Lummi Police shooter misidentified, Lummi Nation sets up donation fund for injured officer (follow to Lummi Police shooter misidentified), Ferndale man arrested for double assault, Kent man arrested in connection with manslaughter case from last October, Earthquakes prompt tsunami warnings, Whatcom County to host multi-department government open house, Multiple new state laws go into effect in WA, Whatcom Co. Winter Shelter update, Public input wanted on Holly Bike Lane Pilot (kill 9/30), Skagit County Commissioner announces retirement, Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 30th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lummi Police shooter misidentified The man accused of shooting a Lummi Nation Police officer is in jail — but his real name is still a mystery. Cascadia Daily News reports the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is confident they arrested the right person, but say he gave deputies a false name. At a press conference yesterday afternoon, Sheriff Donnell Tanksley said that the man was known to law enforcement and had a criminal history of drug charges. The man remains in custody at the Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder. The officer is recovering in stable condition after undergoing surgery. Their identity has not yet been publicly released. The investigation into the shooting continues. STORY: Lummi Nation sets up donation fund for injured officer (follow to Lummi Police shooter misidentified) As the investigation continues, and the suspect’s identity is still unknown, the Lummi Nation is asking the community to focus on care and support. A donation fund has been set up through the Lhaq’temish (LOCK-tuh-mish) Foundation to help the wounded officer’s family through this difficult time. The officer’s name has not been released out of respect for the family’s wishes. The community is asked to honor their request for privacy. STORY: Ferndale man arrested for double assault A knife attack in Ferndale ended with a taser, a bean bag round, and felony charges. The Bellingham Herald reports 34-year-old Curtis Bell is accused of trying to stab a man in his Fallbrook Lane apartment just after midnight on July 12th. When a woman inside the apartment tried to protect the man with a chair, Bell allegedly turned the knife on her. Police say the man ran outside, but Bell caught up, tackled him, and slashed his cheek with a three-and-a-half-inch pocketknife during the struggle. By the time officers arrived, Bell had taken off — but they found him nearby, still holding the pocketknife. He dropped it when told, but ignored further commands, so officers used a taser and a bean bag round to take him down. Bell is charged with two counts of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon — a class A felony — and is being held on a $150,000 bond. STORY: Kent man arrested in connection with manslaughter case from last October A Kent man has been arrested in connection with a deadly confrontation at a Ferndale cat show months ago. Ferndale Police took the 57-year-old suspect into custody on Monday, booking him into the Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of first-degree manslaughter. According to the Cascadia Daily News, the incident happened last October during the Paws in the Pumpkin Patch event at the Ferndale Events Center. The suspect and 61-year-old Anthony Sperry got into an argument while loading a trailer. Police say the suspect hit Sperry with a van, smashed his phone, and shoved him twice — injuries that sent Sperry to the hospital for hip surgery and a femur repair. Sperry was discharged on October 23rd, but died at home the next day. The King County Medical Examiner later ruled his death a homicide, caused by acute pneumonia linked to his injuries. The suspect remains in jail on a $250,000 bond. STORY: Earthquakes prompt tsunami warnings Good news, tsunami watchers. You can stand down. According to the Associated Press, a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka (kahm-CHAHT-kuh) Peninsula yesterday, prompting tsunami warnings across the Pacific — including the West Coast from California to Alaska. Initial information indicated some communities along the Washington coast could be impacted. The tsunami alert was cancelled early this morning. The state Parks and Recreation Commission said ocean beaches have reopened, but warned that there may still be strong and unknown currents for the next 12-to-24 hours. They advise caution if you are on the shore or near the water. STORY: Whatcom County to host multi-department government open house Whatcom County wants you to see where your tax dollars go — up close and in person. The county’s first-ever Open House is set for Tuesday, September 3rd, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the County Courthouse. Residents can meet staff from across departments, explore public works projects, preview the upcoming budget, and learn about plans for the new jail and behavioral health facility. High-tech tools like the county’s property GIS (G-I-S) system will be on display, and there will be a local trivia contest with prizes. County Executive Satpal Sidhu (SAHT-pow SEE-do) says face-to-face connections help build trust, and Council Chair Kaylee Galloway calls it a great way to engage with local government. STORY: Multiple new state laws go into effect in WA A slate of new state laws went into effect this past Sunday, including one that extends protections for good Samaritans. House Bill 1046 offers protection from lawsuits to anyone breaking into a locked vehicle to rescue children, vulnerable adults, or domestic animals, provided certain criteria are met. Would-be rescuers must first have good faith reason to believe that action is necessary. After confirming that all vehicle doors are locked, and that anyone inside cannot exit without assistance, they must attempt to contact law enforcement before taking action. Good Samaritans must wait with any rescued people or animals until help arrives. Several other new laws increase fees and fines. House Bill 1498 ups the cost of a marriage license to $100, with the revenue directed towards helping finance a new domestic violence response program. Fees for most …
July 29, 2025 News Transcript
Suspect in shooting of Lummi police officer arrested, WWU student begins tracking fatal sea star disease, BTC and Skagit Valley among 12 colleges statewide to receive grants for workforce development programs, Custer rest areas to close for paving, maintenance, Auditor seeks to appoint committee members for November voters’ pamphlet (KILL 8/11), WA joins lawsuit to block USDA demand for SNAP data, Cicada Killers mistaken for Murder Hornets, Shots reported in Ferndale’s VanderYacht Park (this was a nothing burger… no further info found), Public input wanted on Holly Bike Lane Pilot (kill 9/30), Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 29th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Suspect in shooting of Lummi police officer arrested A suspect was arrested in connection with the shooting of a Lummi Nation police officer early yesterday morning. 26-year-old Javier Peña Flores, a Whatcom County resident, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a massive law enforcement response to the scene on North Red River Road. Authorities say he fired multiple times, injuring the officer, who has since undergone surgery. Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley said the officer was simply doing his job, and thanked the many agencies that helped track down the suspect. The response included Whatcom County’s mutual aid team, as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement from across the region. STORY: WWU student begins tracking fatal sea star disease Strolling along Taylor Dock this summer? If you see bubbles in the bay, that’s Jack Beeson in scuba gear — plunging for something bigger than himself. Beeson, an environmental science junior at Western, is diving this summer to count sea stars. Cascadia Daily News reports that, in partnership with the Community Boating Center, Beeson is building one of the first local datasets for sea stars in Bellingham. He’s spotting those bright purple and orange ochre stars and checking for sea star wasting syndrome — a disease that wiped out West Coast populations in 2013. Beeson hopes his work will help researchers track their recovery, and inspire people to care about the life hidden beneath the surface. STORY: BTC and Skagit Valley among 12 colleges statewide to receive grants for workforce development programs Two local colleges are getting a boost to help students prepare for in-demand careers. The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges has awarded more than $1.5 million in workforce development grants statewide. Bellingham Technical College and Skagit Valley College were among the 12 schools chosen for the grants supporting projects that respond to changing industry needs and strengthen local economies. BTC will use its grant to expand access to process technology education, while Skagit Valley College will modernize its fire and EMT programs to train the next generation of first responders. Funding for these one-time projects comes from the State Board’s Workforce Development Fund program, which includes Invest in Washington funding. STORY: Custer rest areas to close for paving, maintenance Drivers on I-5 near Custer should plan for rest area closures and lane disruptions this week. The southbound Custer Safety Rest Area is closed for paving through 5am Thursday as part of the Nooksack River