Olympic Pipeline reopens just ahead of peak Thanksgiving travel, Whatcom County man, three years into detention, sentenced to prison time for illegally manufacturing guns and explosives, Verizon lays off locally, WTA won’t renew contract with WWU, Larsen introduces bill to protect healthcare for Medicaid recipients, WA fines Regence Blue Shield over half a million dollars for disparities between mental and medical coverage, Trump administration wants people to reapply for SNAP, Thanksgiving travel outlook Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, November, 26th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Olympic Pipeline reopens just ahead of peak Thanksgiving travel Fuel is flowing once again through the Olympic Pipeline. BP announced that it has restarted the line that carries jet fuel after it was partially shut down when a leak was detected Nov. 11th in Snohomish County. State officials say no waterways appear to have been affected. The shutdown prompted emergency declarations from Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, as both states warned that fuel shortages could push gas prices higher. Late Monday, crews located the leak. BP says repairs on the damaged section are being planned, although the timeline for a full restart is not yet clear. The company says no fuel has spread beyond the response zone. STORY: Whatcom County man, three years into detention, sentenced to prison time for illegally manufacturing guns and explosives A Whatcom County man will avoid additional prison time after being sentenced for the illegal manufacture of explosives and firearms. Yesterday, 62–year–old Robert Kent Chase received a sentence of just over four years in Whatcom County Superior Court. He will get credit for good behavior and the three years he has already spent in jail. Chase, a convicted felon, was first arrested in 2018 during an investigation into a drive-by shooting. When officers first searched his Lummi Reservation home, they found multiple illegally owned firearms. A second search — led by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Lummi Nation Police, the FBI, and ATF — uncovered what investigators called “numerous” items for making machine guns and several homemade explosive devices. Court documents say one IED was mounted above a shed door, rigged to detonate by pull switch or trip wire. Chase pleaded guilty to attempted malicious placement of an explosive and unlawful possession of a firearm. As part of his plea deal, several newer cases — including alleged illegal gun possession, bomb-making materials, and drug manufacturing — will be dismissed. His attorney told the court Chase understands that another similar arrest would likely mean a life-equivalent sentence. STORY: Verizon lays off locally Verizon plans to lay off 165 employees in Washington early next year — which includes 14 workers in Skagit and Whatcom counties. The company filed the notice with the state’s Employment Security Department, saying the cuts are part of a restructuring effort to maximize company resources. According to the filing, three employees at the Burlington Verizon store will lose their jobs on January 23rd. In Bellingham, Verizon will no longer operate the location on Meridian Street. Eleven employees there will be affected. Other layoffs effect retail stores across western and eastern Washington. According to a recent letter from CEO Dan Schulman, Verizon will cut about 13,000 jobs nationwide. STORY: WTA won’t renew contract with WWU Western Washington University students could face higher transit costs next fall. The current $600,000 contract with Whatcom Transportation Authority, which provides unlimited bus rides for students, staff, and faculty, expires in September 2026. WTA plans to end the contract and instead offer students reduced fares capped at $30 a month, while faculty and staff would pay full-price passes. The change is part of a broader fare overhaul, which will raise the base fare from $1 to $2, and the monthly cap from $30 to $60. Students and community members say they have concerns about affordability, increased car use, and parking pressures. WTA’s Board of Directors will vote on the proposed fare changes on December 4, with a public hearing scheduled that morning. STORY: Larsen introduces bill to protect healthcare for Medicaid recipients Congressman Rick Larsen has introduced the Patients Over Paperwork Act to protect Medicaid recipients from losing coverage. The bill aims to roll back paperwork requirements in the so-called Big Ugly Law, which doubles Medicaid recertification from every 12 months to every six months. Larsen says this change could cause thousands of Washingtonians to lose access to health care simply due to missed forms. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the law could result in 700,000 people nationwide losing coverage by 2034 and cut $63 billion from Medicaid. Larsen says the legislation is a first step in reversing the law and ensuring Medicaid remains accessible for the 179,000 enrollees in his district. STORY: WA fines Regence Blue Shield over half a million dollars for disparities between mental and medical coverage Washington state says it will fine insurance giant Regence Blue Shield $550,000 over major gaps in its coverage. State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer says Regence repeatedly failed to provide required data to prove its behavioral-health benefits are on par with physical-health care — a violation of state and federal parity laws. The partial data Regence did submit showed significant disparities — including lower in-network reimbursement rates for mental-health care. Regence maintains it’s complying with the law. A company spokesperson says the insurer has implemented requirements “in good faith” and will keep working with the state. The commissioner’s office has been ramping up parity enforcement with the help of federal grants. Recent actions include penalties against Premera Blue Cross and UnitedHealthcare for similar violations. Last month, regulators also fined Regence 100-thousand dollars for improperly denying more than 950 therapy claims. The state’s new bipartisan mental-health parity law takes effect in 2027. STORY: Trump administration wants people to reapply for SNAP A week after SNAP benefits resumed following the government shutdown, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says all 42 million recipients may need to reapply for food assistance. Her comments on Newsmax and Fox News …
November 25, 2025 News Transcript
Residents of Bellingham assisted living facility eligible for $250 credit following Bonaventure settlement, Whatcom refinery and pipeline operator fined over $3 million for 2023 Conway spill, Local insurance co provides free turkeys to community, Nighttime I-5 lane closures scheduled through tomorrow morning, City of ‘Lightdale’ turns on, WSP says ‘No tipsy turkeys’ over the holiday, Cantwell calls for urgent action to reduce health care costs, Larsen introduces bill to protect air traffic control system during shutdowns Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, November, 25th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Residents of Bellingham assisted living facility eligible for $250 credit following Bonaventure settlement Nearly 70 residents of Spring Creek by Bonaventure in Bellingham are eligible for a $250 credit after a state investigation found the facility failed to provide key services. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown says Bonaventure Senior Living — which operates 15 facilities statewide — will pay $7 million to improve care after likely violating the Consumer Protection Act. Investigators cited gaps in housekeeping, medication assistance, maintenance, dining, and infection control. Residents of senior living facilities can file complaints with the Attorney General’s office. STORY: Whatcom refinery and pipeline operator fined over $3 million for 2023 Conway spill A Whatcom County refinery and fuel pipeline operator now face nearly $4 million in fines for a 2023 gasoline spill that shut down roads. The state Department of Ecology has issued a $3.8 million penalty to Olympic Pipe Line and BP Pipelines after 21,000 gallons of gasoline leaked into a fish-bearing irrigation ditch near Conway. The spill also forced Conway Elementary school to close. Along with the fine, Ecology wants the companies to reimburse more than $820,000 in response costs. DOE says the spill was caused by a corroded pressure-monitoring component, and sent gasoline toward the Skagit River and nearby wetlands which coated wildlife and created toxic fumes. Cleanup took three months, with crews removing thousands of cubic yards of contaminated soil. BP and Olympic Pipe Line have 30 days to appeal. The same pipeline has leaked twice in the past year and was also involved in the deadly 1999 explosion at Whatcom Falls Park that killed three people. STORY: Local insurance co provides free turkeys to community Brown & Brown of Lynden has donated nearly 5,000 pounds of turkey and chicken to Whatcom County families in need. The insurance company’s 14th-annual Turkey Drive provided 174 whole turkeys, 60 turkey breasts, and 400 chickens, which will feed 634 local families this month. The donations were funded by more than $5,500 from individuals, businesses, and Brown & Brown employees, plus $2,000 from the company itself. Organizers say the drive helps local food banks meet growing demand amid rising food prices. STORY: Nighttime I-5 lane closures scheduled through tomorrow morning Lane closures on I-5 and the Guide Meridian tomorrow could slow your commute. WSDOT (WASH-dot) says overnight construction will shut down the left lane in both