webpage, quick guides for ADU and middle housing development, a step-by-step guide on how to build an ADU in Bellingham, and a virtual tour highlighting middle housing opportunities. City officials say the tools are intended to help residents make informed decisions and navigate the permitting process more efficiently. STORY: Library card night at the Bells on Thursday Looking for a fun summer activity? Bring your library card to the Bellingham Bells home game this Thursday. For one night only, patrons can flash their library card at Joe Martin field and receive one free general admission ticket per card. The gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the first pitch is thrown at 6:35 p.m. They team hopes to continue their 7-game win streak against the Port Angeles Lefties. STORY: Mount Vernon police arrest man in connection with recent shooting A Mount Vernon man is in custody in connection with last week’s deadly shooting. Skagit County booking records show 26‑year‑old Francisco Barron Jr. is accused of taking part in the June 11 shooting that killed Arturo Ortiz‑Lopez. Barron is charged with first‑degree murder, second‑degree assault, and drive‑by shooting. Officers found Ortiz‑Lopez shot when they arrived, and despite efforts by police and paramedics, he died at the scene Barron is being held on $1 million bail. STORY: Collision in North Bellingham results in road closure, two passengers seriously injured Two people were critically injured in a crash north of Bellingham yesterday morning. Emergency crews responded to the 900 block of West Laurel Road around 8:50 a.m. after reports of multiple injuries. Airlift Northwest was called to the scene, and used a nearby field as a landing zone. According to Whatcom County Fire District 7, two patients suffered critical injuries. One was airlifted to a trauma center, while the other was transported by ambulance to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. Two additional people were treated and released at the scene. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what caused the collision. STORY: House fire in Ferndale displaces residents, no injuries Also yesterday morning, a house fire in Ferndale displaced the occupants, but no injuries were reported. First responders were called to the residential fire around 1:25 a.m. Initial reports said much of the front of the single-story home was on fire. According to Whatcom News, Fire District 7 Assistant Chief Ben Russell said everyone inside the home had already evacuated before crews arrived. Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Whatcom County Fire Marshals Office. STORY: Landmark tree protection in Bellingham moves forward Bellingham is moving toward permanent protections for some of its largest trees. The city Planning Commission held a public hearing last Thursday to discuss an updated ordinance for protecting landmark trees. The ordinance prevents any healthy tree with a 36-inch trunk diameter from being removed or damaged. The ordinance was first approved as a temporary measure in May 2024, and has been extended four times while a permanent version is drafted. Earlier this year, KMRE reported the newest proposal would allow landmark trees to be removed if they create hazardous conditions or damage private property. Some housing developers opposed the policy, saying planning around protected trees has delayed housing projects. The city council is expected to take up the ordinance later this summer after they review feedback from Thursday’s meeting. STORY: Opposition movement to Let’s Go Washington initiatives launches campaign Opponents of Let’s Go Washington have launched a campaign to undo legislative changes made to parents’ rights and school sports. No Hate in WA State kicked off their campaign last week, and are focused on repealing two initiatives around children’s privacy. The first initiative would guarantee parents full access to their child’s school and medical records, and let them review all classroom curriculum. In 2025, Democratic lawmakers removed parental access to medical records through a lawsuit. The second initiative would make it mandatory for girls participating in school sports …
June 19, 2026 News Transcript
Man accused of raping child at PeaceHealth St. Joe’s to undergo competency restoration before trial, Ferndale PD seeking two suspects in hardware store theft, Mount Vernon School District delays budget vote following outcry from staff and public over proposed cuts, Invasive European green crab discovered on Orcas Island, Some local beaches re-open to shellfish harvest, Naked bike riders hit the Seattle streets, no word yet on Bellingham, Junefreenth, Campground closed due to black bears, WA unemployment rate remains stagnant even amid solid job growth, WA joins multi-state lawsuit against federal government’s addition of contract terms targeting DEI, 4th of July fireworks info, FREE or Cheap for next weekend, Election center tours scheduled Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, June 19th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Man accused of raping child at PeaceHealth St. Joe’s to undergo competency restoration before trialA Bellingham man accused of raping a 14-year-old has been found incompetent to stand trial. Thirty-seven-year-old Alexander Kyle Humphries faces a charge of third-degree rape