(RETRACTION): MIPA canceled for Ferndale teen, Bellingham police seeking information on suspect in gunpoint robbery near Grant and Lakeway, Deming man arrested after stabbing a man with a dental tool, Thieves steal $1M in whiskey from Skagit distillery, Student financial aid applications now open, Wildfire smoke linked to thousands of deaths, New baby orca born, Free or Cheap (kill 10/3), WIC program faces funding shortage, Fires still burning in WA, WA files anti-trust lawsuit against Redfin and Zillow, Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, October 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY (RETRACTION): MIPA canceled for Ferndale teen Yesterday, we reported on a Missing Indigenous Person Alert issued for 15-year-old Kamran Finkbonner of Ferndale. As it happened, Finkbonner had been found, and the alert was canceled before our newscast went on the air. We apologize for the error. STORY: Bellingham police seeking information on suspect in gunpoint robbery near Grant and Lakeway Bellingham Police are investigating an armed robbery on Grant Street reported late last Friday. According to Bellingham Police Lieutenant Claudia Murphy, details regarding the incident are not being released publicly to preserve the integrity of the investigation. Police ask residents in the Grant Street and Lakeway Drive area to check security cameras for possible evidence. No arrests have been made as detectives continue working to identify suspects. STORY: Deming man arrested after stabbing a man with a dental tool A man was arrested by Bellingham Police after an alleged assault involving a dental tool. Officers say 42-year-old Tibrucio Almojera stabbed another man three times in the back with a dental scaler during a fight on West Maplewood Avenue on the morning of September 27th. He fled on an electric bike, but was later detained in Ferndale. Almojera was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of assault and drug-related charges. STORY: Lynden man arrested for bringing a gun to school A Lynden man was arrested after he was spotted with a firearm on school property. According to court documents, the 41-year-old man walked into Lynden High School on September 23rd to pick up his sick child. Staff members told police the man acted aggressively and smelled like alcohol; they eventually noticed a pistol on his hip as he and his child prepared to leave campus. Police later found the suspect is unable to legally own a firearm due to his status as a registered sex offender. He was arrested last Wednesday, and released on cash bail a day later. STORY: Driver hospitalized following rollover crash in Ferndale A driver was seriously injured in a rollover crash that closed the northbound I-5 on-ramp from Ferndale’s Main Street yesterday morning. Washington State Patrol says a pickup truck left the off-ramp and collided with a sedan around 8:45 a.m., sending the sedan’s driver to the hospital. The ramp was closed for several hours before reopening at about 1 p.m. Troopers say alcohol and drugs were not factors, and the cause remains under investigation. STORY: Thieves steal $1M in whiskey from Skagit distillery A million dollars’ worth of whiskey from Skagit County is gone without a trace. Thieves pulled off one of the rarest liquor heists in U.S. history this summer, vanishing with 12,000 bottles of craft whiskey from the Westland Distillery in Burlington. The Associated Press reports the suspects arrived at the distillery warehouse on July 31st in a freight truck, carrying what appeared to be legitimate paperwork to pick up a shipment headed for New Jersey. The whiskey, however, never made it. Among the stolen cases is nearly half the stock of Westland’s 10-year Garryana single malt, a special anniversary release that took over a decade to create. Westland’s managing director Jason Moore called the incident a “sophisticated, fraudulent carrier scheme,” and says the stolen Garryana bottles are irreplaceable. The Skagit Valley Sheriff’s Office is investigating the heist, and collectors are now left wondering where — and if — those rare bottles might surface. STORY: Student financial aid applications now open Financial aid applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open for Washington students. About half of the families in our state may qualify for free money for college, trade school, or apprenticeships. Students can apply using the FAFSA for federal and state aid, or the WAFSA for state aid only. An early application is the first step toward funding higher education. STORY: Wildfire smoke linked to thousands of deaths A new study warns that wildfire smoke could cause tens of thousands of extra deaths each year. The study involves over 1.2 million Kaiser Permanente members from Southern California, and shows that if climate change continues unchecked, wildfire smoke could cause more than 70,000 extra deaths in the U.S. by 2050. This includes up to 1,400 deaths annually in Washington. Researchers say the findings underscore the urgent need for forest management, clean air protections, and climate pollution reduction to prevent the worst health impacts. STORY: New baby orca born And now for some good news — a southern resident orca has been born! Researchers have confirmed the birth of the orca calf, J64, spotted last Tuesday in the Georgia Strait with its mother, J42. The Center for Whale Research says the calf appears healthy and is nursing, but warns that survival during the first year is uncertain. With fewer than 75 whales remaining, each birth is critical for the endangered population. WX: It’s not all Goodall in the Hoodall And now for the weather: It looks like another day of mostly gray skies and scattered showers today, as we continue our attempt to hang onto those summer-adjacent temperatures. Highs today should remain in the upper-60s, with continued high winds up to 27 miles per hour. The evening should remain relatively mild, with cloudy skies and lows around the high 40s. Expect low chances of showers tomorrow, although we might see some partial afternoon sunshine as well. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga …
October 1, 2025 News Transcript
Release of Epstein files delayed by government shutdown, MIPA issued for at-risk youth out of Ferndale, Two men taken into custody in southern Oregon in connection with death of Bellingham man, Bellingham mayor’s proposed 2026 budget includes new sales tax and widespread layoffs, Bellingham City Councilmember alleges fraud in race for council seat, Bellingham Central Lutheran church set to host severe weather shelter, No students injured in school bus collision on Lakeway, WA co-leads 16-state lawsuit in fighting federal cuts to sexual health education, Thieves steal $1M in whiskey from Skagit distillery, Wildfire smoke linked to thousands of deaths, Free or Cheap (kill 10/3), Free or Cheap (kill 10/3), Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4) HEADLINES Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, October 1st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Release of Epstein files delayed by government shutdown The federal government has shut down. The Republican-led Congress failed to reach a funding deal, resulting in major consequences for Washington state’s 82,000 federal employees. Services ranging from parks to air travel will also be impacted. According to reports, essential operations like Social Security and mail delivery will continue, but many workers could be furloughed or forced to work without pay, as in the 2019 shutdown when rangers and staff at Mount Rainier were sent home. Veterans’ medical care would stay open, though regional offices and counseling programs would close. Lawmakers are trading blame, with Republicans accusing Democrats of obstruction. However, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen says that, for Democrats, this is all about keeping healthcare affordable for middle-class Americans. [clip: LARSEN RECAP 1, :33, out: “…the lack of action on the Affordable Care Act tax credits”] While the shutdown continues, another Congressional goal will also not move forward: the release of the long-awaited Epstein files. [clip: LARSEN EPSTEIN 1, :29, out: “…the House will have to act on the Epstein files”] Earlier today, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced that the House will not return to session until next week, as the government shutdown has no end in sight. STORY: MIPA issued for at-risk youth out of Ferndale A Missing Indigenous Person Alert has been issued for a Ferndale teenager. 