Latest flood warning lifted for Whatcom and Skagit counties, Total cost of flooding damage to WA roads estimated as high as $50 million, Suspect in custody following reported attempted robbery at Bellingham ATM, Hearings to determine fate of controversial Chuckanut development underway, Motorist rescued after two days stuck in car on forest service road, Lighthouse Mission reports promising start after first year on new premises, Renters rights info session at Ferndale library, 2026 legislative session begins Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, January 13th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Latest flood warning lifted for Whatcom and Skagit counties Flood watches have expired this morning in both Whatcom and Skagit counties. An hydrologic outlook issued early Monday reported 2 to 3 inches of rain in the northern Cascades on Sunday, which added pressure to area rivers. The Nooksack in Ferndale is forecast to crest at 4 this afternoon, just below minor flood stage. Whatcom County Public Works has closed several roads in the Ferndale area due to rising river levels. Ferndale Road south of Slater and Marine Drive west of Ferndale Road were shut down between 6:30 and 7 yesterday evening. Officials warn additional closures are possible as the Nooksack is expected to rise throughout today, with flooding already effecting low-lying roads and pastures. Officials urge drivers to use caution and plan alternate routes. In Skagit County, the Skagit River crested earlier today just above action stage. Levels are expected to drop below action stage by around 4 a.m. tomorrow. The National Weather Service says we’re now looking at a dry stretch, with conditions expected to be mostly rain-free through Martin Luther King Junior Day. STORY: Total cost of flooding damage to WA roads estimated as high as $50 million Washington State officials estimate repairs to the state’s highways from last month’s flooding will cost at least 40 to 50 million dollars. Governor Bob Ferguson requested an Emergency Declaration from President Trump for the December 2025 flooding, which Trump approved, providing immediate federal aid. However, Ferguson says he is still working to get a more expansive Major Disaster Declaration that would provide more funding for individual and local recovery. This comes as the Washington State Department of Transportation has responded to dozens of locations effected by flood damaged roads. WSDOT says permanent repairs in some areas will take months to complete. Many roads across the state remain closed or under detours. For the moment, U.S. Route 101 and Mount Baker Highway are operating with one-way traffic. STORY: Suspect in custody following reported attempted robbery at Bellingham ATM Bellingham police have arrested a 25-year-old man accused of violently trying to rob a woman after she used a downtown ATM. Investigators say the suspect confronted the woman in an alley near East Holly Street, punched her several times, and threatened to kill her when she refused to hand over the cash. Police later located and arrested the suspect without incident. He is now in Whatcom County Jail, facing felony robbery and harassment charges. STORY: Hearings to determine fate of controversial Chuckanut development underway The future of a controversial housing development overlooking Chuckanut Bay will be decided after hearings this week. The proposed 38-lot subdivision, known as the Woods at Viewcrest, has faced strong opposition over concerns about stormwater runoff, habitat loss, traffic, and landslide risk. A local group says they will appeal the City of Bellingham’s decision to not require a full environmental impact statement, with testimony scheduled Monday through Friday this week. A separate public hearing on key land use permits will be held Wednesday evening, with decisions expected later this month. STORY: Motorist rescued after two days stuck in car on forest service road A driver stranded on Hannegan Pass Road for two days has been rescued. Personnel from Whatcom County Fire District 14 were dispatched to the scene last Thursday. The driver was reportedly stuck in the snow about 600 feet from Mount Baker Highway. Officials from Whatcom County Fire District 14 said in a statement that the driver was unharmed and was towed back to the pavement. STORY: Lighthouse Mission reports promising start after first year on new premises A year after moving into their new building, the Lighthouse Mission says changes to its shelter model show promise. The Mission has moved to a tiered approach, which separates services by need — from a low-barrier, night-by-night emergency shelter to enhanced programs with increased expectations, drug screening, and intensive case management. In an interview with KMRE News, CEO Hans Erchinger-Davis (ERCH-ing-er) said the structure has improved safety, increased motivation, and helped people move more quickly into housing or treatment, which then frees up beds for others. Officials acknowledge the Mission remains the only drop-in shelter in the County, and say they are continuing to plan for additional low-barrier options for people not currently covered by existing programs. STORY: Renters rights info session at Ferndale library Ferndale renters are invited to a “Know Your Rights” information session and free legal clinic on Friday, January seventeenth, from one to three p.m. at the Ferndale Library. The event will cover new tenant protections, including Initiative 25-01, approved by voters last November, which bans so-called junk fees in the rental process. Snacks will be provided, and legal help will be available. Learn more at Community First Whatcom dot org. STORY: 2026 legislative session begins Yesterday, with ceremonial bangs of the gavel, Washington lawmakers opened a fast-paced 60-day legislative session in Olympia. According to reporting from the Washington State Standard, while opening day was light on policy, sharp divisions quickly surfaced, with Democrats and Republicans blaming each other for budget pressures and high living costs. Senate leaders urge civility as major fights loom, including a possible millionaires income tax. Attention now turns to Governor Bob Ferguson, who delivers his State of the State address today. WX: 50/50 And now weather, Our streak of warm winter weather should continue today, with temperatures returning to the upper 50s, with partial …
January 12, 2026 News Transcript
Whatcom County fires second medical examiner in as many years, Bellingham Fire Dept responds to blaze at homeless encampment, finds ominous warning onsite, Former nursing assistant at PeaceHealth accused of distributing child sexual abuse material, Bellingham Fire Dept responds to blaze at homeless encampment, finds ominous warning onsite, Bellingham expands help for utility customers, Hovander Park in Ferndale set to partially reopen today, State lawmakers debate ability to allocate climate funds to repair WA’s aging bridges, AG requests enforcement of SNAP privacy, Feds will soon garnish wages of thousands of Washingtonians Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, January, 12. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County fires second medical examiner in as many years After one year on the job, Whatcom County has fired Medical Examiner Dr. Aldo Fusaro. Fusaro was hired following turmoil in the Medical Examiner’s Office and helped transition it from a contracted service to a county-run department. In a letter to staff on Friday, County Executive Satpal Sidhu announced that Fusaro’s employment ended on Friday. He cited performance concerns and said the action was taken after what he called “serious deliberation.” County officials declined to elaborate, saying they don’t discuss personnel matters publicly. The county will temporarily contract with Forensic Pathology Services while recruiting a new medical examiner. STORY: Bellingham Fire Dept responds to blaze at homeless encampment, finds ominous warning onsite Bellingham police are investigating a large fire at a homeless encampment near the Guide Meridian. Officers were called to the scene just after nine Thursday night, near the dead end of Tull Road, after a large explosion was reportedly heard from as far as five miles away. According to officials, when they arrived, flames were estimated to be about ten feet high. While firefighters worked to put out the blaze, police discovered a handwritten sign that warned those who reported illegal activity in the encampment would “pay the consequences”. Police say the motive behind the message — and whether the threat was carried out — remains unknown. STORY: Former nursing assistant at PeaceHealth accused of distributing child sexual abuse material A former nursing assistant at PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Medical Center has been arrested and accused of sharing sexually explicit images of children. Rachel Openshaw-Tapia was booked at the Whatcom County Jail last Friday, telling police that she had shared child pornography with an acquaintance. According to investigators, she also allegedly recorded protected patient information on her personal phone. Openshaw-Tapia had previously been charged with unprofessional conduct by the Washington State Department of Health in October last year. She remains at the Whatcom County Jail ahead of her trial set for March 9th. STORY: Bellingham expands help for utility customers Utility rates are going up this month, but the City of Bellingham says it has expanded help for customers who need it. According to a recent announcement, the Customer Assistance Program now covers more