of a child stemming from an alleged assault inside the St. Joseph Medical Center specialized emergency care unit in May. A court-ordered evaluation found Humphries lacks the ability to understand the legal proceedings or assist in his defense. He has been ordered to Western State Hospital for competency restoration services. A status hearing is scheduled for July 30th. STORY: Ferndale PD seeking two suspects in hardware store theft Ferndale Police are looking for two suspects in a theft at Ace Hardware earlier this month. Ferndale Police says the first suspect is a man in his 30’s. He’s bald, thin, and about 6 feet tall. He was wearing a black mask, dark pants, white shoes, and a black hoodie over a white shirt. The second suspect is a man in his 30’s. He’s bald with a black goatee. He’s about 5’10 with a stockier build. He was wearing a blue mask, dark pants, and a black short sleeve polo over a white t-shirt. The two were seen heading north after leaving the store. Anyone with information should contact Lieutenant Travis Card with the Ferndale Police Department. STORY: Mount Vernon School District delays budget vote following outcry from staff and public over proposed cutsThe Mount Vernon School Board says it will delay voting on its budget after a strong community outcry. Superintendent Victor Vergara says the district will take the next month to review spending cuts and gather more feedback before he brings the budget back for a vote in July. The district faces a nearly eight-million-dollar budget shortfall. The deficit is driven by declining enrollment, reduced state and federal funding, rising salaries, and higher insurance premiums. Proposed reductions include the dismissal of more than 17 teachers, migrant liaisons, intervention specialists, and other support staff. District leaders warn that without additional help from Olympia, deeper cuts may be needed in the years ahead. STORY: Invasive European green crab discovered on Orcas IslandThe invasive European green crab has been discovered on Orcas Island. A male European green crab was caught at Deer Harbor last week. The Washington Sea Grant Crab Team estimates that, based on its size, it has lived there for over three years. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife says the digging habits of green crabs are harmful to eelgrass marshes and represent a threat to local shellfish and crab fisheries. One green crab can consume up to 40 half-inch clams per day; it may also prey on native crabs and oysters. Fish and Wildlife says green crab molts have been found since 2018 across Lummi Bay, Bellingham Bay, Padilla Bay, and the San Juan Islands. If you encounter a suspected green crab or its molt, take photos and submit your sighting to Fish and Wildlife. STORY: Some local beaches re-open to shellfish harvestGood news for local shellfish harvesters: some beaches are open again. If you are 16 or older and have a license, you can dig for clams from Sandy Point north to the Canadian border, including Birch Bay, Drayton Harbor and Point Roberts. However, beaches from Sandy Point south to the Skagit County line remain closed. Officials also remind the public that shellfish harvest on tidelands within Lummi Nation remains closed to non-tribal visitors. Before you dig, always check the latest biotoxin and pollution advisories. Current shellfish safety information is available through the Washington State Department of Health. STORY: Naked bike riders hit the Seattle streets, no word yet on BellinghamIf you’re in Seattle tomorrow, get ready to slow down for the 27th annual Naked Bike Ride. Created as part of the two-day Fremont Fair, the celebration is led by the famous Solstice Cyclists— hundreds of body-painted riders who roll through the neighborhood ahead of a parade featuring giant puppets, handmade floats, dancers, and stilt walkers. As yet, there is no official word from local organizers whether the Bellingham Naked Bike Ride will take place again this year. STORY: JunefreenthIt’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. The Lummi Stommish Water Festival is taking place all weekend with canoe races, traditional song and dance, Sla-Hal games, the veteran’s parade, Salmon BBQ, and more. For more details visit lummistommish.com Saturday, browse the Bellingham Farmers Market downtown, the Bellingham Dockside Market at the waterfront, join Wild Whatcom’s nature meetup at Marine Park, or enjoy free outdoor music during the ‘Cordata Concerts and Crafts’ series. Any day this weekend, take a self-guided tour of Bellingham’s colorful downtown murals, or visit the Marine Life Center, where admission is free and families can explore touch tanks and learn about local sea life. WX: Hallelu And now weather: It’s a gorgeous Juneteenth today, with bright, sunny skies and highs in the low 80s. We should have clear skies this evening, with lows in the mid-50s. Tomorrow, we wake up to sunshine and highs close to 80 with a light southwest breeze. Temperatures gradually warm through Tuesday. …
June 18, 2026 News Transcript