to Blaine paving project. Nighttime lane closures on southbound I-5 will also be in place between Birch Bay-Lynden Road and the Nooksack River Bridge from 8pm to 5am through Thursday. Then, on Saturday, August 2nd, both the northbound and southbound Custer rest areas will close from 8am to 4pm for routine maintenance and water flushing. Travelers should plan ahead and watch for signage. STORY: Auditor seeks to appoint committee members for November voters’ pamphlet (KILL 8/11) Do you have strong opinions on local school taxes? Here’s your chance to speak up. The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office is seeking residents to serve on Against Committees for two Bellingham School District levy measures on the November ballot. The district did not appoint members to write opposing statements, so the Auditor is stepping in — and looking for volunteers. To qualify, you must be a registered voter in the district, work cooperatively with other committee members, and have email access. At least one person must be willing to be named in the official pamphlet. The deadline to request an appointment is noon on August 11th, and final statements are due by 4:30 p.m. the same day. More information is available at whatcomcounty.us/elections. STORY: WA joins lawsuit to block USDA demand for SNAP data Washington Attorney General Nick Brown is suing the federal government to stop what he calls an illegal and invasive data grab. Washington has joined 20 other states in challenging a USDA demand for personal information on millions of SNAP recipients — including Social Security numbers and home addresses going back five years. Brown says the move threatens privacy and could harm low-income residents who rely on food assistance. The coalition argues the USDA overstepped its authority and violated federal privacy laws. This lawsuit is separate from a state lawsuit Brown filed last Thursday in Thurston County against Fidelity Information Services for breaching its contract to deliver SNAP benefits payments. Washington could lose $129 million in annual SNAP funding if it refuses to comply. STORY: Cicada Killers mistaken for Murder Hornets Reports of Northern Giant Hornets are on the rise, but it’s likely a case of mistaken identity. In a recent Facebook post, the Washington State Department of Agriculture said it and other agencies have received numerous reports, but most turn out to be cicada killers — a large, native wasp that looks similar, but does not bother people or honey bees. The WSDA thanked the public for staying alert, noting that although the so-called murder hornet was declared eradicated last December, if it got here once, it could get here again. Sightings can still be reported on the WSDA website. WX: Sunion rings And now for the weather: Today’s forecast calls for mostly clear skies and plenty of sunshine, with a max U.V. index rating of 7 and highs in the upper-70s. …
July 28, 2025 News Transcript
Lummi Nation Officer Shot, Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of stealing over $9K in sports cards, Commission dismisses complaint against Sedro-Woolley mayor’s failure to disclose potential conflict of interest, Commission dismisses complaint against Sedro-Woolley mayor’s failure to disclose potential conflict of interest, Swimming advisory issued for Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park, Whatcom County student vaccination rate falls below state average, $5.5 billion in frozen federal education funding released to states, millions bound for Whatcom and Skagit counties, Growing wildfire sparks in southeast Whatcom County (Held pending further information – not on fire incidents site now), Auditor seeks to appoint committee members for November voters’ pamphlet (KILL 8/11), Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 28th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lummi Nation Officer Shot A traffic incident early this morning ended with a Lummi Nation police officer being shot multiple times. The 37-year-old officer was contacting a driver whose vehicle went into a ditch on North Red River Road; the driver responded by opening fire and fleeing on foot. The officer was rushed to the hospital, and has since undergone surgery. Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley called it a “horrific incident” and urged the community to support the officer, their family, and the Lummi Nation Police Department. The suspect remains at large, and an investigation is underway. STORY: Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of stealing over $9K in sports cards A man suspected of stealing $9,000 worth of sports cards and attempting to sell them to a Bellingham card shop has been arrested. According to the Bellingham Herald, the theft was reported on July 7th by the owner of the cards, who is familiar with the suspect. After attempting to sell the cards to multiple shops, the suspect was arrested last Thursday on first-degree charges of theft and trafficking in stolen property. STORY: Commission dismisses complaint against Sedro-Woolley mayor’s failure to disclose potential conflict of interest The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission has concluded its review of Sedro-Woolley Mayor Julia Johnson’s financial disclosures. The investigation followed a complaint alleging incomplete reporting of business interests. The complaint centered on Johnson’s reported business association with Tight Lies LLC, a real estate holding company owned by her spouse and which owns property in Sedro-Woolley. Johnson clarified she is not a co-owner, does not take part in decision-making, and was unaware of some of the company’s government-related activities. Last year, Tight Lies LLC received a grant for just over 92-hundred dollars from the Sedro-Woolley Community Development Grant Program for refurbishing a building — information missing from Johnson’s initial financial disclosure. She amended her form last Monday to include the grant. The commission noted that guidance at the time was unclear on reporting certain grants. With Johnson’s cooperation and her lack of prior violations, the case was dismissed. That dismissal came with a reminder to file complete and timely disclosures to maintain public trust. STORY: Swimming advisory issued for Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park Whatcom County Health and Community Services has issued an advisory, warning against all swimming or wading at Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park. Recent test samples revealed high levels of enterococcus (en-tuh-roh-KOCK-uhss) bacteria at Wildcat Cove. According to the EPA, enterococci (en-tuh-roh-KOCK-eye) live in warm-blooded animals’ intestinal tracts. Its presence in water can indicate fecal contamination, as well as the presence of disease-causing pathogens, including the norovirus and dangerous strains of E. Coli. The public is being strongly encouraged to avoid contact with the water in the affected areas. Small children and the chronically ill run especially high risks of infection. Health officials plan to post warning signs, which will remain in place until testing confirms that water quality once again meets safety standards. STORY: Whatcom County student vaccination rate falls below state average Student vaccination rates in Whatcom County have dropped below Washington’s average. New data from the state Department of Health shows that roughly 86% of the county’s K-thru-12 students were up to date with required immunizations during the 2024-2025 school year, while the state average stood at about 90%. This was also the lowest vaccination rate for Whatcom County in the past five years; it’s reflective of a trend seen across the state, which has seen student vaccination rates drop for five consecutive years. Overall, the data shows Whatcom County had the 15th-lowest immunization rate in Washington during the past school year. Washington requires students to be fully vaccinated against measles and at least 10 other diseases; however, state law allows parents or guardians to claim exemptions for religious, medical, or personal reasons. STORY: Angled parking along Bellingham’s State Street will be back-in only, beginning this week Drivers in downtown Bellingham are getting a new perspective — literally. The city has rolled out back-in angled parking on State Street, the first time this method is being used locally. Crews were out this morning converting head-in angled spots to back-in angled parking along State Street, between Holly Street and the roundabout where Forest, State, and Boulevard streets intersect. City officials say this new parking style improves safety by giving drivers better visibility when pulling out — especially to spot bikes and cars — as well as making loading and unloading safer by directing people toward the sidewalk instead of traffic. The change affects only the angled spaces on the left side of State Street. More information is available at www.cob.org. STORY: $5.5 billion in frozen federal education funding released to states, millions bound for Whatcom and Skagit counties Millions of dollars are headed to Whatcom and Skagit counties after the U.S. Department of Education released funds for Washington’s K-thru-12 schools. The hold was lifted on Friday, clearing the way for nearly $137 million in federal funds for Washington’s K-thru-12 schools, including much-needed funds for Whatcom and Skagit County schools. According to the Cascadia Daily News, Mount Vernon faced a loss of about $2 million, and Bellingham faced a loss of $1 million. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal …
July 25, 2025 News Transcript
Everett man arrested following chase with Whatcom deputy, Holly Street bike lanes altered for safety once again, PSE reports over 2,000 customers lose power in Ferndale, Whatcom County Search and Rescue to stay in current facility, Three candidates vying for vacant Whatcom County Council seats (Changed to encompass all multi-candidate races), Free and cheap, Whatcom County student vaccination rate falls below state average, Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 25th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Everett man arrested following chase with Whatcom deputy A high-speed chase through Whatcom and Skagit counties ended with a dramatic spinout and an Everett man in jail. The Bellingham Herald reports the 23-year-old driver was arrested on Sunday after leading sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit that began on Baker Lake Road, where he was clocked going 60 in a 35-mile zone. According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, he refused to stop, sped through no-passing zones, and later slammed on the brakes near Highways 20 and 9, causing a deputy’s car to crash. Despite the collision, he kept going — driving over sidewalks and through a parking lot — until deputies used pursuit intervention techniques to spin his car out and force a stop. He was booked into Whatcom County Jail on several charges, including DUI, hit and run, eluding police, and driving with a suspended license. His arraignment is set for August 1st. STORY: Holly Street bike lanes altered for safety once again Holly Street’s bike lanes were redesigned once again this week. What was once a parking-protected bike lane – that is, a bike lane separated from traffic by the parking spots along the road – is now protected by buffers. This change comes to the Holly Street corridor —from Ellis to Broadway — as part of a pilot project that began last year. The parking-protected bike lanes were implemented in 2024. Bikeriders and car drivers alike criticized how parked cars obscured bikers from the drivers’ view, making collisions more likely whenever cars made a right-hand turn at intersections. Now, at intersections, bikes are led by bumpers to the crosswalk to continue going straight. Feedback for this change is mixed. Many agree that a change was necessary, but some believe this will confuse drivers and increase the likelihood of collisions between cars and bicycles. A survey to give suggestions for the final design of this project will be open on Engage Bellingham’s website until September 30th. STORY: PSE reports over 2,000 customers lose power in Ferndale A car-versus-pole crash on Northwest Drive was the likely cause of a power outage in Ferndale that knocked out power to over 2,000 PSE customers on Tuesday afternoon. Business was disrupted, traffic signals went dark, and medical centers were briefly affected. Crews moved quickly, rerouting electricity through a process called field switching. The outage was first reported at 12:35 p.m. and by 1:40 p.m. power had been restored to most customers. Repairs continued through the evening, with the last homes and businesses back online around 8:20 p.m. Puget Sound Energy encourages residents to visit its website for updates on outages and planned maintenance. STORY: Whatcom County Search and Rescue to stay in current facility Plans for a new Search and Rescue facility in Everson are off — Whatcom County Search & Rescue will stay put. Cascadia Daily News reports the county has paused redevelopment of the Northwest Annex, allowing WCSAR to remain in its building on Smith Road, which it owns but leases from the county. The nonprofit spent nearly a year planning the Everson site, but financing fell through when the county could not finalize a lease. In July, WCSAR treasurer Gwynne Gruizenga-Top (GRAY-zin-guh TOP) told officials the group was officially scrapping the project. The lease now remains in effect through 2034 unless terminated, and WCSAR will use its raised funds to repair the current facility and update equipment. The all-volunteer group includes about 200 trained responders across six specialized units. STORY: Three candidates vying for vacant Whatcom County Council seats (Changed to encompass all multi-candidate races) The race for Whatcom County Council is heating up ahead of the August 5th primary. In District 2, covering north Bellingham neighborhoods like Columbia and Silver Beach, three candidates seek the seat being vacated by Todd Donovan next January. Elizabeth Boyle is a 25-year resident and business owner active in community volunteering; Maya Morales (moh-RAH-less) is an LGBTQ+ advocate focused on affordable housing and government accountability; and Mike Cullum is a teacher and Civil Service Commissioner with strong local education ties. District 3 covers Everson, Nooksack, Sumas, parts of Bellingham and surrounding communities. Incumbent Tyler Byrd is running for a third term. Challengers include Kyle Christensen, director of the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group and former sheriff’s deputy; and Daniel Probst, who helped secure conservation lands and maintains public trails. Finally, for the at-large seat, Barry Buchanan, a lifelong public servant and musician, is running against Misty Flowers, a longtime resident and performing musician who values the community’s outdoors and diversity. Under Washington’s top-two primary system, the two candidates with the most votes advance to the November 4th general election. STORY: Free and cheap It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county. EVIL Bikes in Fairhaven will host this year’s Fourth Corner Punk Fest tomorrow from 1-to-10 p.m. The all-ages event will feature two stages; one will be reserved for Guttermouth, Teenage Bottlerocket, and other bands headlining the festival, while the other will feature local punk bands such as Lipstitch and Boxcutter. A free shuttle will take fans to the 21 and over after-party at Bar 211. Tickets can be purchased at the festival’s website; general admission tickets for the actual festival go for about $50 before taxes, while after-party tickets go for about $12. Tomorrow will also see Bellingham’s York neighborhood host this year’s York Yard Crawl from …
July 24, 2025 News Transcript
Part of Bellingham’s South Bay Trail set to close for 18 months of construction, Upgrades coming for Downtown Blaine, La Conner becomes first local school district to enact major cuts to budget following federal funding crisis, Whatcom County veteran’s program receives national award, Trump executive order striking down birthright citizenship blocked, Spike in critical injuries among Washington children in welfare system, PSE reports over 2,000 customers lose power in Ferndale Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 24rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Part of Bellingham’s South Bay Trail set to close for 18 months of construction Heads up, trail users: a popular south-side waterfront trail in Fairhaven is closing for nearly 18 months. The South Bay Trail between Taylor Dock and the Fairhaven Village Green will shut down this summer as construction begins on the Fairhaven Center development. The project includes housing, retail space, and public parking — and the trail runs straight through the construction zone. During the closure, trail users will be detoured around the site using nearby sidewalks along 11th Street and Finnegan Way. Signs and maps will be posted to guide pedestrians and cyclists through the temporary route. The city plans to restore the trail with a permanent public easement through the new development, along with a future public overlook of Bellingham Bay. Expect changes to street parking near Mill Avenue and 11th as work gets underway. More information is available on the City’s website. STORY: Upgrades coming for Downtown Blaine Big upgrades are coming to downtown Blaine — and it starts with a half-million dollar state grant. The City of Blaine has received funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce to begin revitalizing its downtown core. The first step: a detailed evaluation of Peace Portal Drive and the Martin Street parklet, led by the Cascade Engineering Group. Planned improvements include repairing and replacing sidewalks, removing damaged street trees, upgrading landscaping, and enhancing the Martin Street parklet — all aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and appearance. The project will create a design template for future phases as funding becomes available. The city says the goal is a more inviting, walkable downtown that supports both the community and local economy. Concept drawings and updates are available on the city’s website. STORY: La Conner becomes first local school district to enact major cuts to budget following federal funding crisis The La Conner School District is the first in either Skagit or Whatcom County to make substantial budget cuts in response to the ongoing uncertainty over federal education funding. The Trump administration announced on June 30th that it would withhold $6 billion in school funding while it reviewed allocations for alignment with the President’s priorities. No timeline for the process has been offered. According to the LaConner Community News, the withheld funds affect most of the La Conner district’s consolidated grants. As a result, Superintendent Dave Cram announced in a letter to the community last Friday that the district will close its Braves’ Hub afterschool program, cancel