households, and offers reduced utility bills for those earning at or below eighty percent of the area median income. Eligibility details and income guidelines are available at cob dot org. STORY: Hovander Park in Ferndale set to partially reopen today Hovander Homestead Park will partially reopen today for the first time in over a month. Whatcom County Parks and Recreation announced last Friday that the boat launch/parking lot and off-leash dog area are expected to reopen today. The park has been closed since December 10th due to flooding damage. STORY: WWU research vessel funded in pair of newly approved federal spending bills Western Washington University could get a new research vessel. According to U.S. Representative Rick Larsen’s office, a federal spending package just passed by the House includes just over one million dollars for Western’s Shannon Point Marine Center to support hands-on student learning and marine research in the North Puget Sound. University officials say the vessel would allow multi-day research trips and expanded partnerships with Tribal nations and state agencies— though additional funding is still needed for the onboard equipment. The package passed the House with strong bipartisan support and now heads to the U.S. Senate. STORY: State lawmakers debate ability to allocate climate funds to repair WA’s aging bridges Lawmakers say aging bridges are one of Washington state’s most urgent transportation challenges. About ten percent of bridges are now more than eighty years old. During a transportation budget panel Friday, legislators pointed to closures like the century-old Fairfax Bridge in Pierce County as signs of a growing maintenance crisis. While there’s broad agreement that bridges need major investment, lawmakers are divided on where the money should come from. Some say the state’s Climate Commitment Act should be used for bridge repairs and replacements, while others say that CCA money should only be used to convert state fleets to clean fuels, broaden transit access, and help residents convert to electric vehicles. While the discussion continues in Olympia, Governor Bob Ferguson recently proposed more than two billion dollars for transportation maintenance be added to the state budget. Officials warn state bridges are nearing critical failure without new funding. STORY: AG requests enforcement of SNAP privacy Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has asked a federal court to enforce an order that blocks the U.S. Department of Agriculture from demanding sensitive personal data from SNAP recipients. Brown says the USDA is again threatening to cut funding to states that refuse to turn over the information, despite a court injunction that already found the demand likely unlawful. The data involves millions of low-income families who rely on SNAP, and Brown says federal law protects their information from being used for unrelated purposes. Washington receives more than one hundred twenty-nine million dollars a year to administer the program, and Brown says any funding disruption could be catastrophic for families who depend on food assistance. STORY: Feds will soon garnish wages of thousands of Washingtonians Washington borrowers in default on their student loans could soon see money taken directly out of their paychecks. Starting in January, the Trump administration announced …
January, 9th, 2026 News Transcript
County employee accused of misconduct, San Juan keeps 32 hour work week, Carly James installed at Port, Local restaurant to host Boundary Bay tasting room, PeaceHealth pauses patient feedback, ICE searched through Washington drivers license data, US Senate advances war powers act, Free or cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 9th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: County employee accused of misconduct A former Whatcom County employee was arrested yesterday and accused of official misconduct. Whatcom County Sheriff’s spokesperson Deb Slater says an investigation began during an unrelated drug investigation last fall. Messages found on a phone in the suspect’s vehicle showed they had been communicating with another county employee, who is related. The suspect asked their relative to be “on the lookout” for certain individuals. The suspect then made unauthorized searches on people within a restricted system, leading to the suspicion of criminal trespass and official misconduct. STORY: San Juan keeps 32 hour work week San Juan County says its 32-hour workweek has delivered clear results. A new report shows the curtailed schedule, adopted in 2023 as a cost-saving measure, helped the county stay within its budget for the last two years without raising taxes or cutting core services. By moving away from a traditional 40-hour model, the county avoided nearly $2 million in projected cost-of-living expenses. County Manager Jessica Hudson says those savings have helped soften rising financial pressures, and that preserving the gains from the 32-hour week will be critical as the county heads into a tighter fiscal future. The report also highlights County improvements in recruitment and retention. Applications for county jobs have jumped more than 200 percent, open positions are being filled more quickly, and sick-leave use is down 18 percent. Officials say those trends point to a stronger, more stable workforce. With consistent results across the pilot period, San Juan County says it will keep the 32-hour week as its standard for the foreseeable future. STORY: Carly James installed at Port The Port of Bellingham’s newest commissioner has been sworn in. Carly James took the oath at the Port’s first meeting of the year, and was greeted with applause as Commissioner Michael Shepard noted that Ginny Benton was the first woman elected to the Commission. Benton served from 1996 to 2004. James is now the second woman to hold the position in the Port’s history. James is a small business owner who won the District 2 seat in November, after she unseated two-term commissioner Ken Bell. Whatcom County Auditor Stacy Henthorn handled the swearing in for both James and Shepard, who ran unopposed for his seat. Bell attended the swearing-in and used the public comment period to welcome James to the job and thank her for stepping into the role. Commissioners and staff also took a moment to reflect on the milestone, and noted how uncommon it has been for a woman to serve on the Port Commission. STORY: Local restaurant to host Boundary Bay tasting room A new tasting room is opening on Bellingham’s waterfront. Boundary Bay Brewing and Mercato delle Bontà have announced they will partner on the Boundary Bay Tasting Room at Mercato. The collaboration brings the brewery’s flagship and seasonal beers into Mercato’s larger space. The site will also serve as a pickup point for keg orders. According to a Facebook post, the tasting room officially opens tomorrow. Attendees will get a chance to meet members of the Boundary Bay team, and sample suggested pairings that feature Mercato menu items. Organizers say the space is designed to host small gatherings as the two businesses build out their shared programming. The tasting room is inside the Granary Building on the downtown waterfront and is open tomorrow from 2 to 5:30 p.m. STORY: PeaceHealth pauses patient feedback PeaceHealth has quietly paused a key patient-feedback council. Cascadia Daily News reports the Patient and Family Advisory Council at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center hasn’t met since October, after systemwide layoffs eliminated local staff who helped run the volunteer group. The hospital also deleted the council’s webpage. According to current and former volunteers, the advisory council once had about 20 members but is now down to six. They say the group no longer has an internal liaison to organize meetings or push patient concerns forward. However, the hospital’s website still lists 11 members and directs visitors to contact a terminated employee. PeaceHealth cut two-and-a-half percent of its workforce across three states in October, including multiple positions on St. Joseph’s “human experience” team. Those staff had overseen the council and served as its link to hospital leadership. Former members say the loss of local staff and the shift of responsibilities to PeaceHealth’s Vancouver headquarters have made it harder for patient voices to be heard. PeaceHealth declined to comment about the future of the council. STORY: ICE searched through Washington drivers license data A new report from the University of Washington Center for Human Rights found federal immigration agents searched Department of Licensing records at least nine times between August and November — including before traffic stops that led to arrests. State officials say ICE access was shut off in mid-November, but researchers say Customs and Border Protection still has access through a multi-state law-enforcement data system. Governor Bob Ferguson says Washington is a national leader in protection of personal data, but immigration advocates argue there are open cracks that allow state information to be used for civil immigration enforcement, which state law prohibits. STORY: US Senate advances war powers act Senate Republicans broke ranks with President Donald Trump, and joined Democrats in support of a ‘war powers resolution’ that would stop U.S. military action in Venezuela without congressional authorization. The vote comes after the U.S. military’s surprise attack on Venezuela’s capital of Caracas, which captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Maduro is now in New York facing federal drug and conspiracy charges. The bill was discharged from committee, but still needs more Senate debate …