directions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Wednesday morning — first near the North Lake Samish overpass, and farther south near the Alger (AL-jer) and Nulle (NEW-lee) Road exits. STORY: City of ‘Lightdale’ turns on The City of Ferndale announced it will transform into “Lightdale” this holiday season, and invites residents to help brighten the city with festive displays. Homeowners are encouraged to deck their homes, yards, and windows with lights, inflatables, and winter magic. Participants will receive an official City of Lightdale yard sign to show their holiday spirit. Community members can vote online for their favorite displays from December 19th through January 1st, with prizes for the top three homes. Voters will also be entered into a random prize drawing. Ferndale Mayor Greg Hansen says the event aims to bring joy and strengthen neighborhood connections. Registration is open through Friday, December 12th. More details can be found on the City of Ferndale’s website. STORY: WSP says ‘No tipsy turkeys’ over the holiday The Washington State Patrol has announced a “No Tipsy Turkeys” emphasis patrol in Bellingham tomorrow night, as students head home for Thanksgiving. The State Patrol has partnered with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Bellingham Police, and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office to focus patrols around Western Washington University. Officers will use an all-crimes approach, which targets collision-causing behaviors like speeding, impaired or distracted driving, following too closely, and aggressive driving. Drivers are also reminded to buckle up — every trip, every time. STORY: Cantwell calls for urgent action to reduce health care costs Senator Maria Cantwell has called for urgent action as health insurance costs spike around Washington. New data shows visits to WAHealthPlanFinder.com surged 47% during the first week of open enrollment, which highlights the growing concern among Washingtonians who buy coverage through the ACA marketplace. Cantwell’s office reports average premiums could rise over $1,000 a month across all 39 counties next year if federal subsidies lapse, with rural counties east of the Cascades hit hardest. At a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Cantwell promoted the Basic Health Program, which allows states to negotiate lower-cost plans for those just above the Medicaid threshold. She cited examples from New York, Minnesota, Oregon, and D.C., where the program is already saving millions. Cantwell says implementing Basic Health in Washington could potentially save residents $33 billion. STORY: Larsen introduces bill to protect air traffic control system during shutdowns In more news from Congress, Washington Representative Rick Larsen has introduced legislation to protect air traffic during government shutdowns. According to a recent release, the Aviation Funding Solvency Act would ensure air traffic controllers and other FAA staff continue to be paid and that critical airspace operations remain safe, even if federal funding lapses. The bill allows the FAA to use the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund, which currently holds more than $2.6 billion, to maintain operations. The fund, originally set up for airline war-risk insurance claims, has gone largely unused since 2014 but could now help keep the aviation system running smoothly during any future shutdowns. WX: Watch Game Changer on …
November 24, 2025 News Transcript
BPD reports fatality after vehicle collides with residence, WTA scores over $16 million to expand fleet of electric hybrid buses, Suspected sex trafficker believed to have operated in Whatcom County detained, It’s safe to harvest shellfish again, Raccoons get cuter, Larsen secures funding for Island and San Juan county projects, Cantwell demands answers after tsunami warning cancellation, Bonaventure to pay over $7 million to improve care at 10 facilities across WA following investigation, First known human with avian flu dies, Thanksgiving safety tips Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, November 24th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: BPD reports fatality after vehicle collides with residence First responders rushed to North and Elm streets in Bellingham around 11:20 last night after a car crashed into a home. Early reports indicate the building was damaged, and police now say the crash was a fatal collision. STORY: WTA scores over $16 million to expand fleet of electric hybrid buses The Federal Transit Administration has awarded $50 million in grant money to four Northwest transit agencies. The money will be used to replace diesel and hybrid buses with newer hybrid models, purchase paratransit vehicles, and improve dependability of service. The Whatcom Transportation Authority will receive more than $16.7 million. Everett Transit, Skagit Transit, and Community Transit in Snohomish County will get between $9 million and $14 million dollars each. Funding for the grants stems from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, officially known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was originally signed into law by then-President Joe Biden in November of 2021. Representative Rick Larsen of Washington’s second Congressional district, a longtime advocate for increased federal investment in buses, currently serves as the lead Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. In announcing the grants last Friday, Larsen wrote on his website that the awards will help all four Washington state agencies provide reliable transportation and reduce carbon emissions and maintenance costs. STORY: Suspected sex trafficker believed to have operated in Whatcom County detained A suspected sex trafficker believed to have operated in Whatcom County has been detained. Federal prosecutors say 34-year-old Leanthony Palmer will go to trial in December. He’s charged with sex trafficking, facilitating prostitution and money laundering. Court records describe Palmer as a member of a Seattle street gang who used social media to recruit victims and flaunt firearms and cash. He’s accused of laundering trafficking proceeds across four counties, including Whatcom. If convicted, he faces 15 years to life in prison. STORY: It’s safe to harvest shellfish again Just in time for the holidays, all local beaches are now open for recreational shellfish harvesting. The Department of Health has announced that paralytic shellfish poisoning levels have fallen in Whatcom County. This includes Birch Bay and Sandy Point south to the Skagit County line, as well as all of Lummi Island. STORY: Raccoons get cuter Bellingham’s raccoons may be getting cuter — and bolder — thanks to urban evolution. Scientists say city raccoons are showing traits of domestication, which includes shorter snouts, smaller heads, floppier ears, lighter fur, and softer features. Researchers say easy access to trash rewards bolder, calmer raccoons that can live near people without becoming a nuisance. Experts call raccoons a “major mammalian success story,” and note their nimble paws and adaptability in urban environments. Washington State University wildlife specialist Marcie Logsdon says these masked bandits are “bold enough to raid garbage cans but polite enough” to avoid confrontations, which has helped them survive and reproduce. Officials warn: no matter how cute, raccoons don’t belong indoors. They can carry diseases and remain unpredictable, so enjoy them from a safe distance — and never feed them. STORY: Larsen secures funding for Island and San Juan county projects Congressman Rick Larsen has secured more than $2.1 million in federal funding for local projects in San Juan and Island counties. The funding, part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture spending bill, will support three projects: Larsen said the projects demonstrate how federal and local leaders can work together to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and support communities in Northwest Washington. STORY: Cantwell demands answers after tsunami warning cancellation Senator Maria Cantwell is demanding answers from NOAA after the agency canceled a grant that helps provide real-time seismic data for tsunami warnings along the West Coast. The roughly $300,000 grant funded Alaska Earthquake Center monitoring, and without it, the center says it will stop sending real-time seismic information by the end of November. In a letter to NOAA’s administrator, Cantwell warned that any delay in tsunami alerts could put coastal communities at risk — noting a tsunami from the Cascadia Subduction Zone could reach Washington’s shore in as little as 15 minutes. Cantwell also raised the issue during a Senate hearing, where Coast Guard Commandant nominee Admiral Kevin Lunday acknowledged the service relies heavily on NOAA’s tsunami warning systems. Cantwell authored the 2017 Tsunami Warning, Education and Research Act, which requires NOAA and other agencies to provide rapid and reliable seismic data. She’s been pushing back for months against the NOAA budget cuts she says threaten public safety, especially as extreme weather becomes more frequent. STORY: Bonaventure to pay over $7 million to improve care at 10 facilities across WA following investigation Bonaventure Senior Living will pay millions in building upgrades following a state investigation into inadequate care at several of its Washington facilities. The Oregon-based company has agreed to spend $7 million to improve services, and provide a $250 credit to about 800 Washington residents. The settlement involves 10 senior living communities across the state, including locations in Bellingham, Arlington, Bothell, East Wenatchee as well as others. The Attorney General’s Office says Bonaventure failed to deliver key services—such as medication assistance, housekeeping, dining, and infection control—between 2019 and 2024, likely violating state consumer protection laws. The company will also pay $200,000 to the Attorney General’s Office for future consumer protection work. Residents who’ve had negative experiences with senior living facilities are encouraged to file complaints with …