Person injured in Blaine border patrol shooting identified, agents allege he was fleeing search, Emergent activist group aims to help address Whatcom’s mounting list of water-related difficulties, World Cup game in Seattle tomorrow, Blaine School Board approves new contract for interim superintendent, County releases behavioral health fund report, State Route 9 reduced to single lane indefinitely amid paving project, Cantwell-sponsored bill directs research into rising lung cancer rates among women, AG’s office scores victory in multi-state lawsuit against freeze on federal wind energy permits, Nake riders hit the Seattle streets, no word yet on Bellingham (RUN TODAY OR TOMORROW), WA unemployment rate remains stagnant even amid solid job growth, 4th of July fireworks info, Election center tours scheduled, WA joins multi-state lawsuit against federal government’s addition of contract terms targeting DEI Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, June, 18. Good afternoon, I’m ______. UPDATE: Person injured in Blaine border patrol shooting identified, agents allege he was fleeing search The man shot Tuesday in Blaine by the Border Patrol has been identified. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 39-year old Nathaniel Muniz-Spry (moo-NEEZ-spry) from Everson was shot in the leg by a Border Patrol agent while attempting to flee after a gun was found in his waistband. According to records filed in the case, Muniz-Spry appeared in a Seattle federal court Wednesday, on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in connection with the shooting. Muniz-Spry is prohibited from having guns due to a history of illegal possession of guns and drugs, as well as stealing vehicles. The judge ordered him detained, and set a preliminary hearing date for July 1st. The FBI is leading the investigation into the incident. In a statement, they said that the incident was isolated and there was no ongoing danger to the public. STORY: Emergent activist group aims to help address Whatcom’s mounting list of water-related difficulties A new environmental group focused on the Nooksack River Basin’s water challenges has formed. Local farmers, politicians, and advocates announced the group, called Water for Whatcom. They say that collaboration and compromise between residents, farmers, tribes, and state agencies is necessary to solve the water issues of Whatcom County. Group member Rich Appel (uh-PEL) said in a news release that the problems with our water supply are not engineering challenges, but relationship challenges. Members point to the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan as an example of collaborative initiatives. The group urges policymakers and community leaders to take action as soon as possible to solve Whatcom’s water resource issues. STORY: World Cup game in Seattle tomorrowThe U.S. Men’s National Team takes on Australia tomorrow at noon in Seattle. Fans heading south should expect major road closures and heavy traffic in Seattle’s Pioneer Square and SODO neighborhoods throughout the day. Closer to home, Bellingham’s official Fan Zone will host free watch parties for the match beginning at noon at the Commercial Street Block Party outside The Den and Wild Buffalo downtown, and at Kulshan Trackside on the waterfront. Both events will feature large screens, food, drinks, and family-friendly activities. STORY: Blaine School Board approves new contract for interim superintendent The Blaine School Board has appointed a new superintendent. The board approved a two‑year contract Monday for Dan Chaplik, who will take over July 1st. The agreement runs through June 2028, with an option for either side to opt out after the first year. Chaplik is currently serving as interim superintendent and previously led the Sultan School District for nearly 20 years. His district biography highlights his focus on student‑centered leadership and strong community partnerships. The board will evaluate Chaplik’s performance annually, with goals set each August. STORY: County releases behavioral health fund report A new report says over 2500 local youth have been helped by the Behavioral Health Fund. The 2024-25 Behavioral Health Fund report details how local tax dollars are being used to support mental health and substance use treatment programs throughout the county. One cent for every $10 spent in Whatcom goes to the Behavioral Health Fund, which helps programs that fill gaps in mental healthcare coverage and support public safety initiatives. One of those initiatives is the Alternative Response Team, which is dispatched to non-violent 911 calls, and responded to over 2,000 incidents in 2025. With recent dips in sales tax revenue, Health and Community Services says it will continue to reduce costs where possible to maximize the fund’s effectiveness. The report also outlines future goals, which include improvements to local healthcare facilities and senior and youth services. STORY: State Route 9 reduced to single lane indefinitely amid paving project Drivers on State Route 9 will encounter delays south of Nooksack. WSDOT says State Route 9 is down to one lane around the clock near milepost 87. Northbound and southbound drivers are taking turns crossing the bridge at Klein Ditch as crews inspect the bridge deck. The work is part of a larger project that includes repaving parts of State Routes 9 and 547. There’s no estimate for when the highway will fully reopen. Drivers should plan for slow‑downs during busy travel times. STORY: Cantwell-sponsored bill directs research into rising lung cancer rates among womenThe U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a new bill aimed at improving