Bellingham council suspends immigration board, Woman dies in early-morning Lummi Nation house fire, Bellingham Community Food Co-Op’s 170 employees consider unionizing; voting this week, Blaine Arts and Jazz Fundraiser set for February 3, Youngest J pod southern resident orca presumed dead, New Ecology grant to help build coastal climate resilience, Bill aims to increase WA school board pay for first time since 1987, The Federal Trade Commission is sending letters to funeral homes in Washington and across the country warning against illegal business practices. ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, January 30th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham council suspends immigration board A City Council advisory board formed to advocate for the immigrant community has been suspended. In a meeting yesterday afternoon, City council members, led by member and immigration lawyer Hannah Stone, cited the Immigration Advisory Board’s exclusion of city staff from meetings, failure to undergo mandatory training, and lack of by-laws adoption as reasons for the pause. Stone acknowledged her role in the board’s inefficiency and strained relationship with the city, while Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig blamed board members for personal attacks and hindering collaboration with law enforcement. Members of the Immigration Advisory Board claim that the city hindered their progress by failing to participate adequately and obstructing training, particularly by not offering presentations in Spanish. At the same meeting, council members committed to work toward returning the IAB to active status– restarting its watchdog role over limiting law enforcement’s interactions with federal immigration agents, and helping the city develop an immigrant resource center. STORY: Woman dies in early-morning Lummi Nation house fire A Lummi Nation woman was killed in a house fire yesterday morning. Firefighters responded to a mobile home fire on Scott Road shortly after 2 a.m. on Monday. Crews were initially unable to enter the home as the fire was too intense. Once they were finally able to search the residence, they found a deceased woman in her 70s. A survivor of the fire was awakened by the sounds of the blaze – he, too, attempted to enter the house to rescue the woman, but the intensity of the fire prevented him from doing so. The cause of the fire, which completely destroyed the mobile home, is still under investigation. The woman’s identity has not yet been released. STORY: Bellingham Community Food Co-Op’s 170 employees consider unionizing; voting this week Employees from the Bellingham Community Food Co-op are meeting this week to vote on whether or not to unionize. The National Labor Relations Board said that employees of the Downtown and Cordata locations filed a petition earlier this month for a representation election, after which letters were sent to the co-op administration from both the NLRB and the Teamsters. The union would include all employees working for both Co-op locations, but exclude employees at the Holly Street custom bakery, managers, supervisors, and administrative roles. The vote to unionize the downtown location will take place tomorrow, and the vote for the Cordata location will be held on February 1st. STORY: Blaine Arts and Jazz Fundraiser set for February 3 The Blaine Fine Arts Association (BFAA) will have its 27th annual fundraiser at Blaine Middle School this Saturday. The event will feature displays of the students’ artistic talent, including a silent auction for student art, performances from the music students; hors d’oeuvres (ORE-derves) from the culinary students; and a show put on by the theater department. All funds raised will go towards scholarships and programs for grades 6-12 art students within the district. The fundraiser will be held this Saturday at 7 p.m. in Blaine Middle School. STORY: Youngest J pod southern resident orca presumed dead The youngest J pod Southern Resident Orca, known as J60, is presumed dead according to researchers. Last week, the J pod of southern resident Orcas was seen in the San Juan channel, however J60 was missing from the group. J pod is one of three families of southern resident orcas that frequent the Salish Sea. According to Micheal Wiess (WEES), research director of The Center for Whale Research, it is estimated that only half of southern resident calves survive. The primary threat to the species is a lack of salmon, which causes more toxins to be transferred from the mothers to their calves. Wiess says, with their increasingly inbred and underfed populations, introducing more fish into their habitat appears to be one of the only ways to help curve the species away from extinction. J60 was born just last December. The Center for Whale Research estimates that there are now only 74 J pod orcas. STORY: New Ecology grant to help build coastal climate resilience A collaborative partnership between four Washington organizations has been formed to help combat climate change. The Washington Sea Grant, along with the Departments of Ecology, Transportation, and Fish and Wildlife, announced an $850,000 grant from the National Coastal Resilience Fund. Rising sea levels and altered rainfall patterns are affecting the extensive coastline along Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean. To address these challenges, the new collaboration aims to address coastal hazards like flooding, erosion, and landslides in Washington’s 15 coastal counties. The money will fund the climate impact vulnerability assessment for state roadways as well as nature-based resilience projects along the coast. STORY: Bill aims to increase WA school board pay for first time since 1987 A proposed bill would see an increase in pay for school board members for the first time since 1987. Senate Bill 6223, supported by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, proposes a pay increase from a maximum of 4,800 dollars, to 6,000 dollars with an additional 50 cents for every student enrolled in the district. In the Bellingham School District, this would mean school board members would get a maximum of around 12,000 dollars a year. In the Ferndale School District, the maximum would be around 8,000 dollars. At Seattle Public Schools, the state’s largest district, the maximum yearly wage would …
January 29, 2024 News Transcript
Flood warnings issued to parts of Whatcom County, Port building Osprey nesting platform, Annual seedling sale raises funds for educational programs in Whatcom County, Annual seedling sale raises funds for educational programs in Whatcom County, Whatcom County Health Announces Vaccine Clinic for next week in Bham, WA WDFW employee dies while working at Jefferson County fish trap, First Boeing 737 Max 9 with passengers flies after three-week grounding, The Federal Trade Commision is sending letters to funeral homes in Washington and across the country warning against illegal business practices ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, January 29th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Flood warnings issued to parts of Whatcom County Flood warnings were issued in parts of Whatcom County yesterday after heavy rains raised the water level of the Nooksack River to the minor flood stage. Water level warnings for the Nooksack were active at Ferndale, Everson, North Cedarville, and Saxon Bridge. While those warnings are now over, some road closures still remain, as well as a general flood warning in Ferndale. Slater Road in Ferndale and Hannegan Road in Lynden were both closed yesterday due to water on the roadway, and have yet to re-open. The National Weather Service has urged the public to stay off roads affected by potential flooding. full list of closures are available at WhatcomReady.org. STORY: Police identify suspect in downtown Bellingham assault A suspect was arrested in connection with an assault in downtown Bellingham earlier this month. According to the Bellingham Police, the assault victim appeared to be intoxicated and carrying a gun while walking through an alley off Holly Street on January 13th. Two men began assaulting the victim when 23-year-old Austin Ruiz first attempted to break up the altercation. After pushing the two attackers away, Ruiz himself began assaulting the victim, then stole his gun and shoes. Ruiz was booked into Whatcom County Jail on Thursday, where he remains without bail on charges of first-degree robbery and possession of a stolen firearm. The two other men involved in the fight, Shea Eydel and Christopher Parsons, both 27-years-old, were identified shortly after the incident and face lesser charges. The assault victim will be charged with carrying an unlicensed firearm. STORY: Port building Osprey nesting platform The Port of Bellingham is in the process of building an Osprey nesting platform amid concerns of the bird nesting on waterfront cranes. According to recent reporting from The Bellingham Herald, the port has applied for permits to construct the new 47-foot-tall platform in Marine Park. Audubon member Jamie Donaldson is concerned that the bird’s tendency to survey prey from tall platforms would be dangerous on movable cranes. The nesting platform will cost an estimated $13,000. Donaldson says that he hopes this to be the first of many platforms in the area. Similar projects have proven this solution to be effective for the species. Puget Sound Energy has built 65 Osprey platforms since 1979 in an effort to conserve the species and discourage nesting in undesirable