the new Braves Beginnings preschool meant to start this fall, and cut programming and staff aimed at assisting multilingual and migrant students. Cram held out the possibility that funding might be restored, and pledged that district officials would make any adjustments possible if and when that happens. In the meantime, however, he said the district was, quote, “incredibly sorry to lose so many of our staff who have provided incredible support and services for our students and the school community,” unquote. STORY: Whatcom County veteran’s program receives national award Whatcom County Health and Community Services’ Veterans Program earned an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties. The association said that the veterans’ program strives to improve health and wellness for veterans by providing access to benefits, along with medical, mental health and employment resources. The National Association of Counties looks for innovative policy, improved resources and services, and public understanding of county government. STORY: Former Whatcom health official takes on state administrative role And in more news related to Health and Community Services, a former Whatcom County health official has landed a new role at the state level. According to a recent release, Erika Lautenbach — who led Health and Community Services through the COVID-19 pandemic — is now chief administrative officer at Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families. Lautenbach will oversee operations for the 6,000-person agency — from finances and contracts to HR and data systems. She was fired by Whatcom County in March over what officials called a pattern of leadership concerns. Lautenbach has disputed the claims, and filed a wrongful termination demand. The county says it has had no further contact with her or her attorneys. Lautenbach says she’s now focused on supporting frontline staff working with vulnerable children and families. In the release, the state agency’s secretary praised her experience managing large organizations and tackling complex public health issues. No word yet on who will replace her in Whatcom County. STORY: Trump executive order striking down birthright citizenship blocked A federal appeals court has upheld a Seattle judge’s nationwide block on President Trump’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship. In a 2-to-1 decision Wednesday, the 9th Circuit ruled Trump’s 2021 executive order violated the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. Writing for the majority, Judge Ronald Gould said the President was not granted the power to make any changes to the United States Constitution, be it by Article Two of the Constitution or, quote, “by any other source” unquote. The ruling comes despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision narrowing when nationwide injunctions can be issued. The lawsuit was brought by several states — including Washington — along with two pregnant noncitizen women. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown called the ruling a win for constitutional rights. However, the appeals court said a full block is necessary to prevent sweeping impacts on state-run services like Medicaid. STORY: Spike in critical injuries among Washington children in …
July 23, 2025 News Transcript
Kohberger sentenced to life without parole, Man arrested following standoff in Blaine, Bellingham City Council moves to strengthen anti-discrimination protections for queer residents, Bellingham joins lawsuit challenging Trump administration’s demands to change policies regarding protected classes, New tenant protections will be on November ballot for Bellingham voters, Primary election ballots have been mailed, La Conner becomes first local school district to enact major cuts to budget following federal funding crisis, Primary election ballots have been mailed, La Conner becomes first local school district to enact major cuts to budget following federal funding crisis, Whatcom County veteran’s program receives national award, Part of Bellingham’s South Bay Trail set to close for 18 months of construction, Free or Cheap, Spike in critical injuries among Washington children in welfare system Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Kohberger sentenced to life without parole Bryan Kohberger has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murders of four University of Idaho students. CNN reports that 30-year-old Kohberger did not address the court. Steve Goncalves (gohn-SAHL-ves), father of victim Kaylee Goncalves, said any details from Bryan Kohberger would have been useful in protecting survivors. He added that the plea deal negotiation wasn’t justice, but a shortcut. Scott Laramie, the stepfather of Madison Mogen (MOW-gan), said he hopes his family can start to move on now that Kohberger has been sentenced. Moscow Police Department Chief Anthony Dahlinger (DAH-lin-jur) thanked the victims’ families for their strength and resilience, and promised to make sure the lives of the students are not forgotten. Kohberger will likely be sent to the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, the state’s only maximum-security prison. STORY: Man arrested following standoff in Blaine A man is in custody after a tense standoff in Blaine on Sunday evening. In recent court records, police say the 42-year-old threatened to kill multiple people and chased one resident near Peace Portal Drive before locking himself in a room at the Bayside Motor Inn. Officers say he appeared intoxicated and refused to cooperate. The situation ended after Bellingham Police arrived with an armored vehicle, and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. He’s being held in the Whatcom County Jail on a $25,000 bail. STORY: Bellingham City Council moves to strengthen anti-discrimination protections for queer residents The Bellingham City Council voted unanimously on Monday night to strengthen the city’s anti-discrimination laws to explicitly protect sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The newly adopted ordinance creates a separate chapter in the city’s municipal code affirming equal access to city services for all residents. It follows months of public testimony, and takes effect in 15 days. Council members called the measure a bold stand against federal rollbacks under the Trump administration. Councilman Jace Cotton spoke emotionally about growing up as a closeted gay youth, saying he hopes the ordinance gives others a sense of hope and belonging. Although the ordinance does not include enforcement penalties or designate Bellingham as a “sanctuary city,” advocates praised the move as a significant step forward — and vowed to keep pushing for more protections. STORY: Bellingham joins lawsuit challenging Trump administration’s demands to change policies regarding protected classes And in more city-related news, the City of Bellingham will join a national lawsuit that challenges the Trump administration’s efforts to tie federal funding to changes on immigration, diversity, gender identity, and reproductive rights. Mayor Kim Lund announced on Monday night that Bellingham is now a plaintiff in King County v. Turner, a federal case with over 60 cities and counties signed on. Lund says the administration’s demands amount to executive overreach. In addition, the new requirements threaten critical services funded by nearly $50 million in federal aid each year. City leaders say the conditions are unconstitutional and put Bellingham in an impossible position — forcing it to either adopt harmful federal policies or lose vital funding. Council member Michael Lilliquist (LIL-ih-kwist) called the situation “Orwellian” (or-WEH-lee-uhn), warning that the people hurt most would be children, seniors and families relying on long-standing programs. STORY: New tenant protections will be on November ballot for Bellingham voters Bellingham voters are set to decide on a sweeping tenant protection initiative this fall. A proposed amendment to Bellingham’s municipal code would bolster tenants’ rights by explicitly protecting freedoms of speech, assembly, and association in rental housing. It would ban landlord retaliation for tenants who report unsafe conditions, join tenant unions, host meetings, or distribute flyers. Under the measure, landlords couldn’t refuse to renew leases, raise rents, or impose fees as punishment for tenants exercising those rights. Any retaliatory act within 210 days of a tenant complaint would be presumed illegal. The initiative also voids lease clauses that try to silence tenants or block organizing, and requires landlords to display a tenants’ rights poster in common areas or online. Violations could result in lawsuits, with penalties up to $2,000 plus attorney fees. The city could also fine landlords up to $1,000 per offense. Supporters say the initiative protects free speech and helps renters stand up for safe, fair housing. STORY: Primary election ballots have been mailed Primary election ballots have been mailed to most registered voters in Whatcom County as of last Wednesday. If you’re unsure whether a ballot was sent to you, visit VoteWA.gov to check your status. Voters who haven’t received their ballot should contact the Whatcom County Election Division for a replacement. The deadline to register or update your address online or by mail is Monday, July 28th. After that, you can still register in-person. Ballots can be returned by mail or placed in any of the 23 official drop boxes across the county. Ballots must be returned by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, August 5th, or postmarked by that date if mailed. For questions or assistance, call or email the Election Division. More election info is available at whatcomcounty.us/CurrentElection. WX: Sun-ce around again… And now for the weather: It should be another lovely …
