Sumas house fire caused by faulty wiring, investigators conclude, Whatcom health officer states local risk of contagious meningitis low, New park opens in Birchwood, Schools looking for community task force member, Village Books to host upcoming Children’s Literature Conference, Lighthouse Mission’s new coffee shop set to open on Valentine’s Day, Whatcom public schools report funding for mental health services at critical levels, State reps announce Whatcom and Skagit town halls in near future, AWB reports increasing numbers of WA business leaders considering leaving state, Millionaire’s tax moves forward, Places to free file your taxes, Free or Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, February, 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. UPDATE: Sumas house fire caused by faulty wiring, investigators conclude More information is being released today on the cause of the house fire in Sumas (SOO-mass) on Sunday. Fire District 14 crews were called to a home on Halverstick Road near Sumas, where they found heavy smoke and flames. Firefighters later discovered the body of 95-year old Robert Samms inside the home. Investigators say the fire started in a bedroom and was caused by wiring issues with a hot water heater. The county medical examiner has not yet released an official cause of death. STORY: Whatcom health officer states local risk of contagious meningitis low Local Health officials say the risk of contagious meningitis in Whatcom County is low. This comes after a Bellingham High School student died suddenly from meningitis and sepsis in early January. Dr. Meghan Lelonek is a physician and one of Whatcom’s two health officers. Lelonek, who advises the Department of Health and Community Services, says there have been no reports of contagious meningitis to county health officials, indicating there is no increased risk to the public at this time. STORY: New park opens in Birchwood The City of Bellingham has a new park in the Birchwood neighborhood. Storybrook Park is seven-acres, and replaces the former Maplewood-McLeod (mc LOWD) open space. The city says they have added a nature-themed playground, improved trails, lighting, and ADA access. City officials say the park was shaped by years of community input and is designed to balance play space with preserved forestland. A ribbon-cutting celebration is set for Friday afternoon at 2:45, with remarks from the mayor and parks director. STORY: Schools looking for community task force member Bellingham Public Schools is looking for interested community members to serve on its Facilities Planning Task Force. The group will review enrollment trends, building conditions, and long-term facility needs as the district faces a decline in enrollment tied to lower birth rates. The task force will develop recommendations for an elementary facilities master plan, which could include boundary changes, program consolidation, or possible school closures. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Monday, February 16th, with meetings beginning later this month. STORY: Village Books to host upcoming Children’s Literature Conference Village Books and Paper Dreams will host a Children’s Literature Conference later this month at Sehome High School. Several illustrators and authors will attend a panel discussion from 8-4:30 PM on Saturday, February 28th. According to a recent release, attending authors will also visit schools throughout Whatcom County to give presentations. This year’s cast of panelists includes nationally acclaimed illustrators and authors such as: Sophia Blackall, Natasha Tripplett, Phoebe Wahl (FEE-bee WALL), and Eugene Yelchin (YELL-chin). More information can be found on the Village Books website. STORY: Lighthouse Mission’s new coffee shop set to open on Valentine’s Day The Lighthouse Mission is set to open a new coffee shop on Valentine’s Day. The Lighthouse Mission serves people who deal with homelessness and drug addictions. Many of the residents haven’t had a job in years. The new coffee shop, called Liminal Coffee, was planned several years ago, is located on the bottom floor of the new building and will employ residents. In a previous interview with KMRE News, Mission President and CEO Hans Erchinger-Davis said that the goal of the organization is to help lives change, not just provide a place to live. The new coffee shop is an important part of the process. For those that have felony backgrounds or haven’t had a job for 10 years, having guaranteed employment is a major incentive to finish recovery. Most of the residents in the program say their biggest goal is to reunite with their families. STORY: Whatcom public schools report funding for mental health services at critical levels Whatcom County school districts warn that funding for student mental health services could run out within months. Local officials and school leaders met Friday to discuss how to sustain school-based mental health care that supports thousands of students. The current funding — about 1.65 million dollars a year from federal grants and county sales tax revenue — pays for counselors, clinicians, and telehealth services. But with federal funding uncertain and declining sales tax revenue, school leaders say that support is in jeopardy. Educators stress that losing these services would have serious consequences for student well-being, especially in rural districts. Just last month, the Ferndale School Board unanimously passed a resolution urging the Legislature to fully fund public education in the Ferndale District. There are more than 27,000 public school students across the county. STORY: State reps announce Whatcom and Skagit town halls in near future State lawmakers have announced a pair of town halls in Ferndale, providing updates from Olympia and fielding questions from constituents. 42nd District Representatives Joe Timmons, Alicia Rule, and state Senator Sharon Shewmake will be at Ferndale High School on February 21st. At the Mount Vernon Commons, 40th District Representatives Debra Lekanoff (luh-KAN-ov), Alex Ramel (RAM-ull), and state Senator Liz Lovelett will host a town hall on the same day and time. The meetings will both start at 11 AM. STORY: AWB reports increasing numbers of WA business leaders considering leaving state A new survey suggests confidence among Washington’s business leaders is slipping. The Association of Washington Business says 44 percent of business leaders are considering …
February 9, 2026 News Transcript
Birds ball good, Data shows opioid overdoses took dramatic dip in Whatcom across 2025, Sumas house fire leaves one dead, Maple Falls woman arrested on suspicion of assaulting neighbor, Skagit County man sentenced to six months after threatening to kill members of Congress, Hwy 20 crash sends Skagit County woman to hospital, Whatcom County receives permission to file motion extending water rights court filing date, Coalition protects $1.4 billion in K-12 funding, WWU alum wins gold medal in Olympics downhill skiing Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, February, 9. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Birds ball good For the second time in history, the Seattle Seahawks are Super Bowl champions. The Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-to-13 last night, led by a dominant defensive performance. Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III was named the most valuable player of the game with 135 rushing yards, while kicker Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record by kicking five field goals. The game marked the culmination of the Seahawks’ rapid turnaround under second-year head coach Mike Macdonald, who rebuilt a defense that ranked 25th in points allowed in 2023 into the league’s top unit this year. A parade to celebrate the team’s achievement is planned for Wednesday morning in Seattle. STORY: Data shows opioid overdoses took dramatic dip in Whatcom across 2025 Opioid overdoses dropped significantly in Whatcom County during 2025. New data posted on the Whatcom Overdose Prevention website indicates that the number of fatal opioid overdoses dropped by 37% in 2025, as compared to 2024. The number of EMS calls for suspected overdoses also declined by 33% during the same period. Whatcom County’s numbers mirror statewide trends, with the Washington State Department of Health reporting almost 20% fewer fatal opioid overdose deaths in 2025. The region has poured substantial resources into prevention programs in recent years, including the installation of eight public-access naloxone (na-LOK-sone) dispenser boxes in Whatcom County. Naloxone—often known as Narcan (NAR-kan)—safely reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. The dispenser boxes offer naloxone at no cost. Additionally, Whatcom Overdose Prevention offers free online ordering options. STORY: Sumas house fire leaves one dead An unidentified man died in a house fire yesterday on Halverstick Road in Sumas (SOO-mass). Whatcom County Fire District 14 says crews were called to a home on the 3300 block just after 9 a.m. Smoke and flames were visible on arrival. While extinguishing the fire, firefighters found a deceased man inside the home. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the county’s Fire Marshal and Sheriff’s offices. STORY: Maple Falls woman arrested on suspicion of assaulting neighbor A Maple Falls woman was arrested Thursday evening on suspicion of assaulting a neighbor. According to reports from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the neighbor told police that the woman—and an unidentified man—broke a window, pulled him out of the house, and then assaulted and maced him. The man suffered from several cuts and stinging eyes. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Amy Cloud says the woman admitted to macing her neighbor. She is being held without bail, and prosecutors have yet to formally charge her. STORY: Skagit County man sentenced to six months after threatening to kill members of Congress A Skagit County man has been sentenced to six months in prison after threatening to kill members of Congress. According to First Assistant U.S. District Attorney Charles Neil Floyd, 67-year-old Bradley Whaley (WHALE-ee) threatened to kill two unidentified members of Congress and their staff in several voicemails he left at their D.C. office. Whaley left his name and phone number in the messages, which led to his arrest in Seattle in March last year. He blamed heavy alcohol abuse for his actions. STORY: Hwy 20 crash sends Skagit County woman to hospital A weekend crash sent a Skagit County woman to the hospital. The Washington State Patrol says two vehicles were speeding on eastbound Highway 20 when one tried to pass the other. The second vehicle went off the road and hit a tree, and both vehicles came to rest blocking the eastbound lanes just east of Concrete. Troopers say the driver of the second vehicle — a 27‑year‑old Concrete woman — was taken to Skagit Valley Hospital. The other driver, a 32‑year‑old Burlington man, was uninjured. The State Patrol says drugs and alcohol were not involved, and the cause remains under investigation. UPDATE: Whatcom County receives permission to file motion extending water rights court filing date Whatcom County has received permission to try to extend a water rights deadline. Whatcom County asked the court last month to give people more time to file claims and set the same deadline for all claimants. Court records indicate that the county cited uncertainty and confusion about the different deadlines. The water rights adjudication case, launched by the Department of Ecology last year, is expected to take over a decade to resolve and affect up to 20,000 water users. The Water Resource Area 1—also known as WRIA1 (WHY-rah ONE)—is bounded by the Canadian border to the north, the Strait of Georgia to the west, the Cascade Crest to the east. It includes all of Whatcom and parts of Skagit. So far, only about 1,600 claims have been filed. County officials say confusion over deadlines for people who haven’t yet received formal notice justifies giving everyone more time. More than a quarter of water users still must be notified by newspaper publication. On January 16th, Superior Court judge David Freeman ruled that Whatcom County can bring their request forward to the court. However, in two different orders, also on Jan. 16, Freeman denied two requests to abstain in the water rights dispute. One came from Sumas (SOO-mass) Out—a group of residents who say they should not be included as their water doesn’t come from the Nooksack River— and the other from the Ag Water Board, who say they object because the lawsuit does not include Canadian water. According to Judge David Freeman’s court order on Jan. …
February, 6 2026, News Transcript
Bellingham Public Schools admits liability in school bus sexual assault case, Presence of outside consulting firm inside PeaceHealth invokes fear of another round of layoffs, Judge’s ruling maintains Sumas’ status as member of ongoing Nooksack water rights lawsuit, New traffic analysis identifies crash hot spots, Round of bills fail to pass WA House, Ferguson meets with NBA commissioner to discuss potential return of Seattle SuperSonics, STORY for 2/6 Free/Cheap: Salish Seed swap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, February 6th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Bellingham Public Schools admits liability in school bus sexual assault case Attorneys for Bellingham Public Schools have admitted the district was negligent in the case of a boy who was sexually assaulted on a school bus. The lawsuit, filed by the boy’s family in 2024, alleges the district failed to protect the child despite knowing another student had a history of assaults on the bus. While the district initially denied responsibility, new court filings show it has accepted liability for negligence and resulting damages. A trial set for July will focus only on the amount of harm suffered by the family. The district as well as attorneys for the family say they cannot comment as the case moves toward trial. STORY: Presence of outside consulting firm inside PeaceHealth invokes fear of another round of layoffs Employees at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center say the presence of outside consultants is raising fears of layoffs. According to Cascadia Daily News, workers say consultants from Huron Consulting Group have been seen around the hospital for weeks, which has prompted concern about staffing cuts — especially in the laboratory. On Tuesday, lab assistants delivered a petition signed by more than 400 employees, and warned that fewer lab staff would mean delays — and harm — to patient care. PeaceHealth says the consultants are conducting an organizational review to improve long-term stability, but would not say whether layoffs are in the offing. The hospital’s lab assistants, represented by SEIU 1199NW, say staffing levels are already stretched thin — and any cuts would hurt patients in Whatcom County’s only hospital. STORY: Judge’s ruling maintains Sumas’ status as member of ongoing Nooksack water rights lawsuit A Whatcom County judge rejected a request to remove Sumas from a water rights lawsuit. The lawsuit filed by the Washington State Department of Ecology is aimed at defining historical water rights of the Nooksack watershed. The Nooksack and Lummi tribes support the suit. Officials say they are gathering information about who uses water county-wide, and how much is used, to better understand how much needs to be reserved for environmental protection, including salmon. The city of Sumas attempted to remove their claim because they say they are in the Fraser River watershed. But Superior Court judge David Freeman denied the petition, essentially saying that a clearer picture of all claims and interests was needed before taking on the broader legal issues. Two groups — Whatcom Family Farmers and Sumas Out — say the decision is frustrating and could force residents into a costly legal process, even though it may later turn out it does not apply, to them, at all. The Nooksack River watershed encompasses all of Whatcom County and part of northern Skagit County, including surface water and groundwater. Up to 30,000 claimants are expected to declare their water usage by May 1st. STORY: New traffic analysis identifies crash hot spots A new analysis from WSDOT has identified several traffic safety hot spots in Whatcom County. In the new I-5 Operations and Demand Management Analysis, state transportation officials say the biggest problem on I-5 through Bellingham isn’t traffic volume — it’s weaving. WSDOT points to seven interchanges packed into eight miles, which encourage short local trips on the freeway and create conflict with the constant merging. In the first nine months of 2024, more than 200 crashes were reported between Old Fairhaven Parkway and Slater Road, with nearly 70 percent occurring between noon and 6 p.m. According to the data, the worst trouble spot is the Iowa Street interchange. Ramp meters have been discussed as a way to reduce crashes, but there’s currently no plan to install them in the Bellingham corridor. Crash totals are lower on I-5 through Ferndale, but fatal crashes have historically been higher, largely due to higher speeds on the straight, 70-mile-per-hour stretch of freeway. The roundabout at Portal Way, built in 2018, has emerged as a major safety concern. During heavy northbound traffic, backups from the roundabout can spill onto I-5 and create dangerous conditions near the Main Street exit. The City of Ferndale says it plans to expand the roundabout to two lanes, add lighting and sidewalks, and reconfigure ramps to improve traffic flow. They had hoped to begin in this year, but no timeline has been confirmed. UPDATE: Round of bills fail to pass WA House The first key legislative deadline in the statehouse has ended the run for dozens of bills during the short 60-day session. Proposals that stalled include a statewide four-day workweek, changes to homeschooling requirements, restrictions on police hiring former ICE agents, and several efforts to protect children online. Other measures that failed to advance addressed food access in under-served communities, reforms to judicial appointments, expanded tribal representation on the Fish and Wildlife Commission, and limits on unauthorized encampments on college campuses. Lawmakers say the next deadline means measures that cost money will face steeper hurdles, while bills tied to the state budget remain exempt from deadlines. Many sponsors acknowledge that their proposals are dead for the year, though several plan to revive them in future sessions. STORY: Ferguson meets with NBA commissioner to discuss potential return of Seattle SuperSonics Washington Governor Bob Ferguson met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver yesterday to discuss the possibility of the Seattle Supersonics’ return. The Supersonics left town in 2008, to become the Oklahoma City Thunder. Silver has stated the league would decide this year whether to pursue expansion. Seattle remains …