locations. STORY: Annual seedling sale raises funds for educational programs in Whatcom County Whatcom County Farm Forestry Association has announced its 65th annual Tree Sale event. Money from the event will help educate family forestland owners, students, and the public on sustainable forest practices, as well as provide seedlings to school children and support numerous other forestry-related projects. According to the group, in past years they have sold 20 to 23 thousand seedlings annually and have distributed a total of 1.3 million trees throughout Whatcom and adjoining counties. Online seedling pre-orders from a selection of 15 species of trees starts on Feb. 1 and runs until March 14. Seedlings are being sold for 1.25 each. STORY: Whatcom County Health Announces Vaccine Clinic for next week in Bham Whatcom County Health and Community Services will hold a series of vaccine clinics starting through April. No-cost vaccines will be available for eligible individuals In Bellingham and Whatcom County. Two clinics, one located at 2030 Division Street, in Bellingham, and the other at East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, Maple Falls, will distribute vaccines to different age groups on a first-come, first-serve basis. The East Whatcom clinic also offers Narcan kits, blood pressure checks, and glucose checks. The Health Department says local grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities may also have vaccines, though they may require insurance or out-of-pocket payment. The next clinic will be held next Tuesday, February 6th at 2030 Division Street. Pre-registration is available at WhatcomCounty.us. STORY: WA WDFW employee dies while working at Jefferson County fish trap A Department of Fish and Wildlife employee died last week while working on a fish trap in Jefferson County. Mary Valentine, who worked as a seasonal scientific technician with the WDFW’s fish program’s science division, was working a smolt trap in the Duckabush River last Tuesday. After Valentine failed to check in with her team members that evening, she was reported missing to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office the following morning. First responders recovered Valentine’s body from the water shortly after. The department has temporarily suspended smolt trapping at the Duckabush River. Valentine’s death is now being investigated by the Jefferson County Coroner. STORY: First Boeing 737 Max 9 with passengers flies after three-week grounding Boeing’s 737 Max 9 model returned to service after a three-week grounding by the Federal Aviation Administration. Alaska Airlines Flight 1146, departing Friday afternoon from Seattle to San Diego, marked the first commercial flight of the plane after a Max 9 door plug popped off on a previous Alaska flight. In a release, Airline COO Constance von Muehlen (MEW-len) expressed confidence in the aircraft, emphasizing the rigorous testing the plane has undergone. Alaska and United Airlines, the two U.S. carriers operating the Max 9, both expressed confidence in the plane’s status, stating that inspections and clearance procedures have been refined to ensure the safety of passengers. WX: Rain There is a 30 percent chance of rain today, with a high of 64 …
January 26, 2024 News Transcript
Monster storm bringing rain to Whatcom County, stirring fears of Nooksack flooding, Injury crash on Mount Baker Highway sends 2 to the hospital, Webinar being held on Nooksack water rights adjudication, Mount Rainier National Park to require reservations at popular entrances this summer, Puget Sound Energy cancels liquid natural gas plant expansion in Tacoma, Johnson & Johnson to pay nearly $150M over its role fueling opioid epidemic ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 26. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Monster storm bringing rain to Whatcom County, stirring fears of Nooksack flooding Whatcom County may once again see some weather-related turmoil. A large atmospheric river approaching Western Washington is expected to drench a broad region from Juneau to Portland. Meteorologists expect both Whatcom and Skagit counties to see a persistent downpour until early next week. The scenario set up by the atmospheric river is similar to the one that caused flooding in the Nooksack River in 2020 and 2021. Estimates from the Northwest River Forecast Center predict that on Monday, the Nooksack River will crest about 3 feet below flood stage in Ferndale, and 4 feet below flood stage at Nugents Corner. The Whatcom County Executive’s office and both the Public Works and Emergency Management departments are monitoring the forecasts. STORY: Injury crash on Mount Baker Highway sends 2 to the hospital A section of road between Noon and Britton Roads was blocked off on Tuesday morning after a multi-vehicle crash. First responders were dispatched to the 1500 block of Mount Baker Highway at 7:30 a.m. The Washington State Patrol confirmed it was a three-vehicle crash. Two drivers were transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment. The road was reopened at 8:30 a.m. that same day. STORY: Webinar being held on Nooksack water rights adjudication An upcoming webinar– that aims to help water users understand Water Rights Adjudication– will be held next Wednesday at 5:30pm. Adjudication is a legal process designed to resolve conflicts over water sources. Plans for a water rights adjudication involving around 25,000 people in the Nooksack area are progressing, with an expected court filing date sometime this spring. The Department of Ecology says it wants to provide accurate information and dispel myths about participation, expenses, and metering requirements. The goal is to create a comprehensive final determination, bringing clarity to water rights in the Nooksack area. The event will be recorded for those unable to attend, and there’s a dedicated mailbox and phone number for questions and concerns about the process. More information is available on the Department of Ecology website. STORY: Mount Rainier National Park to require reservations at popular entrances this summer Some of the most popular entrances at Mount Rainier National Park will now require reservations. According to the National Park service, visitation grew from 1.1 million in 2013 to 1.6 million in 2022. The department says it aims to use the reservation system as a method to reduce over-crowding in the park. Starting May 24th, visitors entering through the Nisqually and Stevens Canyon entrances will need to make a phone or online reservation. The White River entrance to Sunrise Corridor will also require reservations starting July 3rd. Each reservation will cover one vehicle and cost two dollars, which does not include park entrance fees. The reservation provides visitors a two-hour entry window, and can be made up to 3 months in advance. The reservation process will begin February 21st. To find out more or reserve a vehicle, visit recreation.gov. STORY: Puget Sound Energy cancels liquid natural gas plant expansion in Tacoma Puget Sound Energy has abandoned plans for expansion of its liquefied natural gas plant in Tacoma, following opposition from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and community groups. The proposed expansion would have allowed liquid gas vessels to load fuel for their own ships and transfer it to others. The Puyallup Tribe argued that the permit revision sought by PSE was illegal. Environmental groups emphasized Washington State’s commitment to phasing out fossil fuels, contrasting it with PSE’s push to expand LNG. The City of Tacoma originally granted the building permit. However, the tribe, along with environmental and health organizations, brought an appeal to the state Shoreline Hearings Board. PSE, instead of defending the project, chose to cancel, stating in a recent announcement that they would not proceed with work. The Tribe expressed relief at the cancellation. STORY: Johnson & Johnson to pay nearly $150M over its role fueling opioid epidemic To avoid trial, Johnson and Johnson will pay nearly 150 million dollars to Washington state over its role in the opioid crisis. The state alleges that Johnson and Johnson fueled the epidemic by supplying and processing opioids, and aggressively marketing them for chronic pain conditions while understating the risk of addiction. The 149 and one half million dollar total will be paid in a lump sum this year, with around 120 million used to combat the ongoing opioid and fentanyl crisis. This is 50 million dollars more than the rejected national settlement, which would have paid around 100 million to state governments over the period of nine years. Whatcom County will receive around 12 million dollars— 4.4 million going to Bellingham, 300 thousand to Ferndale, 400 thousand to Lynden, and the remaining 6.6 million will be directed to county opioid prevention needs. STORY: Free and Cheap Looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend? Here are some events happening around the county. Overflow Taps in Barkley Village is hosting Clean Water Happy Hour, an event benefiting charities that fund and coordinate water projects around the world. The event is all-ages, and the first drink is on the house. It takes place Saturday from 1 to 2:30 pm. The Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth is performing the Addams Family Saturdays and Sundays over the next two weekends. It features student performers and showings begin at 7 pm. Tickets start at 12 dollars and are available at BAAY.org. And finally, the Friends of …