January 8, 2026 News Transcript
Three hospitalized following late-night crash in Burlington, Educators and students advocate for full K-12 funding at Blaine town hall, Anacortes seeks community input in search for new superintendent, WA nears launch of $126 million incentive program for zero-emission trucks, WA nears launch of $126 million incentive program for zero-emission trucks, Microsoft says no major layoffs, U-Haul rental data shows WA among top states for growth, despite high housing prices, U.S. House votes to restore ACA subsidies, Renters rights info session at Ferndale library, Gov. Ferguson Approves 1,300-Acre Solar Farm in Klickitat County, Community Forum on South Fork Nooksack River Scheduled for January 27 Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, January, 8. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Three hospitalized following late-night crash in Burlington A Bellingham man was airlifted to Harborview after a violent crash in Burlington. Police say an officer first spotted a speeding car on Burlington Boulevard early yesterday morning but was unable to catch up. Moments later, that same vehicle collided with another car at Burlington Boulevard and Fairhaven Avenue. Four people were hurt. The 27‑year‑old Bellingham man was ejected and flown to Harborview in critical condition. Two passengers from the two vehicles were trapped and had to be rescued, and both were taken to hospitals. Police say the fleeing driver, a 24‑year‑old Mount Vernon man, had minor injuries and showed signs of intoxication. He was booked into the Skagit County Jail for investigation of DUI, vehicular assault, and eluding. The investigation continues. STORY: Educators and students advocate for full K-12 funding at Blaine town hall A push for fully funded public schools took center stage at a town hall meeting in Blaine Tuesday night. Cascadia Daily News reports about 100 people filled the Blaine Performing Arts Center to hear Whatcom County superintendents and students describe how funding shortages are affecting classrooms. Members of the 42nd District delegation, Representatives Alicia Rule and Joe Timmons, and Senator Sharon Shewmake, laid out what they hope to tackle in Olympia this session to address those concerns. Students, educators and local lawmakers agreed the state needs to do more for K‑12 education, even as the governor proposes reductions in a difficult budget year. Students from Blaine, Ferndale, Meridian and Mount Baker talked about reduced course offerings, aging facilities and limited mental‑health support. Superintendents said state dollars fall short in key areas like special education, transportation and basic operating costs, leaving districts with multimillion‑dollar gaps that must be filled with local levy dollars just to meet legal requirements. Lawmakers at the town hall said they know more work is needed and pledged to keep school funding a priority in Olympia this year. STORY: Anacortes seeks community input in search for new superintendent Anacortes School District is seeking community input in its search for a new superintendent. This week, the district began taking feedback on what community members want in a new superintendent. A Superintendent Search Community & Families Forum was held last night, and the district is welcoming feedback online until 4 p.m. Friday, January 16th. Candidates have until February 6th to apply, with semi-finalists to be interviewed between February 24th to 27th. Finalists will be interviewed between March 3rd and 5th. The search comes as former superintendent Justin Irish left the district last summer after five years in the role for Northshore School District in Bothell. Dr. Carl Bruner is serving as the interim superintendent through June. STORY: WA nears launch of $126 million incentive program for zero-emission trucks Washington state is nearing the launch of a major incentive program aimed at helping commercial fleets switch to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. The $126 million Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program, known as WAZIP, is expected to roll out this spring and will offer vouchers to offset the high upfront cost of cleaner trucks and equipment. Transportation is the state’s largest source of carbon emissions — and advocates say the program could improve air quality while saving businesses money over time. The program will fund discounts on electric and hydrogen trucks as well as charging infrastructure—-with extra support for small and disadvantaged businesses. Lawmakers who pushed for WAZIP say it’s overdue. State transportation leaders acknowledge delays, and cite the complexity of building and administering the program. No official launch date has been announced. STORY: Microsoft says no major layoffs Microsoft is pushing back hard against online rumors of mass layoffs this month. Reports circulating this week claimed the company was set to cut as many as twenty-two thousand jobs across its cloud, gaming, and sales teams. Microsoft has now flatly denied those claims. Chief Communications Officer Frank X. Shaw called the reports, quote “one hundred percent made up, speculative, and wrong,” and added that it’s unusual for the company to be that direct in responding to rumors. The speculation follows last year’s wave of tech layoffs, when Microsoft ultimately cut about fifteen thousand jobs, including more than three thousand in Washington state. While Microsoft says no layoffs are planned, uncertainty remains across the tech industry as companies continue to pour billions into artificial intelligence and look for ways to cut costs elsewhere. STORY: U-Haul rental data shows WA among top states for growth, despite high housing prices The latest U-Haul migration data shows Washington is still gaining more do-it-yourself movers than it’s losing. U-Haul tracked more than two-and-a-half million one-way moves in 2025 and ranked Washington sixth nationwide for net growth — its third straight year in the top seven. Arrivals to the state grew six percent, while departures rose five percent. Texas topped the in-migration list again, followed by Florida and several other Sun Belt states, but Washington stood out as one of the few non-Sun Belt states in the top ten. U-Haul officials say jobs and outdoor recreation attract younger movers, with growth spread well beyond Seattle — including cities like Spokane, Anacortes, Bremerton, and Vancouver. California finished last for the sixth year in a row, while Oregon posted the biggest single-year jump, and climbed from thirty-fourth …
January 7, 2026 News Transcript
North Whatcom sees structure fire, three car crash, Skagit County names new commissioner, Whatcom County rolls out first-ever generative AI policy, Bellingham launches investigation into allegations of city employee using AI chatbots, New dispatch center approved, Bellingham City Council debating reducing time for public comment, Anti-trans initiatives move forward, Funding awarded for first-time home buyers, Cantwell landslide legislation approved by Senate Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, Jan, 7. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: North Whatcom sees structure fire, three car crash Two stories to report from north Whatcom County yesterday: First responders were called to a three-vehicle crash on Everson-Goshen Road in Everson last night. The crash happened in the 7300 block, with reports of injuries and a driver fleeing the scene on foot. Whatcom County Fire District Number One says there were no fatalities, and several people were taken to the hospital as a precaution. And in Nooksack, firefighters responded to an early morning structure fire. Whatcom County Fire District Number One was dispatched around 2:30 a.m. to the 200 block of West Third Street, where a detached residential garage was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived. All occupants were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. STORY: Skagit County names new commissioner Skagit County’s two remaining County Commissioners have selected Joe Burns of Sedro-Woolley to replace outgoing District 3 Commissioner Lisa Janicki (JAN-ih-kee), who retired last week. Burns beat out two other candidates after a public interview held on Monday. He will serve the remainder of Janicki’s term, which ends in November, and will then have the opportunity to run for the seat in this year’s general election. In addition to supporting farmers and managing fiscal difficulties, Burns has expressed consistent support for North Star, an organization Janicki founded, devoted to ending homelessness in Skagit County. In his comments during the public interview, he stressed the importance of listening to and working with people with divergent viewpoints. Just two months ago, Burns won reelection to the Sedro-Woolley City Council seat he has held since 2022. He now plans to resign that position. STORY: Whatcom County rolls out first-ever generative AI policy Whatcom County introduced a first-of-its-kind generative AI policy in November for county employees in the executive branch. The three-page policy establishes ethical boundaries, such as the review of all AI-generated content as well as the acknowledgement of energy and water costs from data centers that the technology relies on. It also prioritizes protection of sensitive information. County officials say that the document is important for weighing the costs and benefits of using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, and others used by