February 5, 2026 News Transcript
Naval ordnance shoots down drone over Whidbey Island, Sedro-Woolley mayor announces forthcoming resignation, Everson police arrests suspect in hit-and-run, Ferndale police arrests suspect in armed robbery, Whatcom man arrested on suspicion of assault with an axe, AG’s office files lawsuit against multiple companies alleging involvement in unlicensed casino apps, Lawmaker pushes for help for ag families in crisis, Millionaires tax moves forward despite ban on income tax, Accused National Guard shooter pleads not guilty Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, February, 5. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Naval ordnance shoots down drone over Whidbey Island Naval ordnance shot down a drone on Tuesday at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. According to reporting from KIRO News 7, a U.S. Navy spokesman said the drone operator was revealed to be a reservist on temporary duty with his unit conducting training. During a break, he began flying the drone, which allegedly violated base regulations. After the drone was spotted shortly after 1 p.m., defense systems at the base shot down the drone, and personnel were able to determine that the drone did not pose any immediate threats. STORY: Sedro-Woolley mayor announces forthcoming resignation Sedro-Wooley mayor Julia Johnson will resign on April 3rd. According to Cascadia Daily News says they obtained a copy of an email sent to city officials. The email cites unforeseen family and personal circumstances as reasons for taking the early exit. Her term runs until November 28. Johnson served from 2018 and led the city through COVID-19 and 2 catastrophic floods. The city council will have 90 days to appoint a new mayor. According to the Skagit Valley Herald, Nick Lavacca is the mayor pro-tem, a position which qualifies him to serve until a replacement is found. Johnson wrote ‘she was so grateful for this opportunity to serve this wonderful community’. STORY: Everson police arrests suspect in hit-and-run An Everson woman remains in jail following a hit-and-run that seriously injured an elderly pedestrian. Police say an 87-year-old woman was struck by a black SUV in a parking lot on East Main Street just before one o’clock December seventeenth. Witnesses report the driver fled the scene. Security video helped deputies identify the suspect, forty-year-old Shranden Toquitno-Carpenter (to-KEET-no CAR-pen-ter), who was arrested the next day. She’s charged with vehicular assault and hit-and-run with injury and is being held on sixty-five-thousand dollars bail. STORY: Ferndale police arrests suspect in armed robbery Ferndale Police responded to a reported armed robbery Tuesday night. Officers quickly set up a perimeter in the 5600 block of Eagle Parkway after reports the suspect was armed with a handgun. A K-9 unit and drone were used to track down the suspect in a multi-agency search that lasted until about 9 p.m. An additional, possibly related incident was reported near Fourth Avenue and Main Street. An 18-year-old man was later booked into the Whatcom County Jail, and now faces charges which include first-degree robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, and theft. STORY: Whatcom man arrested on suspicion of assault with an axe A Ferndale man is in custody after an early-morning ax attack on a neighbor. Whatcom County deputies say a forty-six-year-old man broke into a home on Lattimore (LAT-uh-more) Road around three-thirty Tuesday morning and began swinging an ax at the homeowner. The victim was able to block the attack but suffered a minor cut to his arm. Authorities say the suspect then grabbed a knife and continued threatening the neighbor. The man was arrested later that morning and booked into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault and burglary. He’s being held without bail and has not yet been formally charged. STORY: AG’s office files lawsuit against multiple companies alleging involvement in unlicensed casino apps Washington Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit against several companies over their involvement in unlicensed gambling apps. The lawsuit alleges that the companies have violated the Gambling Act and the Consumer Protection Act over their deceptive practices that reportedly target children, such as associated YouTube channels that produce what resembles children’s television. According to a press release from the Attorney General’s office, the apps named in the lawsuit have reportedly made 225 million dollars off of Washingtonians since September 2020. The AG’s office says it hopes the lawsuit will recover all of this money. STORY: Lawmaker pushes for help for ag families in crisis A longtime Eastern Washington lawmaker says mental health challenges in agriculture are reaching crisis levels. SCHMICK AUDIO 1: “Agriculture suicide is three times the rate than it is in the general populace, and with all the stressors right now in agriculture, I am really worried for our ag folks.” Rep. Joe Schmick, a Republican from Colfax who serves on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, says as financial and regulatory pressures mount on farm families, many rural residents personally know someone affected. He’s working with others on expanding an agriculture-specific mental health hotline staffed by people who understand farm life and its pressures. SCHMICK AUDIO 2: “We’re talking about saving lives and that’s the important thing here, to help these folks.” Schmick says making help available around the clock could make the difference for families under extraordinary stress. STORY: Millionaires tax moves forward despite ban on income tax Washington state Democrats are moving forward with a proposed tax on millionaires — despite a state ban on income tax. Lawmakers passed an income tax ban in 2024, but because the Legislature enacted it themselves — instead of it being approved by voters — Democrats can now change or repeal the ban with a simple majority. This week, Democratic leaders introduced a bill to impose a 9.9 percent tax on income over one million dollars, directly amending that ban. Republicans argue the move undermines Washington’s initiative process and accuse Democrats of laying the groundwork to expand the tax later. Democrats say the goal was to preserve flexibility — not to target more taxpayers — and to protect existing taxes from legal challenges. …
February 4, 2026 News Transcript
BPD investigating hit-and-run on Sunset Drive, Bellingham woman arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, Washington man pleads guilty to 2022 murder and string of home robberies up and down Puget Sound, Bellingham licensing building to close for three weeks, Bham kid demo shrinking, district considers consolidation, “Millionaire’s tax” introduced in state legislature, Sedro-Woolley City Council now accepting applications for vacant seat, Ferndale renames itself “Hawkdale,” in anticipation of Superbowl, Places to free file your taxes, Free or Cheap, 2/6 Free/Cheap: Salish Seed swap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, February, 4. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: BPD investigating hit-and-run on Sunset Drive Bellingham Police are investigating a hit-and-run where a 32-year-old woman was injured. Lieutenant Claudia Murphy says officers were dispatched to an area between East Sunset Drive and Barkley Boulevard after receiving a report of a domestic altercation between the woman and a man. During the drive over, it was revealed that the woman had been hit by a car. Murphy said officers later discovered that both individuals ended up in the roadway during the fight. A car approached, and despite the man’s efforts to push the woman away, she was hit by a red sedan that fled east soon after. The woman was taken to St. Joseph’s with minor injuries. STORY: Bellingham woman arrested on suspicion of human trafficking A Bellingham woman is accused of human trafficking involving a child. Police say the 42‑year‑old arranged hotel rooms so a man could sexually assault a teenager in exchange for methamphetamine. Bellingham Police Lieutenant Claudia Murphy identified the man as 46-year-old Kyle Strode of Bellingham. He was arrested in October of 2024 and has pled not guilty to several charges, including rape of a child and commercial sex abuse of a child. Murphy says the woman was aware of the sexual assault and drug use in the hotel rooms. The woman is being held in lieu of a $40,000 bond. STORY: Washington man pleads guilty to 2022 murder and string of home robberies up and down Puget Sound The co-leader of a violent home‑invasion crew has pleaded guilty to racketeering. Federal prosecutors say 24‑year‑old Christopher Johnson admitted to helping run a string of armed robberies across Western Washington in 2022 — including a home invasion and kidnapping in Mount Vernon. Prosecutors say Johnson and co‑leader Kevin Thissel (THISS-ul) sent masked crews posing as police into homes at night, where they zip‑tied victims – including children – and ransacked homes. They often picked targets based on social media posts about wealth or collections. One mother was shot and killed in Everett as her 7‑year‑old lay beside her. Other admitted crimes span Mercer Island, Kent, Burien, and Everett. Johnson faces