January 25, 2024 News Transcript
Longtime Lynden political leader arrested, accused of domestic violence, Bellingham eliminates downtown ambassadors, Lund to revamp RSU, Man was seriously injured in a New Year’s Eve hit and run in Ferndale, Police searching for suspect after student assaulted at WWU, Hilary Franz asks WA Legislature to restore wildfire prevention funding, COVID on the rise, Police all over Happy Valley, stabbing? ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, January 25th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Longtime Lynden political leader arrested, accused of domestic violence The Executive Director of the Lynden Chamber of Commerce was arrested Sunday and charged with felony second-degree domestic violence assault. Gary Alan Vis, 58, is also a member of the Lynden City Council, elected in November. Lynden Police first responded to a call of a domestic disturbance on Saturday. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office stepped in when the police realized Vis was involved. Vis had allegedly been arguing with a family member and put them in a chokehold for a minute. According to Public Information Officer Deb Slater, Vis was pried away by another family member. He was arrested at midnight and booked into jail in Bellingham. He was released later that day without bail or bond, but rather on personal recognizance, meaning he wrote a written promise to show up in court when required. Upon his return to his office Tuesday, Vis said that, “the specific circumstances regarding the situation are not a secret, but are a private family matter, not for public discussion.” His next court appearance will be on February 2nd. STORY: Bellingham eliminates downtown ambassadors, Lund to revamp RSU Last year, the downtown safety ambassadors were removed from street patrols – now, mayor Kim Lund says she has a new vision for security in the city. In 2022, then-mayor Seth Fleetwood responded to increased behavioral problems among homeless populations downtown by hiring the Downtown Safety Ambassadors as well as Risk Solutions Unlimited (RSU). Ambassadors provided guidance for tourists during the day and redirected the homeless toward social services. The Risk solutions unit provided the same service at night. Neither unit carried firearms. The city spent over one million dollars on both programs over the two years they were hired. Fleetwood removed the Ambassador program last Fall, and now RSU representatives are patrolling the area 24 hours a day. Lund, however, plans to revamp the RSU and perceives security as just a part of her many goals for creating a more prosperous downtown. A new contract for the security firm is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. STORY: Man was seriously injured in a New Year’s Eve hit and run in Ferndale Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a suspect and the vehicle involved in a New Year’s Eve hit-and-run incident in Ferndale. Ferndale Police said the vehicle is likely to be a darkly colored Ford F-150 with damage to the passenger side. The incident took place in the early hours of January 1st, when Landon Cochran was hit in the 1500 block of Main Street. The vehicle was last seen traveling westwards near I-5. Cochran, who was walking when the vehicle struck him, is currently under observation at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with two traumatic brain injuries. Ferndale Police ask anyone with information to contact the department. STORY: Police searching for suspect after student assaulted at WWU Police are searching for a young suspect after a WWU student was assaulted by a teenager near the Fairhaven College campus. According to the university, a group of WWU students were confronted by teens in the stage area of the Outback farm at around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday. One teen, who was allegedly intoxicated, eventually punched a student without warning. The teens fled once a student notified campus police. The suspect is expected to be a white male, aged 16-19, last seen in a gray hoodie. STORY: Hilary Franz asks WA Legislature to restore wildfire prevention funding Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz is urging state lawmakers to restore cuts made to the agency’s wildfire preparedness and response programs. Last year, lawmakers approved a $36 million reduction in funding through 2025. Without restoration, Franz says, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) may have to cut community assistance programs, reduce prescribed burns or thinning, and potentially lay off staff. According to Franz, DNR relies on federal grants in the absence of state funding for wildfire prevention efforts. The funding cut, if not reversed, could impact fire districts, forest health programs, and underserved communities. The agency argues that the funding was cut due to money from the previous budget earmarked for contracts not yet spent. The governor has proposed increasing funding to more than $108 million dollars, with some lawmakers advocating for full restoration. Commissioner Franz attributes the relatively mild fire season in 2023 to the agency’s ability to detect and respond quickly, along with new investments in forest health treatments, and has urged lawmakers not to abandon efforts to support wildfire prevention and response. STORY: COVID on the rise Wastewater testing suggests a new wave of COVID-19 infections is on its way, with up to one-third of Americans expected to contract the disease by late February. According to the Center for Disease Control, the JN.1 variant is fueling the new wave. Wastewater analysis indicates a peak in late December with 1.9 million daily infections– the highest since the omicron wave of 2021. Experts emphasize the importance of precautions, especially for older individuals, and highlight the risk of long COVID. However, with pandemic fatigue up, and hospitalizations down, many are inclined to shrug off the disease. But COVID-19 continues to take thousands of lives a month, especially among vulnerable populations. Inconsistent testing and analysis methods also make it challenging to gauge local trends. While some universities and states have implemented wastewater testing programs, interest in this approach has declined overall. The U.S. government is providing Americans with the opportunity to order an additional round of …
January 24, 2024 News Transcript
Police arrest one after report of armed Bellingham street robbery involving four assailants, Two Whatcom crashes close I-5 within 30 minutes of each other, Two Whatcom crashes close I-5 within 30 minutes of each other, Arrest made in Slater Road DUI vehicular assault case after waiting a year for laboratory results, Two clean energy projects coming to Whatcom County, Hilary Franz asks WA Legislature to restore wildfire prevention funding, NWS – Farmworkers Tribunal provides ‘critical’ platform in Olympia, COVID on the rise ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, January 24. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Police arrest one after report of armed Bellingham street robbery involving four assailants Bellingham police have arrested a suspect accused of robbing someone at gunpoint. Cole McCallum, 18, was part of a group of four young men suspected to be a part of a robbery. The incident happened around 8 pm on Sunday in the 1300 block of Commercial Street. Officers later located McCallum, whose bag was searched. Inside, officers found a pellet handgun, a knife belonging to the robbery victim, and the victim’s medication. He claimed the bag was not his. McCallum was arrested for first-degree robbery and is in custody at Whatcom County Jail. No other arrests have been made. STORY: Two Whatcom crashes close I-5 within 30 minutes of each other I-5 was closed down in Whatcom due to crashes in two different locations yesterday, both within 15 minutes of each other. The first crash happened around 11:30 am near the Samish Way overpass, involving a semi truck, trailer, and passenger car. Both lanes were blocked by the vehicles and traffic had to get past on the left shoulder. The driver of the car was taken to PeaceHealth St Joseph from the scene. The second incident occurred about 15 minutes later, near the Peace Portal Drive interchange in Blaine. According to WSDOT (WASH-dot), a rollover crash had blocked both lanes, with lanes clearing up shortly after noon. STORY: Arrest made in Slater Road DUI vehicular assault case after waiting a year for laboratory results A Ferndale woman was arrested last month after a year of waiting on toxicology results. Valarie Marie Evans, 54, was arrested on charges of felony vehicular assault while under the influence with substantial bodily harm. The crash occurred on December 11th, 2022 on Slater Road. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office found Evans standing outside her vehicle claiming to have struck a deer. Deputies soon heard someone yelling for help nearby, and found a second vehicle down a steep embankment. The injured driver told deputies that he was struck head-on by a vehicle in his lane. Evans said she did not remember the collision, and was not booked while the Sheriff’s Office awaited blood analysis results. Test results came back showing she had a blood alcohol level of 0.21. She was arrested the same day. Evans is currently out on bail. STORY: Two clean energy projects coming to Whatcom County Two clean energy projects are making their way to Whatcom county, which should lower energy bills for qualifying customers. On Monday, U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the department’s plan to spend over 157 million dollars on over 600 projects in the U.S., with seven in Washington. The plan is a part of the White House’s campaign to increase jobs, wages, and clean energy in order to combat inflation and climate change. The funding will go through the Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, which provides grants and loans for clean energy projects. Two Whatcom companies, Lil’ Scoop Bobcat inc., and Springtime Farm LLC, will both receive over 20,000 dollars from REAP funding to install a series of solar panels. The USDA says that this should save an estimated 3,500 dollars a year with the energy it generates. Grants for REAP can be applied for at rd.usda.gov. STORY: Hilary Franz asks WA Legislature to restore wildfire prevention funding Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz is urging state lawmakers to restore cuts made to the agency’s wildfire preparedness and response programs. Last year, lawmakers approved a $36 million reduction in funding through 2025. Without restoration, Franz says, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) may have to cut community assistance programs, reduce prescribed burns or thinning, and potentially lay off staff. According to Franz, DNR relies on federal grants in the absence of state funding for wildfire prevention efforts. The funding cut, if not reversed, could impact fire districts, forest health programs, and underserved communities. The agency argues that the funding was cut due to money from the previous budget earmarked for contracts not yet spent. The governor has proposed increasing funding to more than $108 million dollars, with some lawmakers advocating for full restoration. Commissioner Franz attributes the relatively mild fire season in 2023 to the agency’s ability to detect and respond quickly, along with new investments in forest health treatments, and has urged lawmakers not to abandon efforts to support wildfire prevention and response. STORY: NWS – Farmworkers Tribunal provides ‘critical’ platform in Olympia Washington state farmworkers are converging on Olympia this week to call for better working conditions. Reporter Eric Tegethoff (TEG-it-off) has more. FARMWORKERS AUDIO STORY: COVID on the rise Wastewater testing suggests a new wave of COVID-19 infections is on its way, with up to one-third of Americans expected to contract the disease by late February. According to the Center for Disease Control, the JN.1 variant is fueling the new wave. Wastewater analysis indicates a peak in late December with 1.9 million daily infections– the highest since the omicron wave of 2021. Experts emphasize the importance of precautions, especially for older individuals, and highlight the risk of long COVID. However, with pandemic fatigue up, and hospitalizations down, many are inclined to shrug off the disease. But COVID-19 continues to take thousands of lives a month, especially among vulnerable populations. Inconsistent testing and analysis methods also make it challenging to gauge local trends. While some universities and states have implemented …
January 23, 2024 News Transcript
Bellis Fair Macy’s calling for boycott as strike looms over wages and worker safety, Authorities locate the body of missing Whatcom County man who went off-roading alone, Tenants want action after flooding damages Bellingham affordable housing during freeze, Bham internet access survey now open, Whatcom Waterway sediment cleanup to continue next Monday, Harsh winter weather leads to steep drop in blood donations, Prisoners would get to vote under bill backed by formerly incarcerated WA lawmaker ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, January 23. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellis Fair Macy’s calling for boycott as strike looms over wages and worker safety Workers at the Bellingham Macy’s are calling for a boycott as a potential strike looms. Members of Macy’s Workers United UFCW 3000 first went on strike on Black Friday last year over wages and safety protocols. Workers say that Macy’s has cut down on hiring, increasing the workload on others, and also lacks adequate security. In an email to the Bellingham Herald, Bellis Fair Macy’s employee Samatha Wilson, said that the last few offers from the company have been even worse than the previous ones. The union authorized a new strike after Macy’s attempted, during negotiations, to further cut wages and remove MLK Jr Day as a flex day off. Alderwood Mall Macy’s, the largest in the state, has been on strike since the 15th. The union says Bellis Fair and Southcenter could follow at any moment and is calling for a boycott of all locations. STORY: Authorities locate the body of missing Whatcom County man who went off-roading alone Local authorities have called off the search for a missing Whatcom County man after his body was located on Saturday. 26-year-old Stefan Olivier (o-LIV-ee-ay) told friends he would be off-roading in his Subaru, and was reported missing on Friday. Olivier’s last known location was Mosquito Lake Road near the Nooksack River. Deb Slater with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said Olivier’s body was found on Saturday after a passerby notified Search and Rescue units about a body in a ditch mostly covered by snow. His vehicle was found Sunday, at the bottom of a nearby embankment. Authorities are still unsure how Olivier became separated from his vehicle. STORY: Tenants want action after flooding damages Bellingham affordable housing during freeze Residents of Meadowood Townhomes want action after their units were flooded by a burst pipe during the winter freeze earlier this month. The low-income apartment complex, located in North Bellingham, is owned by Bellingham and Whatcom County Housing Authority, and managed by Indigo Real Estate. According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, fire sprinklers suddenly burst on January 12th – flooding several apartments. Residents resorted to sweeping out the water themselves with brooms and say many belongings were damaged. Residents say that building maintenance made some attempts to help, but note that they were left to handle the situation in freezing temperatures and have not been compensated for the increase in their energy bills. Tenants also say this is a recurring issue during the winter months, one that their management has yet to address. Last September, 37 residents signed a petition to unionize because of the lack of response to issues such as improper eviction notices, vehicle towings, and delayed responses to service requests. Bellingham/Whatcom Housing Authority and Indigo Real Estate have not yet responded to our request for comment. STORY: Bham internet access survey now open The City of Bellingham is currently asking residents to complete an Internet access survey as part of a broader campaign to assess community broadband resources. All residents are encouraged to complete the survey, regardless of current Internet access or housing status. The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete, and responses will close on February 6th. To take the survey, visit EngageBellingham.org. Paper copies are also available at the Bellingham Public Library Central branch on Central Avenue. STORY: Whatcom Waterway sediment cleanup to continue next Monday The Port of Bellingham is set to dredge about 22,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment at the Bellingham Shipping Terminal. The cleanup at the Shipping Terminal site is part of the broader Bellingham Bay Demonstration Pilot, which is made up of 12 cleanup sites around the bay. Past industrial activities, including discharges from a chlor-alkali (KLOR AL-kuh-li) plant and wood waste products, led to mercury and dioxin sediment contamination. The dredging efforts are designed to address contamination, pollution sources, and habitat restoration. Dredging is expected to occur in two phases and has been expedited due to recent federal funding.To protect juvenile salmon, dredging will occur in two phases and is set to start on Monday. Construction activities are expected to begin in 2025 and will take several years to complete. STORY: Harsh winter weather leads to steep drop in blood donations Due in part to the recent cold snap, Washington blood banks are warning hospitals that they are close to reaching a ‘code red’ shortage of blood donations. A code red is declared after 3 days of ‘emergency’ blood levels. Experts state that the holidays normally slow down the rate of blood collection, but the recent winter weather led to the ‘perfect storm’ of events halting blood donations and distribution even further. The record freezing temperatures this month led to many cancellations of donation appointments and snow and ice on the road halted distribution from the Red Cross to hospitals. As the weather warms up, the Department of Health is encouraging more people to donate. To set up an appointment, visit BloodWorksNW.org. All blood types are needed. STORY: Prisoners would get to vote under bill backed by formerly incarcerated WA lawmaker A legislative proposal in Washington state would allow all state prison inmates, except those convicted of crimes punishable by death, to vote and sit on juries. Currently, Washington restores voting rights to incarcerated individuals immediately upon release. However, the state’s first formerly incarcerated legislator, Representative Tarra Simmons, says that’s not enough. House Bill 2030, introduced by …