staff. A 2025 national survey among 300 state and local decision makers found that nearly half of the respondents say building public trust in government use of AI is a priority. STORY: Bellingham launches investigation into allegations of city employee using AI chatbots In more AI news–new details are emerging about the City of Bellingham’s use of AI chatbots. KNKX Radio reports the city has launched an independent investigation into allegations that a city employee used ChatGPT in a way that may violate state contract law. Public records show the employee used the chatbot to draft application requirements that would favor VertexOne over competitor Origin SmartCity during last year’s bidding process. VertexOne ultimately won the contract—despite submitting a bid that was one million dollars higher. According to the report, Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund called the allegations serious, while saying additional context may exist beyond the public records. Washington law requires public contracts be awarded fairly, without preference for specific applicants. STORY: New dispatch center approved A new emergency dispatch center will be built in Bellingham. Last night, the Bellingham City Council voted unanimously to approve funding for the design and construction of the new facility. The ordinance allows the city to roll nine million dollars in bonds that were approved in 2016 into a new bond offering of 19 million dollars. City officials say the bonds will have no fiscal impact on residents. The project will also receive nearly one million dollars in grant funding from the state Department of Commerce. A location has not yet been announced, but construction could be completed by the end of the year. STORY: Bellingham City Council debating reducing time for public comment The Bellingham City Council will consider reducing public comment time from three minutes to two. Councilman Jace Cotton, who proposed the policy change, says the aim is to make, quote “some short-term improvements to the function of our public comment period”. Cotton also cited the importance of hearing from more people during public comment sessions. Critics of the plan include Councilwoman Lisa Anderson, who said that reducing the time to two minutes could harm people not used to public speaking, or who don’t have enough time to articulate their thoughts fully. The measure is not up for a vote yet, but council members agreed to discuss the matter further at an upcoming retreat. STORY: Anti-trans initiatives move forward Supporters of two controversial citizen initiatives have taken a key step toward bringing them before the Washington state Legislature — and possibly voters. The political committee Let’s Go Washington turned in hundreds of thousands of signatures Friday to the secretary of state’s office. One initiative would roll back recent changes to state law on parental rights in public schools. The other would bar transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports. Organizers say they submitted well above the required number of signatures for both measures. The secretary of state’s office will now verify them— a process expected to take several weeks. If certified, lawmakers will decide whether to approve the initiatives, reject them and send them to the November ballot, or offer an alternative. Critics argue the measures could harm vulnerable students, while supporters say they reflect broad public support. STORY: Funding awarded for first-time home buyers …
January 6, 2026 News Transcript
Sheriff resumes search for missing Lynden man, Mount Vernon police searching for missing woman, Bellingham man found dead after becoming separated from snowboarding group on Mount Baker, Whatcom and Skagit residents whose homes were damaged by flooding eligible for $2.5 million in federal aid, I-5 partially closed on Wednesday, HS girls flag football back for second season, Health Alliance reaffirms child vaccination guidance Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, January 6th. Fifth anniversary of the attack on our nation’s Capitol. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Sheriff resumes search for missing Lynden man The search continues for a Whatcom County man missing since last week. The Sheriff’s Office says 50-year-old Richard Rutledge was reported missing on December 28th from the 200 block of River Road near the Nooksack River. Deputies launched an immediate, large-scale search with Summit to Sound volunteers, Whatcom Search & Rescue 4×4 teams, K9 units, drones, and help from the Blaine and Sumas police. U.S. Border Patrol also brought a helicopter. Search crews were back out the next day, and on the 30th, river sleds and additional K9 units were deployed, but dangerous river conditions forced crews to pause operations. Another attempt was made Sunday, but Rutledge still hasn’t been found. The Sheriff’s Office says the search will resume when river conditions improve. Anyone with information is urged to call 911. STORY: Mount Vernon police searching for missing woman Mount Vernon Police are also asking for the public’s help to find 42-year-old Alana Taylor who was last seen at her apartment in Mount Vernon on Christmas Day. She doesn’t have a vehicle or cell phone, and while investigators believe she may have left on her own, they say the disappearance is out of character for her. There’s also concern she may be experiencing a mental-health crisis and may not have her prescribed medications. Taylor is described as 5-foot-10, about 135 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair. Anyone seeing her should call 911—or tips can be shared directly with Mount Vernon Police. STORY: Bellingham man found dead after becoming separated from snowboarding group on Mount Baker A snowboarder has died at Mount Baker just days after the ski area officially opened for the season. Bellingham Mountain Rescue, along with Air Marine, teams were called out on December 23rd after 22-year-old Nikita Plutenko of Edmonds, was reported overdue. He was riding with a group but got separated while venturing outside the marked terrain. Sheriff’s spokesperson Deb Slater says searchers located him later that evening, but steep terrain and worsening weather made it too dangerous for recover on that day. Recovery teams returned the next day, when it was safer to reach him. The Whatcom County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be positional asphyxia due to falling into the snow. Family members have launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. STORY: Whatcom and Skagit residents whose homes were damaged by flooding eligible for $2.5 million in federal aid State officials are urging flood-damaged households to apply for $2.5 million in state assistance following December’s historic storms. The money comes from a recent disaster declaration, which unlocked $3.5 million in state aid. The first $1 million has already dispersed as emergency cash assistance to more than 2,600 households. Officials say the state is still pursuing federal disaster aid, but this funding is meant to help families cover immediate needs like temporary housing, small repairs, and food replacement. People with storm damage are encouraged to fill out an Unmet Needs Assessment Form at SAHelp.org. Grants are available for up to just over $1,100 dollars, depending on household size. In Skagit County, a temporary Disaster Assistance Center will operate at the Burlington Senior Center tomorrow and Thursday, from 4:30 to 8 p.m., open to all residents and businesses. In Whatcom County, resources include the official relief hub WhatcomStrong.com, an equipment library with dehumidifiers, fans, and pumps at Everson Public Works, and support from the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group for debris removal, cleaning, and refurnishing. State and local officials are also working with FEMA on a joint damage assessment that could lead to a federal disaster declaration and additional aid. STORY: I-5 partially closed on Wednesday Heads up for overnight drivers in Bellingham — the left lane of northbound I-5 just north of Lakeway Drive will be closed Wednesday night. According to WSDOT the lane will be closed from 10 PM until 5 AM on Thursday morning. Crews will be replacing a Jersey barrier. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and check real-time traffic conditions. STORY: Burn ban lifted for Columbia Valley region The Northwest Clean Air Agency has lifted a Stage Two burn ban in Whatcom County’s Columbia Valley. Officials say the air quality in Peaceful Valley, Paradise Lakes, and the urban growth area has improved. The Agency says residents should still limit wood burning to help prevent another ban. STORY: HS girls flag football back for second season Squalicum High School’s varsity girls flag football team is getting the NFL spotlight. The Storm’s first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader at Everett Memorial Stadium has been selected for a ‘Seattle Seahawks Girls Flag Takeover’. The matchup against Jackson High School kicks off at four-thirty, and will feature Blitz the Seahawks mascot, the Seahawk dancers, giveaways, and meet-and-greets. A second game against Monroe follows at five-thirty. STORY: Health Alliance reaffirms child vaccination guidance The West Coast Health Alliance says it will continue to recommend childhood vaccinations after a recent federal decision to scale back the national immunization schedule. Earlier this week, the acting director of the CDC approved changes that significantly reduce the number of vaccines routinely recommended for U.S. children. According to a recent release from the Alliance, this decision bypasses the usual scientific review by pediatric experts as well as the public input process, and was not based on new safety or effectiveness data. The alliance warns these changes could increase the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, leading to more missed school days, …