15-year-old Kamran Finkbonner is 5-feet-5-inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. He was wearing black sweatpants and a black t-shirt at the time of his disappearance. Finkbonner was last seen at 9 a.m. on Monday, September 29th, at the 5000 block of Golden Eagle Drive in Ferndale, after which he set out on foot in an unknown direction. Finkbonner is autistic, and needs very clear instructions from police or social workers in order to understand the cause-and-effect of choices. Anyone with information is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately. STORY: Two men taken into custody in southern Oregon in connection with death of Bellingham man Two men are behind bars in Southern Oregon, accused of the murder of a Bellingham man. Oregon State Police SWAT raided a rural property in Klamath (KLAM-ath) County last Thursday morning and arrested 38-year-old Russell Carroway and 31-year-old Devin Pellerin (PEL-luh-rin). Both are charged in the death of 47-year-old Robert T. Hein (HINE) of Bellingham. According to the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klein was murdered — his body found in a wooded area in Oregon. The Klamath County Major Crime Team, led by Oregon State Police, is still investigating. No further details have been released. STORY: Bellingham mayor’s proposed 2026 budget includes new sales tax and widespread layoffs Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund unveiled her proposed 2026 city budget during last night’s City Council meeting. The 543-million-dollar plan would eliminate the equivalent of 40 jobs, including 12 layoffs. There will be reductions across nearly every city department — from police and fire to parks, libraries, and the mayor’s own office. Lund says the cuts will mean reduced library hours, less parks maintenance, and fewer walk-in services. She and all department heads will also forgo cost-of-living raises next year. To help balance the budget, Lund is also urging the Council to approve a one-tenth of 1% sales tax for public safety, expected to raise nearly 4 million dollars. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the budget next Monday at City Hall. STORY: Bellingham City Councilmember alleges fraud in race for council seat A Bellingham City Council member has accused local Democratic leaders of mishandling endorsements in a city council race. According to a complaint filed with the Washington State Democratic Party, council member Lisa Anderson alleges fraud in the Whatcom Democrats’ endorsement process. The dispute centers on how votes were counted in the Ward 6 race between incumbent Michael Lilliquist and former party chair Andrew Reding. The state party reviewed Anderson’s complaint, but said they found no code of conduct violations that required intervention. STORY: Bellingham Central Lutheran church set to host severe weather shelter The building that once housed the Central Lutheran Church in Bellingham’s Sehome neighborhood will once again serve as a severe weather shelter. The location was announced during a City Council committee meeting by Chris D’Onofrio (doe-NOFF-rio), the Housing Program Supervisor at Whatcom County Health and Community Services. Whatcom County has allocated 450-thousand dollars for shelter staff and operational costs. Furthermore, the City Council says it will consider the pledge of an additional one-hundred thousand dollars, which would be allocated only after all of the Whatcom County money has been spent. The Bellingham funds would come from the city’s affordable housing sales tax. According to D’Onofrio, Whatcom County has already announced plans to hire double the number of temporary staff for the shelter, as well as reducing the number of available beds from 80 to 60. Lastly, in response to concerns expressed by neighbors in the area surrounding the Forest Street location, the County will also provide transportation away from the shelter to overnight guests. STORY: No students injured in school bus collision on Lakeway Lakeway Drive was briefly closed on Monday after a traffic collision involving a school bus. …
September 30, 2025 News Transcript
WWU libraries closed while law enforcement searches for bomb, Federal government shutdown looms, Larsen responds, Fall’s first big windstorm expected to hit Bellingham coast this evening, New state sales tax set to take effect tomorrow, Multi-vehicle crash west of Ferndale leaves one dead and three injured, WA and states sue to maintain emergency services funds, No students injured in school bus collision on Lakeway, Thieves steal $1M in whiskey from Skagit distillery, Two men taken into custody in southern Oregon in connection with death of Bellingham man, Wildfire smoke linked to thousands of deaths, Free and Cheap (10/3), WA 3rd best for teachers, Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, September 30th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: WWU libraries closed while law enforcement searches for bomb Western Washington University’s Wilson Library and Haggard Hall were closed this morning for over an hour due to a threat of violence. According to a release from Western, the university received a racist email containing a vague threat around 8 a.m. During the closure, no students or staff were allowed in the buildings. However, after an investigation, law enforcement deemed the threat not credible. University and city police — along with K-9 units — swept the building as a precaution. The all-clear was issued at around 11 a.m. STORY: Federal government shutdown looms, Larsen responds U.S. Representative Rick Larsen says Republicans would rather shut down the federal government than negotiate to restore health care coverage. Larsen warns the GOP’s government funding plan would cause 80-thousand Washingtonians to lose their health insurance and drive up costs for everyone. [clip: LARSEN AUDIO 1, :44, out: “…the tax credits been extended”] Larsen points to local hospitals already cutting staff because of deep Medicaid and Medicare reductions, and says families like small business owners in Bellingham could see health insurance costs climb by tens of thousands of dollars. Furthermore, Larsen says Republicans shoulder the responsibility. [clip: LARSEN AUDIO 2, :49, out: “…on the edge of the economy”] Larsen also warns that cutting health care funding will affect the economy of the entire state. [clip: LARSEN AUDIO 3, :19, out: “…up into double digits”] Federal funding runs out at midnight tomorrow, and threatens thousands of Northwest Washington workers with furloughs, as well as delays in farm relief, and even missed paychecks for active-duty military. STORY: Fall’s first big windstorm expected to hit Bellingham coast this evening Strong coastal winds are headed for Whatcom County, and officials are urging boaters and coastal residents to get ready now. The National Weather Service says winds will begin increasing tonight as a stronger front moves into the region, bringing gale-force conditions to coastal waters, the east Strait of Juan de Fuca, and parts of the northern inland waters. A gale warning remains in effect through 5 a.m. tomorrow, with southeast gusts up to 40 knots and wind waves reaching as high as 5 feet, especially near Point Roberts. Boaters are advised to secure vessels in marinas, and coastal residents should tie down loose items such as lawn furniture and trash bins. Minor tidal flooding is possible in low-lying areas such as Sandy Point and Point Roberts, where winds may hit hardest. Drivers and beachgoers are advised to use caution near coastal roads. STORY: New state sales tax set to take effect tomorrow A sweeping new package of Washington state taxes is set to take effect tomorrow, headlined by a controversial sales tax on services. Lawmakers expect Senate Bill 5814 to bring in more than three and a half billion dollars over the next two years for the state budget. However, one of its biggest money-makers — a tax on advertising services — already faces a legal challenge from Comcast, which says the levy is unconstitutional. In all, more than 90,000 businesses will pay the new sales tax on services ranging from temp staffing and IT to live events and security. Other hikes include a higher business and occupation tax on banks and large service firms. Concurrently, the state’s new $15.5 billion transportation budget is raising fees — including driver’s license renewals, ferry surcharges, and tolls for transit vehicles. Democrats say the new revenue is essential to shore up state services and transportation projects, while Republicans universally oppose the tax hikes. STORY: Multi-vehicle crash west of Ferndale leaves one dead and three injured A crash near Ferndale left one dead and sent three others to the hospital. According to police records, the collision happened just after 7 p.m. on Sunday at the intersection of Mountain View and Olson roads. The Ferndale Police Department, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire crews all responded to the incident. Two motorcycles and a car were involved. One motorcyclist — 20-year-old Malakhi A. Moreau — died at the scene, while the other was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center. The two people in the car were also seriously hurt and hospitalized. The Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the collision. STORY: WA and states sue to maintain emergency services funds A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from withholding billions in emergency services funding in order to force states to assist with federal immigration enforcement. According to a recent release from Washington Attorney General Nick Brown’s office, the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA abruptly cut funding to several states on Saturday, including Washington, without notice or explanation and just four days before the end of the federal fiscal year. The money was reallocated to states that agreed to divert law enforcement dollars from core public safety services in order to assist in federal immigration enforcement. The new ruling comes after Attorney General Brown and 19 other attorneys general sued FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, arguing the agencies’ actions violated the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act. The court agreed, and said the funding conditions were illegal and nearly impossible for states to comply with. Washington relies on these federal dollars for …
September 29, 2025 News Transcript