July 22, 2025 News Transcript
Trial of Whatcom man indefinitely detained at McNeil Island pushed back to 2026, Dept. of Ecology issues water contact warning at Bay View State Park, Bellingham City Council to hold hearings on proposed development of Barkley Village, Port of Bellingham seeking community feedback on commission expansion ahead of election, WA joins multistate lawsuit over ACA restrictions, Dirty Dan Harris’ Steakhouse set to reopen this fall, Part of Bellingham’s South Bay Trail set to close for 18 months of construction, Primary election ballots have been mailed, Spike in critical injuries among Washington children in welfare system Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Trial of Whatcom man indefinitely detained at McNeil Island pushed back to 2026 The trial of a Whatcom County man held at a special facility for sex offenders on McNeil Island has been delayed nearly a year. According to court documents, a Superior Court judge ruled on Thursday that Jake Unick (yoo-NICK) will now face trial next April, as the state seeks to civilly commit him indefinitely as a “sexually violent predator.” The 39-year-old Unick was convicted in 2014 for kidnapping and harassment charges involving multiple victims, including a 2-year-old girl. Though Unick has completed his prison sentence, the Attorney General’s Office argues he still poses a danger to the public. The trial, expected to last at least a month, will not re-examine Unick’s past crimes; instead, it will determine whether he meets the legal definition of a sexually violent predator. If the jury agrees, Unick could be committed to the island facility indefinitely. STORY: Dept. of Ecology issues water contact warning at Bay View State Park The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a water contact advisory for Bay View State Park in Skagit County, after high levels of fecal bacteria were detected. Swimming or touching the water is not recommended until further notice. Exposure could cause skin rashes, stomach flu or respiratory infections, with children and immunocompromised individuals especially at risk. The contaminated beach sits on the shore of Padilla (puh-DILL-uh) Bay. Officials urge all visitors to shower and wash hands after contact with the water or sand. Ecology’s BEACH program continues to test water at popular swim spots statewide. For the latest advisories, visit the BEACH program website. STORY: Bellingham City Council to hold hearings on proposed development of Barkley Village Bellingham’s Barkley neighborhood is set for a major transformation. The Bellingham City Council held a public hearing last night on a new plan outlining a 20-year vision to turn the 255-acre Barkley Village into a vibrant, mixed-use urban hub. The area — already home to over 2,000 jobs and nearly 500 housing units — will expand with walkable neighborhoods, affordable housing, and green infrastructure. Led by the Talbot Group in partnership with the city, the plan prioritizes sustainability, transit access and open spaces, while protecting wetlands and wildlife in the area known as the “North 40.” Key upgrades include bike lanes, trails, and redesigned streets to support buses and safer pedestrian access. The goal is a dense, livable district where people can live, work, and play without relying on a car. STORY: Port of Bellingham seeking community feedback on commission expansion ahead of election Whatcom County voters will decide this fall whether to expand the Port of Bellingham’s Board of Commissioners from three members to five. According to a recent release, the Port is now seeking residents to write the official “For” and “Against” statements for the November voters’ pamphlet. Applications are due by 4 p.m. tomorrow. Committee members are expected to be selected during the Port Commission’s meeting on Thursday morning. Port commissioners voted 2-to-1 earlier this week to place the proposal on the November general election ballot. STORY: Blaine City Council confirms new member to short-term sea The Blaine City Council has appointed Sarbie Bains to fill an interim at-large seat until after the November election. According to The Northern Light, Bains, who owns Blaine Bouquets, was approved in a 5-to-1 vote earlier this week. She’ll be sworn in at the council’s next meeting on August 11th. The seat was vacated by Mike Hill, who resigned in June. Both Hill and Bains are listed on the upcoming general election ballot, though Hill has endorsed Bains for the permanent position. STORY: Data shows WA-BC border crossings continuing to steadily increase across recent months After months of low border crossings between Canada and the United States, the numbers seem to be steadily improving. Fewer people began to cross the border after President Trump’s controversial comments about making Canada the 51st state. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which tracks border crossings, shows that about 374,000 personal vehicles crossed the Canada-U.S. border this March, compared to about 545,000 in March of 2024. May saw 35% fewer passengers crossing the Blaine border than last year. Data from Canada’s transportation statistics imply that significantly fewer Canadians are coming into the United States than before, as reported by the Bellingham Herald. About half of the British Columbians who crossed into the U.S. in April of 2024 crossed the border this year, compared to a roughly 2% drop in Americans visiting British Columbia. However, the discrepancy between this year and last is shrinking. The number of personal vehicles crossing the Washington-British Columbia border has increased for the third month in a row. However, though numbers are on the rise, it is unclear when they will return to normal levels. STORY: WA joins multistate lawsuit over ACA restrictions Washington has joined yet another multi-state lawsuit against the Trump administration — this time over a new rule regarding access to the Affordable Care Act. In a news release from last Thursday, State Attorney General Nick Brown said the new rule would, by the administration’s own admission, strip health coverage from nearly 2 million Washingtonians. According to Brown, the rule would also result in tens of thousands fewer people using the state’s Health Benefits Exchange, cutting up to $10 million in …
July 21, 2025 News Transcript
Whatcom man charged with 14 felonies related to child pornography and sexual abuse, Lummi Police name person of interest in case of missing elder, Bellingham medical and hygiene center for the unhoused far exceeds service projections over first six months, Bellingham community housing organization intent on purchasing old public school district office, Whatcom County, Sandy Point, and Lummi Island Stage 2 burn bans go into effect today, Dept of Health urges kids to get shots before school starts, Trial of Whatcom man indefinitely detained at McNeil Island pushed back to 2026, Part of Bellingham’s South Bay Trail set to close for 18 months of construction, Data shows WA-BC border crossings continuing to steadily increase across recent months, Blaine City Council confirms new member to short-term seat Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 21st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom man charged with 14 felonies related to child pornography and sexual abuse A Nooksack teen faces child sex abuse charges after a months-long investigation. According to The Bellingham Herald, 18-year-old Salomon Perez-Villegas (vee-YEH-gus) pleaded not guilty on Friday at the Whatcom County Superior Court to 14 felony counts, including child rape and possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. His arrest came after a five-month investigation led by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. It began when the social media platform X flagged a chat containing suspected child pornography. The report was forwarded to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, triggering a series of cyber tips. Investigators traced several online accounts back to Perez-Villegas, and searched his home earlier this month. Court documents say they found more than 50 explicit videos on his phone — some involving toddlers. He allegedly confessed to sharing and even creating child sexual abuse material, including footage involving a 4-year-old child. Perez-Villegas remains in jail on a $100,000 bail. The trial is scheduled for September 2nd. STORY: Lummi Police name person of interest in case of missing elder A person of interest has been named in the case of a missing Lummi Nation elder. Seattle’s KING 5 News reports that Lummi Nation Police have named Terry Bowman as a person of interest in the disappearance of his girlfriend, 62-year-old Besalynn James. James has been missing since January 21st of this year; Bowman says she left her home around 2 a.m. to go for a walk, but never returned. Four days passed before Bowman reported James’ disappearance. The Cascadia Daily News reports that the FBI — another agency investigating the case — said it could not discuss details of the case, and that Lummi Nation Police weren’t immediately available for comment. The Lummi Nation, however, released a poster on Facebook late last month which stated that James is, quote, “believed to be a victim of homicide” unquote. Anyone with information