January 5, 2025 News Transcript
Canadian woman facing federal charges after reportedly assaulting border patrol officer during illegal crossing, Bellingham man arrested following alleged stabbing of passerby, Surveys report substantial drop in gas prices in Whatcom and across WA, All Whatcom County Councils to have seven members this legislative season following slim majority vote, Polar Bear Plunge update, Skagit County residents invited to attend interviews with finalists for county commissioner’s office, Former employees say post-DOGE FEMA’s response to WA flooding indicative of significant structural weaknesses, Local and state representatives critical of Trump administration’s capture of Nicolas Maduro Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, January, 5. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Canadian woman facing federal charges after reportedly assaulting border patrol officer during illegal crossing A Canadian woman faces federal charges after authorities say she illegally crossed the border near Blaine and assaulted a U.S. Border Patrol agent. Prosecutors allege Lindsay Moffatt was turned away last Tuesday at the Peace Arch port of entry because of a marijuana vape pen, then later tried to enter the U.S. through Peace Arch State Park. She was arrested after kicking an agent in the face, and is now charged with assault on a federal officer and improper entry. Moffatt later told investigators that she tried to cross into the US to meet her fiancé at the park and retrieve their dog, who they split time with. The case remains pending in federal court. STORY: Bellingham man arrested following alleged stabbing of passerby A Bellingham man is in custody after police say he stabbed a passerby last Tuesday night. Lt. Claudia Murphy says officers were called just before 7 p.m. to a north Bellingham home, where a 25‑year‑old man allegedly sexually harassed and threatened someone he lived with. The victim ran outside and asked two people walking their dog for help. Police say the man chased them and stabbed one of the passersby in the shoulder, which caused a minor injury. The original victim hid until officers arrived. Investigators believe the suspect was under the influence of drugs. He ran off again, got into his car, and crashed near Cordata and Bakerview. He was taken to the hospital as a precaution, then booked into the Whatcom County Jail, where he’s being held without bail. STORY: Surveys report substantial drop in gas prices in Whatcom and across WA Gas prices are down across Bellingham and Whatcom County. AAA reports the national average is $2.83 a gallon — a drop of 16 cents from December — while Washington’s average fell 31 cents to $3.85. Washington is now the third-highest in the nation. Locally, gas averages $3.59 in both Whatcom County and Bellingham, with the county’s cheapest price reported at $3.09 a gallon at the ARCO on the Guide Meridian Road in Lynden. STORY: All Whatcom County Councils to have seven members this legislative season following slim majority vote Whatcom County Council meetings will get a major shake‑up after members voted to expand all committees to seven seats. At the December 9th Council meeting, members discussed growing workloads and packed agendas that they said left too little time for real discussion. Committees currently include three council members, but nearly all seven attend anyway. The expansion of the committees eliminates quorum issues and allows two members to talk outside meetings without violating open‑meeting laws. The council’s four liberal members say larger committees will boost representation and collaboration. The three conservative members argue it undermines the purpose of committees and reduces minority influence, especially after November’s election shifted the council further left. The new structure takes effect next Monday, when incoming members Jessica Rienstra (REEN-struh) and Elizabeth Boyle are sworn in. STORY: Polar Bear Plunge update Organizers are still waiting to learn whether the Birch Bay Polar Plunge set a Guinness World Record. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce says turnout for the New Year’s Day event exceeded expectations, but verification could take weeks due to Guinness’ strict participation rules. Officials say they’ll continue to provide updates as the review process moves forward. STORY: Skagit County residents invited to attend interviews with finalists for county commissioner’s office Skagit County’s two remaining county commissioners will interview three candidates this afternoon for the now-vacant District 3 position. Outgoing District 3 commissioner Lisa Janicki announced her retirement last July. During more than ten years of service, Janicki took major roles in the development of North Star, an organization devoted to ending homelessness in Skagit County, and the opening of Martha’s Place, a Permanent Supportive Housing venture, among other notable achievements. The person eventually seated will serve out the remainder of Janicki’s term, which ends later this year. County residents will select a new District 3 commissioner this November, and the winner will be seated as soon as those results are certified. STORY: Former employees say post-DOGE FEMA’s response to WA flooding indicative of significant structural weaknesses Washington is waiting on a major disaster declaration as former FEMA employees warn the agency may no longer be able to respond effectively. Cascadia Daily News reports that deep staffing cuts under the Trump administration have hollowed out FEMA’s Region 10 office in Bothell, which oversees Washington, Alaska, Oregon and Idaho. Former employees say thousands of FEMA workers nationwide have been pushed out, including staff serving Western Washington. They say key teams, including mapping, mitigation and permitting, have lost engineers and specialists, leaving the region less prepared for repeated flooding. FEMA insists its response capabilities haven’t been affected, but employees say the agency can no longer manage multiple disasters at once and fear more cuts are coming. More than 150 FEMA personnel are already deployed in Washington under an emergency declaration issued in December. Additional federal help depends on whether the White House approves the state’s request for a major disaster declaration. STORY: Local and state representatives critical of Trump administration’s capture of Nicolas Maduro Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were taken to a Manhattan courthouse today for an initial appearance, opening what’s expected …
January 2, 2025 News Transcript
Columbia Valley upgraded to stage 2 burn ban, Whatcom and Skagit counties suspend permit fees for emergency flooding repairs, Disaster assistance now available, Blaine newspaper publisher retires after 30 years, Bellingham police investigating potential hit and run after cyclist injured on Northwest, Swinomish youth lead clean energy efforts, Swinomish youth lead clean energy efforts, Ski-to-Sea 2026 registration now open, Bellingham Public Library launches Winter Reading Challenge for adults, WA to receive $181 million for rural health care, Free and Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Columbia Valley upgraded to stage 2 burn ban Whatcom County has upgraded a burn ban in the Columbia Valley urban growth area to Stage Two. The stricter ban means that in addition to outdoor burning, all indoor burning is banned as well. That includes fireplaces, woodstoves,fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified), or pellet stoves. The Northwest Clean Air Agency says cold, calm weather traps smoke, and creates unhealthy air quality. Officials warn smoke pollution can trigger asthma attacks and make breathing more difficult, especially for children, adults 65 and older, and people with heart or lung conditions. STORY: Whatcom and Skagit counties suspend permit fees for emergency flooding repairs Whatcom and Skagit counties say they will waive permit fees for emergency flood repairs. Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu signed an executive order that suspended emergency repair permit fees for flood-related damage, with requests eligible if initiated between December 9th of 2025 through December 31st of this year. Fees for notifications of activity and on-site sewage permits are also being waived. Food establishments forced to close because of flooding will receive extensions on permit expiration dates equal to the length of their closure, though inspections will be required before reopening. Skagit County commissioners have also suspended flood repair permit fees, with applications due to county planning officials by June 15th. STORY: Disaster assistance now available At the state level, Governor Bob Ferguson is urging people whose homes were damaged in December’s historic flooding to apply for state disaster assistance. About $2.5 million is now available to help cover immediate needs, part of the $3.5 million released under the governor’s disaster declaration. The first $1 million has already gone out to more than 2,600 households. Residents in King, Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom counties can apply through SAHelp.org for Household Needs Grants to help with short-term housing, minor repairs, and food replacement. The state is also working with FEMA to determine whether additional federal disaster aid will be available. STORY: Blaine newspaper publisher retires after 30 years Owners of The Northern Light announced their retirement after 35 years of publishing. The husband-and-wife team bought the All Point Bulletin after learning it was shutting down, then launched The Northern Light three years later. Both publications had been largely supported through advertising. The owners say they are in final negotiations to transfer the company to a nonprofit newspaper organization. While there may be a brief lapse in publication, they say they are hopeful readers and advertisers will soon see the paper return. No timeline or nonprofit partner has been announced. STORY: Bellingham police investigating potential hit and run after cyclist injured on Northwest Bellingham Police are investigating a possible hit-and-run that involved a cyclist. Officers say a man on a bicycle was struck by a car Friday evening while crossing Northwest Avenue near the Little Caesars parking lot around 6:40 p.m. Police say the driver stopped briefly… then fled northbound. The cyclist was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment. Police note the bike did not have the required lights, and no citations were issued. Because the cyclist was the only witness, investigators say it’s not yet confirmed whether the hit-and-run actually occurred. Anyone with information is asked to call Bellingham Police or submit a tip at cob.org / tips. STORY: Swinomish youth lead clean energy efforts A clean energy transformation in Skagit County is being led by Swinomish youth. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community says its move towards solar power and energy storage began with a simple question from young people: Why don’t we have solar? Tribal leaders then launched a series of clean energy projects focused on resilience, affordability, and environmental stewardship. According to a recent release from the Department of Commerce, the tribe has invested more than $6.4 million through a partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce. Solar panels and battery-backed microgrids have been installed at the Swinomish Youth Center as well as at various housing units. The tribe says the technology has cut energy bills, provided backup power during outages, and improved emergency preparedness. STORY: Ski-to-Sea 2026 registration now open Registration is now open for the 2026 Ski to Sea race. Organizers say team registration for the popular multi-sport relay sold out by mid-February last year and encourage early sign-ups. Organizers say fees have not increased for this year, and teams that register by January 31st will receive a 50-dollar discount. Ski to Sea has also updated qualifications for the Veterans Division, raising the cumulative requirement to 410 points. Applications for the free nonprofit team are due January 23rd. More information and registration details are available at skitosea dot com. STORY: Bellingham Public Library launches Winter Reading Challenge for adults If more reading is on your resolution list for the New Year, Bellingham Public Library has a Winter Reading Challenge that might be a perfect incentive. The challenge runs from January through March. If you’d like to participate, pick up a Winter Reading Challenge Activity Card now at any Bellingham Public Library. Print copies of the challenge are also available at all branches. STORY: US2 to fully reopen The west side of Highway 2 between Skykomish and Stevens Pass will fully reopen to traffic starting Sunday. Governor Ferguson said the reopening beat expectations, and thanked WSDOT (WASH-dot) crews and contractors for working around the clock to get it done. Skykomish Mayor Henry Sladek (SLAY-dek) says the closure cut local …
December 31, 2025 News Transcript
Bellingham services and businesses to be closed for New Year’s, Bellingham police investigating potential hit and run after cyclist injured on Northwest, Construction set to begin on Bellingham’s second railroad “quiet zone”, Swinomish youth lead clean energy efforts, 19-year-old wins seat on Mt. Vernon school board, Bellingham Public Library launches Winter Reading Challenge for adults, Polar Bear Plunges for 2026, USPS changes postmark rules Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, December, 31. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham services and businesses to be closed for New Year’s Tomorrow is New Year’s Day— a federal and county holiday— so here’s a quick list of businesses that will be closed. All U.S. Postal Service offices in Whatcom County will be closed, and no mail or package delivery will occur. The Washington State Department of Licensing offices will not be open, and neither will Whatcom County courts and most Bellingham city and Whatcom County services. Banks across Whatcom County will be closed, although ATMs and online banking will still operate. FedEx and UPS will also suspend regular operations. Costco and Trader Joe’s will be closed, but most grocery stores, restaurants and retailers in Whatcom County generally remain open—but may have reduced or modified hours. Shoppers are advised to check directly with local stores before heading out. Bellingham Public Library branches will also be closed for the holiday, and the Bellingham Food Bank will not operate. The City of Bellingham notes that emergency services remain available; dial 911 for emergencies— even on holidays. One final note– the KMRE News team will also be taking tomorrow off to enjoy the holiday. STORY: Bellingham police investigating potential hit and run after cyclist injured on Northwest Bellingham Police are investigating a possible hit-and-run that involved a cyclist. Officers say a man on a bicycle was struck by a car Friday evening while crossing Northwest Avenue near the Little Caesars parking lot around 6:40 p.m. Police say the driver briefly stopped, then fled northbound. The cyclist was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment. Police note the bike did not have required lights, and no citations were issued. Because the cyclist was the only witness, investigators say it’s not yet confirmed whether the hit-and-run occurred. Anyone with information is asked to call Bellingham Police or submit a tip at cob.org backslash tips. STORY: Construction set to begin on Bellingham’s second railroad “quiet zone” Work is moving forward on a second railroad quiet zone in Bellingham. Construction is expected to begin at the Pine Street crossing near the south end of Cornwall Avenue, part of the city’s planned waterfront district quiet zone. Quiet zones are designed to reduce train noise while maintaining safety, and come as Amtrak and BNSF continue to run multiple daily trains through the city. Once completed, locomotive engineers won’t be required to sound their horns at that crossing. City officials say quiet zones require costly safety upgrades, and include new gates, signals and roadway changes. The Pine Street project carries a price tag of about $3.4 million, funded by federal grants and local transportation, real estate excise tax, and Greenways dollars. Bellingham’s waterfront quiet zone includes six downtown crossings. After Pine Street, only the Central Street and Cornwall Avenue crossings remain, and will wait for future funding. STORY: Swinomish youth lead clean energy efforts A clean energy transformation in Skagit County is being led by Swinomish youth. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community says its move toward solar power and energy storage began with a simple question from young people: Why don’t we have solar? Tribal leaders then launched a series of clean energy projects focused on resilience, affordability, and environmental stewardship. According to a recent release from the Department of Commerce, the tribe has invested more than $6.4 million through a partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce. Solar panels and battery-backed microgrids have been installed at the Swinomish Youth Center as well as at various housing units. The tribe says the technology has cut energy bills, provided backup power during outages, and improved emergency preparedness. STORY: 19-year-old wins seat on Mt. Vernon school board A recent Mount Vernon High School graduate is now making history on the Mount Vernon School Board. Nineteen-year-old Sammy Solano Rivera was sworn-in earlier this month after he won nearly 60 percent of the vote, and unseated an eight-year incumbent. He’s the youngest school board member in district history but Solano says he had two main reasons to run. SOLANO RIVERA AUDIO 1 Now that he is a School Board Director, Solano-Rivera says his priorities are clear. SOLANO RIVERA AUDIO 2 As the first Latino member of the Mt. Vernon school board, Sammy says he is also focused on increasing representation. SOLANO RIVERA AUDIO 3 Now a student at Skagit Valley College, Solano Rivera says he wants to bring stronger student voices into board decisions and improve representation in a district where more than half of students are Latino. SOLANO RIVERA AUDIO 4 School Board Director Sammy Solano Rivera starts his new position on January 7th. STORY: Bellingham Public Library launches Winter Reading Challenge for adults If more reading is on your resolution list for the New Year, Bellingham Public Library has a Winter Reading Challenge that might be a perfect incentive. The challenge runs from January through March. If you’d like to participate, pick up a Winter Reading Challenge Activity Card now at any Bellingham Public Library. Print copies of the challenge are also available at all Bellingham Public Library branches. STORY: Polar Bear Plunges for 2026 If you’d rather kick off the new year with a shock to the system, why not check out a Polar Bear Plunge? Across the region, crowds are gearing up to trade comfort and warmth for icy water, cheering spectators and, of course, bragging rights. The annual plunges draw swimmers of all ages, many in costumes, all willing to brave frigid conditions for fun, tradition and local causes. Organizers remind participants to check event times, …