November 21, 2025 News Transcript
Wastewater spill prompts boil-water advisory for households drawing directly from Lake Samish, ICE operations in Lynden and Everson lead to the detainment of at least two people, Two defendants sentenced in connection with fatal Mount Vernon shooting in March, First defendant sentenced for role in drug ring linked to the deaths of four Lummi Nation members in as many days, Skagit County to form climate committee, Ferguson declares emergency to ensure Sea-Tac adequately fueled amid Olympic Pipeline shutdown, Free and Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, November 21st. Good afternoon, I’m David Korb______. STORY: Wastewater spill prompts boil-water advisory for households drawing directly from Lake Samish A wastewater spill has prompted a boil-water advisory for Lake Samish residents who draw drinking water directly from the lake. Whatcom County Health and Community Services and the Samish Water District say those without disinfection systems should boil water for at least one minute, while treated systems should be checked. The advisory follows a sewer line break discovered Thursday during repairs on Firelane Road. Officials strongly recommend that anyone using private lake-draw systems disinfect their water at all times. For more information, contact Whatcom County Health and Community Services or the Samish Water District. STORY: ICE operations in Lynden and Everson lead to the detainment of at least two people Federal immigration authorities carried out an early morning operation Thursday, Nov. 20, in Lynden and Everson, that resulted in at least two arrests. The raid began just before 6:30 a.m., after a Department of Homeland Security helicopter took off from Lynden Airport. Flight data from ADS-B Exchange shows the helicopter circled between Lynden and Everson for more than an hour before landing at Bellingham International Airport. A witness, A. Vasquez, said she observed one arrest around 7:50 a.m. near the Video La Gloria Corner Market in Everson, where officers had one individual detained in a vehicle. Vasquez also saw a red truck with a smashed driver’s side window further up Everson Goshen Road. A man wearing a Homeland Security Investigations vest was photographing the vehicle. It is not known if the truck’s driver was taken into custody. Another arrest likely occurred near Bellewood Farms, where a longtime employee was reportedly detained while driving to work. Bellewood Farms did not immediately respond to requests for comment. ICE has not responded to questions about which agencies participated in the operation or the total number of arrests. Information from the Deportation Data Project indicates immigration arrests in Washington state increased under President Donald Trump and peaked with 277 ICE detainments in June 2017. This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. STORY: Two defendants sentenced in connection with fatal Mount Vernon shooting in March Two people have been sentenced in the fatal shooting of a Mount Vernon man earlier this year. Police say 17-year-old Jesus Angel (hay-SOOS an-HELL) will serve 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Twenty-three-year-old Robert Lozano was given four and a half years for unlawful firearm possession and rendering criminal assistance. The shooting happened March 17th near a gas station across from Skagit Valley College. The 18-year-old victim was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. STORY: First defendant sentenced for role in drug ring linked to the deaths of four Lummi Nation members in as many days A Tacoma man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for his role in a multi-state drug trafficking ring linked to the deaths of four Lummi Nation members. Michael Young Jr., 44, was part of the Jackson Drug Trafficking Organization, which distributed fentanyl across multiple states, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington. During the investigation in 2023, Investigators seized nearly 850,000 fentanyl pills, 7 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 7 kilograms of cocaine, 29 firearms, and over $100,000 in cash. Young is the first of 22 defendants to be sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. In October 2023, defendants from Whatcom County — Robert Bellair of Ferndale, Ronald Finkbonner, Patrick James, and Thomas Morris (all from Bellingham) — were arrested and charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Morris has since died; James and Finkbonner are participating in the Drug Reentry Alternative Model program, which allows participants to enter guilty pleas and have sentences held in abeyance while completing a yearlong addiction treatment program. Successful completion can lead to dismissal of charges. As of Nov. 13th, Bellair had not yet entered a plea. STORY: Skagit County to form climate committee Skagit County has proposed a new Climate Impact Advisory Committee to guide local climate action. According to the proposal, the committee’s role is to analyze the science and provide recommendations on community risk reduction and adaptation. The 15-member group would include representatives from the four federally recognized Skagit Tribes, local dike and drainage districts, a climate advocacy citizen, and other qualified county residents. A public hearing on the proposal will be held Tuesday, December 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the Commissioners’ Hearing Room in Mount Vernon or via Zoom. Written comments are also being accepted through the hearing. The Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to discuss adopting the ordinance on Monday, December 15th at 2:00 p.m. Details and applications are available on the Commissioners’ website. STORY: Ferguson declares emergency to ensure Sea-Tac adequately fueled amid Olympic Pipeline shutdown Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency Wednesday after a leak shut down the Olympic Pipeline. Ferguson’s office said the proclamation will temporarily waive state rules which limit how many hours commercial drivers can operate while transporting jet fuel. The pipeline, which runs 400 miles from Ferndale to terminals in Washington and Oregon, was shut down Nov. 11th after the leak was found between Everett and Snohomish. State and federal agencies are working with pipeline operators to contain, clean, and repair the leak. The Olympic Pipeline, operated by BP Pipelines North …
November 20, 2025 News Transcript
City of Bellingham reaches deal over Post Point plant’s air quality violations, Bellingham man arrested in 2021 for possession of child sexual abuse material receives formal prison sentence, Court documents outline sequence of events in October murder in Bellingham, Glass Beach set to close for cleanup of two toxic sites ahead of construction for new park, WA School Superintendent responds to changes in the Dept of Education, College students who are parents face food insecurity, WA upholds 2023 ban on assault weapons Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, November, 20th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: City of Bellingham reaches deal over Post Point plant’s air quality violationsBellingham says it has reached a settlement over air-quality violations at the Post Point wastewater treatment plant. City Council members voted unanimously Monday night to approve the agreement with the Northwest Clean Air Agency. Post Point treats wastewater from Bellingham and parts of Whatcom County. Treated water goes into Bellingham Bay, while solid waste is burned in incinerators that were built in the 1970s and ’90s. The deal follows a 2024 notice of violation that said the plant’s sludge-burning incinerators weren’t meeting air-quality standards. The city has not admitted wrongdoing, but it has agreed to add more pollution-control equipment and install continuous carbon-monoxide emission monitors on both incinerators. The Clean Air Agency says the upgrades will roll out over the next five years, and it will be monitoring the improvements. Mayor Kim Lund says the agreement confirms steps already underway to improve air quality at the decades-old facility near Fairhaven. STORY: Bellingham man arrested in 2021 for possession of child sexual abuse material receives formal prison sentence A Bellingham man has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. Sixty-eight-year-old Clifford Eugene Allen was arrested in 2021 and originally charged with five counts. He pleaded guilty to one count in May, and was sentenced Wednesday in Whatcom County Superior Court. According to court records, the investigation began in 2019 after Microsoft submitted Cybertips to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Detectives later found more than 265,000 images and videos on Allen’s devices. He told investigators he downloaded abuse material “probably every day.” Allen is a convicted sex offender who served just over two years in prison almost 40 years ago. However, his public defender said the treatment that Allen received was ineffective and not science-based. Judge Jennifer Slattery followed the agreed recommendation: 30 months in prison, followed by three years of community custody. Allen must undergo a sexual-deviancy evaluation, complete treatment, and register as a sex offender for life. To report child sexual exploitation, contact the CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org STORY: Court documents outline sequence of events in October murder in Bellingham Two men are facing murder and attempted-murder charges in Whatcom County after an October shooting left one person dead and another injured. Nineteen-year-old Royelio Marquez (ro-HE-lio mar-kezs) and 20-year-old Alan Ramos were arraigned Nov. 14 in Whatcom County Superior Court. Both are being held on $2 million bail. Police say the victims — 26-year-old Daytin Duronoso-Harp(dura-no-so) and a second 25-year-old man — arrived at St. Joseph Medical Center late on Oct. 18th with gunshot wounds. Duronoso-Harp later died; however the second victim is expected to survive. According to detectives, security footage and cell-phone data place Marquez and Ramos in the area both before and after the gunfire. Both suspects were arrested without incident on Nov. 13 and are believed to be associated with a Sureno-affiliated street gang. Marquez and Ramos are scheduled to return to court in December. STORY: Glass Beach set to close for cleanup of two toxic sites ahead of construction for new park Bellingham’s popular Glass Beach is expected to close for major cleanup and construction work as early as the end of November. Public Works spokeswoman Stefanie Cilinceon(sil-lin-sea-on) says the beach will remain off-limits because it’s part of the environmental cleanup and will eventually be incorporated into the new Salish Landing Park. The $49 million cleanup will begin later this month, along with about $5 million in park construction. The entire project could take up to three years to finish. When complete, Salish Landing will feature a new beach, trails, restrooms, parking, benches, lighting, bike racks, and a kayak launch. According to the City, the first step is to address decades of pollution— which includes industrial operations, a dump site, and a wood-treatment facility that operated into the 1980s. STORY: WA School Superintendent responds to changes in the Dept of Education The U.S. Department of Education plans to shift the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education — along with several other K–12 programs — to different federal agencies, including the Department of Labor. In a recent release, Washington State Superintendent Chris Reykdal criticized the move, saying it could create confusion for educators, administrators, and families. He noted many of the programs being moved support historically underserved students, including those experiencing poverty, homelessness, or language barriers. Reykdal says shifting education programs to agencies with little connection to schools could be disjointed and potentially harmful He also emphasized that Washington schools remain committed to supporting every student. STORY: College students who are parents face food insecurity According to a new research brief, about one in five college students in Washington are raising a child, and many struggle to meet basic needs. The study found that 68% of parenting students experience food or housing insecurity. Most are women from low-income backgrounds who report difficulty finding affordable childcare. Nearly half say childcare hours don’t align with their school schedules. In Washington, costs of infant care are more than twice the cost of in-state college tuition and are on par with housing costs, making the state the eighth most expensive for childcare in the U.S. The brief recommends data collection, the creation of support systems and local partnerships, and greater funding to help them succeed. Experts say addressing these challenges could boost the state’s workforce and benefit families …
November 19, 2025 News Transcript
Fatal crash on Boulevard, Two fugitives accused of evading authorities and vehicular assault arrested and identified, Bellingham man arrested following hit-and-run, Allegiant pilots picket outside BLI amid contract negotiations, Nearly 30 full-time positions set to be eliminated by new Bellingham city budget, most of them vacant, Everett man pleads guilty to assault, sentenced to three years in prison, City announces new Safe Place initiative, Salmon fishing on Skagit River closes for the year Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, November, 19. Good afternoon, I’m ______. UPDATE: Fatal crash on Boulevard Police say they have identified the victim of the fiery car crash on Boulevard last Saturday night. The Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office says the victim is a 17-year-old male and ruled their death accidental. At the family’s request, his name is not being released. STORY: Two fugitives accused of evading authorities and vehicular assault arrested and identified A California man faces multiple felony charges after leading Bellingham Police on a high-speed chase earlier this month. Officers arrested 40-year-old Paul Robert Schonhardt (SHONE-art) on November 6th, along with his girlfriend, 36-year-old Kristina Marie Kenna of Bellingham. Both were wanted on fugitive warrants out of California. Schonhardt is charged with vehicular assault, hit-and-run with injury and attempting to elude police. His bail is set at $100,000. Kenna remains in custody awaiting extradition to California. STORY: Bellingham man arrested following hit-and-run A Bellingham man faces multiple charges after police say he struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk and then fled the scene. Officers were called to East Holly Street and Railroad Avenue on Friday, where they found a pedestrian injured after being hit by a car. Police say the victim had the right of way, the driver failed to yield, paused briefly, then took off. About 20 minutes later, officers located the 23-year-old suspect, who admitted he had been driving in the area. Police say he showed signs of impairment, including slurred speech and poor balance. He was arrested for hit-and-run with injury, vehicular assault, and processed for DUI after a court-ordered blood draw. The driver is being held at the Whatcom County Jail on $25,000 bond. The pedestrian was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham with non-life-threatening injuries. STORY: Allegiant pilots picket outside BLI amid contract negotiations About 20 Allegiant Air pilots held an informational picket outside Bellingham International Airport Tuesday. According to reporting by the Cascadia Daily News, the local effort is part of a nationwide push by their union who are in the middle of contract negotiations. The group included pilots based in Whatcom and Skagit counties, with some commuting from as far as Seattle. Staff from Delta and Alaska Airlines also joined in support. Allegiant maintains it is negotiating in good faith, saying delays stem in part from turnover and restructuring within the pilots’ union, Teamsters Local 2118. Allegiant also says it does not expect any service disruptions and that no work stoppage is imminent. STORY: Nearly 30 full-time positions set to be eliminated by new Bellingham city budget, most of them vacant The City of Bellingham says it is ready for major staffing cuts, with nearly 30 full-time positions slated for elimination. Mayor Kim Lund says the reductions are painful but necessary as the city faces a projected $10 million general-fund deficit. Payroll accounts for nearly 70% of the budget, and compensation costs have risen more than 40% since 2022. According to the City, Lund’s proposal cuts more than 40 positions and freezes eight others. While many are already vacant, about a dozen employees will be laid off, and several roles will disappear through attrition. Eliminated positions range from court and finance staff to library attendants, park ambassadors and IT workers. Residents will see reduced access to city services — including less frequent park maintenance and Sunday closures at all Bellingham Public Library branches beginning December 14th. The fire department will lose an emergency management planning coordinator, which will leave just one full-time employee dedicated to disaster planning. Bellingham isn’t alone; other nearby cities are also facing freezes and staff cuts. The City Council has approved initial readings of the budget, which sets 2026 spending at more than $388 million. A final vote is scheduled for December 8th. STORY: Everett man pleads guilty to assault, sentenced to three years in prison An Everett man has been sentenced to three years in prison for stabbing a man during a fight in downtown Bellingham last June. According to court records, eighteen-year-old Jose Juarez-Montez (HO-say WUAR-ez mon-TEZ) pleaded guilty to assault after he and a second suspect challenged a third person to a fight. The victim was stabbed twice in the back and hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. At least one suspect was found near the scene with blood on his hands, according to previous reports. A trial for the second 25-year-old suspect is scheduled for January. STORY: City announces new Safe Place initiative Bellingham has launched a new program to make it easier for victims of hate crimes to get help and report incidents. According to a recent release, The Safe Place program starts today and allows people to enter businesses with a Safe Place™ sticker and ask staff to call 911 while they wait inside. The initiative is designed to help victims report hate crimes quickly so investigations can begin promptly. Three local businesses are participating in the pilot program, and others are invited to join. Mayor Kim Lund emphasized the city’s commitment to being safe and welcoming for everyone. The program was adopted from Seattle, where it began in 2015 to support victims of anti-LGBTQ+ crimes and bullying, and has since expanded to all hate crimes. STORY: Salmon fishing on Skagit River closes for the year Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced the end of the recreational salmon fishing season for 2025 at both the Cascade and Skagit River fisheries, effective today. According to the DFW website, current estimates suggest that the agency’s limit for harvestable coho salmon …