life in prison, though both sides say they will recommend 25 years. Court records indicate that he also plans to plead guilty in Snohomish County to second‑degree murder in the Everett killing, with another 25‑year term recommended to run concurrently. STORY: Bellingham licensing building to close for three weeks The only in-person driver’s license office in Whatcom County will close for maintenance between February 13th and March 4th. Washington’s Department of Licensing says the closure affects only the office on Cordata Parkway in Bellingham. A number of common licensing services, including address changes, renewals or replacements, and status checks can be accessed through the Department of Licensing’s website at dol.wa.gov. All of the Whatcom offices that handle vehicle and vessel licensing will remain open as usual. According to a recent Facebook post by the D.O.L., county residents who require in-person help during the closure period are being urged to visit either the Mount Vernon driver licensing office, or the Smokey Point office in Arlington. STORY: Bham kid demo shrinking, district considers consolidation Local school leaders say recent voter-approved levies helped ease budget pressure, but did not close the gap. State law caps how much districts can raise locally, while lawmakers in Olympia have yet to fully fund K-thru-12 education. More than two-thirds of district revenue comes from the state, and officials will not know next year’s funding levels until the legislative session wraps up in mid-March. According to a recent open letter shared with the media – and signed by the Bellingham School Board – the rising costs for utilities and insurance, combined with inflation and flat state funding, will force more cuts. District leaders have approved a shift from an eight-period to a seven-period high school schedule to save money while preserving course options. Simultaneously, a decline in birth rates is driving lower enrollment projections, even as Bellingham continues to grow — largely due to housing that’s unaffordable for families. District officials say they’re working with a demographer to plan for possible school consolidations or site repurposing, and urge residents to press local and state lawmakers to fully fund public education. STORY: “Millionaire’s tax” introduced in state legislature In related news, Washington state legislators have introduced a proposal for a tax on residents making over $1 million per year. My Bellingham Now and KOMO News both report that Senate Bill 6346, which was introduced on Tuesday, would create an income tax of 9.9% for the state’s highest earners. According to Governor Bob Ferguson, the money generated by such a tax should fund K-thru-12 public education and supportive programs. He did, however, recommend changes to the bill’s language on Tuesday afternoon, claiming that the current proposal does not ensure the revenues would return to Washingtonians’ pockets. If passed, the so-called “millionaire’s tax” would take effect on New Year’s Day in 2028, with the first payments due in April of 2029. STORY: Sedro-Woolley City Council now accepting applications for vacant seat The Sedro-Woolley City Council is now accepting applications for Ward 6’s vacant seat. Until recently, that seat was occupied by Joe Burns of the Democratic Party, who had been reelected to the City Council in November by a significant margin. Burns, however, was appointed to the Skagit County Board of Commissioners to fill the vacancy left …
February 3, 2026 News Transcript
Bellingham Target draws particular attention from weekend ICE protesters, Bellingham Public Library’s mall branch to see temporary expansions as main branch closes for renovations, Whatcom County removed from list of defendants in ongoing Birch Bay Waterslides suit, Skagit County to install temporary bridge on flood-devastated section of Rockport Cascade Road, Two more state Supreme Court seats to be vacant going into this year’s election, House bill would impose restrictions on cities’ ability to sweep homeless encampments from public spaces, Fed cutbacks affect UW, WSU research, Amazon announces more cuts, Millionaires Tax details emerge, Seattle’s children grow more ethnically diverse, Amazon announces more cuts, Places to free file your taxes, Bham kid demo shrinking, Free or Cheap, 2/6 Free/Cheap: Salish Seed swap, Menace Brewing Puppy Bowl Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, January 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Bellingham Target draws particular attention from weekend ICE protesters More than 50 protesters rallied at the Bellingham Target store this past weekend. Members of the Bellingham Troublemakers marched through the store, handed out flyers, and delivered demands to management. They accused the retailer of cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The protesters called on Target to block ICE agents access to its stores, and publicly oppose federal immigration enforcement practices. Target has not yet responded to the allegations. STORY: Bellingham Public Library’s mall branch to see temporary expansions as main branch closes for renovations Bellingham Public Library’s branch in the Bellis Fair Mall will be expanding hours and events to make up for renovations at the main branch. The addition at the library’s Bellis Fair location will provide expanded hours and events like storytimes and youth programming, according to a news release on the library’s website. The Central Library’s expansion will focus on improving spaces for children and teens, as well as better staff work areas. It will close for renovation once construction begins later this year or early next. STORY: Whatcom County removed from list of defendants in ongoing Birch Bay Waterslides suit Whatcom County has been found not liable in court for a serious leg injury at Birch Bay Waterslides in 2023. The Bellingham Herald first reported that a summary judgment was issued last Monday, where the county was then removed from the list of defendants. The county successfully argued that state law prevents health jurisdictions from being held responsible for damages when a waterpark fails to comply with regulations. The plaintiff, whose legs went through a faulty panel on a slide, is still suing the park, in addition to Safe Slide Restoration, and Kingworks Consulting Engineers. A jury trial is scheduled for August 26th. STORY: Skagit County to install temporary bridge on flood-devastated section of Rockport Cascade Road Skagit County plans to use a World War 2-era Bailey bridge, or temporary bridge, on Rockport Cascade Road. According to Skagit County Public Works, last December’s flooding washed out a 70 foot piece of road at Jordan Creek. The road is an essential alternative route to Highway 20, and serves logging trucks and fire crews. The temporary bridge will be in place for at least 4 months at the cost of $500,000. It does, however, have the potential to remain in place for decades. County commissioners will wait to see if federal funding comes through before deciding to buy the current bridge or construct a new concrete bridge, which could take 4 years to build. The county estimates flood-related road and bridge repairs will cost around $3.15 million. STORY: Two more state Supreme Court seats to be vacant going into this year’s election A longtime member of Washington’s Supreme Court is stepping down. Justice Barbara Madsen, the first woman elected to the state’s high court, will retire on April 3rd after 33 years on the bench. Governor Bob Ferguson says Madsen’s tenure helped to shape modern state law, including two terms as chief justice and thousands of decisions across more than three decades. Her retirement follows other recent changes. Justice Colleen Melody joined the court last month, replacing Justice Mary Yu, who retired in the fall. The Washington State Standard reports Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis will not seek reelection after one term. She’s backing Appeals Court Judge J. Michael Diaz, who also has Attorney General Nick Brown’s support. Finally, Justice Charles Johnson, the court’s longest-serving member, must retire at year’s end when he turns 75. With Madsen’s departure and other upcoming changes, one third of the court will have turned over by next year. STORY: House bill would impose restrictions on cities’ ability to sweep homeless encampments from public spaces Washington lawmakers are weighing new limits on unhoused encampment sweeps. House Bill 2489, known as the Shelter, Not Penalties Act, would block cities and counties from penalizing people for life-sustaining activities on public property unless adequate shelter is available. Supporters say it prioritizes dignity and consistency statewide, while critics warn it could expose cities to lawsuits and limit local control. STORY: Fed cutbacks affect UW, WSU research Federal funding uncertainty is hitting Washington’s research pipeline. University of Washington President Robert J. Jones says faculty are now wary of recruiting new PhD students because they can not guarantee support through graduation. [CLIP Jones-1.wav :14 out: their training ] Jones also says U-dub and Wazzu may compete in sports — but collaboration is critical when it comes to research and statewide problem-solving. [clip Jones-2.wav :11 out: with each other ] Jones told TVW’s Inside Olympia that stable funding and stronger partnerships are both essential to keep Washington at the forefront of innovation. STORY: Seattle’s children grow more ethnically diverse New Census data show that in 2024— for the first time— Seattle’s under-18 population had no racial or ethnic majority group. White children remained the largest single group at about 49 percent, but no longer make up a majority — down from nearly 53 percent last year. By contrast, white residents still account for roughly 56 percent of Seattle’s total population. The city’s youngest residents are …