the rates of lung cancer in women. Co-sponsored by Washington Senator Maria Cantwell,the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act directs health officials to conduct a comprehensive review of why lung cancer rates among women have risen sharply in recent decades. Data shows that during the same time period overall rates among men have declined. The measure now moves to the House for consideration. STORY: AG’s office scores victory in multi-state lawsuit against freeze on federal wind energy permitsWind energy development in Washington can move forward. A federal appeals court has dismissed the Trump administration’s appeal of a lawsuit challenging a 2025 order that froze federal approvals for wind energy projects nationwide. A federal judge previously ruled the freeze violated federal …
June 17, 2026 News Transcript
FBI leading investigation into border patrol shooting near Blaine crossing, Infant formula sold at Bellingham Target recalled after outbreak of botulism, Bellingham man accused of shooting two National Guard troopers pleads not guilty to new charge, Bellingham man accused of shooting two National Guard troopers pleads not guilty to new charges, Bloodworks NW declares Code Red, New round of state grants to fund sixteen new electric vehicle charging stations across Bellingham, Northbound I-5 will be diverted onto a bypass road for WSDOT’s fish migration project, WA’s leading assisted living organizations sue state over spending cuts, Cantwell-sponsored bill directs research into rising lung cancer rates among women, AG’s office scores victory in multi-state lawsuit against freeze on federal wind energy permits, 4th of July fireworks info, WA joins multi-state lawsuit against federal government’s addition of contract terms targeting DEI Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, June, 17. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: FBI leading investigation into border patrol shooting near Blaine crossingA U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and injured a person in Blaine yesterday morning. The FBI is now investigating the incident, which took place near Fourth and A streets. Witnesses report hearing shouts followed by several gunshots around 5:30 a.m., which prompted a large response from emergency medical crews and a host of law enforcement agencies. Authorities say a firearm was recovered at the scene; they also confirmed that no agents were injured. Customs and Border Protection is conducting a separate review of the agent’s use of force. The condition of the injured person has not been released. STORY: Infant formula sold at Bellingham Target recalled after outbreak of botulism A multi-state outbreak of infant botulism has triggered a nationwide recall of infant formula. The formula in question is Nava Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula. It was sold between last July and this month at Target stores — including the one in Bellingham — as well as online at Target.com and Nara.com (NAH-rah dot com). Whatcom County Health and Community Services has confirmed that Bellingham Target removed the product from its shelves as soon as the recall was announced. Washington, California, and Pennsylvania have all reported confirmed or suspected infant botulism cases. The disease poses particular risks for infants, and may carry fatal consequences. At present, no deaths have resulted from this particular outbreak. In an online post, Whatcom County has urged parents to stop using the recalled formula and watch any child who may have been given some. Children experiencing symptoms should be taken to the emergency room immediately. UPDATE: Bellingham man accused of shooting two National Guard troopers pleads not guilty to new chargesFederal prosecutors have filed new charges against a man accused of fatally shooting a National Guardsman last November. Investigators say Rahmanullah Lakanwal (ruh-MAH-noo-luh LUK-ahn-wahl) drove from Bellingham to Washington, D.C. to carry out the attack. He pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a 17-count federal indictment that includes first-degree murder — an indictment that could make him eligible for the death penalty. According to court documents, authorities allege Lakanwal ambushed the two Guard members outside a Metro station just blocks from the White House. He remains in federal custody and is scheduled to return to court in September. STORY: Bloodworks NW declares Code RedBloodworks Northwest has issued a Code Red alert after its blood supply dropped to critical. Bloodworks says it only has a 1-to-2 day inventory for platelets (PLAYT-lits) and several blood types. Officials say the shortage is being driven by reduced summer donations and increased hospital demand across western Washington and Oregon. The organization says it needs about 1,000 donors a day to stabilize supply, but only about 3% of the population currently donates blood. In Whatcom County, donations can be made at the Bloodworks Northwest Bellingham Center. Appointments are available, and walk-ins are accepted, and a mobile drive is scheduled this Friday in Fairhaven from 10 to 4. STORY: New round of state grants to fund sixteen new electric vehicle charging stations across Bellingham A new round of state grants will add sixteen new electric vehicle charging stations to Bellingham. The Washington