November 18, 2025 News Transcript
Whatcom County alerts residents to baby formula recalled due to risk of botulism, Bellingham man pleads guilty to harassment and child molestation, North Cascades Highway reopens, officials say to prepare for changing conditions on short notice, Parts of I-5 closed tomorrow, DeWaard and Bode announce dollar-for-dollar match on donations to local food banks, Man accused of vandalizing Blaine motel may be charged with hate crime, Skagit County budget now ready for public review, Rep Larsen advocates for Glacier post office, : Skagit County budget now ready for public review, New flu on the horizon Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, November 18th. Good afternoon, I’m David Korb______. STORY: Whatcom County alerts residents to baby formula recalled due to risk of botulism A nationwide baby-formula recall has now expanded after a botulism outbreak that includes Washington. Whatcom County Health and Community Services says ByHeart is now recalling all batches of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, including cans and single serve “anywhere sticks.” The recall grew after federal officials linked their products to at least 15 cases of botulism in 12 states since last August. Infant botulism can be fatal, and several babies remain hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported. Families who purchased the recalled formula should throw it out or return it, and sanitize anything it touched, as botulism spreads through bacterial spores. Typical symptoms of infant botulism include constipation, lethargy, weakness, difficulty feeding, and an altered cry. Anyone whose infant shows symptoms after using the product should seek emergency care immediately. STORY: Bellingham man pleads guilty to harassment and child molestation A Bellingham man has pled guilty to domestic-violence harassment and child molestation in Whatcom County Superior Court. Thirty-year-old Kenneth Tyrell Peterson was arrested last December after reportedly sending repeated messages and making violent threats against his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend. A prior warrant also accused Peterson of giving fentanyl to a 13-year-old girl and molesting her behind a Bellingham store. His sentencing will be set once a pre-sentencing investigation is complete. STORY: North Cascades Highway reopens, officials say to prepare for changing conditions on short notice The North Cascades Highway reopened at 11 a.m. Monday after a four-day closure. WSDOT (WASH-dot) shut down the stretch of road between the Ross Dam Trailhead and Silver Star gate last week due to heavy rain and snow in the forecast. Transportation officials say drivers should be ready for full winter conditions in the high country and be prepared for sudden changes as storms move through. STORY: Parts of I-5 closed tomorrow In more highway news, drivers on northbound Interstate 5 near Bellingham should plan for delays this Wednesday and Thursday. WSDOT crews will close the right lane from the North Lake Samish overpass to just south of Chuckanut Drive from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for rock removal. Motorists are urged to check real-time traffic updates on the WSDOT app or travel map. STORY: DeWaard and Bode announce dollar-for-dollar match on donations to local food banks DeWaard & Bode has announced the company will match community donations to local food banks until November 30th. The retailer will match up to $100,000 to support food banks in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, and Island counties. Organizers say it’s an easy way for residents to make their contributions go twice as far and help out families close to home. STORY: Man accused of vandalizing Blaine motel may be charged with hate crime A 28-year-old man is in custody after Blaine Police arrested him Saturday on suspicion of a hate crime. According to police, officers were called to the Northwoods Motel just before midnight for a report of a broken window. Police say the man had been making noise outside before throwing a wooden decoration through the window. When the motel owner confronted him, he allegedly told her to “go back to India.” Officers determined there was probable cause for a hate-crime arrest based on racial comments and property damage. The suspect is being held at Whatcom County Jail without bail. STORY: Rep Larsen advocates for Glacier post office Congressman Rick Larsen is raising concern about mail service in Glacier, Washington. Residents of the remote mountain community rely on the Glacier Post Office for medications, ballots, and bills, but USPS recently stopped accepting outgoing mail there. In a letter to the United States Postmaster General David Steiner, Larsen urged the postal service to clarify whether the post office will stay open. Closure could force locals to travel nearly an hour to the nearest post office in Deming along a hazardous mountain route. STORY: Skagit County budget now ready for public review Skagit County has released its preliminary 2026 budget for public review. The proposed budget includes over $84 million in expenses and about $73 million in revenues, which will require almost $11 million from reserves to balance. To address rising costs, the plan includes staff reductions, program changes, and department consolidations. The budget also introduces a 0.1% sales tax to fund public safety programs, including additional deputies, a park ranger, and mental health support for crisis response. The new tax will go into effect next April. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for December 1st at 10 a.m., with in-person and Zoom participation available. STORY: Federal bureau claims supersession over WA’s ban on including medical debt on credit reports Washington’s new law designed to keep medical debt off credit reports may face challenges after a major shift by the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Just months after Governor Bob Ferguson signed the law, the Trump administration says federal rules preempt state policies — reversing the bureau’s Biden-era stance. Supporters, including bill sponsor Senator Marcus Riccelli, sharply criticized the move, and says it threatens protections for people already struggling with rising health care costs. While Washington’s law was not struck down, the new federal interpretation opens the door for legal challenge. State Attorney General Nick Brown’s office says it’s monitoring the issue. STORY: New flu on the horizon …
November 17, 2025 News Transcript
Fatal car crash on Fairhaven Boulevard, 2-alarm residential fire in Ferndale leaves at least one temporarily displaced, Man arrested on suspicion of both robbery and attempted robbery of one bank and three casinos, E. coli outbreak from local creamery effects 10, Nearly 300 WWU students, faculty, and other community members sign open letter criticizing recent budgetary policy, Former voice actress for Lucy van Pelt schedules Bellingham meet ‘n greet, Skagit judge rules license plate reader data is public record, State approves stream buffer rule for logging by narrow margin, Free days at state parks announced for 2026, Whatcom County alerts residents to baby formula recalled due to risk of botulism, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, November, 17. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Fatal car crash on Fairhaven Boulevard First responders were called to a car crash in the 300 block of Fairhaven Boulevard shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday. Officials say the vehicle left the road, ended up on a trail below, and caught fire. The Bellingham Police Department has classified the incident as a fatal collision. Boulevard and the trail below were closed for an extended period. More news as the story develops. STORY: 2-alarm residential fire in Ferndale leaves at least one temporarily displaced First responders rushed to a house fire on Sinclair Drive in Sandy Point Heights Thursday afternoon. Early radio calls said the single-level home was fully engulfed. The American Red Cross says they’ve been notified and will reach out to the resident to offer help if needed. Officials say the two-alarm fire required multiple support units, medical aid crews, and five engine companies. STORY: Man arrested on suspicion of both robbery and attempted robbery of one bank and three casinos Federal prosecutors say a 32-year-old Mexican national has been charged in a string of robberies across Western Washington. Edgar Oscar Gonzalez Barragan(bare a gain) is accused of targeting three tribal casinos and a Shoreline bank in August, often brandishing a silver handgun. He was arrested August 11th, just hours after the latest bank robbery — wearing the same clothes seen on surveillance video. Investigators say they have also tied him to the theft of a $12,000 “Jaws of Life” tool from a Riverside Fire Authority truck. According to records, the FBI is leading the case with assistance from multiple local and tribal law enforcement agencies. STORY: E. coli outbreak from local creamery effects 10 An E. coli outbreak linked to Twin Sisters Creamery in Ferndale has now made 10 sick people across Washington and Oregon. According to officials, the outbreak was traced to aged and raw milk cheeses. this has caused at least one person to be hospitalized. The creamery recalled its Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed cheeses on October 24. Health officials are advising anyone who purchased these products to return them for a full refund. Investigations are ongoing, with multiple state and federal agencies involved. STORY: Nearly 300 WWU students, faculty, and other community members sign open letter criticizing recent budgetary policy Nearly 300 Western Washington University students, staff, and community members have signed an open letter criticizing what they call “extreme” budget cuts. Western recently eliminated its entire student affairs administrative division and nearly 100 positions as it works to close a $23-million deficit. According to the letter, the layoffs gutted key student-support roles and undercut the university’s stated values which has created gaps in crucial services. They also point to recent raises for top administrators, and say that move sends the wrong message. WWU says the president will respond directly to the letter, and says that current staff are maintaining student services, despite the restructuring. STORY: Former voice actress for Lucy van Pelt schedules Bellingham meet ‘n greet A familiar voice from the classic Peanuts cartoons is coming to Bellis Fair Mall. Melanie Kohn(mel-anie cone) who played the iconic, sassy Lucy van Pelt from 1974 to 1977 will host a meet-and-greet on Friday and Saturday, November 28th and 29th. Kohn voiced Lucy in favorites like “Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” and “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown.” Fans can stop by between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. near Crazy Jumpers and the Bellingham Public Library space for autographs, photos, and memorabilia. Bellis Fair is located on Bellis Fair Parkway in Bellingham. STORY: Skagit judge rules license plate reader data is public record Skagit County Superior Court judge Elizabeth Neidzwski(na-JESS-ski) ruled that pictures collected by automated license plate recognition cameras must be considered public records. ALPR devices are commonly known as Flock cameras after one of the primary companies that makes them. Representatives from Sedro-Woolley and Stanwood argued that some of the images are exempt from disclosure. But according to court records, the judge determined that because the cameras were paid by taxpayer money, and the images are used for governmental purposes, they are subject to the Washington State Public Records Act. ALPR cameras started to be used across western Washington and in many other areas of the country this year. Flock touts its technology as a way to eliminate crime and protect communities. However, a number of privacy rights organizations have objected. In August, Jay Stanley, Senior Policy Analyst with the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, pointed out that surveillance data from such cameras has been used in immigration enforcement by ICE, and to hunt for a Texas woman who had taken a morning-after pill. He warned against what he calls, “the creation of a centralized mass surveillance system of Orwellian scope”. STORY: State approves stream buffer rule for logging by narrow margin The state Forest Practices Board has approved new rules that widen no-harvest buffers around many Western Washington mountain streams. In a 7–5 vote Wednesday, the board expanded riparian(ri-pair-ean) buffers on non–fish-bearing streams from 50 to 75 feet, effective next August. Conservation groups say the change fulfills a long-standing commitment under the 1999 Forests & Fish law. However, a Washington State University report estimates the rule could …
November, 14, 2025 News Transcript
Federal immigration enforcement alleges Lynden man detained by ICE was gang member, BPD arrests two men in connection with Bellingham homicide, Flock of Whatcom County migratory birds tests positive for avian flu, City of Bellingham named in two lawsuits pertaining to crosswalk and bike lane safety, Salmon come back to Whatcom Creek, Local story airs on PBS on Monday, Philanthropic grant to WA’s ECEAP program set to add 10,000 preschool slots, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, November 14th. Good afternoon, I’m David Korb______. STORY: Federal immigration enforcement alleges Lynden man detained by ICE was gang member Federal immigration officials say a Lynden man who was arrested last month is tied to a Mexican gang with criminal history. Homeland Security agents took Jesus Alejandro Lopez Ruiz (hay-SOOS al-uh-HAN-dro lo-PEZ rue-EES) into custody Oct. 29th, with help from Whatcom County deputies. In a Nov. 13th press release, U.S. Border Patrol Blaine Sector Chief Rosario Vasquez (ro-SAHR-ee-oo vas-KEZ) said Lopez Ruiz is a member of the Sureño (suh-RYAIN-yo) gang and previously faced an immigration arrest in 2016. He’s now charged with assaulting a federal officer and entering the country without inspection. Agents say he rammed an officer’s vehicle during a pursuit two weeks before his arrest, which injured two officers. Immigration advocates dispute key details and say there’s no evidence the crash happened. They call the case a pretext for deportation. Lopez Ruiz remains in ICE custody at a correctional facility in Louisiana. STORY: BPD arrests two men in connection with Bellingham homicide Bellingham Police have arrested two men in connection with a deadly shooting last month near West Horton Road and Meridian Street. Jail records show 19-year-old Royelio Manuel Marquez and 20-year-old Alan Ramos were booked this morning on suspicion of second-degree murder and attempted murder. The charges stem from the October 18th shooting. Around 11:50 p.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire, but found nothing. Minutes later, a vehicle arrived at PeaceHealth St. Joseph with two injured men. A 26-year-old victim died at the hospital, while a 25-year-old survivor is recovering. BPD says the investigation remains active. STORY: Flock of Whatcom County migratory birds tests positive for avian flu Health officials say about 25 wild birds found dead near Wiser Lake tested positive for avian influenza. The Whatcom County Health Department says the bird flu is circulating among migratory birds and warns that it can spread to backyard flocks. The news comes as a Grays Harbor County resident has preliminarily tested positive for avian flu — potentially the state’s first human case this year. According to the Washington State Department of Health, the source of the potential infection has not yet been determined. The patient, an older adult with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized earlier this month and is now being treated in King County. Officials say there’s no public risk, and most human cases come from direct contact with infected birds, not from people. Residents who work directly with domestic or wild birds are urged to take precautions, report sick or dead wildlife, and contact county health officials if they develop symptoms after exposure. STORY: City of Bellingham named in two lawsuits pertaining to crosswalk and bike lane safety The City of Bellingham faces two new lawsuits over serious injuries from car crashes that plaintiffs say were made worse by poor road design. In one case, filed Oct. 23rd, Bellingham resident Donald Scarmuzzi says he was hit by a turning vehicle while riding an e-scooter in the bike lane on West Holly Street last December. He suffered major leg injuries and claims the city failed to keep the bike lane safe. A second lawsuit, filed Nov. 2nd by Whatcom County resident Christine Jewett, stems from a January crash at Eldridge and Lafayette. Jewett was hit in a marked crosswalk and suffered severe knee injuries. Her suit argues the intersection had inadequate lighting — just one streetlight where state guidelines say there should be at least two. Both plaintiffs are seeking damages, and the cases are scheduled for discussion in executive session at Monday’s City Council meeting. STORY: Salmon come back to Whatcom Creek Great news from Padden Creek! Chum salmon are now swimming upstream past the site where two partial fish passage barriers were recently removed. According to the City of Bellingham, work continues on the streambanks and the nearby Interurban Trail but water now flows freely through the new fish-friendly culverts. Visit the City’s website for viewing spots and more information. STORY: Input wanted on new skatepark In more Bellingham news, the City wants your input on the new waterfront skate park. Whether you like rails and ledges or bowls and banks, now is the time to share your ideas. An online design survey will be open until Monday, or you can join the open house Monday at 6 p.m. at Depot Market Square. Meet the team, see conceptual designs, and help shape Bellingham’s skatepark. Find out more on the City’s waterfront skatepark project web page. STORY: Local story airs on PBS on Monday A local Lummi artist will be featured in a full-length documentary on Cascade PBS this coming Monday. The film “Story Pole” shares the journey of local artist Jason LeClair, as Jay Kosa (“KOHSA”) and Natasha Brennan of Children of the Setting Sun explain. CSS STORY POLE AUDIO Again, Story Pole will be aired on Cascade PBS’s World channel next Monday at 6pm. STORY: Philanthropic grant to WA’s ECEAP program set to add 10,000 preschool slots Washington early learning programs will get a boost after budget cuts left thousands of children without ECEAP (or Ecap) spots. Gov. Bob Ferguson announced on Wednesday that the Ballmer Group, founded by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife, will fund (with a $1B grant) up to 10,000 additional early childhood learning slots over the next decade. The state plans to enroll 2,000 more children next school year. ECEAP, which supports children from birth to age five, was hit …