Trump send military to Portland: Oregon sues, Missing Bellingham man’s car found abandoned in Olympia, MIPA issued for woman out of Skagit County, Boundary Bay asks for help locating missing sign, New budget unveiled today, Work starts again on 12th Street, WCC awarded $1.9 million grant to aid low-income STEM students, AI reviews of Medicare eligibility to begin next year, Two men taken into custody in southern Oregon in connection with death of Bellingham man, WA co-leads 16-state lawsuit in fighting federal cuts to sexual health education, WA co-leads 16-state lawsuit in fighting federal cuts to sexual health education, Thieves steal $1M in whiskey from Skagit distillery, Wildfire smoke linked to thousands of deaths, WA and states sue to maintain emergency services funds, Two men taken into custody in southern Oregon in connection with death of Bellingham man, Veterans claim housing and suicide among their greatest issues in meeting with Rep. Larsen, Free or Cheap (kill 10/3), Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, September 29th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Trump send military to Portland: Oregon sues Both Oregon and the city of Portland have sued the Trump administration to block the deployment of National Guard troops to the city. Besides President Trump, the lawsuit also names Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (GNOME). The lawsuit refers to the deployment as unlawful, and a violation of the 10th Amendment. On their end, the administration says the move is lawful, and that it aims to protect federal personnel and ICE facilities amid what it calls “violent riots.” Democratic leaders, including Governor Tina Kotek (COE-tek), argue there is no threat to public safety that warrants military intervention, and note that Portland’s crime rates are largely unchanged from last year. Kotek also criticized the federal takeover of the National Guard, saying the state has no information on deployment timelines, troop numbers, or whether they will be armed. Legal experts point to a recent federal ruling in California that found the administration’s National Guard deployment there violated the Posse Comitatus (POS-ee kom-i-TAH-tuhs) Act, which limits military use in domestic law enforcement. The Portland lawsuit frames the deployment as a broader clash over state versus federal authority, amid Trump’s threats to send troops to multiple Democratic-led cities, including Chicago, Baltimore, and New Orleans. STORY: Missing Bellingham man’s car found abandoned in Olympia The search is on for a missing Bellingham man whose abandoned car was found in Olympia. According to The Bellingham Herald, 22-year-old Charlie Burns was last heard from on September 18th. Two days later, his car was discovered at the Capital Mall’s parking lot, but he has not been seen or heard from since. Burns is 6-foot-2, about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He’s a nursing student and plays with the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra. His family says he has no history of disappearing or cutting off contact, calling the situation deeply out of character. Anyone with information is asked to contact Olympia Police. STORY: MIPA issued for woman out of Skagit County In related news, an urgent search is underway for a missing Indigenous woman from Skagit County. The Washington State Patrol has issued a Missing Indigenous Person Alert for Nicole Day, a 45-year-old woman who has not been in contact with her family for about a year. She was last seen in Skagit County, and described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, around 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately. STORY: Boundary Bay asks for help locating missing sign Boundary Bay Brewery has asked for the community’s help after someone stole its blue “Bellingham’s Backyard” sign last Saturday night. The theft happened just days before the beloved Bellingham brewery pours its final pints tomorrow, marking the end of a 30-year run. Owners Ed Bennett and Janet Lightner will retire as the building’s lease expires. Anyone with information about the missing sign is urged to help return it — no questions asked. STORY: New budget unveiled today Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund will unveil the proposed 2026 city budget at today’s City Council Committee of the Whole meeting. The City says the financial plan tackles a projected $10 million gap in the General Fund with a local sales tax increase and spending cuts. Council members will begin work sessions next Monday, with public hearings set for that day and November 3rd. STORY: Work starts again on 12th Street Work resumes today on safety upgrades along the 12th Street and Finnegan Way corridor in Fairhaven. Crews will install a new traffic signal at 12th, Mill, and Finnegan streets, with construction expected to last through mid-October. This final phase of the project improves visibility and safety at this busy intersection. Drivers should expect delays and consider alternate routes. STORY: WCC awarded $1.9 million grant to aid low-income STEM students Whatcom Community College has been awarded a grant to help low-income students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs. The $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation will be used for scholarships of up to $15,000 for 96 STEM students over a six-year period. The grant also provides funding for mentoring, advising and research opportunities. Whatcom’s Learning Center director Jason Babcock calls the grant a major breakthrough. He says many talented local students have the potential for well-paying STEM careers or to launch tech startups, but financial barriers have held them back. The grant aims to remove those obstacles and builds on a previous $650,000 grant that helped 51 students. According to WCC, students who were helped by the previous grant now work for multinational companies such as Marathon Oil, General Dynamics, and PACCAR (PACK-car) Inc. They are also employed by dozens of smaller local employers, including Herrera Environmental Consultants and Team Corporation. STORY: AI reviews of Medicare eligibility to begin next year Medicare in Washington will soon use AI to decide if certain medical …
September 26, 2025 News Transcript
Whatcom man arrested on suspicion of child sexual assault, DNA tests confirm Travis Decker is dead, Winter preparations set to prompt closures of Mount Baker Highway starting next week, Tree coupon back, Cascade PBS announces staffing cuts and complete cessation of long-form journalism following federal defunding, FREE OR CHEAP, Veterans claim housing and suicide among their greatest issues in meeting with Rep. Larsen, AI reviews of Medicare eligibility to begin next year, Free or Cheap (kill 10/3), Veterans claim housing and suicide among their greatest issues in meeting with Rep. Larsen, AI reviews of Medicare eligibility to begin next year, Free or Cheap (kill 10/3), WA 3rd best for teachers, Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, September 26th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom man arrested on suspicion of child sexual assault A Ferndale man is in custody after he allegedly sexually assaulted a child. The Bellingham Herald reports 51‑year‑old Gavin Joseph Glyzinski (gluh-ZIN-ski) of Ferndale is charged with second‑degree rape of a child and communicating with a minor for an immoral purpose. According to city officials, Glyzinski allegedly sent sexually explicit texts to the minor on August 5th, and arranged to meet with them the next day. Glyzinski reportedly had non-consensual sexual contact with the child when they met. The victim told investigators they froze in fear due to Glyzinski’s size and age. Ferndale Police arrested Glyzinski on Wednesday and booked him into the Whatcom County Jail, where he remains pending further legal proceedings. STORY: DNA tests confirm Travis Decker is dead DNA testing has confirmed that remains found last week belong to Travis Decker, ending a months-long search. Decker was wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters — 9‑year‑old Paityn, 8‑year‑old Evelyn, and 5‑year‑old Olivia — whose bodies were found near a campground in June. According to the Seattle Times, the results from the Washington State Patrol crime lab that linked Decker’s DNA to the human remains came back on Monday; however, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison asked the lab to conduct separate tests on the bodily remains and clothing, in order to quash rumors that Decker had killed another person and dressed the body in his clothes to throw off authorities. Morrison thanked the various agencies that assisted with the search, saying they could not have done it without their help. [clip: Morrison-thanks.wav, :11, out: “…side of us”] Morrison added that the county coroner is now working to determine when and how Decker died — a process that could take time. [clip: Morrison.wav, :09, out: “…have those answers”] Decker’s remains, clothing and a can of chewing tobacco were found less than a mile away and 1,200 feet above where his daughters’ bodies were located near the Rock Island Campground, west of Leavenworth. STORY: Winter preparations set to prompt closures of Mount Baker Highway starting next week Preparations for the upcoming winter season are slated to begin at the Mount Baker Highway next week. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, starting this Monday and ending Thursday, the scenic route will close daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. near the Coal Creek Bridge. An email statement from WSDOT (wash-DOT) says that maintenance crews will be clearing catch basins and ditches, removing hazardous trees, and making guardrail and shoulder repairs. Any travelers who choose to travel beyond the closure points during closure hours may do so at their own risk. WSDOT says these travelers must be past Picture Lake before 7:30 a.m. and will not be allowed back through the closure point until after 4 p.m. STORY: Tree coupon back Bellingham’s Tree Coupon Program is back this fall. Residents can get up to $100 off per tree at participating nurseries to plant on private property. The city says last year’s program added more than 500 trees, boosting Bellingham’s urban canopy. Sign-ups are online, and coupons are valid from October through May. STORY: Cascade PBS announces staffing cuts and complete cessation of long-form journalism following federal defunding Cascade PBS is pulling the plug on long‑form journalism. The media outlet, which serves all of western and central Washington — as well as British Columbia — announced it will cease producing long‑form written journalism, part of a major restructure triggered by the loss of three-and-a-half million dollars in federal funding — prompted by Congress’s defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Cascade will eliminate 16 positions — about a 12% staff cut — across marketing, creative, and editorial departments. Going forward, the broadcaster plans to focus on video and streaming content. It will continue producing local series like Mossback’s Northwest, The Nosh, and Art by Northwest; Cascade will also expand its news show The Newsfeed to five days a week. Cascade PBS says it will offer severance packages above its standard policy to help impacted employees. While supporters have rallied with one‑time donations, the organization warns those gifts will not sustain long-term operations. These cuts mark a major shift for public media in our region — and a sobering reminder of the fragile state of nonprofit journalism. STORY: FREE OR CHEAP It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county. The ninth annual SeaFeast is running tomorrow and Sunday at Bellingham’s Squalicum Harbor, just off Roeder Avenue. According to their website, the event seeks to celebrate the city’s, quote, “rich maritime heritage, vibrant commercial fishing and seafood industries, and the deep connection our community shares with the waters that surround us” unquote. Attractions include live music, a beer garden, salmon from a Lummi Nation traditional fire pit, 25-plus food vendors, dockside dinner or brunch with Pacific Catalyst, and even a storytelling event! More information is available on SeaFeast’s website. The popular Friends of the Bellingham Public Library Book Sale is underway in the Lecture Room at the Central Avenue location. The public can browse from a huge …
September 25, 2025 News Transcript
Whatcom County Council introduces amendment to close legal loophole regarding reporting of court settlements, Nearly half of Whatcom County workers polled report fearing workplace harassment, Bellingham man pleads guilty to possession of child pornography, Travis Decker declared deceased by U.S. Marshals Service, local law enforcement still urging caution, Free showing of documentary exploring mental toll on first responders set for tonight at BHS, Independent review of Whatcom’s fire districts releases report, officials claim numerous inaccuracies, Projected tax revenue in Washington has fallen by over half a billion in wake of latest proposed budget, WA 3rd best for teachers, FREE OR CHEAP, New draft homeless plan, Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4), Tree coupon back (fill) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, September 25th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County Council introduces amendment to close legal loophole regarding reporting of court settlements The Whatcom County Council has introduced an amendment to close a legal loophole regarding employee settlements. The move comes after a 2024 exposé by Cascade PBS revealed the Council had been kept in the dark about a $225,000 settlement paid in 2023 to an employee who accused her manager of sexual harassment and retaliation. The settlement, linked to former Public Works Director Jon Hutchings’ resignation in 2022, was routed through the Washington Counties Risk Pool, which previously allowed the county to bypass council approval. Under the proposed amendment, council members would be notified of all third-party settlements within 30 days, and a council member would serve as a risk pool representative. Supporters say the change ensures transparency and prevents taxpayers from being left unaware of significant payouts. STORY: Nearly half of Whatcom County workers polled report fearing workplace harassment In a related story, a new independent report reveals deep concerns over how Whatcom County handles workplace harassment complaints. Nearly half of the county’s 1,200 employees took part in a survey conducted by the Matrix Consulting Group; many of them said investigations are too slow and untrustworthy. Among those who filed complaints, more than 60 percent were dissatisfied with the process or its outcomes, and over half feared retaliation for speaking up. The $100,000 review was ordered after revelations that former Public Works Director Jon Hutchings was allowed to resign in 2022 amid allegations of sexual harassment. County Council members say the findings send a clear message that stronger policies and greater accountability are urgently needed. STORY: Bellingham man pleads guilty to possession of child pornography A Bellingham man has pleaded guilty to charges involving child sexual abuse material. Thirty-two-year-old Joshua Luke Reppert (REH-pert) admitted in Whatcom County Superior Court to the possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Reppert was already under state supervision for similar crimes when a yearlong investigation uncovered more than 100 explicit images and videos of real children and over 250 involving animated abuse. He was arrested in May after Bellingham Police was assigned cybertips from Google and X by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Reppert’s sentencing will be scheduled after a Department of Corrections pre-sentence investigation. STORY: Travis Decker declared deceased by U.S. Marshals Service, local law enforcement still urging caution The search for the Army veteran accused of killing his three young daughters near Leavenworth may finally be coming to an end. Federal prosecutors revealed that the U.S. Marshals Service has advised Travis Decker is believed to be dead, after human remains were found less than a mile from where the girls’ bodies were discovered in June. Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison says DNA testing is still underway to confirm the identity, and warns that the Marshals’ announcement could be premature. The remains, which included bones and clothing that matched Decker’s, were located in steep, heavily forested terrain during a fourth grid search of the mountainside. The discovery comes nearly four months after Decker vanished, which sparked a massive manhunt that cost millions and shut down campgrounds and trails around Leavenworth. STORY: Free showing of documentary exploring mental toll on first responders set for tonight at BHS A powerful film about the mental health crisis among first responders will screen in Bellingham tonight. Sponsored by the Whatcom County EMS Council and EMS Foundation, the documentary PTSD911 will be shown from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bellingham High School. Directed by Conrad Weaver, the film explores the hidden psychological toll faced by police, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers. While admission is free, tickets are required and can be reserved online via the PTSD911 Facebook page. Seating is limited, and the public is welcome — with a special invitation extended to first responders. STORY: Independent review of Whatcom’s fire districts releases report, officials claim numerous inaccuracies In a related story, a new report recommends major changes to how Whatcom County delivers fire and EMS services, but local fire officials say it gets some key facts wrong. The county-funded Fire Services and EMS Assessment Final Report published this month proposes 19 changes that include fire district consolidation, increased transparency, shared resources, and the coordination of dispatch centers. However, some fire chiefs say the report contains inaccuracies — such as incorrect station addresses and outdated district boundaries — and that it does not fully reflect the work already being done. Volunteer brigades in Newhalem and Diablo were left out entirely. According to reporting by the Cascadia Daily News, district leaders also say they were not properly consulted. They also worry that suggestions about transparency could damage public trust, especially when voter approval is required for funding. While the proposed consolidation of Districts 7 and 17 has potential, officials say any merger must be mutually beneficial and approved by voters. Despite frustrations, some fire officials say the report may still improve communication moving forward. County Council members say they’ll review the recommendations with input from fire and EMS leadership, as well as newly hired staff. STORY: Projected tax revenue in Washington has fallen by over half a billion in wake of latest …