December 30, 2025 News Transcript
Burn ban in effect in the east county, New minimum wage, higher taxes and utility costs, set to hit Bellingham in the new year, Changes in street parking in Fairhaven coming in January, Port contracting questioned, Healthy Children’s fund to potentially be allocated to families with young children impacted by flooding, Trump administration announces major changes to H-1B visa Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, December 30th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Burn ban in effect in the east county A Stage One burn ban is now in effect for parts of Whatcom County. The Northwest Clean Air Agency issued the ban yesterday for the Columbia Valley urban growth area, which includes the Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes developments. Officials say cold, calm air is expected to trap harmful wood smoke near the ground. Effective immediately, most indoor and all outdoor wood burning is prohibited. Smoke pollution can worsen asthma, heart and lung conditions, and is especially dangerous for children, older adults, and people with existing health problems. No timeline has been given for when the burn ban will be lifted. STORY: New minimum wage, higher taxes and utility costs, set to hit Bellingham in the new year As the new year begins, the cost of living in Bellingham is rising — along with wages. Beginning Thursday, Bellingham’s minimum wage will rise to $19.13 an hour, two dollars above the state minimum. That’s higher than most Washington cities, though still below Seattle and Everett. At the same time, the city approved a one-percent property tax increase, a one-tenth of one percent sales tax to help fund police and public safety, and a rise in water, sewer, and stormwater rates. The average utility bill is expected to jump by about $17 a month, as the city works to cover rising costs and replace aging infrastructure. STORY: Changes in street parking in Fairhaven coming in January Fairhaven will see changes to on-street parking beginning on January 5th. Portions of Larrabee Avenue, Harris Avenue, and 11th through 13th Streets will move from 2-hour limits to paid parking. The city says the change is meant to improve access to local businesses by encouraging regular turnover of parking spaces. Only areas currently limited to 2-hour parking are affected. STORY: Port contracting questioned During a December 16th meeting, Port commissioners approved a $219,000 contract with Anchor QEA through the Port’s legal counsel, with no discussion. The agreement covers the transfer of institutional knowledge from retiring staff to the new employee. Critics question why the Port isn’t using its own staff to train the successor and note that much of the billed work involves administrative tasks like cost tracking and report generation. A recent series by Pat Grub, managing editor of the Northern Light newspaper in Blaine, highlighted a longstanding reliance on a sole-source contractor for decades of legal and environmental support, and raises questions about cost, transparency, and internal expertise at the Port. According to Port Commissioner Michael Shepherd, changes at the Port bring opportunities for improvement. SHEPHERD AUDIO 1 Shepherd also gave an update on the new Port Commission expansion. SHEPHERD AUDIO 2 The new Port Commission seats are expected to be on the ballot this November. STORY: Healthy Children’s fund to potentially be allocated to families with young children impacted by flooding More funding could soon be on the way for families effected by this month’s flooding in Whatcom County. The Whatcom County Council is considering a proposal to use money from the Healthy Children’s Fund to help families with young children. Under the resolution, up to $750,000 could be distributed to families with children under the age of five. Supporters say the fund can be used during natural disasters because it promotes housing stability. The Healthy Children’s Fund, approved by voters in 2022, is expected to generate about $10 million a year over the next eight years. STORY: Trump administration announces major changes to H-1B visa The Trump administration has announced a major change to the H-1B work visa program, and says it’s aimed at protecting American workers. Under a new rule from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the current random lottery system for H-1B visas will be replaced with a process that prioritizes higher-paid, more highly skilled workers. The visas are capped at 65,000 per year, with an additional 20,000 reserved for workers with advanced U.S. degrees. Federal officials say the change is intended to prevent employers from using the program to hire foreign workers at lower wages than U.S. workers. The rule takes effect February 27th, and will apply to visa registrations for the 2027 fiscal year. The move is part of a broader effort by the administration to tighten oversight of work-visa and immigration programs. WX: Just two bros with a ‘cast And now weather, Clouds and partial sunshine are in the forecast again today. Daytime highs should peak around the mid-40s, with evening lows dropping into the mid to low 30s. Tomorrow should be much the same. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg, Kathi O’Shea, Austin Wright, and Kai Blais-Schmolke. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by your donations. To help support what we do, check out our Patreon, Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb________… thanks for listening! ##
December 29, 2025 News Transcript
I-5 closures set for this week, Whatcom County man arrested for stalking and distributing intimate images, Downtown library to undergo major reno, New affordable housing moves forward, Padden Creek fuel spill cost $150,000, Supporters push back against Birch Bay incorporation report, US 2 re-opens, Blaine senior center votes to keep funds where they are, 19-year-old wins seat on Mt. Vernon school board, Trump administration announces major changes to H-1B visa Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, December, 29. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: I-5 closures set for this week Expect delays today on Interstate 5 in Bellingham. Washington State Department of Transportation crews will reduce northbound I-5 to one lane for two days while they repair damage to guardrails and signs. Tomorrow, the right lane will close from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the Fairhaven Parkway exit. Nighttime travelers should also plan ahead— the southbound Meridian Street on-ramp to I-5 will be closed overnight from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. through early Wednesday morning. Drivers should expect delays, and slow down for road crews. STORY: Whatcom County man arrested for stalking and distributing intimate images A Whatcom County man faces multiple felony charges in Superior Court. Twenty-nine-year-old Collin Noah Ruginski (roo-GIN-skee) of Bellingham was arrested in late September on charges that include stalking, disclosing intimate images, and first-degree criminal impersonation. Court records say Ruginski posted explicit photos of a woman on social media while pretending to be her, with captions that encouraged sexual assault. Investigators say he also shared her vehicle information, license plate, and birthdate—despite a domestic violence protection order already in place. Ruginski pled guilty to stalking the same victim earlier this year. Authorities say additional victims have been identified and more charges are expected. Ruginski’s massage therapist license was suspended December 22nd. He remains in custody on $300,000 bail, with trial set for February 2nd. STORY: Downtown library to undergo major reno Big changes are coming to the Bellingham Public Library’s downtown location. City officials say the Central Avenue library will close for about a year during a major renovation project expected to begin in late summer or fall of this year. The $8.5-million remodel is the second phase of a modernization plan that started in 2020. During construction, the library will expand hours at its Fairhaven, Barkley Village, and Bellis Fair branches to maintain access for the public. The project includes a renovated and expanded children’s area, upgrades to heating and air systems, and improvements to staff spaces. Construction is scheduled to wrap up by summer of next year. City leaders say the public will have a chance to review and comment on the final design before work begins. STORY: New affordable housing moves forward A long-planned apartment project is officially moving forward in Bellingham’s Barkley Village. Developers broke ground earlier this month on the Manning Apartments, a 142-unit, market-rate complex made possible in part by the city’s expanded Multi-Family Tax Exemption program. The exemption provides building owners with a partial property tax adjustment for between 8-20 years. The goal is to encourage the construction of more housing units, including affordable housing, within urban