State Department of Commerce is allocating $37.3 million for new charging stations, funding over 750 new ports throughout the state. In Bellingham, public charging stations will be available at the Shell gas station on North Lake Samish Drive and at the Bakerview Fred Meyer. A private station will be built at one of North State Street’s affordable housing units. The new charging stations are expected to deliver enough electricity to power about 5,000 electric vehicles, and reduce emissions in the state by 20,000 metric tons each year. The charging ports are expected to be completed by late 2027. STORY: Northbound I-5 will be diverted onto a bypass road for WSDOT’s fish migration project Travelers using I-5 to pass through Bellingham will have to use a two-lane bypass road until September. WSDOT (wash-DOT) says part of northbound I-5 on Chuckanut Creek is being diverted onto a temporary bypass road at 8 p.m. tonight. The agency expects it to cause some traffic between midnight and 5 a.m. tomorrow, when the shift will be complete. Southbound I-5 was also diverted to a bypass road on Monday. The shift is part of WSDOT’s fish migration project, which consists of removing 17 barriers and replacing them with 10 fish-passable structures meant to improve fish migration in Whatcom and Skagit counties. While I-5 is empty, construction crews will excavate the roadbed, remove the old culvert, install a new fish-passable structure, and rebuild the road around it. Both directions of I-5 are expected to reopen in the fall. STORY: WA’s leading assisted living organizations sue state over spending cuts Assisted living organizations are suing Washington state after recent spending cuts. The $80 billion budget signed by Governor Ferguson in April cuts Medicaid in favor of affordable housing and lawsuit payout funds. The assisted living providers say the budget obscures the lower reimbursement rates for facilities and argue it should have …
June 16, 2026 News Transcript
Whatcom 911 down for roughly three hours, cause still unclear, Whatcom County considering moratorium on creation or expansion of ICE facilities, Lighthouse Mission names interim CEO, Burn bans in effect for much of Whatcom and Skagit counties, Gas prices drop slightly, Bellingham mayor issues an executive order growing small businesses downtown, Traffic on Skagit River Bridge likely to experience delays on Wednesday, Road work in Lynden starts Thursday, Nationwide report finds Washington’s performance in education rankings mixed-to-negative, WA’s leading assisted living organizations sue state over spending cuts, 2023 law restricting some gun rights upheld by State Supreme Court, Cantwell sponsored bill directs research into rising lung cancer rates among women, 4th of July fireworks info, Election center tours scheduled,Independent, nonprofit community radio. WA joins multi-state lawsuit against federal government’s addition of contract terms targeting DEI KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, June, 16. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom 911 down for roughly three hours, cause still unclear A major multi-state service disruption in 9-1-1 call services hit multiple locations yesterday — including Whatcom County. According to the What-Comm 9-1-1 dispatch center, the outage was likely due to problems at a statewide centralized system. People in Whatcom County and other areas in western Washington received an alert on their cell phones just after 2:45 pm. Normal services resumed about three hours later. STORY: Whatcom County considering moratorium on creation or expansion of ICE facilities The Whatcom County Council is considering a moratorium on new immigration enforcement facilities. The proposal would place a one‑year hold on approving new civil immigration enforcement facilities in unincorporated areas. The moratorium would give the county time to study long‑term community impacts and develop permanent land‑use rules. A public hearing and possible vote are set for next Tuesday, June 23rd. The discussion comes as Congress approved adding nearly seventy billion dollars for ICE and Border Protection over three years, on top of last year’s major funding increase. Bellingham Troublemakers says Whatcom County’s high rate of ICE apprehensions is among the highest per capita in the state, and that many have expressed fears that additional facilities would harm families, local industries, and community health. Residents can comment in person on June 23rd or by emailing the Council. STORY: Lighthouse Mission names interim CEO A new interim CEO has been named at the Lighthouse Mission. Lighthouse Mission Ministries has selected longtime pastor and nonprofit leader Alvin Helms to serve in the role as CEO Hans Erchinger‑Davis (HANS er-CHING-er DAVIS) prepares to leave June 30th after ten years. Board chair Sam Mullen says Helms will continue serving as pastor of Northside Community Church while Mission leadership manages daily operations. Mullen calls him a strong pastoral presence and a highly qualified guide during the transition. Helms previously served as board president and later COO of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. He says it’s a “profound privilege” to support the Mission’s leaders as they shape the organization’s future. STORY: Burn bans in effect for much of Whatcom and Skagit counties