on James’ disappearance is asked to either call Lummi Police or the FBI, or submit a tip at www.tips.fbi.gov. STORY: Bellingham medical and hygiene center for the unhoused far exceeds service projections over first six months A new hygiene and medical respite center in downtown Bellingham has seen far more use than expected in its first six months. The Way Station, which opened in late 2024 to support people experiencing homelessness, has already served over 1,000 individuals — far surpassing its first-year projection of 750. Operators say it’s a sign of a growing crisis. In a press release, Unity Care Northwest said the surge in demand highlights the urgent need for basic hygiene and healthcare access for unhoused residents. Run in partnership with the Opportunity Council, PeaceHealth, and Whatcom County Health and Community Services, The Way Station offers a range of services, including medical care, behavioral health, substance use treatment, showers, meals, and laundry. Unity Care Northwest CEO Jodi Joyce says the facility is “not a solution to homelessness,” but plays a critical role in stabilizing lives and restoring dignity. The Way Station is expected to expand services as demand remains high. STORY: Bellingham community housing organization intent on purchasing old public school district office Bellingham Public Schools have signed a letter of intent to sell the site of its former central offices at Dupont Street to 4th Corner Commons, a new collective hoping to establish the city’s second cohousing community. 4th Corner Commons’ website lays out their vision for a community of private residences built around shared community spaces, all designed, created, and managed collaboratively by the people living there. The building currently occupying the site opened in 1908 as Roeder Elementary School. It housed the District’s central offices from the 1970s until January of 2024, when freezing temperatures caused pipes to burst and the building to flood, forcing its closing. However, administrators had already enacted a plan to relocate to new offices on Barkley Boulevard by then. The potentially long process of negotiating a final purchase and sale agreement remains, but 4th Corner Commons already has the location posted on their website as the community’s future home. They’re inviting anyone interested to attend a scheduled Zoom meeting or to take a guided tour of the site later this week. STORY: Whatcom County, Sandy Point, and Lummi Island Stage 2 burn bans go into effect today A full burn ban goes into effect today across parts of Whatcom County, as fire danger reaches extreme levels. The Whatcom County Fire Marshal, along with Fire Districts 17 and 11, announced a Stage 2 outdoor burn ban, which prohibits all outdoor burning — including recreational campfires and beach fires. The ban started this past Saturday in unincorporated Whatcom County and today on both Lummi Island and Sandy Point. Propane fire pits and BBQs are still allowed, but officials warn to use caution — charcoal and ashes must be fully extinguished and stored safely for 72 hours. The Fire Marshal’s Office says the move aligns with statewide burn bans already in place on state-protected lands and in national forests. Violators could face a minimum $250 fine, and may be held liable …
July 18, 2025 News Transcript
Whatcom County child molestation case sees sentence issued after 11 years of court proceedings, Shellfish harvesting shut down between Sandy Point and Canadian border, Oak Harbor man arrested for suspected involvement in Whatcom County drug ring, Expansion of Bellingham Port Commission set to appear on November ballot, Bellingham climbing gym / apartment combo building receives design approval, Dirty Dan Harris’ Steakhouse set to reopen this fall, Free and cheap NEED MORE FREE AND CHEAP PLEASE, Dept of Health urges kids to get shots before school starts, Bellingham community housing organization intent on purchasing old public school district office, Trial of Whatcom man indefinitely detained at McNeil Island pushed back to 2026 Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 18th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Whatcom County child molestation case sees sentence issued after 11 years of court proceedings After more than a decade of court delays, a Clark County man has been sentenced in a Whatcom County child molestation case dating back to 2014. According to the Bellingham Herald, 46-year-old Kristopher Michael Martin used an Alford guilty plea on Wednesday to two counts of second-degree child molestation. This means he maintains his innocence but accepts the conviction. Martin’s original 2018 conviction and sentence to over eight years in prison was overturned by the state Court of Appeals, which found that a judge’s private communication with the jury violated Martin’s right to a fair trial. His retrial was delayed nearly 30 times over the next five years. Martin has now been sentenced to three years in prison and three years of community custody. However, with credit for time served and early release, he will not return to prison. The victim — a child at the time of the abuse — told investigators the experience has had long-term emotional effects. Prosecutors say she is frustrated by the length of the case, but relieved to see it closed. A six-year no-contact order is in place, and Martin will have to undergo sexual deviancy evaluation and treatment. Restitution will be decided later. STORY: Shellfish harvesting shut down between Sandy Point and Canadian border The Washington State Department of Health has announced the shutdown of recreational shellfish harvesting from Sandy Point to the Canadian border, after unsafe levels of biotoxin were detected. Paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, can cause severe illness or death. Note that it cannot be destroyed by cooking or freezing. The closure affects all species of shellfish like clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops. Crab meat remains safe, but internal organs should be discarded. The closure includes all of Drayton Harbor and Point Roberts. Harvest within Lummi Nation tidelands is closed to non-tribal visitors. Shellfish sold in stores and restaurants is safe, as it is tested before sale. Officials warn toxin levels can rise quickly and are not visible. Before digging, check the Washington Shellfish Safety Map or call the state biotoxin hotline at 1-800-562-5632. STORY: Oak Harbor man arrested for suspected involvement in Whatcom County drug ring A major drug bust has landed a 57-year-old man in Whatcom County Jail. According to Deb Slater, public information officer for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest of Andres Venegas (veh-NEH-gahs) Hernandez follows a months-long investigation by the Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force. Officers executed a search warrant at the suspect’s home earlier this week. In coordination with federal and state agencies, they recovered more than 5,000 fentanyl pills, over 1,200 grams of cocaine, and nearly 500 grams of heroin. Additionally, they found over $5,000 in cash — some of it hidden inside a Bible. Authorities believe the man coordinated with others to distribute drugs throughout Whatcom County and acted as a central figure in collecting profits from the trafficking network. Hernandez now faces multiple charges, including leading organized crime, money laundering, and possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. STORY: Expansion of Bellingham Port Commission set to appear on November ballot Whatcom County voters will weigh in this November on whether to expand the Port of Bellingham Commission from three to five members. Cascadia Daily News reports the resolution was approved Tuesday in a 2-1 vote after months of public discussion. It’s the first time since 2012 — when the measure narrowly failed — that the issue is back on the ballot. Supporters say the move would increase representation and improve communication among commissioners. Opponents, like Commissioner Bobby Briscoe, raised concerns about cost and timing, with the port facing budget pressures. If approved, the port would begin redistricting in early 2026 and likely align with the five Whatcom County Council districts. Two new commissioners would be elected later that year. The added seats would cost an estimated $126,000 annually. STORY: Bellingham climbing gym / apartment combo building receives design approval A long-anticipated residential and recreational development in downtown Bellingham has cleared a major hurdle. According to Cascadia Daily News, The Arête (uh-RETT) Lofts — a six-story, 36-unit building featuring a public climbing gym — has received land use permit approvals from the City of Bellingham. The project has been in the works for nearly six years and is now moving into the building permit phase. Located on West Holly Street across from Old Town Cafe, the site has been empty since a fire destroyed the original structure — a 1904 building known as the White House — nearly a century ago. Developer Gabe Rogel (ROE-gull) originally envisioned a large climbing gym but expanded the plan to include housing to help secure financing. The building will feature dramatic 55-foot climbing walls, rooftop bouldering, a yoga studio, and sauna — all open to the public through memberships or day passes. The climbing gym will be operated by Vital, a well-known name in the climbing community, which recently finalized a lease for the space. STORY: Dirty Dan Harris’ Steakhouse set to reopen this fall Bellingham’s Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse is set to reopen this fall. The restaurant has been closed since the historic Terminal building fire in …