villages and other targeted areas of the city. The new project includes studios as well as one- and two-bedroom units in two buildings above an underground parking garage. Residents are expected to move in by mid-2027. The development had stalled for several years due to high construction and financing costs, but city officials say recent changes to housing incentives helped make the project financially viable. City leaders say the project highlights how tax exemptions and streamlined permitting can speed up housing production, as Bellingham works to meet state-mandated housing goals and address ongoing supply shortages. STORY: Padden Creek fuel spill cost $150,000 According to state officials, cleanup efforts following last summer’s diesel fuel spill in Padden Creek cost more than one-hundred-fifty-thousand dollars. The spill happened during construction of a culvert and fish passage project meant to improve salmon habitat. An unattended diesel pump leaked hundreds of gallons of fuel on two separate days in August, which contaminated soil along the creek. The Washington State Department of Ecology led the response and covered the bulk of the cleanup costs, with assistance from the city of Bellingham, the Lummi Nation, and the Nooksack Indian Tribe. Officials confirmed several fish were killed, but say no fuel reached Bellingham Bay. The incident remains under investigation, and state regulators say decisions on responsibility and possible penalties could take a year or more. STORY: Supporters push back against Birch Bay incorporation report Whatcom County released a draft feasibility study on the incorporation of Birch Bay last week, and now supporters of the plan are pushing back. The study says Birch Bay has a strong property tax base, but limited sales tax revenue, which would make it difficult to balance a city budget. According to the report, police services would be the largest expense, with a projected nearly-two-million-dollar deficit in the first year, expected to grow over time. In a December 12th letter to County Executive Satpal Sidhu, the Birch Bay Incorporation Association says the study doesn’t reflect the more barebones ‘contract-based government’ model the community is interested in. They call the projections unrealistic and discouraging. In the letter, Association founder Matt Berry said the community was opposed to an expensive bureaucracy and instead envisioned a city that relied heavily on contracts. The association requested the final report include four scenarios for the financial model in the final summary instead of only listing the most expensive one, and include a spreadsheet showing a bottom-line budget if all services remained at their current levels. The group says it plans to hire an independent consultant. STORY: US 2 re-opens Drivers heading over Stevens Pass will get limited daytime access starting today. The Washington State Department of Transportation says U.S. Highway 2 will reopen to pilot-car operations between Coles Corner and Stevens Pass Resort. Traffic will alternate one direction at a time through an active …
December 26, 2025 News Transcript
Certain Bellingham services to remain closed following declaration of Boxing Day as federal holiday, Icy conditions reported on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Man arrested following assault outside Bellingham homeless shelter, RFK declares public health emergency following WA floods, Head of WA Dept. of Commerce steps down, expected to be named next leader of Seattle Metropolitan Chamber, AG leads suit to block restrictions on gender-affirming care, Free or Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, December, 26. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Certain Bellingham services to remain closed following declaration of Boxing Day as federal holiday President Trump has signed an executive order making both Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas federal holidays. That means federal offices will be closed today—which will affect some local services in Bellingham. All branches of the Bellingham Public Library will be closed today, as will the Bellingham Food Bank, and most city services. Whatcom County District Court will also be closed, and FedEx has announced it will operate on a modified schedule. Most grocery stores, restaurants and retailers are expected to remain open, though many may have shortened hours. STORY: Icy conditions reported on Birch Bay-Lynden Road Icy roads caused problems in northern Whatcom County yesterday. A Washington State Patrol trooper radioed just before 9 a.m., and warned that Birch Bay–Lynden Road between Lynden and I-5 was a quote “sheet of ice.” Birch Bay and Maple Falls clocked the lowest temperatures at 32 degrees, Blaine came in second at 33, while Lynden and Ferndale were slightly warmer, at just under 40. Troopers urge drivers to slow down and use extra caution when the thermometer drops, especially on untreated roads. STORY: Man arrested following assault outside Bellingham homeless shelter A Bellingham man faces felony assault charges after an unprovoked attack outside a downtown homeless shelter. Bellingham Police say a fight broke out Friday night inside Lighthouse Mission Ministries. Thirty-two-year-old Netjo Djukanovich (NED-yo jew-kuh-NO-vich) was escorted outside after he pushed a man. Police say he then punched a second man without warning, knocking him unconscious. The victim was treated by first responders but was not taken to the hospital. Djukanovich fled before officers arrived, but was arrested the next morning after he returned to the shelter. He’s now charged with second- and fourth-degree assault, and remains in the Whatcom County Jail on a fifteen-thousand-dollar bond. STORY: RFK declares public health emergency following WA floods U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has declared a public health emergency over this month’s flooding in Washington state. The declaration is aimed at protecting Medicare and Medicaid patients, including people who rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment. Health and Human Services says it is activating its emPOWER data system to help identify vulnerable residents and has waived certain HIPAA penalties for hospitals to ensure continued access to care. The move could also strengthen Washington’s case for a major disaster declaration from President Trump. Governor Bob Ferguson says he plans to formally request that in the coming weeks. The flooding forced thousands of evacuations, breached levees, damaged highways and has been linked to one death. The emergency declaration is retroactive to December ninth, and federal disaster resources are already in place as crews continue recovery efforts. STORY: Head of WA Dept. of Commerce steps down, expected to be named next leader of Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Washington’s Department of Commerce is losing its director. Joe Nguyen (NWIN) has announced he’s stepping down and is expected to become the next leader of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber. Nguyen told Commerce employees he plans to leave sometime in January, saying he’s accepted a new opportunity in Seattle that’s closer to home. While he didn’t name the job, the Seattle Chamber is expected to announce him as its next CEO on Monday. The Chamber is an independent business group with about twenty-six hundred members. Governor Bob Ferguson praised Nguyen’s work leading the agency, which oversees billions of dollars in housing, energy and economic development programs. Nguyen is the first member of Ferguson’s cabinet to step down, and the governor has not yet said how or when he’ll name a replacement. STORY: AG leads suit to block restrictions on gender-affirming care Washington Attorney General Nick Brown is co-leading a multistate lawsuit that challenges what he calls a federal attack on gender-affirming care for young people. Brown and attorneys general from nineteen other states argue that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unlawfully issued a so-called “declaration” which threatened to punish doctors and hospitals that provide gender-affirming care by cutting them off from Medicare and Medicaid. Gender-affirming care is protected in Washington, and state officials warn the declaration could jeopardize thousands of providers and disrupt care for patients across the Medicaid system. The coalition says the move bypasses required public review, improperly changes medical standards, and interferes with states’ authority to regulate health care. Brown says the care remains legal under both federal and state law, and calls the federal action “cruel, unnecessary, and illegal.” The lawsuit asks a federal court to block enforcement of the declaration. STORY: Free or cheap It’s Friday, and schools are out for the holidays— so here are some suggestions of family-friendly activities for the weekend. Today, there’s Open Play at PlayDate BLI – which provides open indoor play for kids. Open Play is located in the Bellis Fair Mall, and all day access costs $10. It’s Open Skate at the Lynden Skateway tonight– with a family skating session from 7-10:00 pm, and the cost is $12 with skate rental. Saturday, there’s a free Storytime at the Lynden Village Books from 11- 11:30am. Also— tomorrow and Sunday— why not stop by the Deck The Old City Hall Event for some arts-related activities– admission is by donation. WX: Bhacks It’s Boxing Day— if you’re new to the area or don’t know what that is, Boxing Day is celebrated each year on the day after Christmas. Traditionally, it originated in the U.K. as a day to give gifts …