September 24, 2025 News Transcript
Man arrested in Lynden on suspicion of assault and arson, Guemes Island ferry rescues pilot after splashdown in Guemes Channel, Whatcom County releases new draft of 2026-’30 homelessness plan, Caregivers at Bellingham assisted living facility threaten strike amid wage and staffing woes, Hobbs refuses DOJ request to turn over WA voter database, Microsoft president lambasts recent WA tax hikes, Bellingham scientist among team responsible for finding evidence of ancient life on Mars, WA 3rd best for teachers, Free or Cheap, New draft homeless plan, Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4), Tree coupon back (fill) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, September 24th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Man arrested in Lynden on suspicion of assault and arson A Bellingham man is behind bars after a chaotic chase that involved pepper spray, arson, a car fire, and a helicopter. The Sheriff’s Office reports Whatcom County deputies were called Tuesday morning to Vineyard Place, where two people said they were pepper sprayed and attacked by a 30-year-old man. Deputies also learned the suspect allegedly set a vehicle on fire and may have fired a gun before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement launched a multi-agency search — including a marine helicopter — that tracked the suspect’s vehicle north on Noon Road. At one point, the suspect rammed a Lynden police car, drove into a ditch, and also hit another driver on Hannegan Road before finally being stopped and arrested. He now faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree arson, second-degree assault, attempting to elude police, and hit-and-run. He is being held without bail in Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Guemes Island ferry rescues pilot after splashdown in Guemes Channel Crew members from the Guemes (GWEE-miss) Island Ferry rescued a pilot in the channel off Anacortes on Monday. According to Skagit County communications manager Jenn Rogers, it was around noon when the ferry crew saw a small plane crash in the Guemes Channel. The plane, a Cessna 172, was slightly west of the ferry’s usual route. The ferry crew called 9-1-1, and then went out on the water to rescue the pilot. Police, fire and EMS responders were on standby as the ferry returned to the mainland. The pilot — who was the solo occupant of the plane — was cold and wet but otherwise uninjured. STORY: Whatcom County releases new draft of 2026-’30 homelessness plan Whatcom County has unveiled its newest roadmap for tackling homelessness — and it’s an ambitious one. The 2026–2030 plan, released last week by Whatcom County Health & Community Services, lays out seven key objectives and dozens of strategies to prevent homelessness, build affordable housing, expand shelters, and prioritize those most at risk. The plan is grounded in guiding principles like dignity, equity, and data-driven solutions, and will be tied to annual performance measures to track progress. It also includes bold targets. Over the next five years, the county aims to support 125 new affordable housing units, ramp up rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing slots, and grow shelter capacity, including tiny home villages in later years. Officials say the effort was shaped through community engagement — from people with lived experience to service providers — and will move forward in phases, with regular reports to the County Council and the public. STORY: Caregivers at Bellingham assisted living facility threaten strike amid wage and staffing woes Caregivers at Evergreen Supported Living in Bellingham are threatening to strike unless their demands for better staffing and pay are met. Members of Service Employees International Union 775 say understaffing is jeopardizing care for adults with disabilities. They’re pushing for higher wages, increased training, safer staffing levels, and more operational voice. Unionized in June of 2024, the caregivers have been in negotiations for nearly a year. They say chronic understaffing leaves clients with few outings beyond medical and grocery trips, and new hires receive less than two days of hands-on training before working solo. According to Cascadia Daily News, Evergreen has seen up to 90% staff turnover in recent years. Evergreen’s leadership says funding shortfalls have hurt revenue, and claim they already offer above-average pay. Last week, they tentatively agreed to some union demands, excluding wages and benefits, and are now waiting on a response from union members. The nonprofit operates under a contract with Washington’s Disability Determination Services, which sets Evergreen’s rates. The Bellingham City Council has urged both sides to negotiate rather than strike. STORY: Hobbs refuses DOJ request to turn over WA voter database Washington’s Secretary of State has officially denied the U.S. Department of Justice’s request to turn over all registered voters’ private information. The DOJ sent a letter to Steve Hobbs on September 8th, requesting the driver’s license number, full date of birth, and the last four digits of social security numbers, for every registered voter in the state. As justification, the letter said that the DOJ needs to determine Washington’s compliance with the 1993 National Voter Registration Act, as well as the 2002 Help America Vote Act. In a response posted on Tuesday, however, Hobbs expressed concerns that some elements of the request would violate state and federal law, and added that the state has already shared its public data. Hobbs also expressed doubts about the DOJ’s stated reasons for the request, and cited public reporting that indicates that the DOJ intends to use these lists to attempt to create a national voter registration database to share information with the Department of Homeland Security to assist in immigration enforcement efforts, and for other purposes not authorized by law. STORY: Microsoft president lambasts recent WA tax hikes Microsoft President Brad Smith has blasted Washington’s new tax hikes, warning they could drive jobs and investment out of the state. At the Washington Policy Center dinner on September 11th, Smith criticized lawmakers for what he called failed policies, that include higher business, capital gains and gas taxes, and a new top estate tax rate of 35 percent. He urged the business community to push …
September 23, 2025 News Transcript
Anacortes Middle School student in custody following alleged threats of violence, Opioid overdoses down in Whatcom County, despite “ready availability,” of low-price meth and fentanyl, Costcos in WA and several other states recall ready-made poke after finding listeria contamination, AG’s office joins seven other states in urging Trump administration not to repeal Roadless Rule, Bellingham scientist among team responsible for finding evidence of ancient life on Mars, WA 3rd best for teachers, New draft homeless plan, Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4), Tree coupon back (fill) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, September 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Anacortes Middle School student in custody following alleged threats of violence An Anacortes student is facing charges after allegedly making verbal threats of violence at school. Anacortes Now reports the investigation began last Thursday, when district officials received a report of a student making a verbal threat toward Anacortes Middle School. The school district quickly escalated the report and contacted Anacortes Police. Officers interviewed several students, parents, and staff members before arresting the student. The juvenile was booked into the Skagit County Juvenile Detention facility and charged with making threats to bomb or injure property. Police say there’s no evidence the student had a weapon, brought one to school, or kept a so-called “kill list.” Officials urge the public to take all threats seriously, but also to wait for verified facts as investigations take place. STORY: Opioid overdoses down in Whatcom County, despite “ready availability,” of low-price meth and fentanyl Opioid overdoses in Whatcom County may finally be trending downward, but the risk is far from over. According to law enforcement and addiction specialists who spoke with Cascadia Daily News, there were 20 emergency room visits for opioid overdoses in August, the lowest monthly total this year. This is also well below the levels seen in 2023 and ‘24, when monthly overdoses were two to three times higher. This decline mirrors national trends, which researchers link to better access to treatment, harm reduction efforts, and shifts in the drug supply. However, officials say the supply is still dangerous. Bellingham Police have responded to repeated overdoses that involve the same individuals, including one person four separate times since January. Experts also warn that powdered fentanyl is becoming more common, making dosing less predictable and more deadly. While local treatment options are expanding, major gaps remain — especially for youth services, residential treatment, and comprehensive care. To help address the issue, a two-day summit on opioid use and recovery begins tomorrow in Ferndale, hosted by the Chuckanut Health Foundation. STORY: Mount Vernon woman among four Army soldiers killed in helicopter crash near JBLM A Mount Vernon woman was among the four Army soldiers killed in last week’s military helicopter crash near Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The helicopter crashed Wednesday night during a routine nighttime training flight west of JBLM. The Army says the cause is still under investigation. The Associated Press reports 23-year-old Sergeant Jadalyn Good, of Mount Vernon, was one of the victims. She was part of the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the “Night Stalkers.” Good enlisted in 2021 as a helicopter mechanic, and later became a crew chief on the MH-60 Black Hawk. She logged more than 730 flight hours and took part in critical training and contingency missions. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officers Andrew Cully of Missouri and Andrew Kraus of Florida, as well as Sergeant Donavon Scott of Tacoma. This is the second fatal crash involving the regiment in the past two years. STORY: Costcos in WA and several other states recall ready-made poke after finding listeria contamination Check your fridge — a popular Costco deli item is under recall due to possible Listeria (luh-STEE-ree-uh) contamination. The Western United Fish Company has recalled more than 33-hundred pounds of Kirkland Signature Ahi (AH-hee) Tuna Wasabi Poke (POH-kay). The affected product has a pack date of September 18th and a sell-by date of September 22nd. As reported in a company recall notice, the green onions used in the product may be contaminated with Listeria, bacteria that can cause serious illness — especially in pregnant women, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. The poke was sold at Costco deli sections in 36 states, including Washington, Oregon, Texas, and New York. No illnesses have been reported so far. Customers are urged to throw the product out and contact Costco for a full refund. STORY: AG’s office joins seven other states in urging Trump administration not to repeal Roadless Rule Washington is fighting back against a federal plan that could open millions of acres of protected forest to logging and development. A nearly 25-year-old policy called the Roadless Rule protects wild forest areas from unnecessary roadbuilding. The Trump administration has signaled it would consider a repeal of the policy; in response, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown co-led a coalition of states on Friday to urge the U.S. Forest Service to reject that repeal. According to the state Attorney General’s Office, about 2 million acres across Washington, which include parts of the Olympic and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests, are protected by the rule. Brown says repealing it would increase wildfire risk, pollute water, threaten wildlife, and harm tribal cultural sites. He also warned it could devastate outdoor recreation and local economies that depend on healthy forests. Under President Trump, the U.S. Department of Agriculture describes the current rule as quote-unquote “overly restrictive,” and sees it as a, quote, “impediment to responsible forest management” unquote. Washington was joined by seven other states, including Oregon and Massachusetts, in calling on the Forest Service to reverse course. STORY: Bellingham scientist among team responsible for finding evidence of ancient life on Mars Are we alone in the universe? A Western Washington University researcher may have brought us a step closer to the answer. According to a release by WWU, planetary geologist Melissa Rice co-authored a recently published scientific paper that describes a Martian rock collected …
September 22, 2025 News Transcript
Ten kilos of cocaine seized from stopped vehicle by WCSO, Seattle man arrested following I-5 race and brief footchase in Bellingham, Three men arrested following burglary and robbery at Bellingham motel, Statewide manhunt for Travis Decker potentially at an end after discovery of human remains near Leavenworth, Nearly 50 vessels and 200 people show up for Hands Across the Water flotilla, Skagit Transit CEO requests judge dismiss lawsuit from former employee alleging retaliation for whistleblowing, New apartment building proposed for downtown Bellingham, WA 3rd best for teachers, Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4), Tree coupon back (fill) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, September 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Ten kilos of cocaine seized from stopped vehicle by WCSO A traffic stop in Bellingham led to a major drug bust last week. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says deputies pulled over a suspicious vehicle on Eliza Avenue last Tuesday. After the two occupants gave conflicting stories, a drug K-9 was brought in and alerted to narcotics. A search warrant turned up 10 kilograms of cocaine, a loaded gun, and cash. The cocaine was packaged with images of Marvel’s Thor. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released. STORY: Seattle man arrested following I-5 race and brief footchase in Bellingham Bellingham Police used a drone to help catch a suspected street racer early Tuesday morning. Troopers first spotted two cars as they raced north on I-5 around 1 a.m. ––– one of them hit speeds near 120 miles an hour. When officers tried to pull them over, the cars exited at Lakeway Drive, and one shut off its lights in an attempt to escape. Police say 21-year-old Gage Binz of Seattle led officers through city streets. He reportedly ran red lights and stop signs before he ditched his car and fled on foot. A drone and K-9 team tracked him down near East Maple Street, where he was arrested. Binz is charged with attempting to elude a police vehicle. The second driver has not been found. STORY: Three men arrested following burglary and robbery at Bellingham motel Three men face felony charges after an alleged burglary and robbery at a Bellingham motel. Police say the suspects climbed through a window into a room at the Days Inn on Samish Way on July 27th, and demanded to know the whereabouts of another man and quote-unquote “the money.” Court documents say the intruders assaulted a man inside while a woman tried to shield him, then stole two phones and a safe that contained illegal drugs worth about $2,600. 36-year-old Alec Dunn-Greketis (GREEK-uh-deez), 43-year-old Daniel Bock, and 20-year-old Tyler Mattingley are all charged with first-degree burglary and robbery. Investigators identified the suspects through witnesses and surveillance footage. Two remain in the Whatcom County Jail; Bock has bonded out. STORY: Statewide manhunt for Travis Decker potentially at an end after discovery of human remains near Leavenworth The search for Travis Decker may finally be over. Authorities in Washington say remains believed to be those of the 32-year-old Army veteran — accused of killing his three young daughters — were found in a remote wooded area south of Leavenworth. According to ABC News, a drone spotted clothing that matched what Decker was last seen wearing. Other items at the scene — like Ranger shorts, chewing tobacco, and a bracelet — point to Decker, though DNA tests are still in process. Decker vanished in late May after his daughters were found murdered near a campground. Court documents say each had been suffocated and their wrists zip-tied. Despite a nationwide manhunt and multiple sightings, Decker was never found. His ex-wife says the family is praying the remains are his, and thanked authorities for never giving up. STORY: Skagit Transit CEO requests judge dismiss lawsuit from former employee alleging retaliation for whistleblowing A fired Skagit Transit finance officer says he was punished for blowing the whistle — however, the company wants the case tossed. Former CFO Christopher Stamey (STAY-mee) claims he was fired in retaliation for his report of financial misconduct by Skagit Transit CEO Crystle Stidham (CRYSTAL STIH-dum), including the alleged forgery of his signature on $500,000 in purchases. The case follows a 2024 state audit that found Skagit Transit had major financial reporting issues, though those were later corrected. However, as Cascadia Daily News reports, Stidham has asked a judge to throw the lawsuit out, after she called it “inflammatory” and “untrue.” The agency says Stamey did not raise any concerns until after he was placed on leave for performance issues, and insists all spending was lawful. Stamey, who was fired in late 2023, seeks a jury trial, back pay, and whistleblower protections. A judge has yet to rule on the request to dismiss the case. STORY: New apartment building proposed for downtown Bellingham The corner of East Maple and North Forest in downtown Bellingham will become the site of another new multi-family apartment complex. Under a proposal filed by Maple Forest LLC, the complex is a mix of market-rate studios and one-bedroom apartments. The building will house 36 units in a three-story structure at 1101 N. Forest Street, with an additional basement level for vehicle parking spaces. Plans also call for a 10-foot-wide sidewalk and street trees next to the building, as well as 30 bicycle parking spaces. The two-story office structure currently on the site would be demolished. Grinstad and Wagner, a Bellingham architectural firm, has partnered with Maple Forest. AVT Consulting, another Bellingham firm, will also consult on the project. Washington state has established a target of 35,000 new housing units across all income levels for Whatcom County by 2044. According to local construction data, 810 residential units are under construction as of now, with another 317 in the application and review process. Roughly two-thirds of the new applications are for multi-family units. STORY: Nearly 50 vessels and 200 people show up for Hands Across the Water flotilla Boats, not borders — …