July 17, 2025 News Transcript
NWS reports Alaskan tsunami warning should prove no threat to U.S. and Canadian western coasts, Bellingham woman arrested after alleged attempted double arson, Bellingham retail and office vacancies on the rise, PeaceHealth’s three-year outlook projects rising demand and falling financial stability for most needy, WSDOT seeking community feedback on repaving of Guide Meridian, Washington sues Trump administration over disaster preparedness cuts, WA joins multistate lawsuit over $7 billion in withheld formula grants, Free and Cheap, Dept of Health urges kids to get shots before school starts, Shellfish shut down Sandy Point to Canadian border, Bellingham community housing organization intent on purchasing old public school district office, Dirty Dan Harris’ Steakhouse set to reopen this fall, Expansion of Bellingham Port Commission set to appear on November ballot, Bellingham climbing gym / apartment combo building receives design approval Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, July 17th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: NWS reports Alaskan tsunami warning should prove no threat to U.S. and Canadian western coasts A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska yesterday afternoon. According to the National Weather Service’s Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, the quake shook the region around 1:40 p.m. Pacific Time, and triggered a tsunami warning for parts of southern Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula. A tsunami wave was later confirmed — by 2:13 p.m., however, officials said there was no threat to other U.S. or Canadian Pacific coasts. The quake hit at a depth of about 12 miles beneath the ocean floor. Tsunami activity was expected to begin shortly after in places like Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Kodiak. Officials say they will continue to monitor the situation. STORY: Bellingham woman arrested after alleged attempted double arson A Bellingham woman was arrested in connection with two fires set in the early morning hours of July 12th. Fifty-four-year-old Nicole Ann Bimrose has been charged with first-degree arson, burglary, and manufacturing incendiary devices. Police say she used Molotov cocktails — made from liquor bottles and napkins — to ignite a fire inside the 7-Eleven on Lakeway Drive. Officers had first encountered Bimrose at the store just before 12:30 a.m., where she was reportedly drinking from a liquor bottle and acting erratically. Two hours later, first responders were called to a burning trailer home just blocks away on Lincoln Street. The man who lived there had left the night before, and told investigators that Bimrose — who shared the residence with him — had made a remark just before he left along the lines of, quote, “I’ll get you later.” Fire crews say the blaze had been burning for some time, suggesting it was likely set before the 7-Eleven incident. Bimrose is being held in the Whatcom County Jail, and has been ordered to undergo a mental competency evaluation. A hearing to determine her fitness to stand trial is set for July 31st. STORY: Bellingham retail and office vacancies on the rise Sunset Square’s getting hammered — and Bellingham’s retail market is showing the bruises. A new report from Pacific Continental Realty shows Bellingham’s retail vacancy rate jumped to 4.5% last quarter, thanks to major closures like Joann Fabrics and Rite Aid in Sunset Square. Broker Ryan Martin tells KMRE News that nearly 90,000 square feet of retail space went dark — and more is coming. At Home, a massive 119,000-square-foot store, is shutting down by fall. Office space is not doing much better. Vacancy rose to 5.2% — the highest in two years — after Dealer Information Systems cleared out its downtown HQ. However, there are some hopeful signs. After Bed Bath & Beyond’s collapse, part of its former location reopened as a new Trader Joe’s in May — and City of Bellingham permits are in for a proposed Old Navy right next door. Industrial space held steady at 2.2%, and Bellis Fair Mall is holding the line — for now. STORY: PeaceHealth’s three-year outlook projects rising demand and falling financial stability for most needy Local hospital wait times may get even longer in the coming years. Whatcom County’s only hospital, PeaceHealth’s St. Joseph Medical Center, anticipates an increase in demand due to local financial insecurity and nationwide cuts to health services. In its Community Health Need Assessment, a report conducted every three years, the hospital outlined trends such as food and housing insecurity in Whatcom County. Rachel Lucy, PeaceHealth’s director of community health, told the Cascadia Daily News that the hospital’s community was already concerned for PeaceHealth’s future before President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, which cut the budget of programs like Medicaid. Now, services that many Whatcom County residents rely on, such as SNAP, are on the chopping block. This may exacerbate existing issues in the area, and lead to an increased need for health services. In the future, the hospital plans to release an implementation strategy to describe its plan to help improve Whatcom County’s well-being. STORY: WSDOT seeking community feedback on repaving of Guide Meridian Guide Meridian is set to be repaved in 2027. The Washington State Department of Transportation announced that the project will span from the I-5 intersection to Kellogg Road. They encourage people who use the road to fill out an online survey on their website to gather the needs of all users. The questionnaire will be open until August 7th. WSDOT says that 35-to-52,000 vehicles use this highway every day. STORY: Washington sues Trump administration over disaster preparedness cuts Washington Attorney General Nick Brown announced yesterday that he will lead a 20-state coalition suing the Trump administration for halting FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, program. For decades, BRIC has funded levees, floodwalls, evacuation shelters, and other vital projects that protect communities before natural disasters strike. In Washington alone, 27 projects totaling $182 million are now at risk — many in small towns like Aberdeen and Hoquiam (HOH-kwee-um), as well as Klickitat (KLIK-i-tat) County. In a recent announcement, Brown said ending the …
July 16, 2025 News Transcript
Federal judge grants mother of four detained at Peace Arch Park opportunity to contact immigration attorney, Man who assaulted Bellingham middle schooler last year convicted of hate crime, WCSO arrests second suspect in fraud case, Stretch of Hampton Road in Everson closed in response to barn fire, Bellingham receives $1.5 million to improve fish passageways in Padden Creek, L&I Reminds Employers: Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat and Smoke Hazards, AG’s office bans sale of machine gun converters in WA, Free and cheap, WA joins multistate lawsuit over $7 billion in withheld formula grants, Dept of Health urges kids to get shots before school starts, Bellingham climbing gym – apartment combo building receives design approval, WSDOT seeking community feedback on repaving of Guide Meridian Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Federal judge grants mother of four detained at Peace Arch Park opportunity to contact immigration attorney A federal judge in Seattle has ordered immigration officials to allow a Portland woman to contact her attorney. Jackeline Merlos, who has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, was detained with her four U.S.-born children and her mother at Peace Arch Park on June 28th. According to the Cascadia Daily News, Merlos was allegedly pressured into signing a voluntary return to Honduras — without speaking to her lawyer. Merlos’s attorney filed a motion for a temporary restraining order on Monday, after learning she could be deported within days. Merlos has a pending U-visa application and valid work authorization through 2029. She and her husband, who was later arrested by ICE in Portland, own a construction business. Customs and Border Protection claims Merlos attempted to smuggle people into the U.S., which her supporters strongly dispute. U.S. Representatives Maxine Dexter and Rick Larsen are now demanding answers, along with a dozen other lawmakers. The case is set for a court hearing Friday. STORY: Man who assaulted Bellingham middle schooler last year convicted of hate crime A California man who punched a Black middle schooler during a field trip in Bellingham has been sentenced for an allegedly racially-motivated hate crime. According to court documents, 43-year-old Paul Jonathan Bittner pleaded guilty yesterday to an unprovoked assault on an 11-year-old boy in June of 2024. The boy told police Bittner attacked him because he was talking to a white friend. Records show Bittner made racist remarks during and after the assault. He was later diagnosed with schizoaffective (skit-sow-uh-FEK-tuhv) disorder, and spent five months at Western State Hospital before being found competent to stand trial. Judge Evan Jones imposed a 10-year no-contact order, as well as 18 months of post-release supervision. STORY: WCSO arrests second suspect in fraud case Whatcom County authorities have made a second arrest in a nationwide fraud conspiracy that may have scammed victims out of millions. According to the Bellingham Herald, 55-year-old