January 22, 2024 News Transcript
STORY: Ice, snowmelt and persistent rain raise flooding fears along the Nooksack River, 8 flooded classrooms at Bellingham High School won’t be ready for return to school next week Another blockage on I-5 at Sunset, involving pedestrian, Treaty Day, New Billy Frank Jr. Statue unveiled, Local hot sauce company to be featured on popular YouTube show ‘Hot Ones’, Protesters urge WA lawmakers to end child marriage, WA Senate wants LGBTQ+ history and perspectives taught in public schools ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, January 22. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Ice, snowmelt and persistent rain raise flooding fears along the Nooksack River Warmer weather in Western Washington is causing rapid snowmelt, raising concerns about flooding— particularly along the Nooksack River. There’s ice on the river downstream from Ferndale, and as it melts, the risk increases of levee damage or ice jams. The county’s River and Flood Division, along with the Division of Emergency Management, is monitoring the situation. Early projections also show the river rising to near flood stage in Ferndale. Landslides due to saturated ground continue to be a concern. Forecasters are also watching for signs of an atmospheric river, which could bring more flooding to the West Coast. STORY: 8 flooded classrooms at Bellingham High School won’t be ready for return to school next week Eight classrooms at Bellingham High School are out of service after cold weather caused a pipe to burst. In a letter to parents, the school listed temporary locations for classes while work continues. Crews need to replace carpet, remove the bottom 2 feet of drywall to prevent mold, and dehumidify the rooms. The school has not provided a timeline for the repairs to be completed. STORY: Another blockage on I-5 at Sunset, involving pedestrian Both lanes of southbound I-5 were closed on Friday after a collision occurred involving a pedestrian, who later died. The highway closed one northbound and both southbound lanes for over an hour and half to clear the road. The lanes reopened around 3pm. Witnesses report seeing someone on the overpass going over and landing on the freeway. This is the third time that I-5 has been closed at Sunset Drive due to a collision this month. An investigation is still underway. STORY: Treaty Day, New Billy Frank Jr. Statue unveiled A new mockup of the statue of Billy Frank Jr. has been unveiled. Frank Jr, a member of the Nisqually tribe, is remembered by the nation for his tireless voice to maintain fishing rights for Native Americans. His efforts led to the Boldt decision, which allowed tribes to fish without the threat of state regulation. His statue will be placed in the U.S. Capitol, replacing the current statue of doctor and Protestant missionary Marcus Whitman. In 2021, lawmakers moved to make the switch, which will provide the first contemporary representation of a native American in the state capitol’s statue collection. The 4 foot mockup was designed by Seattle artist Haiying Wu, and will be placed in the lieutenant governor’s office. The complete, 9 foot design will be made for the capitol by next year. Another will also be cast in bronze for the legislative building in Olympia. The statue also represents the first-ever statue designed by a Chinese American in the National Hall, which includes two statues from each state. The statue of Whitman will be relocated to Walla Walla. Today is also Treaty Day, celebrating the Point Elliot Treaty of 1855. The treaty established the Suquamish (su-KWAH-mish) Port Madison, Tulalip, Swinomish (SWIN-uh-mish), and Lummi (LUM-mee) reservations, guaranteeing them their land and way of life. In a recent release, Lummi Nation Chairman Tony Hillaire said he wants to spread awareness across the state because the treaty affects everyone. The fifth annual Treaty Day film festival was held this past weekend, and in honor of the occasion, Lummi Nation and Ferndale schools are closed today. STORY: Local hot sauce company to be featured on popular YouTube show ‘Hot Ones’ Funky’s Hot sauce, a local hot sauce company, will be featured on the popular YouTube show ‘Hot Ones’ later this week. ‘Hot Ones’ is hosted by Sean Evans, who interviews celebrities while making them eat chicken wings with increasingly spicy sauces. Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory is known for being the first Pacific Northwest company to win the New York City Hot sauce expo. Its owner, Matthew Minny, has made 16 vegan and gluten free hot sauces using fresh ingredients from Whatcom farms. The episode will premiere on the ‘Hot Ones’ YouTube channel this Thursday. To have a taste of this locally-made heat, look up funky’s hot sauce online. STORY: Protesters urge WA lawmakers to end child marriage On Thursday, protesters dressed in bridal gowns and veils with their mouths taped and their hands in chains, gathered at the state Capitol to advocate for the end of legalized child marriage in Washington. House Bill 1455, would set a minimum marriage age of 18. The bill unanimously passed the House on January 8th and awaits action in the Senate. The protest, organized by the group Unchained At Last, highlighted loopholes in the current law that allows minors to marry with parental or judicial consent—- a practice that creates challenges if the underage partner wants to divorce before the age of 18. At the protest, survivors shared their experiences of forced child marriage, and emphasized the lack of autonomy, education, and support systems for minors in abusive marriages. Over 5,000 minors have been married in Washington since the year 2000. According to statistics, more than 80% of child marriages end in divorce, and advocates emphasize the long-lasting trauma and ripple effects on survivors’ lives. If the law passes, Washington would join only ten states that ban child marriage. STORY: WA Senate wants LGBTQ+ history and perspectives taught in public schools The Washington State Senate has passed a bill that proposes public schools teach about the contributions and perspectives of LGBTQ+ people. This is the second time …
January 19, 2024 News Transcript
Snow updates, power outages, school closures, Half of barn destroyed in fire near Lynden, Maple Falls man allegedly sets fire to own home, Proposal for free meals for school kids, Washington had sixth-highest U.S. homelessness rate in 2023, WA judge denies effort to remove Trump from ballot, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 19th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Snow updates, power outages, school closures Bellingham schools remain closed as the snowfall from this week gets cleaned up. Since Wednesday, a winter storm blanketed Bellingham with over 8 inches of snow. Around 1,000 Puget Sound Energy customers went without power yesterday, including those in Geneva, Lummi Island, Guemes Island, Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish, and South Bellingham. School District closures today include Bellingham, Blaine, Lynden, Ferndale, Lummi, Mount Baker and Nooksack Valley. Northwest Indian College, Whatcom Community College, and Bellingham Technical are also closed. Western Washington University opened at 10 a.m. today, but canceled earlier classes. Sanitary Service is shutting down garbage pickup today, but says if today is your service day, they will pick up extra garbage next Friday at no cost. As temperatures begin to rise today, the snow will turn to rain. Experts for the city suggest melting snow may lead to flood risk, and slush and black ice on the roadways will remain a problem. The Department of Transportation cautions drivers to stay at home if possible. STORY: Half of barn destroyed in fire near Lynden A Lynden barn was partially destroyed in a fire on Wednesday afternoon. The fire started in the 2600 block of Pangborn Road around 2:30 p.m. Units from two fire districts spent over two hours trying to contain the fire, which destroyed half the barn and killed several pigs and chickens. No people were hurt. Damages are estimated to be around $50,000. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office. STORY: Maple Falls man allegedly sets fire to own home Another fire occurred on Wednesday, when a Maple Falls man allegedly started a fire that destroyed his own home. Firefighters responded to the fully engulfed mobile home on Golden Valley Boulevard just before 9 p.m. on Wednesday. One person was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, and four others were displaced. The Fire Marshal’s investigation suggested Christopher Lewis started the fire by burning sage and incense. The hospitalized victim reported seeing a smoldering bundle in Lewis’s room and put it out, but Lewis re-lit it, which started the fire. The home is a total loss, with estimated damage at $30,000. Lewis faces a 1st Degree Reckless Burning charge and is in jail without bail. STORY: Proposal for free meals for school kids A House bill requiring all public schools to provide free breakfast and lunch for students who request meals was unanimously approved by the House Education Committee yesterday. House Bill 2058, proposed by U.S. Representative Marcus Riccelli of Spokane and other representatives, allows for state funding of the meals, and does not require additional money from individual schools or districts. Riccelli stated that, quote “students are not going to thrive if they don’t have access to nutritious meals,” and that without universal school meals the state would fall behind the academic progress made in other states. The bill now heads to the Appropriations Committee for consideration. STORY: Washington had sixth-highest U.S. homelessness rate in 2023 According to a federally reported release, Washington had the sixth highest rate of homelessness in the country last year. According to Housing and Urban development, the homelessness rate in Washington increased 27 percent since 2019. These statistics indicate that 36 people per 10,0000 residents are living without a home. Governor Jay Inslee stated that the primary goal of this legislative season is to get more people housing. To learn more about how to help local homelessness and volunteer, visit whatcomvolunteer.org STORY: WA judge denies effort to remove Trump from ballot A judge in Thurston County ruled that Donald Trump will remain on the state’s presidential primary ballot. The decision came after eight Kitsap County residents sought to remove Trump, arguing that his actions related to overturning the 2020 election and his role in the January 6th Capitol attack make him ineligible. The judge declined to address Trump’s place on the general election ballot, considering it premature. Judge Mary Sue Wilson stated that Washington’s process for ballot challenges does not involve a trial or intensive debate, and emphasized that challenges must be filed within two days of the general election candidate list finalization. Similar challenges under the 14th Amendment have occurred in 35 states, with decisions in Colorado and Maine on hold pending appeals. The issue may reach the U.S. Supreme Court, but a decision there is unlikely before Washington’s March 12 primary. STORY: Free and Cheap Looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend? Here are some events happening around the county. Fire and Story began yesterday, and will continue today and tomorrow from 5 to 8pm. Several fire pits have been placed along Bellingham’s Waterfront, located at West Laurel St and Granary Avenue, and will have over 30 performances by storytellers, comedians, and dancers. For something more indoors, the Whatcom Wind Ensemble is hosting a free winter concert this Sunday at the WWU Performing Arts Center. The ensemble will be playing works by Bernstein (BURN-stine), Grainger, Orff and more. The concert runs from 2 to 3:30 pm. Also on Sunday, the Central Library is hosting a Spin Your Own Yarn class. Spinners from the Spindrifters Guild will provide basic spinning tools, fiber, and guidance to those who want to try making their own yarn. The class will run from 1 pm to 3 pm. WX: Rain With the winter storm over, today will be rainy all day and have a high near 43 degrees. The rain should stop before 10 pm, with a low of 40 tonight. And it looks like the rain is here …
January 18, 2024 News Transcript
Snow impacts much of city services, Power outages leave over 1,500 in the dark during snow event, Immigration board resists Bellingham council’s effort to suspend meetings, Ferndale Police ask public’s help in locating hit-and-run suspect, Cross-state travel in WA hindered as winter storm hammers passes, AG Ferguson: Insurance company must repay every penny to Washingtonians it denied due to mental health discrimination, Washington state considers innovative approach: allowing food benefits eligibility as proxy for free college tuition ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, January 18th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Snow impacts much of city services With more than a foot of snow falling yesterday, City and County crews continue to work to clear priority snow routes. Pole Road in the vicinity of Everson is closed in both directions today (between Hannegan Road at milepost 2 and Noon Road at milepost 4) due to multiple collisions and spinouts caused by winter weather conditions. Snowplows have been deployed to clear the roadway, but the duration of the closure is unknown. State, county and municipal plows were at work overnight but authorities warn that, even where the snow has been cleared, a layer of ice may remain. First responders and tow companies across the County were busy this morning as vehicles slid off roadways as a result of the slick conditions. Travelers in the area are advised to use alternate routes and exercise caution in winter weather conditions. Local schools, along with Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College, Western Washington University, and Northwest Indian College all closed again today due to weather. WTA buses are running, although there are detours on some routes. The daytime warming shelter will be open, and the City Hall, including the Finance Department and Permit Center, will remain open but online resources are encouraged. Many City services, including the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, Bellingham Public Library locations, Whatcom Museum, and Civic Field, will remain closed. Residents are urged to limit travel to essential trips, give snow plows space, clear their cars of snow, allow extra time for travel, and drive according to road conditions. Traction tires are advised on Mt. Baker highway. Residents are advised to report snow and ice removal needs, downed trees, and other hazardous conditions through phone or online reporting. STORY: Power outages leave over 1,500 in the dark during snow event The snow event was also responsible for more than a thousand people losing power yesterday. Puget Sound Energy reported that over 1,500 addresses in the Glacier area lost power shortly before 10 a.m. Hundreds more were impacted by localized outages in the Geneva and Chuckanut neighborhoods, with both outages reported to have begun about noon. Power has since been reestablished to all affected areas. STORY: Immigration board resists Bellingham council’s effort to suspend meetings Members of the City’s Immigration Advisory Board are pushing back on a proposal from Bellingham officials to temporarily suspend their activities. The proposal, presented earlier this month by Council Member Hannah Stone, suggested halting board meetings, alleging that IAB members lacked mandatory training and were not fulfilling their policy recommendation role. IAB members refuted these claims on Tuesday, presenting a spreadsheet of past recommendations and proposals. The board voted to send a letter asking the council not to suspend but to form a workgroup for better communication and resource support. Stone clarified that her intention is not to end the IAB but to address differences in how the board and city perceive its work. Board members emphasized the need for the IAB, claiming that it is the only government body that the immigrant community can turn to for help. The board further expressed concern that a suspension would hinder their work and should continue, despite existing tensions. STORY: Ferndale Police ask public’s help in locating hit-and-run suspect Ferndale Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a hit-and-run suspect and their vehicle. According to a press release, the collision occurred on Main Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The driver struck and severely injured a pedestrian before fleeing the scene. The suspect’s vehicle was last seen driving westward near I-5. From debris left at the scene, investigators believe the vehicle is a darker-colored 2015 Ford F-150. They believe the passenger side was damaged in the accident. Anyone with information as to the identity of the driver or the vehicle is asked to contact Ferndale Police by either phone or email. STORY: Cross-state travel in WA hindered as winter storm hammers passes On Wednesday, roads in the Cascades were closed due to the brutal winter storm. According to the Washington Department of Transportation, travel across the passes was limited as cars spun out amid snow and ice. Eastbound Interstate-90 between North Bend and Snoqualmie pass, along with Highway 2 between Scenic and Coles Corner were eventually closed in the afternoon. The passes re-opened for vehicles with chains at 6 p.m. Stevens pass Ski area also closed due to extreme weather, but opened this morning with normal operations. STORY: AG Ferguson: Insurance company must repay every penny to Washingtonians it denied due to mental health discrimination Attorney General Bob Ferguson has announced that Allianz (ALL-ee-ahnz), the world’s largest insurance company, will pay $1.5 million dollars for discriminating against Washingtonians with mental health disorders. Allianz, known for selling travel insurance to millions in Washington, denied claims related to mental health events, citing a discriminatory exclusion in its policies. The denials were challenged in a civil rights lawsuit by Ferguson’s office, leading to a resolution that requires Allianz to reimburse affected individuals for travel losses and premiums. Allianz will also pay around $700,000 for restitution distribution and investigation costs. The investigation revealed that Allianz did not perform statistical analysis before implementing the exclusion, and only attempted to justify it after the investigation began. Allianz changed its policy in 2023, following an order by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to remove discriminatory mental health exclusions. STORY: Washington state considers innovative …
January 17, 2024 News Transcript