September 19, 2025 News Transcript
Georgia man arrested on suspicion of attempting to extort money from Bellingham teen, BCC receives grant to create scholarships for parents in aerospace programs, WWU President outlines plan to boost enrollment following year of cuts, Bellingham Chamber of Commerce hosting event to discuss business impacts of the One Beautiful Bill, New ferry schedules start this weekend, N. Lake Samish bridge reopens today, West Coast Health Alliance announces vaccine recommendations, Free or cheap (kill 9/19), WA 3rd best for teachers, Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4), Tree coupon back (fill) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, September 19th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Georgia man arrested on suspicion of attempting to extort money from Bellingham teen Whatcom County authorities have arrested a Georgia man they say threatened a Bellingham teen for cash. According to Bellingham Police, 28-year-old Lawrence J. Sluers repeatedly harassed the 17-year-old for about a month and demanded a thousand dollars, warning he knew where the teen lived. Investigators say the threats followed an earlier pepper-spray attack involving Sluers’ girlfriend. Sluers faces charges of harassment and first-degree extortion. He’s currently out of jail, but under a no-contact order while awaiting trial. STORY: Ferndale City Hall closed due to flooding Ferndale City Hall is closed today after employees found significant water damage on the main and second floors. City officials say the leak appears to have started in a second-floor restroom, but the damage is not structural and public documents are safe. Staff are working remotely and can be reached by phone or email, and city services remain available online. City Hall is expected to reopen for normal business hours on Monday. STORY: BCC receives grant to create scholarships for parents in aerospace programs Bellingham Technical College is getting a boost to help students — who are also parents — stay in school. Washington state awarded BTC an $80,000 grant to fund annual scholarships for parents in aerospace programs. The money will help cover childcare costs, and make it easier for them to complete their degrees. STORY: WWU President outlines plan to boost enrollment following year of cuts After a year of painful budget cuts, Western Washington University says it now plans to grow enrollment. President Sabah Randhawa (suh-BAH run-DAH-wah) unveiled a new initiative aimed at boosting first-year and transfer student numbers by 2026. The past year saw the reduction of about 74 staff positions due to a $20 million budget shortfall. According to Randhawa, the goal is to help stabilize finances and avoid more layoffs. The plan includes guaranteed admission for qualified local high school seniors, streamlined transfers from community colleges, and a stronger recruitment and marketing effort. According to WWU, total enrollment for Fall remains below pre-pandemic levels. STORY: Bellingham Chamber of Commerce hosting event to discuss business impacts of the One Beautiful Bill Local business owners are invited to a discussion on how President Trump’s budget bill could impact Whatcom County. The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a free online event this Tuesday, September 23rd, to explain key changes in the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill”. The law overhauls the U.S. tax code with new deductions, expanded credits, and major rule changes for businesses and individuals. CPAs from VSH — an accounting firm that specializes in US/Canada cross-border and international taxation——- will lead the 9 a.m. webinar. They will also offer advice on how companies can plan ahead to navigate the new tax landscape. STORY: New ferry schedules start this weekend For the first time in more than 20 years, the Anacortes–San Juan Islands ferry schedule will stay the same through winter and spring. The unchanged schedule starts Sunday, and runs until June of 2026. Riders will see 144 sailings each week — more trips than past winters — thanks to new state funding and community input. Washington State Ferries says the move gives island residents more reliable service and provides employees more stable, year-round work schedules. STORY: N. Lake Samish bridge reopens today After an 18-month closure, the North Lake Samish Bridge reopened at noon today. Whatcom County Public Works says the new $10 million span replaces a 1950s bridge that had dangerous wood rot. According to the County, the new structure should safely serve the community for decades. STORY: West Coast Health Alliance announces vaccine recommendations The West Coast Health Alliance has announced new vaccine recommendations. Earlier this summer, Washington announced that it had formed a data sharing partnership with California, Oregon, and Hawaii. The aim of the new organization is to align evidence-based health policies and issue joint recommendations on key health issues. For the upcoming 2025-2026 respiratory virus season, the alliance recommends vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV to help protect families as these illnesses circulate. Washington’s Department of Health says its own guidance remains unchanged, and continues to advise everyone six months and older to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Officials say their goal is to provide clear, science-based health information. The coordinated approach draws on guidance from trusted national medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. STORY: Free or cheap (kill 9/19) It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county. The soon-to-close Boundary Bay Brewery is hosting its 30th anniversary party tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bellingham’s oldest brewery is closing for good at the end of the month, but not before an all-day, all-ages block party including craft beers, local vendors, fish fry, Irish dancers, live music across 2 stages, and more. The event is free to attend. More information is available on Boundary Bay Brewery’s website. As part of Whatcom Water Week, the Whatcom Land Trust will host a Forest Water Scavenger Hunt at the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families can pick up an activity booklet at the trailhead, then explore the forest to …
September 18, 2025 News Transcript
WWU to host first of three student vaccination clinics tomorrow, Bellingham City Council approves sales tax meant to fund public safety initiatives, Construction company awarded contract to begin work on upcoming Salish Landing Park, Public hearing for latest Bellingham Plan draft taking place tonight, Allegiant to end service to LAX after 17 years, Environmental advocates demand Whatcom follow through on promises to restrict Ferndale petroleum facility, Reykdal seeking $10M to bring artificial intelligence tools into classrooms, BCC receives grant to create scholarships for parents in aerospace programs, Bellingham Chamber of Commerce hosting event to discuss business impacts of the One Beautiful Bill, N. Lake Samish bridge reopens today (Fri, Sept 24), West Coast Health Alliance announces vaccine recommendation, Tree Coupon back Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, September 18th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: WWU to host first of three student vaccination clinics tomorrow Western Washington University has announced three upcoming vaccine clinics for students. The first two clinics run tomorrow, September 19th, and Monday, September 22nd, from 11am to 4pm in the Campus Services Building on South Campus. A third clinic is set for Monday, October 20th. Students can get a range of vaccines, including COVID-19, flu, HPV, meningococcal (muh-NIN-juh-KAH-kul) and more. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Students are asked to bring their insurance cards. STORY: Bellingham City Council approves sales tax meant to fund public safety initiatives Bellingham will move ahead with a new sales tax to fund public safety. The City Council voted unanimously to authorize a one-tenth of 1% sales tax — about 10 cents on a $100 purchase. The final vote is slated for October 6th; if approved, the tax would generate nearly $4 million in 2026, which would help close a projected $10 million budget deficit. The money could fund police, domestic violence programs, public defenders, and crime-reduction efforts. Officials say Bellingham Police will meet new state training requirements by October 3rd, which will clear the way for the tax to take effect. STORY: Construction company awarded contract to begin work on upcoming Salish Landing Park The City of Bellingham says it’s ready to launch a major cleanup on the waterfront. The city has awarded a $49 million contract to IMCO General Construction to transform the long-polluted Cornwall Avenue landfill and RG Haley sites into the new, 17-acre Salish Landing Park. The three-year project will cap contaminated soil, restore shoreline habitat, and create a public park along the bay. The president and CEO of IMCO General Construction, Tyler Kimberley, thanked the City Council on Monday night for the bid award, and told them this will be the company’s largest Whatcom County project to date. The bid that IMCO submitted came in below city estimates. STORY: Annexation of Britton Road still on table as Bellingham City Council votes to reexamine proposal