February 2, 2026 News Transcript
Protests against ICE draw crowds of hundreds across Whatcom and Skagit counties, Protesters at Portland ICE facility tear gassed, Man arrested on suspicion of harassing Lummi Nation leadership, IED discovered in Mount Vernon church donation bin, Hovander Park reopens following flood closure, Whatcom Health and Community Services issues health advisory following measles outbreak in Snohomish, N. Cascades Bluegrass Festival Closes, WA population one of the fastest growing nationwide, Fed cutbacks affect UW, WSU research, Seattle’s children grow more ethnically diverse, Bham kid demo shrinking, Free or Cheap, Salish Seed swap, Menace Puppy Bowl Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, February, 2. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Protests against ICE draw crowds of hundreds across Whatcom and Skagit counties Hundreds of people across Skagit and Whatcom County, including students, gathered on Friday to protest the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement around the country. Last Friday’s protest was part of a nationwide shutdown calling on people to stay home from work, shopping, or school. Students from Burlington-Edison High School and Western Washington University walked out of class and joined the protest. The demonstrations followed a series of federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, including deadly encounters between agents and civilians that drew national attention. Western students called on administrators to ensure campus safety by passing additional policies and resolutions that would limit cooperation with federal law enforcement. STORY: Protesters at Portland ICE facility tear gassed In other ICE news, federal agents deployed tear gas on protesters outside Portland’s ICE facility this weekend. Saturday’s protest saw tear gas, pepper balls, rubber bullets, and flash-bangs used on a crowd that included families, while Sunday’s response escalated more gradually. The tactics drew sharp criticism from city leaders. Tear gas was fired after demonstrators pounded on the facility and rattled its security gate. Protesters said the aggressive response only strengthened their resolve to return and continue to protest federal immigration policy. STORY: Man arrested on suspicion of harassing Lummi Nation leadership A man was arrested last Thursday on suspicion of harassing and cyberstalking Lummi Nation leadership. A statement released by the Lummi Nation on Friday says Bellingham Police apprehended the individual after he was accused of trespassing at the Lummi Nation administrative building, posting what the tribe described as disturbing and threatening videos online, and violating an unrelated no-contact order. In a release issued a day before the arrest, Lummi officials urged the community not to engage with the individual as the situation escalated through social media. STORY: IED discovered in Mount Vernon church donation bin A Mount Vernon church discovered what appeared to be a tennis ball explosive in its donation bin. The Bellingham Police Department’s Hazardous Device Unit was dispatched last Thursday and arrived on scene at around 6 p.m. Bellingham Police Lieutenant Claudia Murphy said the unit was able to confirm the item as an improvised explosive device, and safely disposed of it. Mount Vernon Police are investigating who might have donated the item. STORY: Hovander Park reopens following flood closure Whatcom County Parks announced on their Facebook page that Ferndale’s Hovander Homestead Park reopened on Friday. The park was severely damaged after the Nooksack River flooded in December. About 3 weeks ago, the parks department announced it had reopened the boat ramp and the off-leash dog area. They could not reopen all of the park, however, because of additional needed repairs – some of which are still ongoing. The county advises people to be cautious in the designated work areas when they visit the park. STORY: Whatcom Health and Community Services issues health advisory following measles outbreak in Snohomish The surge in measles cases in Snohomish County has prompted Whatcom County Health and Community Services to issue an advisory. Health officials have linked the outbreak in Snohomish — Washington’s first since 2023 — to a larger outbreak in South Carolina. According to the advisory, Whatcom County’s current vaccination rate of 86% is too low, which increases the risk of widespread infection. A 95% vaccination rate would prevent community spreading if measles does arrive in our area. In its post, Whatcom County Health offers numerous resources, including a map of exposure locations in Washington state and information about the Childhood Vaccine Program. Parents can take children 19 or under to be immunized for free at specific locations. A free vaccination clinic will take place tomorrow at the Chestnut Professional Building in Bellingham. For full information and appointments, visit the County’s Immunization Clinics webpage. STORY: Bellingham School Board pushes legislature for change in funding Leaders of Bellingham Public Schools have called for a change in what they say is Washington’s broken school funding system. In a recent letter to the press, the school board argues the state is failing its constitutional duty to fully fund basic education when it forces districts to use local levy dollars to cover essentials like utilities, insurance, special education, and staffing. With costs on the rise and state funding formulas lagging behind, the board urged lawmakers to overhaul school funding this session so it reflects the real cost of operating schools — and does not rely on local taxpayers to cover the basics. STORY: N. Cascades Bluegrass Festival Closes A popular music festival is calling it quits. Organizers of the North Cascades Bluegrass Festival say a steep drop in ticket sales — about thirty‑five percent last year — pushed the Labor Day weekend event into the red, and they do not expect the market to bounce back anytime soon. The festival launched in 2016 at Hovander Homestead Park. It later moved to the Deming Log Show Grounds, and became the main fundraiser for the Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation. However, shifting priorities at both the Log Show and the Foundation, along with a downturn in Canadian attendance, led to the decision to shut it down. Co‑founders Daniel Tepper and David Starr thanked fans, volunteers, and bands, calling the festival a labor of love. STORY: WA population one of the fastest growing nationwide …
January 29, 2026 News Transcript
Whatcom County email archival glitch revealed to have led to numerous improperly filed public works request, Whatcom County Council moves prospective location of new treatment facility from Ferndale to Bellingham, Whatcom County Council moves prospective location of new treatment facility from Ferndale to Bellingham, Bham Public Library moves forward with reno, Whatcom unemployment rate undergoes typical seasonal increase, Burn ban canceled for Columbia Valley area, Highway 542 closed next week, State bill barring masked law enforcement passes Senate Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, January, 29. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County email archival glitch revealed to have led to numerous improperly filed public works request Whatcom County says an email archiving glitch led to numerous public records requests being inadequately filled between mid-September and early January. According to the Cascadia Daily News, the problem came to light after the newspaper received “zero” emails in response to a records request tied to last fall’s historic flooding. County officials say the issue affected a backup archiver — not Microsoft email accounts themselves — and has since been fixed. However, they say the backlog could take up to 90 days to restore. The county says it plans to rerun affected records searches, and release any additional documents. They also cited a growing volume and scope of public disclosure requests. STORY: Whatcom County Council moves prospective location of new treatment facility from Ferndale to Bellingham Whatcom County is steering its new behavioral health center away from the jail. The County Council voted 6-to-1 this week to recommend placing the 32‑bed facility on Division Street in Bellingham as an out‑of‑custody center — a move that would make it available to the broader community, not just people in jail custody. Councilmember Ben Elenbaas cast the lone no vote, saying he wasn’t ready to sign off without seeing more of the full plan. [clip elenbaas.wav : out: way there yet] Locating the center on Division Street would put it near existing treatment services, including crisis stabilization, detox and inpatient care. Supporters — including Councilmember Jon Scanlon and county staff — say the out‑of‑custody model improves access to treatment. The center is part of the county’s Justice Project, a voter‑approved effort to overhaul criminal justice and behavioral health through a new jail, the care center, and expanded treatment and housing services. STORY: Bham Public Library moves forward with reno In more construction news, the City of Bellingham announced that the central Public Library is moving ahead with Phase Two of its renovation. The eight-and-a-half-million-dollar project will be supported by city funds, private donations, and more than three million dollars in state grants. According to the City, the renovation will modernize the children’s and teen spaces, improve safety and accessibility, upgrade staff work areas, and enhance heating and ventilation. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. The Central Library will maintain open regular hours until then, some services will shift to other branches during construction. STORY: State Dept. of Commerce awards nearly $3 million in grants to affordable housing projects across Whatcom Three cities in Whatcom County have been awarded nearly one million dollars each for affordable housing projects. The Washington State Department of Commerce announced last week that it was investing a total of 54.5 million dollars across the state to connect 70 housing projects to water-related infrastructure. Bellingham will receive one million dollars for senior housing construction, while Ferndale will receive the same amount for the Kulshan Community Land Trust. The non-profit says it plans to build up to 50 homes inside their affordable housing project in northeast Ferndale called Thornton Village. Everson was granted 900,000 dollars for the Mateo Meadows Community development near its downtown district. STORY: Whatcom unemployment rate undergoes typical seasonal increase Whatcom County saw a slight increase in the seasonal unemployment rate closing out the year 2025. The Washington State Employment Security Department reported the seasonal adjusted rate that ended in December is higher from prior months and a few percentage points higher than last year. However, Whatcom County’s unemployment rate of 5.4% is lower than the state average. About 7700 new jobs were added last quarter— most are in food service and bars. STORY: Burn ban canceled for Columbia Valley area The Northwest Clean Air Agency has cancelled its Stage 2 burn ban for Whatcom County’s Columbia Valley urban growth area. The ban was issued on January 16th, then upgraded to a Stage 2 ban three days later. The Clean Air Agency bases their projections on weather forecasts and small particle air pollution, and issues burn bans when projected air quality is worse than national health-based standards for 24 hours or more. The agency cited improved air quality, but encouraged residents to keep indoor wood burning limited to help reduce the necessity for future actions. STORY: Highway 542 closed next week Just a reminder that Mount Baker Highway will close for five days east of Glacier starting at 6 a.m. Monday. Flood damage from December weakened a culvert and part of the roadway near milepost 43. Crews will replace the culvert, rebuild the roadbed, repave, and install new striping and guardrail. The highway is expected to reopen Friday afternoon, Feb. 6. Afterward, drivers should expect alternating traffic near milepost 41 as additional repair work continues. STORY: State bill barring masked law enforcement passes Senate The Washington State Senate has passed a bill that bars law enforcement officers from concealing their identities and covering their faces while performing public duties. Supporters of the bill say it adds accountability and transparency. The debate over the bill coincides with heightened national scrutiny over conduct by masked federal immigration agents, including two shooting deaths in Minneapolis this month. Governor Bob Ferguson held a news conference where he urged the bill to move quickly through the House so he could sign it into law. Opponents of the bill include state Republicans, who questioned how the bill might be enforced. …
January 27, 2026 News Transcript
Governor and AG’s offices pledge action should ICE violate WA citizens’ rights, Trial begins for Whatcom woman accused of 2021 murder, PSE reports nearly 2,000 Bellingham homes affected by power outage, Bellingham man arrested for felony DUI following collision, Bellingham Intl to stop providing direct flights to Oakland in May, State bill under consideration that would legalize home-growing of cannabis Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, Jan, 27. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Governor and AG’s offices pledge action should ICE violate WA citizens’ rights Washington leaders are pushing back after a deadly ICE operation in Minnesota. Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown held a press conference yesterday in response to federal escalation in Minnesota. TVW’s Angela Nalasco reports: [clip ICE-wrap.wav :60 out: with the public] TAG: The press conference comes two days after ICE agents killed another U.S. citizen, Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot while peacefully exercising his constitutional rights. STORY: Trial begins for Whatcom woman accused of 2021 murder A Whatcom County woman is now on trial for a 2021 killing. According to court records, 67‑year‑old Lynda Clare Mercy is charged with second‑degree murder in the death of Thomas Flood, a transient man from Langley whose body was found near a beach access trail on the Semiahmoo Spit. Prosecutors say Flood was shot twice, driven to the spit in his van, and left under a mattress and sleeping bag. They told jurors Mercy’s DNA was found in the van and on a mask near his body, and that the bullets match a gun she owned. Defense attorneys argue the case is entirely circumstantial, and say investigators filled gaps with assumptions and failed to preserve key surveillance footage. Mercy was arrested in April of 2021 and has been held in the Whatcom County Jail since that time. The trial is expected to last about four weeks. STORY: PSE reports nearly 2,000 Bellingham homes affected by power outage Puget Sound Energy reported a power outage yesterday at about 12:18 PM in Bellingham. 1951 customer addresses were without power. PSE applied a standard 2-hour window to restore service. PSE cited the cause as an equipment failure. STORY: Bellingham man arrested for felony DUI following collision A 36-year-old Bellingham man faces felony DUI charges after a midnight collision near East Chestnut and North Forest Streets. The driver had a blood alcohol content three times the legal limit and crashed into another car stopped at a red light. He was arrested and taken to jail soon after. Previous charges were dismissed and upgraded to a felony DUI after it was discovered the man had three previous DUI convictions since 2014. The suspect appeared in court on January 16th, where his bail bond was set at 100,000 dollars, or 10,000 dollars cash. STORY: Bellingham Intl to stop providing direct flights to Oakland in May Bellingham International Airport will suspend its twice-weekly direct flight to Oakland International Airport in California after May 25th. Bellingham was the last remaining Allegiant Air route at Oakland International Airport. The airline currently connects Bellingham travelers to six airports on the West Coast. This month, Allegiant announced its intention to acquire Minneapolis-based Sun Country, a small budget airline. It remains unclear how the acquisition will affect Bellingham International, although multiple airlines are discussing service options in and around San Francisco. STORY: State bill under consideration that would legalize home-growing of cannabis Home-grown cannabis may soon be legal in Washington state. Senate Bill 6204 would allow adults 21 and over to grow cannabis in their private residences, with a limit of 15 plants per location. Recreational home growing is currently a Class C felony, though growing medical cannabis is legal. Under the proposal, home-grown cannabis could not be sold, and neighbors could report visible or odor-producing plants to law enforcement. Seattle State Senator Rebecca Saldana starts off this TVW wrap-up of the discussion on the Senate floor yesterday. CANNABIS AUDIO PX Supporters say the change would expand access and strengthen the regulated market, while opponents raised concerns about enforcement and youth exposure. WX: Principal Fluffy And now for the weather: Today’s forecast calls for cloudy skies, with occasional sun breaks. Daytime highs should reach into the low 50s today, with the evening dipping into the low 40s and high 30s. Tonight, look for modest winds and light rainfall. Tomorrow, expect the rain and mild temperatures to persist, with showers expected to fall overnight. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRAH-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Austin Wright, Tyler Warne, and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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 our work, check out our Patreon, Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and thanks for listening! ##
January 26, 2026 News Transcript