Snow impacts much of city services, Multiple burst pipes cause damage across Whatcom, Multiple burst pipes cause damage across Whatcom, Blaine landlord arrested after allegation he pointed firearm at a tenant’s mother, Fire and Story begins tomorrow, Rent-cap bill gets second chance in Olympia, Initiative 2117 to repeal WA climate act takes key step toward ballot, Alaska Airlines, Boeing named in second lawsuit brought by passengers over 737 Max 9 blowout ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, January 17th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY:Snow impacts much of city services It’s a winter wonderland out there today, and crews are working to clear priority travel routes for essential services, including police, fire, and bus lines. Whatcom County school districts have closed for the day and slick roads due to snowfall are being reported. Whatcom Community College, Western Washington University, Bellingham Technical College, and NW Indian College are all closed. Some flights are delayed as well. The City of Bellingham is advising the public to limit unnecessary travel. Several City facilities, such as Bellingham Public Library locations, Whatcom Museum, and Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, are all closed. Continued snow in the forecast means that neighborhood and side streets will be tricky to navigate today and tomorrow. Drivers are urged to give snow plows space, allow extra time for travel, and consider public transportation. The Bellingham Municipal Court, and City Hall have varying levels of service disruption. Emergency severe weather shelter information is available from the County’s website. Residents are encouraged to report snow-related issues, and updates on weather-related impacts will be provided on the City’s social media channels throughout the day. STORY: Multiple burst pipes cause damage across Whatcom Record cold temperatures in Whatcom County have caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and public buildings. The extreme cold resulted in frozen pipes, sprinkler activations, water problems, electrical hazards, and public service requests. Firefighters responded to an increased number of emergencies, with almost 550 alarms answered during the recent weather event. Although no deaths related to cold exposure were reported, various facilities experienced damage, including restrooms at city parks, Bellingham Public Schools district offices, the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher galleries, and fire stations. The full extent of required repairs is unknown, but preliminary estimates suggest the cost of damages could be tens of thousands of dollars or more. STORY: Blaine landlord arrested after allegation he pointed firearm at a tenant’s mother 45-year-old Westlee Adam Brock from Whatcom County has been arrested for first-degree assault. According to county records, the arrest comes after an alleged incident on Sunday evening when Brock, a landlord in Blaine, reportedly pulled a gun during a dispute with a tenant and the tenant’s mother. The confrontation occurred when the woman was helping her son move out of Brock’s rental property and Brock pulled out a gun and held it to her head. The motive behind the incident was not specified. He is currently being held at Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Fire and Story begins tomorrow Fire and Story, a free event in which artists and songwriters gather around a fire to share their work, will begin tomorrow night. Several fire pits will be placed along Bellingham’s Waterfront, located at West Laurel St and Granary Avenue. Performances by storytellers, comedians, and dancers will be open to the public. Tents have been set up to protect from rain and snow. The family-friendly event will start at 5pm tomorrow night, and continue every evening through Saturday. STORY: Rent-cap bill gets second chance in Olympia Despite failed attempts in the previous legislative session to limit annual rent increases for tenants, Washington officials are considering new restrictions. A report from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and the Department of Commerce identifies challenges in affordable housing, citing a lack of available affordable homes, a growing income-rent gap, and the delicate balance between stabilizing renters and housing providers. The report also suggests measures such as limits on rent hikes, incentives for housing providers, reviewing policies contributing to rent burdens, and developing equitable rent increase practices be explored in order to ease the crisis. A final version of the report is expected in December, and the Commerce department hopes it will inform future policies in ways that will address both tenants’ and landlords’ needs. STORY: Initiative 2117 to repeal WA climate act takes key step toward ballot The initiative to repeal the 2021 Climate Commitment Act has collected enough signatures to appear on the ballot. The repeal effort, Initiative 2117, will go to the state Legislature where the Democratic majority will be unlikely to adopt it into law, so it will then be placed on the November ballot. The initiative looks to repeal a state policy, which began last year, that requires the state’s top polluters to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions by buying allowances at quarterly auctions. Supporters of the repeal say the carbon markets cause extra fees on things like gasoline or home heating to be pushed on to consumers. Supporters say that the auctions are effective ways of cutting emissions and raising money for green initiatives. Let’s Go Washington, the organization behind the initiative, submitted more than 400,000 signatures for the repeal initiative in November, with the Secretary of State certifying the results on Tuesday. The measure is one of six the group is trying to add to the ballot this year– most are efforts to roll back policies passed by Democrats. STORY: Alaska Airlines, Boeing named in second lawsuit brought by passengers over 737 Max 9 blowout Four passengers of the Alaska Airlines flight that experienced a fuselage panel loss are suing Alaska Airlines and Boeing. According to King County superior court documents, the lawsuit alleges negligence by both companies, leading to physical and emotional distress for the passengers. The plaintiffs, two from California and two from Washington, claim malfunctioning oxygen masks added to their fear during the incident. The complaint points to a pattern of negligent actions by Boeing, referencing the Boeing 737 …
January 16, 2024 News Transcripts
Staffing challenges limit capacity at shelters across Whatcom County, WWU students go without heat amid single digit temps, winds, Port of Bellingham accepting final comments on public access plan, Family whose son was hit by vehicle in Bellingham crosswalk sues city, federal agency, Family whose son was hit by vehicle in Bellingham crosswalk sues city, federal agency, WA AG sues to block Kroger, Albertsons merger, WA AG sues to block Kroger, Albertsons merger, Biden announces plan to cancel some student loan balances under $12,000 _____________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, January 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Staffing challenges limit capacity at shelters across Whatcom County The City of Bellingham recently opened a new warming shelter as severe County weather shelters reached capacity last Thursday. However, the city is scrambling to find enough trained volunteer staff to keep it functioning. The shelter is located at 1013 Holly Street, the former Lighthouse mission drop-in center, and is open 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM on weekdays. In a recent release, Mayor Kim Lund stated that they are working actively to see if the shelter could function overnight. According to Assistant communications director Mellissa Morin, the shelter had capacity for 60 people last Friday. All four overnight winter shelters have been reaching their cap, and are stretched to capacity. Lund stated that they first looked to Bellingham public schools in order to staff the shelters with individuals trained in de-escalation. 26 principals and administrators agreed to support them over the weekends. The Lighthouse mission is also currently working on preparing a 400-bed shelter for next year, in an effort to account for everyone that needs a warm place to stay out of below-freezing temperatures. STORY: WWU students go without heat amid single digit temps, winds People living at the Elevate apartments in Bellingham, faced challenges Thursday night, as power and water went out amid sub-freezing temperatures. With temperatures feeling like negative 16 degrees, residents had to find ways to stay warm. Despite difficulties, power and water were restored by Saturday afternoon. According to reporting by KIRO News 7, homeless individuals were able to enter the building during the outage, prompting complaints to the police. The outage was attributed to a block-wide power loss and a broken pipe near the parking garage. In a recent letter to residents, management promised reimbursements and assured ongoing efforts to address issues. Although populated primarily by students, the building is not university-owned, and investigations into the incident are ongoing. STORY: Port of Bellingham accepting final comments on public access plan The Port of Bellingham is seeking public input until Monday on its draft recreation, conservation, and public access plan. This plan is updated every six years and guides the development of open spaces, parks, and recreation facilities on port property. Projects are ranked from 1 to 3 