next year The Bellingham City Council says it will reconsider its decision to annex Britton Road. Back in August, the council voted down the 146-acre Britton Road/Northern Heights annexation, citing budget concerns. This week, however, members agreed to reconsider the proposal once the city updates its annexation plan — likely in late 2026 or early 2027. The area includes nearly 300 homes and about 700 residents, most already connected to city water and sewer. Supporters argue the annexation has been in the works for decades and would help meet growth needs, while critics say it’s still not fiscally responsible and does not align with climate goals. STORY: Public hearing for latest Bellingham Plan draft taking place tonight The City of Bellingham is asking the public to weigh in on the Bellingham Plan. The plan seeks to guide the city’s growth over the next two decades, and tackles topics such as housing and jobs. It’s currently in phase 4, which means the city is looking for public feedback on the plan before its formal adoption process begins and a final decision is made in December. To that end, the city is hosting a public hearing in the city council chambers tonight at 6pm. Interested residents may submit a comment by emailing thebellinghamplan@cob.org. STORY: Allegiant to end service to LAX after 17 years After 17 years, Allegiant Airlines is ending all operations at Los Angeles International Airport. An Allegiant spokesman told the Aviation Week Network yesterday that the decision was made due to the rising costs of operating out of LAX. This comes days after the airline announced it will add a non-stop route between Bellingham and Hollywood Burbank Airport in February. Allegiant plans to end its last two routes out of LAX — Bellingham and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Ohio — on January 3rd. STORY: Environmental advocates demand Whatcom follow through on promises to restrict Ferndale petroleum facility Environmental groups say Whatcom County needs to keep its promise regarding the AltaGas terminal at Cherry Point. The county recently issued a finding of “no significant impact” for 33 projects at the liquefied petroleum gas facility — most of them already completed. The finding would allow the County to sidestep a full review of the facility and its impacts. A coalition of advocates, including Friends of the San Juans, argue the county broke its promise to require a more thorough Environmental Impact Statement. A recent release from the group says that increased vessel traffic threatens fisheries, wildlife, and endangered Southern Resident orcas. According to the group, an Environmental Impact Statement is the only tool that can fully evaluate the combined impacts on the area. Public comments on the county’s decision were due by yesterday afternoon. STORY: Reykdal seeking $10M to bring artificial intelligence tools into classrooms Washington’s top education official has called on lawmakers to fund a statewide AI pilot program. In a recent press conference, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (RIKE-doll) said he’ll ask for $10 million in next year’s budget to purchase artificial intelligence tutoring tools. The money would also train teachers to use them. The push comes as state test scores show modest improvement but persistent …
September 17, 2025 News Transcript
Bellingham man sentenced to eight years in prison for sexual abuse of child, Shoreline construction project to limit access to Boulevard Park, beginning next month, WWU report calls for cross-border collaboration to protect whales in Salish Sea, Padden Creek fish passage project receives permit to work around the clock to recoup lost time from recent diesel spill, Whatcom health officials hold roundtable to prepare participants and patients for ever-shrinking budgets, Why are gas prices so high? Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, September 17th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham man sentenced to eight years in prison for sexual abuse of child A 59-year-old Bellingham man will spend the next eight years in prison for child sex crimes. James Burr was sentenced Tuesday in Whatcom County Superior Court after he pleaded guilty to child molestation and witness tampering. Because of the nature of the offenses, Burr’s release will eventually be reviewed by the state’s Indeterminate Sentence Review Board, which could keep him behind bars longer. Whenever he is released, he will face lifetime community custody and a permanent sexual assault protection order. The victim’s family told the court the abuse has caused lasting trauma. Judge Evan Jones said the punishment sends a clear message that these crimes will not be tolerated. Before sentencing, Burr apologized and said he would never reoffend. STORY: Shoreline construction project to limit access to Boulevard Park, beginning next month The City of Bellingham says the public will have limited access to Boulevard Park for the next few months. Two key beach areas will receive improvements and enhancements thanks to the Boulevard Park Shoreline project. According to an announcement posted on the city’s Parks and Recreation department’s webpage, both the eastern and western beach areas will be expanded, and public access to the Bellingham Bay waterfront will be improved. The project also includes measures designed to protect park infrastructure, as well as the fish and marine life that live and spawn close to shore. Parks and Rec expects construction to begin in October, with major work completed by the end of the year. During that time, parking access may be reduced or completely unavailable, and some of the park, including the areas to the south and west of the Woods Coffee Shop, will be inaccessible. Nearby neighbors can expect periods of construction and truck traffic noise when low-tide periods occur at night. Other areas, including an alternate trail detour, will remain open during regular park hours. STORY: WWU report calls for cross-border collaboration to protect whales in Salish Sea A new report from the Salish Sea Institute highlights how different rules in the U.S. and Canada impact resident whales. The report details how inconsistent rules designed to safeguard endangered whales — like how close boats can get to orcas and humpbacks — can undermine those efforts. Researchers say broader cooperation is needed to protect whales and their ecosystem, and Canadian policymakers say they will now consider aligning their boating regulations with Washington state. According to the Institute, conversations are underway about forming a cross-border Salish Sea Council that could oversee protections spanning the U.S., Canada, and Coast Salish nations. Advocates say the time to act is now, before it’s too late for the whales and the waters they call home. STORY: Padden Creek fish passage project receives permit to work around the clock to recoup lost time from recent diesel spill Work on the Padden Creek fish passage project is in a race against time after a diesel spill caused a three-week delay in August. The state deadline for the construction to be complete is September 30th. To help meet the cutoff, the Bellingham City Council approved a temporary noise variance, which will allow crews to work around the clock if needed. The city also requested a two-week extension. The project, led by Faber (FAY-burr) Construction, aims to replace old culverts with fish-friendly ones to improve salmon habitat. However, a pump malfunction spilled nearly 700 gallons of fuel into the creek last month. The spill forced cleanup crews to remove more than 300 tons of contaminated soil. If crews miss the deadline, construction would be delayed until next summer. City officials say completing the work is in the public interest, as leaving the creek mid-construction would continue to block fish passage and keep parts of the Interurban Trail closed. STORY: Whatcom health officials hold roundtable to prepare participants and patients for ever-shrinking budgets Millions of Americans could soon lose health insurance under federal cuts — and Whatcom County leaders are preparing for the fallout. Regional health officials and elected leaders gathered in late August for a roundtable to tackle the looming loss of Medicaid coverage. PeaceHealth estimates about 13,000 Whatcom residents are at risk of losing insurance, out of 200,000 statewide. Washington is expected to lose 2 billion dollars in federal Medicaid funding over the next four years. Local leaders say they’re working to strengthen the health and social services safety net — and to find new funds for critical programs like housing, transportation, and nutrition support. PeaceHealth leaders say the effort now is to close service gaps before more people fall through them. Despite the strain, they stress that no one will be turned away from emergency care. STORY: Why are gas prices so high? Washington drivers now pay the highest gas prices in the nation. According to AAA (Triple A), a gallon of gas averages $4.66 — about a dollar fifty more than the national average. The spike has been fueled by a mix of refinery repairs, higher state gas taxes, and the temporary shutdown of the Olympic pipeline. Drivers west of the Cascades pay the most, with King County averaging $4.88 a gallon, compared to $4.60 in Whatcom County. Analysts say they expect relief soon as stations switch from summer-blend to cheaper winter-blend fuel, which could shave off up to 30 cents a gallon in the weeks ahead. WX: The ol’ Bad Sun – Good Sun routine …