Haxton Way briefly closed after motorcycle-vehicle crash causes serious injury, Bloodworks Northwest declares “Code Red” emergency shortage, Bellingham activists pressure Hilton Hotels to stop housing ICE agents, Flood repairs begin on SR 20 after nearly a month of closures, Anacortes hospital seeks “critical access” status to avoid federal budget cuts, Community Forum on South Fork Nooksack River Scheduled for January 27, AG’s office says WA SNAP data holder will not turn info over to immigration enforcement, Bipartisan coalition demands action against GROK, Legislature looks to reign in data centers Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, Jan, 26. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Haxton Way briefly closed after motorcycle-vehicle crash causes serious injury First responders were called to a serious motorcycle-versus-vehicle crash on Haxton Way Friday afternoon. Deputies say the collision happened around 4:45 in the 4800 block. The road was shut down in both directions for several hours while crews worked the scene, with detours in place. Haxton Way reopened around 9 p.m. No word yet on the drivers, but there was at least one serious injury reported. STORY: Bloodworks Northwest declares “Code Red” emergency shortage Washington’s blood supply is running on fumes. Bloodworks Northwest has declared a Code Red emergency as patient need continues to outpace donations across the state. Hospitals are operating with dangerously low reserves, and officials say they need about a thousand donors every day to keep up with cancer treatments, trauma care, and birth-related transfusions. The American Red Cross is also urging donors nationwide, warning that winter storms are disrupting blood drives and tightening supplies even further. Healthy donors—especially Type O and platelet donors—are encouraged to book an appointment soon. You can make an appointment at BloodworksNW.org. STORY: Bellingham activists pressure Hilton Hotels to stop housing ICE agents Dozens of protestors gathered at the Hampton Inn Bellingham Airport on Friday, where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were believed to be staying. According to reporting by the Bellingham Herald, protesters delivered a letter to the front desk, demanding that Hilton Hotels “commit to not accommodating any ICE personnel in any of their facilities.” They were also able to reach Regional Manager Craig Schultz by phone. Schultz told protesters that he would pass on their request to higher management. The protest against Hampton Inn Bellingham Airport comes amid growing national outcry following the deaths of American citizens Renée Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this month. STORY: Flood repairs begin on SR 20 after nearly a month of closures The Washington Department of Transportation has started repairs of State Route 20 east of Marblemount on Friday. The December 12th flooding left widespread damage to the road, and the damage is not only near Marblemount. WSDOT (WASH-dot) says many parts of the road beyond Marblemount are in disrepair. Winter recreationists use the road for snowmobiling and snowshoeing. However, the Department advises against all access until the road is repaired. Currently, Highway 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, is closed because of avalanche danger. Highway 20 serves as the access point to many trails, campgrounds, lakes and climbing areas. The D.O.T. (DEE OH TEE) plans to spend a month repairing the road, which usually closes in early fall and reopens in early spring. However, they say it will take longer this year, as they will also need to clear snow before they will be able to fully reopen the road. STORY: Anacortes hospital seeks “critical access” status to avoid federal budget cuts An Anacortes hospital has asked to be redesignated as a “critical access hospital” in response to financial struggles. According to Island Health officials who presented at a recent public hearing in the state legislature, the federal critical access hospital program allows rural hospitals to receive cost-based Medicare reimbursements and would move away from the current fixed fee reimbursement schedule. Island Health leadership wants the exemptions included in the current state and federal legislative sessions so that the hospital can apply for critical access status next year. If it doesn’t get the designation, leadership says the hospital may have to cut services across its three primary care clinics, a walk-in clinic, and seven specialty clinics. STORY: Community Forum on South Fork Nooksack River Scheduled for January 27 The Lummi Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe will hold a community forum focused on the South Fork Nooksack River. The event will take place tomorrow from 4–7 p.m. at the Rome Grange on Mt. Baker Highway, and local residents, landowners, and partner organizations are invited. Attendees can learn about salmon recovery efforts, flood management strategies, and ongoing river restoration projects. According to a recent release, the forum offers an opportunity to meet the people leading these initiatives, ask questions, and join discussions about the river’s future. Refreshments and raffle prizes will be available. STORY: AG’s office says WA SNAP data holder will not turn info over to immigration enforcement Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has announced an agreement with a key administrative vendor to protect the data of SNAP users. Last July, Brown filed a lawsuit against Fidelity Information Services, which distributes SNAP benefits in the state, to prevent the disclosure of personal information to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Fidelity had suggested that it might comply with federal government requests for private data for immigration enforcement purposes. Under the agreement posted this weekend, both Washington’s Department of Health & Services and Fidelity have reaffirmed their contractual obligations not to disclose beneficiaries’ private information. Brown has pursued a number of actions to limit or block similar Trump administration demands. In October, he was part of a multi-state coalition that won a preliminary injunction which stopped the USDA from accessing private data on SNAP beneficiaries. The coalition filed a new motion this month with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to seek enforcement of that injunction. STORY: Bipartisan coalition demands action against GROK Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has joined a …
January 23, 2026 News Transcript
WCSO deputy among those injured in two-vehicle crash in Bellingham, Downtown Bellingham chef named semifinalist for James Beard award, Office space demand soars, retail stumbles, Squalicum Pier re-opens, Bill proposed that would bar ICE agents from law enforcement positions in WA, State verifies signatures on anti-trans initiative, Free and Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: WCSO deputy among those injured in two-vehicle crash in Bellingham A two-vehicle crash outside Ferndale involving a Sheriff’s cruiser sent the officer and the other driver to the hospital. According to Lieutenant Claudia Murphy of the Bellingham Police Department, the crash occurred at around 4:00 PM last Tuesday, near the intersection of West Smith Road and Saratoga Lane. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater said that the officer is recovering at home and hopes to return soon. No information about the other driver’s status was available. The Bellingham Police Department is the lead agency in the ongoing investigation. The department is seeking witnesses, as well as dash cam or home security footage that may have recorded the incident. STORY: Downtown Bellingham chef named semifinalist for James Beard award A Bellingham chef has been announced as a semifinalist for the James Beard award. According to the James Beard Foundation website, the honor represents “the pinnacle of culinary recognition in the US”. Jordan Koplowitz (KOP-luh-vitz) is the co-owner and chef at Starla’s in Bellingham, a wine bar and pizza restaurant that opened in 2024. Koplowitz is a semifinalist in the category for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific, which recognizes chefs in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii. Finalists are announced on March 31st. STORY: Office space demand soars, retail stumbles Bellingham’s office and industrial markets ended 2025 on solid footing, as retail space costs softened. A new report from Pacific Continental Realty co-owner Ryan Martin shows vacancies in office and industrial space edged down as demand outpaced new supply. Office vacancies dropped about one percent, with most outlying areas improving while downtown saw a bit more. Industrial space remained the steadiest part of the market, with the vacancy rate dropping slightly. Retail space weakened across several submarkets. Sunset Square remains the biggest drag, with about 170,000 square feet left empty. Bellis Fair was the lone bright spot, showing a modest improvement. Martin says he thinks lower borrowing costs have boosted confidence as we head into 2026. STORY: Squalicum Pier re-opens Just in time for sunny weekend weather, the city has reopened Squalicum pier ahead of schedule after storm damage repairs. Parks and Rec crews fixed the trail and pier abutment damaged by high tides during December’s storms, completing the work in record time. Crews used 160 tons of rock to stabilize the shoreline, which they expect will protect the pier for years to come. STORY: New bill would give businesses and workers time to prepare for ICE inspections We’ve got a few items of note as we watch the legislature this term. Washington lawmakers are moving to shield workers from surprise immigration enforcement. At the request of Attorney