Xiaobin Zhou (zee-ow-BEEN SHOW) of California was arrested in May for allegedly impersonating a federal agent and stealing $100,000 in cash and gold from a Whatcom County resident. He now faces seven felony charges. While jailed, Yang Zhou, Xiaobin’s younger brother, visited him; during a recorded conversation, the two discussed gold bars, cash, and efforts to cover their tracks. Court documents say the 30-year-old Yang admitted to checking Xiaobin’s residence and recovering cash suspected to be tied to the original scam. Investigators believe Yang is also involved in the larger conspiracy. He now faces charges of trafficking stolen property and tampering with evidence. Both brothers have since posted bond. STORY: Stretch of Hampton Road in Everson closed in response to barn fire A stretch of Hampton Road in Everson was temporarily closed due to a barn fire yesterday afternoon. First responders were dispatched to the barn around 2:25 p.m. Hampton Road was momentarily closed between Northwood and Trapline, as several fire crews responded to the incident. Whatcom County Public Works later said that the scene was cleared, no one was injured, and Hampton Road is open for use again. STORY: Bellingham receives $1.5 million to improve fish passageways in Padden Creek Over four-and-a-half million dollars are coming to Whatcom and Skagit Counties to help salmon swim freely again. Yesterday, the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Board announced the recipients of funding for projects that remove fish-blocking culverts across Washington. Bellingham will get one-and-a-half million dollars to design improvements where Padden Creek meets Harris Avenue and the McKenzie Trail. Upstream, the city began fixing barriers at 12th, 14th, and 30th Streets last month, which has prompted trail detours in Fairhaven. In Skagit County, the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group will receive over three million dollars to replace a culvert under East Hickox (HIK-oks) Road. STORY: L&I Reminds Employers: Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat and Smoke Hazards Hot weather and wildfire smoke are creating dangerous conditions for outdoor workers across Washington. The Department of Labor & Industries reminds employers that state rules kick in at 80 degrees. That means employers must provide access to water, shade or cooling areas, and paid rest breaks. Once temperatures hit 90 or higher, breaks must be longer and more frequent. Wildfire smoke rules also require employers to have a safety plan in place, train workers to recognize symptoms like dizziness or chest pain, and provide medical care without penalty. More information is available on L&I’s website. STORY: AG’s office bans sale of machine gun converters in WA The Trump administration has agreed in court filings to omit Washington and select other states from its plans to allow distribution of machine gun conversion devices. In a related court submission, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has confirmed that forced reset triggers, a type of conversion device, will not be sold in those states. Rare Breed Triggers, the United States’ largest supplier of forced reset triggers, also confirmed that it will not offer the specified devices in the affected areas. The commitments come in response to a lawsuit brought by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition of …
July 15, 2025 News Transcript
Lelo announces voluntary return to Mexico after months of detention, Heat advisory in place for Western WA, wildfire smoke possible, Heat wave this week, Sedro-Woolley police arrest man following alleged assault and attempted arson, WWU among universities added to DOJ antisemitism probe, Freeway blocked Wednesday (run tomorrow, TUES), Free and cheap, WA joins multistate lawsuit over $7 billion in withheld formula grants, Dept of Health urges kids to get shots before school starts, AG’s office bans sale of machine gun converters in WA, WSDOT seeking community feedback on repaving of Guide Meridian Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 15th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lelo announces voluntary return to Mexico after months of detention A well-known farmworker activist detained by ICE will voluntarily return to Mexico this week. According to court documents, an immigration judge granted 25-year-old Alfredo “Lelo” (LAY-lo) Juarez Zeferino voluntary departure after spending months in detention at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma. Liz Darrow, Participatory Democracy Coordinator for Community2Community, says Lelo –– a longtime labor organizer in Northwest Washington –– chose to leave rather than continue facing prolonged detention with limited access to legal support. DARROW AUDIO 1 The judge ruled he was ineligible for bond, and ongoing immigration proceedings could take months. Voluntary departure allows him to leave the country without a formal removal order, preserving a possible legal return in the future. DARROW AUDIO 2 Lelo is expected to depart within days. STORY: Heat advisory in place for Western WA, wildfire smoke possible As scorching heat grips Bellingham, Whatcom County may see its first wildfire smoke of the season. A heat advisory remains in effect through tomorrow night across Western Washington, with highs in the upper 80s and a moderate heat risk for Bellingham. The National Weather Service says shifting winds could carry wildfire smoke from Canada into the region, creating hazy skies and colorful sunsets. But most of the smoke should stay high in the atmosphere, with little to no impact on air quality at ground level. A Fire Weather Watch is also in effect from 11 a.m. today through 11 p.m. Wednesday for much of Western Washington — including Whatcom, Skagit, King, Snohomish and several other counties. Officials warn of increased wildfire risk due to hot, dry, and breezy conditions. Help reduce sparks — and if you see a fire start, call 9-1-1. STORY: Heat wave this week It’s not a mirage — heat waves in the Pacific Northwest are getting longer and more dangerous. New data from the EPA shows the average length of Seattle’s heat waves has increased by over two days since 1961 — outpacing the national average. The city is currently in its first heat wave of the year, with temperatures breaking daily records across Western Washington. In the Seattle area, highs near 96 degrees are expected today, with little relief overnight. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for parts of the Cascades, as the combination of heat, drought, and wind raises the wildfire risk. The EPA report also shows heat waves nationwide are now more frequent, more intense, and lasting longer — with the season stretching nearly 50 days longer than in the 1960s. The trend is linked to climate change and the urban heat island effect, where cities trap more heat due to loss of vegetation and more pavement. Forecasters say cooler marine air may arrive in the Seattle area by Thursday, which should drop highs back into the low 80s. STORY: Sedro-Woolley police arrest man following alleged assault and attempted arson A man was arrested in connection to an attempted arson incident in Skagit County last Tuesday. According to a Facebook post by Sedro-Woolley Police, it all started when someone placed a 9-1-1 call and said the suspect had tried to stab them. The victim escaped with minor injuries, while the suspect hid inside an apartment unit. Officers were working on securing a search warrant for the man’s arrest when smoke began rising from the unit he was in. The building was evacuated, and the suspect exited through a small window where he was met by officers. The man refused to drop his knife until police shot him in the hip with a non-lethal round; he was later booked into the Skagit County Jail on charges of first-degree arson and assault. The investigation is still ongoing. STORY: WWU among universities added to DOJ antisemitism probe Western Washington University is under federal investigation for alleged campus antisemitism. According to recent reporting by The Bellingham Herald, the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether Jewish and Israeli students at WWU have faced harassment or discrimination — acts which violate civil rights protections under Title IV. WWU is one of more than 60 colleges across the country under scrutiny since the Hamas attack on Israel in October of 2023 — and the war in Gaza that followed. A DOJ letter outlines concerns about a hostile learning environment tied to students’ national origin or religion. Some Jewish students at Western have said they have felt unsafe on campus. Incidents include chants interpreted as antisemitic during protests, and a student reportedly being spat on for wearing a Star of David necklace. That last case is under review as a possible hate crime; however, it was not reported to the FBI’s hate crime database. STORY: Freeway blocked Wednesday (run tomorrow, TUES) Drivers can expect nighttime delays on southbound I-5 between Blaine and Ferndale starting at 8 p.m. tomorrow. The Washington State Department of Transportation says repair work will stretch across 10 miles of freeway and continue through early morning hours until Friday. Crews will repave deteriorating lanes, ramps, and shoulders. They will also install upgraded guardrails, barriers, and traffic counters along the corridor. Work hours run nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and expect lane closures. WX: 86, chef (HA!!) And now for the weather: In the local forecast, 90 miles makes …