With at least 20 wildfires burning across Washington, Whatcom and Skagit fire marshals have issued new burn bans. The open burn ban is for unincorporated areas of both counties and went into effect yesterday. In Whatcom County, no new yard clearing or burning of debris is permissible, and existing permits have been suspended. In Skagit County, meanwhile, the ban covers all residential and land-clearing fires. Existing permits have been suspended, no new ones will be issued, and the ban remains in effect until further notice. For now, recreational fires are still allowable under strict and specific guidelines, listed on each Fire Marshal’s website. Residents of any incorporated city or town should check with their fire departments for updated rules and restrictions. STORY: Gas prices drop slightly Local drivers are getting a bit of relief at the pump. GasBuddy reports the average price of gasoline in Washington has dropped nearly 12 cents over the past week to $5.45 a gallon. In Whatcom County, Costco is selling gas for $4.66, while other gas stations charge about $4.69 a gallon. Prices remain higher in the Puget Sound region, with Seattle averaging $5.71 and Tacoma at $5.53. Nationally, the average gas price has fallen below four dollars a gallon for the first time since April. According to the website Trading Economics, oil prices are at their lowest levels in three months primarily due to a de-escalation in Middle East tensions and growing optimism for a possible framework agreement between the United States and Iran. STORY: Bellingham mayor issues an executive order growing small businesses downtown Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund (LUHND) has issued an executive order to encourage the growth of new businesses downtown. The order includes new incentives, staffing, and regulations that hope to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship. The City of Bellingham says the order creates a “concierge-style” position dedicated to helping business owners understand the required city processes, such as acquiring permits. The order also proposes a seven-year business and occupation “tax holiday” for certain businesses downtown. The order seeks to reinforce the city’s goals of redeveloping and expanding the waterfront economy. In downtown Bellingham, the focus is on filling vacant storefronts, improving traffic circulation, investing in the Whatcom Museum and Mount Baker Theatre, and searching for opportunities to expand the arts district. STORY: Traffic on Skagit River Bridge likely to experience delays on Wednesday Drivers on State Route 9 should plan for delays tomorrow. WSDOT (wash-DOT) says traffic will alternate with flaggers on the Skagit River Bridge from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. while maintenance crews perform bridge flushing. The work requires a single-lane closure, and travelers are encouraged to allow extra time. STORY: Road work in Lynden starts Thursday In related news, a new roundabout project is set to begin this Thursday at the intersection of State Route 546 and Benson Road in Lynden. The project is part of ongoing efforts to improve safety along the East Badger Road corridor. WSDOT says most of the construction will take place from June …
June 15, 2026 News Transcript
One dead after reported gunfight in Mount Vernon, Silver Alert issued for Bellingham man, Department of Health takes Bellingham woman to court for practicing veterinary medicine without license, I-5 commuters to be rerouted onto detour as fish passage construction continues, North Cascades Highway reopens ahead of schedule, Fire claims workshop building at Custer dairy, owners report no injuries or delay in production, Wildfire season starts already, Local power outages reported, State DFI seeks damages and revocation of license for crypto ATM company, WA labor union leaders anticipate difficult pay raise negotiations following governor’s gloomy budget forecast, Road work in Lynden, Cantwell sponsored bill directs research into rising lung cancer rates among women, Election center tours scheduled, WA joins multi-state lawsuit against federal government’s addition of contract terms targeting DEI Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, June, 15. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: One dead after reported gunfight in Mount Vernon A Mount Vernon shooting has left one man dead. Police say officers responded around 5:30 Thursday evening to reports of multiple gunshots on South 2nd Street. Investigators believe an argument between two groups escalated and several rounds were fired. KOMO News reports a 23‑year‑old man was hit and died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts by police and fire crews. Anyone with information is asked to contact Mount Vernon Police. STORY: Silver Alert issued for Bellingham manA Silver Alert has been issued for a missing Bellingham man. Police are asking for help locating 79-year-old Daniel Weatherby, who disappeared Tuesday morning from the 2300 block of Williams Street. Weatherby is 6-foot-1, about 150 pounds, mostly bald with blue eyes, and is believed to be on foot wearing jeans and a flannel shirt. Anyone who sees him is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately. STORY: Department of Health takes Bellingham woman to court for practicing veterinary medicine without