based on funding status. Notable projects include Waypoint Park, Plover Park, and the development of trails around the airport. The draft plan is open for review on the port’s website, and public comments can be submitted until the end of January. Port commissioners are expected to vote on the draft at the end of January. STORY: Family whose son was hit by vehicle in Bellingham crosswalk sues city, federal agency The family whose son was struck while riding his bike across a non-functioning crosswalk in the Barkley area, is suing the city of Bellingham and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The incident occurred in February of 2022, when the teenager was riding his bike on a trail in the Barkley area and crossed a crosswalk equipped with a flashing beacon system. The system, which lights up when a person presses the crosswalk button, failed to flash on the south side of the crosswalk, and the teenager was allegedly struck by Matthew Murphy. Murphy was driving an ICE vehicle at the time. The Stodolas filed a federal personal injury lawsuit on January 2nd against the city of Bellingham, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Murphy. The Stodolas’ lawsuit states that their son has suffered emotional distress, humiliation, mental anguish, physical and mental pain, and a decrease in his ability to enjoy life. The lawsuit alleges that city employees knew the rapid flash beacon system at this crosswalk was not working, and that the city did not provide signage to warn people that it was not functioning properly. The lawsuit further accuses Murphy of failing to have his vehicle under control, failing to keep a lookout for people using the crosswalk, and failing to yield the right of way to people who were using the crosswalk. STORY: WA AG sues to block Kroger, Albertsons merger Washington state has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the proposed $25 billion dollar merger between Kroger and Albertsons. The state argues that the deal would harm consumers and raise prices, as the two retailers account for over half of all grocery sales in Washington. Albertsons currently owns Haggen and Safeway, and Kroger owns Fred Meyer and QFC. Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who is running for governor, claims that the merger would severely limit competition, leading to higher prices, lower quality, and less variety in local markets. The Federal Trade Commission is also considering legal action, and California is reportedly contemplating a similar lawsuit. In a statement released on Thursday, Kroger contends that the merger would result in lower prices, more choices for consumers, and a strong unionized workforce. The lawsuit against the merger was endorsed by United Food & Commercial Workers, Local 3000, which represents Kroger and Albertsons employees in Washington, northeast Oregon and northern Idaho. STORY: Biden announces plan to cancel some student loan balances under $12,000 On Friday, President Biden announced that students with federal student loans under $12,000 who have been repaying for 10 years will get the remaining balance canceled. The cancellation of debt is contingent on enrollment in the administration’s new repayment plan, called Saving on a Valuable Education Plan, or SAVE. The announcement …
January 12, 2024 News Transcript
Thousands without power in Bellingham; county-run severe-weather shelter full, Car crashes into gas line outside Village Books in Fairhaven Wednesday, Significant coastal flooding reported in Sandy Point this morning, Significant coastal flooding reported in Sandy Point this morning, Pipeline spill update – both lanes reopened, cleanup suspended due to weather, Inslee’s final State of the State address, Alaska says it will continue to cancel flights through Saturday, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, January 12. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Thousands without power in Bellingham; county-run severe-weather shelter full The winter weather surge last night has caused thousands to lose power and winter severe weather shelters to reach capacity. According to Puget Sound Energy, over 4,300 Bellingham residents lost power. People in Blaine, Custer, Laurel, neighborhoods east of Lynden, and west of Ferndale also lost electricity. Whatcom County’s Severe Weather shelter reached its cap of 45 beds ninety minutes after opening its doors. The city is working to find alternative warming sources to help more people find warmth amid the bitter weather. A windchill advisory is now in effect, and experts predict that overnight lows could reach 20 degrees below zero, which can give exposed skin frostbite within 30 minutes. STORY: Car crashes into gas line outside Village Books in Fairhaven Wednesday A car crashed into a gas line outside Village Books in Fairhaven on Wednesday. According to Sarah Hutton, co-owner of the business, the entire building, including the residences above, was evacuated around 3 p.m. when the incident occurred. However, Bellingham PD, Fire, and Cascade Natural Gas arrived promptly. Cascade turned off the gas and once the building was cleared of gas fumes, people were allowed back inside and service was eventually restored. STORY: Significant coastal flooding reported in Sandy Point this morning Severe flooding was reported in the Sandy Point area this morning. Fire Chief Jim Petrie stated that he headed out around 5am to assess conditions during high tide. To his surprise, Petrie found that a westerly wind was pushing a 10-ft high tide across the peninsula, which resulted in the flooding of nearby residences and roads. Impacts are reportedly most severe around the south end of the point at the intersection of Sucia Drive and Patos Drive. Petrie says he deployed a flood boom to help protect the fire station but warns that the use of the precautionary measure takes firefighting and emergency aid equipment out of service. Winds are expected to shift to the northeast sometime today and ease the flooding danger. STORY: Pipeline spill update – both lanes reopened, cleanup suspended due to weather The monitoring of the pipeline gasoline spill cleanup in Conway will pause today due to inclement weather, but should resume operations on Tuesday. According to the Department of Ecology, while field operations are suspended, boom maintenance will continue through this period and critical personnel will monitor the area 24/7. To date, air quality reads show that the area is not dangerous to public health. As of January 10th, approximately 8,300 gallons of gasoline have been recovered from the leak. The Unified Command estimates the entire spill to be over 21,000 gallons. STORY: Inslee’s final State of the State address Washington Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his final State of the State address on Tuesday night. Despite terming it not a quote “farewell speech,” it marked his final address before the upcoming elections. He highlighted policy successes, including climate initiatives, education funding, prescription drug costs, and gun law changes. Democrats praised Inslee’s priorities, while Republicans criticized challenges under his administration, particularly regarding crime, education, and housing affordability. Inslee also renewed calls for a constitutional amendment securing abortion rights– a divisive issue heading into the 2024 elections– and urged legislators to continue their efforts and quote “finish strong”. STORY: Alaska says it will continue to cancel flights through Saturday In the aftermath of another emergency landing, Alaska Airlines announced it will continue to cancel flights through Saturday. The cancellation of hundreds of flights comes as a Hawaii-bound Alaska flight on a Boeing 737 was diverted to Portland on Wednesday afternoon due to “communications issues.” Just a few days earlier, a hole blew out of a 737 MAX 9 after it took off – an incident that prompted the grounding of the MAX 9 by the Federal Aviation Administration until further notice. The agency is currently investigating both cases. Alaska says they are working with passengers to make sure they can get alternate flights. STORY: Free and Cheap Looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend? Here are some events happening around the county. A storytime is being held by Whatcom County Dairy Ambassadors at the Lyden Heritage Museum. Hear stories about dairy farms, dairy products, and agriculture while enjoying some snacks! The event begins at 3 on Saturday. Young author Sana Vinoth will be reading her newest book Sana and Clara, Protectors of Pandas at Village Books and Paper Dreams. The event will run from 2 to 3 pm on Saturday, with the young author reading excerpts from her book about protecting endangered species. Finally, the Upfront Theatre is hosting the Winter Laughter Games today and tomorrow at 9:30 pm. Improvisers will compete in comedy improv games in made-up categories and do their best to win points awarded by the audience. General admission is 14 dollars or 10 dollars for students. WX: Snow, Wind Advisories There is both a Wind and Wind Chill Advisory in place today. Overnight temperatures will drop to a low of 8 degrees. Winds are expected to have gusts as high as 25 mph tonight, causing wind chills to dip as low as 20 degrees below zero. The cold winds can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Tomorrow will be warmer and less windy, but still below freezing. Bundle up and stay warm! OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, and Tristan Trudell. …