November 13, 2025 News Transcript
WCSO arrests two Everson men following 3-month investigation, Class action lawsuit launched over Mount Baker Imaging data breach, Weekend winter storm forecast prompts indefinite closure of North Cascades Highway, Port of Bellingham eyeing cruise ship addition to Fairhaven terminal, Three arrested by RCMP Border Integrity officers near Lynden, Lake Whatcom forestland management plan open for public comment, New report shows apprenticeships in WA continue decade-long rise, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, November 13. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: WCSO arrests two Everson men following 3-month investigation The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says two men are in custody following a major fentanyl investigation. Deputies arrested 73-year-old Arthur Villalon (VEE-ya-lon) and 32-year-old Hilario Adame-Monreal (il-ARE-ee-o uh-DAHM mon-RAY-all) after serving a search warrant on East Pole Road in Everson. Investigators say Adame-Monreal is tied to a transnational drug organization trafficking fentanyl into Whatcom County. Sheriff Donnell (duh-NELL) Tanksley called the case part of an “urgent public safety crisis” and thanked multiple agencies for their joint effort. STORY: Class action lawsuit launched over Mount Baker Imaging data breach Mt. Baker Imaging and Northwest Radiologists have notified patients about a major data breach that happened nearly 10 months ago, and affected more than 348,000 Washington residents. Officials say the breach allowed unauthorized access to patient information, including names, Social Security numbers, and medical details. A class action lawsuit filed in Whatcom County accuses the companies of waiting months to alert patients and failing to protect sensitive data. The Office of the Attorney General confirmed the breach was first reported in July but says it’s unclear why notification letters were delayed. Patients with questions can call the company’s assistance line at 855-291-2706. STORY: Weekend winter storm forecast prompts indefinite closure of North Cascades Highway A major storm will close The North Cascades Highway east of Newhalem, also known as Highway 20, indefinitely this weekend. The Washington State Department of Transportation says heavy snow is filling avalanche chutes near Washington Pass, making travel unsafe. The closure begins at 5 p.m. tonight between Ross Lake Dam and Silver Star. Crews will reassess conditions Monday, and officials say there’s a chance the route could reopen briefly next week—depending on how much snow the storm brings. STORY: And speaking of WSDOT, the public is invited to an online open house to learn more about a planned project on SR 539 between I-5 and Kellogg Road. The project, scheduled for summer 2027, will repave the roadway and include ADA improvements, as well as strategies for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. The open house runs through Monday, Dec. 1st, at engage.wsdot.wa.gov. Participants can provide feedback on proposed roadway enhancements. STORY: Port of Bellingham eyeing cruise ship addition to Fairhaven terminal Fairhaven could become the next launch point for cruise ships to Alaska. The Port of Bellingham says it is exploring the idea. An agreement with Global Port Holdings — a U.K.-based cruise operator— was introduced for consideration at this week’s Port Commission meeting. Global Port Holdings wants to conduct a year-long feasibility study focused on turning the Fairhaven Cruise Terminal into a home port for small and mid-sized cruise ships. The study would come at no cost to the port and examine market demand, infrastructure needs, and community impacts. Port officials say the move could bring major economic benefits, with more visitors flying into Bellingham, staying in local hotels, and shopping nearby. Commissioners are expected to vote on the proposal November 18. STORY: Three arrested by RCMP Border Integrity officers near Lynden Three people were taken into custody in October after reportedly crossing illegally from the U.S. into Canada near Lynden. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the group fled on foot from the U.S. Border Patrol before being picked up by a waiting vehicle. All three, along with the driver, were arrested and turned over to Canadian authorities for further processing. Investigations are ongoing. STORY: Lake Whatcom forestland management plan open for public comment A new plan for managing more than 13,000 acres of public forestland in the Lake Whatcom watershed is now open for public review. The Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan, developed by Whatcom County, the City of Bellingham, and ecological consultants, outlines steps to protect water quality, improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and support recreation. The plan includes recommendations for selective thinning, road maintenance, and sustainable forest management, with funding and staffing influencing implementation. Residents can provide feedback through November 20th at engagebellingham.com. STORY: New report shows apprenticeships in WA continue decade-long rise Apprenticeships in Washington are booming, with the number of participants up more than 70% over the past decade. Programs now extend beyond construction trades into health care, education, and even veterinary and retail jobs. Apprentices gain paid, on-the-job experience along with classroom instruction, earn credentials and sometimes college credit. According to a report from the Washington Student Achievement Council, apprentices earn significantly more than peers not in the programs, while employers see strong returns. State initiatives like Career Connect Washington and the Native American Apprenticeship Assistance Program have supported growth, though funding cuts and geographic gaps remain challenges. Officials expect the trend to continue as demand for skilled workers rises. WX: Wet It All On Black And now for the weather: A lot of rain is headed for us here in Whatcom today, with between half and three-quarters of an inch expected to hit the ground. Daytime temperatures are projected to reach into the mid-high 50s, with wind gusts expected to reach up to 27 miles per hour. The evening should see the rain slow to a mild drizzle, and temperatures to fall down into the low 40s. Expect more wind and rain tomorrow, though likely not nearly as much as today. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THARE-un) Danielson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 …
November 12, 2025 News Transcript
Skagit County implements public safety sales tax, WCSO detective reports pattern of sexual harassment and discrimination culminating in distribution of AI-generated video, Whatcom County health department employee terminated due to domestic violence, Overnight I-5 closures between Blaine and Ferndale set to begin today, Bellingham Public Schools rolls out audiology clinic van for hearing-impaired students, Lynden Heritage museum set to reopen following minor interior fire, Sedro-Woolley School Board passes civility policy following October’s contentious public hearing, Climate change delays freezing temps Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, November, 12th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Skagit County implements public safety sales tax Skagit County will adopt a new 0.1% public safety sales tax. The tax, allowed under a new state law, doesn’t require voter approval if certain law enforcement standards are met. It’s expected to help close a projected $19 million budget deficit and should generate about $4 to $4.5 million a year. The county says the money will fund criminal justice programs, the county’s drug task force, and prevention efforts through the North Star partnership. Skagit Commissioners voted unanimously in favor, and called the move necessary amid state and federal unfunded mandates and limits on property tax increases. Other Whatcom County local governments, including Lynden and Bellingham, have already implemented similar measures, while the County is still considering it. A public hearing on Skagit County’s 2026 budget is set for December 1st at 10 a.m. STORY: WCSO detective reports pattern of sexual harassment and discrimination culminating in distribution of AI-generated video A Whatcom County Sheriff’s detective has accused the department of a decade of discrimination and harassment. Detective Samantha Robinson filed a $30 million tort claim last month, citing more than a dozen incidents of a hostile work environment. She says a sexually explicit, AI-generated video of her allegedly made by a fellow detective while on duty was shared among coworkers, which led to panic attacks that forced her to take medical leave. The Mount Vernon Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation into the video’s creation and distribution. Sheriff Donnell (don-NELL) Tanksley says he’s also ordered an independent internal investigation, both launched after the claim was filed. Detective Derek Jones, accused of creating the video, has been placed on administrative leave. Robinson’s attorney says the detective was subjected to years of unlawful and potentially criminal harassment instead of being supported for her work investigating child exploitation cases. STORY: Whatcom County health department employee terminated due to domestic violence Whatcom County has fired a health department employee who spent 17 months on paid leave while he faced two felony assault charges. Mark Raaka (ROCK-uh) was terminated on October 20th, more than a year after a third-party investigation into his conduct concluded. Raaka continued to collect his $102,000 salary while on