license A Bellingham woman has been charged with practicing veterinary medicine without a license. Elyse Rybka was charged by the state Health Department last month with practicing as a veterinarian without a Washington license. She worked at Bellingham Veterinary, having allegedly prescribed medication to patients and performed surgeries from June 2023 to April 2025. A class-action lawsuit, brought against Rybka in April of 2025, alleged she played a role in the death of a cat she had treated. The suit also accused Bellingam Veterinary of professional negligence and a violation of the Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit seeks damages for the plaintiff and any other patrons of Bellingham Veterinary who paid for Rybka’s services. According to The Bellingham Herald, Rybka admitted she did not have a license, but denied that she mistreated any patients. As of May 28th, Bellingham Veterinary has requested the lawsuit be dismissed. The case is ongoing. STORY: I-5 commuters to be rerouted onto detour as fish passage construction continues Travelers on southbound I-5 can expect traffic backups starting at 8pm tonight. WSDOT (WASH-dot) says Chuckanut Creek will be diverted for more culvert replacement, which will cause traffic to be diverted onto a two-lane bypass road. The bypass road will be used between midnight and 5 a.m. until September. According to WSDOT (WASH-dot), construction crews will excavate the roadbed, remove the old culvert, install a new fish-passable structure, and rebuild the road around it. 17 structures will be removed to improve fish migration in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Northbound I-5 will also be temporarily diverted to a two-lane bypass road at an unannounced date. The project is slated to finish up in late 2028. STORY: North Cascades Highway reopens ahead of schedule The Mount Baker Highway to Artist Point is now open for the season. WSDOT (wash-DOT) crews spent the past few weeks clearing up to 20 feet of snow from the final 2.7 miles of State Route 542 and the Artist Point parking lot. Many trails at the top are still under deep snow, and most directional signs remain covered. Vault toilets and garbage cans are available, but visitors should expect limited cell service and pack extra supplies. It’s still unclear when the U.S. Forest Service will open the Heather Meadows Visitor Center. A recreation pass is required, and travelers may see maintenance and Forest Service crews working along the road. STORY: Unusually low tides today and tomorrowWhatcom County officials warn that unusually low tides could disrupt ferry service. Today and tomorrow, extremely low tides at near minus four feet may force the cancellation of several sailings on the Whatcom Chief between Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. Riders are encouraged to check schedules and allow extra travel time as conditions may change on short notice. STORY: Fire claims workshop building at Custer dairy, owners report no injuries or delay in productionA fire burned down a goat barn at Grace Harbor Farms in Custer. According to officials, on Friday afternoon neighbors called the owner of the creamery after seeing flames emerge from the barn. Firefighters from North Whatcom Fire & Rescue, and the Bellingham Fire department were dispatched to the site. In a Facebook post, owners said that workers at the farm evacuated the goats, and no animals or staff were injured in the blaze. The fire was extinguished but the building was not salvageable. STORY: Wildfire season starts alreadyAs temperatures rise and conditions dry out even further, officials caution the public that fire season is no joke. The latest warning comes as state firefighting resources have been mobilized to battle two wildfires near the Tri-Cities. The OIE Fire sparked yesterday afternoon and quickly grew to an estimated 500 acres, threatening homes, crops, power infrastructure, and a nearby dam. Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders remain in place. The Highway 730 Fire near Wallula (wah-LOO-luh) in Walla Walla County started late Saturday night after a high-speed chase and a fiery car crash sparked a fire that quickly grew to over 3600 acres. Local officials say the flames now threaten homes and critical infrastructure. Level 1 and Level 3 evacuation orders are in place as crews …
June 12, 2026 News Transcript
Heat advisory to take effect this weekend, Ferndale intersection to close for two days next week while undergoing maintenance, City of Bellingham launches home share program, Former WCSO chief and Nooksack mayor passes away, City begins work on sewer plan, State agency reports average salary in WA nearing six figures, FREE & CHEAP for June 12:, World Cup Fan Zone events start today, Road work in Lynden, Cantwell sponsored bill directs research into rising lung cancer rates among women, World Cup Fan Zone events start today, Road work in Lynden, Cantwell sponsored bill directs research into rising lung cancer rates among women, Cantwell sponsored bill directs research into rising lung cancer rates among women, Election center tours scheduled, WA joins multi-state lawsuit against federal government’s addition of contract terms targeting DEI Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, June 12th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Heat advisory