General Nick Brown, state Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self has introduced the Immigrant Workers Protection Act. The bill would require employers to give workers 72 hours’ notice when they learn federal agents plan to inspect paperwork. Supporters say that warning will give both workers and businesses time to confirm records and avoid disruptive ICE raids. Ortiz-Self says there is an overreach in the federal government in response to the immigration issue. [clip Ortiz-Self–ICE–1-16-26.wav :09 out: taken away] Ortiz-Self, a Mukilteo Democrat, testified on the bill during a public hearing earlier in the session. A vote in the full House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee is expected late next week. STORY: Bill proposed that would bar ICE agents from law enforcement positions in WA In more ICE-related lawmaking news, State Rep. Tarra Simmons has introduced the ICE Out Act. The proposed bill would bar ICE agents hired after Jan. 20th of last year from becoming law enforcement officers in Washington. Simmons says the bill is about concerns raised over their training culture — not about politics. Republicans call it discriminatory and harmful to police recruitment. The proposal is expected to be heard in the House Community Safety Committee and would take effect Oct. 1st if approved. STORY: New state bill would create regulatory structure for license plate cameras and data they collect Another bill that Washington lawmakers are considering would regulate license plate-reading cameras. A bill sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau would set rules to ban its use for immigration investigations and limit how long data can be stored. Supporters say the measure protects constitutional rights and public trust, while some law enforcement leaders warn the proposed 72-hour data retention limit could hamper investigations. The bill has bipartisan support and is set for executive action in the Senate Law and Justice Committee. STORY: State verifies signatures on anti-trans initiative And finally, a new state initiative that would bar transgender students from participating in girls’ sports is moving forward. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs says enough signatures have been verified for the Let’s Go Washington measure to advance. If approved, it would prohibit students assigned male at birth from competing in female youth sports. Lawmakers can choose to adopt the initiative or send it to voters in the November election, though Democratic leaders say they don’t plan to take it up. State officials are still verifying signatures for another Let’s Go Washington initiative called the Parent’s Bill of Rights. STORY: Free or Cheap It’s Friday, and here are some things you might consider for the weekend. Today: check out ‘The Murder at Mortlake Manor’ at the upfront theater— an interesting take on murder mysteries where the audience is the detective. Tickets are between $13 and $17 with a 7:30pm show time. Saturday: tree planting is happening at Kinney Creek from 9am to noon. Also on Saturday, check out Western basketball — the women’s team plays at 3pm and …
January 22, 2026 News Transcript
WSP releases identity of woman killed in Tuesday’s I-5 crash, Overnight shelters to open in Bellingham and Ferndale as temperatures continue to drop, Third trial begins for Arlington man accused of killing friend while camping, Trial date set for Whatcom County man accused of child sexual assault children, Lummi Nation holds vigil for Besalynn James on anniversary of her disappearance, Bellingham’s Little Squalicum Pier reopens following December storm damage, Mt Baker Ski Area postpones legendary Banked Slalom until February 2027 because of snow conditions, Governor’s office requests federal disaster declaration that would allow for over $21 million in aid to victims of flooding, WA Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Ghost Gun Improvement Bill, New bill would give businesses and workers time to prepare for ICE inspections, Dirty Dan Harris reopens (See notes – needs update), Free or Cheap, STORY for 2/6 Free/Cheap: Salish Seed swap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, Jan, 2026. Good afternoon, I’m ______. UPDATE: WSP releases identity of woman killed in Tuesday’s I-5 crash A Whatcom County woman was killed in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 late Tuesday afternoon. Washington State Patrol says a northbound pickup truck crossed the median into the southbound lanes, and collided with a Tesla driven by 22-year-old Momina Khan of Blaine, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the Tesla was also injured. Additionally, a third vehicle was struck, though none of its occupants were injured. The crash remains under investigation. The State Patrol says drugs and alcohol were not involved, and southbound I-5 was closed for more than five hours. STORY: Overnight shelters to open in Bellingham and Ferndale as temperatures continue to drop Local cold‑weather shelters have opened their doors. Bellingham’s Severe Weather Shelter is open nightly through Saturday, with check‑in from 4-to-8 p.m. and check‑out at 8 a.m. the next morning. Space is first‑come, first‑served, with limited storage available. The shelter is located at 925 North Forest Street, and service and support animals are welcome. Ferndale’s Severe Weather Shelter, located at the United Church of Ferndale on Washington Street, is also open. It offers 15 beds, with check‑in from 5:30-to-8 p.m. and check‑out at 9 a.m. Pets are allowed, and off‑street parking is available. Finally, the Lighthouse Mission remains open nightly in all conditions, with check-in from 7-to-9 p.m. STORY: Third trial begins for Arlington man accused of killing friend while camping The third trial of an Arlington man accused of killing his friend at Baker Lake with a machete is now underway in Whatcom County Superior Court. 36-year-old Alexander Vanags (VAH-nahgs) faces a charge of second-degree murder in the 2019 death of 28-year-old Mark Stebakov (steh-BAH-koff). Prosecutors say the killing was intentional, while defense attorneys argue Vanags acted in self-defense while the two were camping and using psychedelic drugs. Two previous trials ended in hung juries, and testimony is expected from forensic experts, law enforcement, and Vanags himself. STORY: Trial date set for Whatcom County man accused of child sexual assault children A Whatcom County man faces eight felony charges in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of two children. 29-year-old Cristopher Phillip Cerecedes (say-ruh-SEE-dees) was arrested earlier this month after parents reported their children had been molested. Court records say both victims were under 16, and investigators allege the abuse occurred repeatedly and included requests for explicit photos and videos. Cerecedes has pleaded not guilty, and remains in custody at the Whatcom County Jail on a bond of $200,000. His trial is scheduled for February 23rd. STORY: Lummi Nation holds vigil for Besalynn James on anniversary of her disappearance The Lummi Nation held a vigil yesterday for Besalynn James, a grandmother who has been missing for a year. A crowd of around 50 people gathered to remember James, who was last seen at her home on January 21st, 2025. According to her boyfriend, Terry Bowman, James had gone for a walk at 2 a.m. with temperatures in the 20s. Investigators named him a person of interest in July. James is one of 110 missing Indigenous people in Washington as of this month, according to the State Patrol’s Missing Indigenous Persons list. The Lummi Nation estimates that about five Lummi tribal members are reported missing every year. STORY: Bellingham’s Little Squalicum Pier reopens following December storm damage The longest public pier in Washington has reopened. City crews wrapped up repairs to the Little Squalicum pier and trail in record time, placing 160 tons of mixed aggregate rock to stabilize the shoreline and protect the structure for years to come. A few finishing touches are planned for next week, but the pier will stay open. The abutment (uh-BUHT-ment) was damaged by high tides and heavy wave action during the December 10th storm. STORY: Mt Baker Ski Area postpones legendary Banked Slalom until February 2027 because of snow conditions The management at the Mount Baker Ski Area has decided to delay the world famous and beloved snowboard race until next year. Gwyn Howatt announced the news on Wednesday. HOWATT AUDIO 1 The Legendary Banked Slalom (SLAA-luhm), also known as LBS, revolutionized competitive snowboarding when it started in 1985. It began as a small race initiated by a local bike shop owner Bob Barci (BAR-see), Tom Sims — founder of Sims snowboards — and Mount Baker’s Duncan Howatt. The race has attracted world famous snowboarders and their followers to the ski area since 1985; it was, however, canceled last year due to low snowfall. According to Amy Trowbridge-Howatt, the race could not be rescheduled to sometime later this year because lodging and transportation would be too difficult to coordinate for people travelling from long distances. However, the crew at Mount Baker say they are optimistic that the spring will bring more snow and good times for visitors and families at Mount Baker. The next Banked Slalom will be held in February 2027. STORY: Governor’s office requests federal disaster declaration that would allow for over $21 million in aid to victims of …