leave. He’s accused of assaulting his former wife, including strangulation and use of a deadly weapon. His trial is scheduled for January. In a termination letter, the county said Raaka’s conduct and pending charges had damaged public trust and impaired his ability to perform essential duties. Raaka, who worked in emergency response and COVID-19 management, did not respond to requests for comment. STORY: Overnight I-5 closures between Blaine and Ferndale set to begin today If you’re driving southbound I-5 between Blaine and Ferndale this week, expect overnight lane closures. The Washington State Department of Transportation says the closures will run today through Friday to fix potholes and cracks. The left lane between State Route 543 and the Nooksack River Bridge will close at 8 p.m. tonight and stay closed until 6 a.m. Thursday. WSDOT (WASH-dot) says after this week, the work should be wrapped up. STORY: Bellingham Public Schools rolls out audiology clinic van for hearing-impaired students Students in Bellingham Public Schools who experience hearing issues will now get help sooner — thanks to a new mobile audiology clinic van. The van allows district audiologist Dr. Geeta Sawh to reach all 22 school districts in the county to perform detailed hearing tests and repair hearing aids right on school grounds. District officials say the van has already made a major impact — identifying more students with hearing loss and helping them access care faster. The project was funded entirely by the educational nonprofit foundry10, which donated more than $400,000 for the van and its equipment. STORY: Lynden Heritage museum set to reopen following minor interior fire A small fire broke out at the Lynden Heritage Museum Friday evening, and caused minimal damage. Fire officials say the blaze started in an office when a paper shredder malfunctioned, and was contained in about 20 minutes. Smoke and soot spread through the building. About $3,000 in damage was reported. The museum is expected to re-open today while cleanup continues. Community members can help with costs by donating through the museum’s website. STORY: Sedro-Woolley School Board passes civility policy following October’s contentious public hearing The Sedro-Woolley School Board has adopted a new civility policy aimed at reducing disruptions during public comment periods. The policy, which passed unanimously Monday, sets expectations for respectful behavior from board members, staff, students, parents, and visitors. It prohibits abusive language, interruptions, taunting, and jeering, and urges speakers to avoid bringing children into contentious discussions. The move comes after heated meetings on topics like former staff departures, transgender student issues, and controversial public comments that disparaged students. This includes a recent incident where a commenter displayed a photo of a student in animal ears, and called it proof that ‘furries’ were quote ‘all over the schools’ end quote. Board President Eric Johnson said a three-warning system will now be used for disruptions, with law enforcement called if needed. District leaders also said board meetings will no longer be held at school sites to better protect students. Interim Superintendent Brian Isakson says the policy aims to keep public comment civil while allowing community voices to be heard. STORY: Climate change delays freezing temps According to a new analysis, the first freeze is happening later in …
November 11, 2025 News Transcripts
Bellingham PD arrests two fugitives following brief chase and K-9 search, Gov’s office says November SNAP benefits should be ready for use, Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material, WA’s child welfare system expected to see record level of deaths and critical injuries across 2025, despite recent downturn, Total compensation for City of Bellingham employees reportedly exceeded $133 million in 2024, N’etse Mot: One Heart, One Mind brings community together, Washington urges vaccinations as respiratory virus season begins, Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Veteren’s Day Tuesday, November 11th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Bellingham PD arrests two fugitives following brief chase and K-9 search Two fugitives from California were arrested Thursday in Bellingham after multiple police chases and a K-9 search. After failing to stop at a stop sign, police say a 40-year-old man from Los Altos, California led officers on two pursuits — first on city streets, then on I-5. Officers later found his car crashed near Old Fairhaven Parkway, along with drug paraphernalia and stolen mail. A K-9 unit found the man hiding in a truck bed. He was arrested for reckless driving and eluding police, as well as a California warrant for possessing a stolen vehicle. Police also found his passenger, a 36-year-old Bellingham woman, injured and hiding in blackberry bushes. She was treated at St. Joseph Medical Center, then booked on fugitive warrants from San Mateo County, California for identity theft and other felonies. Bellingham Police say additional charges — including vehicular assault and possession of a controlled substance — are under review. STORY: Gov’s office says November SNAP benefits should be ready for use After a weekend of confusion and a vote to reopen the federal government, officials now say SNAP benefits will continue. The uncertainty began after a federal judge ordered full funding for the month during the ongoing shutdown. The Trump administration then ordered more than two dozen states to undo November SNAP payments that had already gone out — calling the funds “unauthorized”. On Friday, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily paused those lower court rulings while the Supreme Court considers the issue. But with the government now set to reopen — at least through January — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will be fully funded– at least temporarily. State officials in Washington and Oregon say any benefits already loaded onto EBT cards will not be taken away. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said families should continue using their benefits as usual. STORY: Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material A 62-year-old Bellingham man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing and distributing child sex abuse material. Bellingham Police say their Internet Crimes Against Children unit received multiple CyberTips earlier this year, linking the man to private chatrooms where explicit images of children were uploaded. Investigators say seven tips in total led them to nearly 100 files depicting child sex abuse. Probable cause was found for two crimes — possession and dealing in depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The man was arrested Thursday and booked into Whatcom County Jail. No formal charges had been filed as of yesterday morning. Anyone can report suspected child exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at report.cybertip.org. STORY: WA’s child welfare system expected to see record level of deaths and critical injuries across 2025, despite recent downturn Child deaths in Washington’s child welfare system have slowed in recent months — but are still expected to reach a record high by the end of this year. Through September, the state recorded 15 deaths and 30 near-fatalities among children in its care — mostly infants and toddlers. More than half were tied to opioids, especially fentanyl, according to the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Officials say the numbers have dropped sharply since early this year, when the state saw 22 incidents in just the first quarter. Still, officials say 2025 will likely mark a record year. Republican lawmakers blame a 2021 law — the Keeping Families Together Act — for keeping children in unsafe homes. Some Democrats say the law may need fine-tuning, but not a full overhaul. The Department says it’s asked Governor Bob Ferguson for $4 million to expand drug treatment and family support services, and to add 37 new staff positions in the child welfare system. STORY: Total compensation for City of Bellingham employees reportedly exceeded $133 million in 2024 Employee compensation for the City of Bellingham has increased 42% compared with 2022. According to Cascadia Daily News, that increase is a major factor in the city’s projected 10 million dollar budget deficit for 2026. Mayor Kim Lund says the city is experiencing “growing pains” as it transitions from a small to mid-sized city. The number of city employees earning over 100 thousand dollars rose from 484 in 2022 to 675 this year. Lund, the city’s highest-paid employee, earns about 237 thousand dollars plus benefits — more than the governor, but less than Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu. In September, Lund proposed cutting more than 40 mostly vacant jobs to reduce costs. She and her department heads have also declined their cost-of-living raises for next year. Labor costs — including wages, benefits, and retirement — make up about 70 percent of local government spending. Analysts say those costs are rising faster than city revenue, which has been hard hit by tariffs and a decline in visiting Canadians. The gap has created a structural budget imbalance that Bellingham leaders are still working to solve. STORY: Home for at-risk Lummi youth reopens after five-year closure A home for at-risk Lummi Nation youth is open again after a five-year closure. The “Young People Home,” formerly Lummi Youth Academy, first opened in 2008 to give displaced or at-risk children a safe place to live while they focus on school. COVID-19 forced the home to close in 2020, displacing its residents. Currently, four students live there, …