to take effect this weekendThe National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Whatcom and Skagit counties beginning Sunday morning and lasting through early Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 80s to near 90 in Bellingham, Mount Vernon, and surrounding communities, with overnight lows hovering around 60. Forecasters say the prolonged heat could increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially for older adults, young children, and outdoor workers. Cooling centers are available throughout the county. Residents can find the latest information by calling 2-1-1 or checking the Whatcom County Extreme Heat webpage. Common cooling locations include Bellingham Public Library branches, Bellis Fair Mall, the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center in Maple Falls, and community centers in Ferndale and Lynden. In addition, the spray parks in Cornwall, Fairhaven, and Cordata Park will open at 11 a.m. on Monday, to help beat the heat. Officials encourage people to hydrate, limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbors during the heat advisory. STORY: Ferndale intersection to close for two days next week while undergoing maintenanceFerndale drivers should expect delays next week. According to Ferndale Public Works, the intersection of Church Road and Thornton Street will close for road maintenance. The City of Ferndale says the intersection will shut down from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday for grinding and repaving work. Detours will be posted. Officials say the intersection will reopen overnight, but drivers should use caution during the project due to uneven pavement and loose gravel. STORY: City of Bellingham launches home share programThe City of Bellingham has launched a new home-share program. Aimed at turning unused bedrooms into affordable housing, the city says it will partner with Nesterly— a program that matches homeowners to renters who need long-term housing. City officials estimate there could be as many as 10,000 unused bedrooms in Bellingham, which could offer a potential source of much-needed housing. The program includes background checks, support services, and flexible arrangements that can include reduced rent in exchange for help with household chores. Costs include a one-time Nesterly booking fee of $95-195 upon confirming a home share, along with 2.5% of the monthly rent for ongoing platform use. The program is open to all homeowners in Whatcom County who have empty rooms and are open to sharing their home. The Bellingham City Council will receive a presentation on the program Monday night. STORY: Former WCSO chief and Nooksack mayor passes awayThe Mayor of Nooksack and longtime Whatcom County Sheriff Deputy Kevin Hester has died at the age of 59. Hester served with the sheriff’s office for three decades, holding roles that ranged from patrol deputy to chief of investigations and support services. He spent much of his career in narcotics and major crimes investigations, including work on the high-profile Mandy Stavik murder case. After retiring from law enforcement in 2021, Hester was elected mayor of Nooksack in 2022 and won reelection last year. He passed away Tuesday at his home and is survived by his wife, two sons, and three grandchildren. STORY: City begins work on sewer planThe City of Bellingham says it’s ready to update its Comprehensive Sewer Plan. This Monday, the City Council’s Public Works and Natural Resources Committee will get an overview of the planning process, including how emerging technologies, changing regulations, and evolving treatment practices could shape the city’s future wastewater system. Bellingham’s sewage treatment has faced controversy as officials weigh concerns over aging sludge incinerators and past air quality violations. The Post Point facility, which serves more than 90,000 residents, has been cited in recent years by the Northwest Clean Air Agency for emission issues tied to equipment built decades ago. City leaders say a planned $65 million upgrade would bring the system into compliance, while environmental advocates argue the city should move away from incineration altogether due to pollution concerns and long-term sustainability. The debate follows earlier discussions of a much larger replacement project that was ultimately shelved due to projected costs approaching $1 billion. STORY: State agency reports average salary in WA nearing six figuresWashington workers saw wages continue to rise in 2025, with the state’s average annual wage increasing nearly five percent to just under $100,000. The Employment Security Department says the average weekly wage climbed to about $1,900. The increase will boost unemployment benefits for new claims filed after July 5th, with the maximum weekly benefit rising to $1,208. The higher wage figures will also increase the maximum paid family and medical leave benefit beginning in 2027. State officials say the strongest wage growth came in professional and technical services, finance and insurance, and the information sector. STORY: FREE & CHEAP for June 12: 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. The City of Ferndale kicks off the 2026 Summer of Fun today, which also happens to be the last day of school. Families are invited to celebrate the start of summer with Community Game Night at …
