News & Public Affairs

Deputy Fired and Arrested, Bellingham Detective Under Investigation, Childcare woes in Washington, Nick Brown joins race for Governor, Raymond James settlement, Candidate forums rebroadcast on KMRE, KMRE Candidate Focus runs today ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, July 13th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Deputy Fired and Arrested Deputy Austin Michael Case, a 23-year-old probationary employee of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, was dismissed and arrested yesterday after concerns were raised about his behavior.  The Sheriff’s Office received information from social media conversations, leading to an internal investigation. The criminal investigation has been assigned to the Skagit and Island County Mutual Aid Response Team (SMART), which comprises law enforcement agencies from Skagit County and Island County. Case’s employment was terminated, and he was arrested, facing charges including rape, extortion, burglary, assault with sexual motivation, and unlawful imprisonment.  The findings of the internal investigation will be reported to the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission for potential decertification proceedings. STORY: Bellingham Detective Under Investigation Detective Adam “Bo” McGinty, who was assigned to investigate a school scandal involving reports of sexual assault at Squalicum High School, is now the focus of two separate investigations.  The Bellingham Police Department has launched an internal affairs investigation involving McGinty, while the Mount Vernon Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation related to him. McGinty has been removed from handling the case involving the Bellingham administrators.  The specific details of the investigations have not been disclosed as they are ongoing. STORY: Child care woes in Washington With few slots and high prices, child care is in a state of crisis. Washington state lawmakers have been working to ensure the industry stays afloat. Eric Tegethoff has more on this story.  CHILD CARE AUDIO STORY: Nick Brown Joins Race for Governor Nick Brown, the former U.S. attorney in Seattle, has announced his candidacy for Washington’s next attorney general.  Brown served as the state’s first Black U.S. attorney for less than two years before resigning in June to pursue his campaign. Prior to his role as U.S. attorney, Brown worked as Governor Jay Inslee’s general counsel as well as participating in the reality show Survivor in 2001.  State Senator Manka Dhingra, a Redmond Democrat and deputy majority leader, is currently the only other candidate in the race. STORY: Raymond James Settlement The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has announced its participation in a multi-state settlement with Raymond James, which will result in refunds of at least $8.2 million to the financial institution’s clients.  The settlement arises from an investigation that revealed the company had charged unreasonable commissions on financial and stock trades and violated securities laws. As part of the agreement, Raymond James will implement policy and procedural changes to ensure that all commissions are fair and reasonable.  The company has cooperated with the investigation but has neither admitted nor denied the findings of the task force. STORY: Candidate forums rebroadcast on KMRE An online voter forum was hosted on Tuesday by the League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County and all five candidates for Mayor, including current Mayor Seth Fleetwood, attended.  Another candidate forum for County Executive was held last night. Four of the six candidates appeared, including incumbent Executive Satpal Sidhu, Barry Buchanan, Dan Purdy, and Representative Alicia Rule. Sukwant Gill and Misty Flowers were unable to attend.  If you missed the events, the Mayoral forum will be rebroadcast right here on 88.3 KMRE Community Radio Sunday at 4pm and Monday at noon. The forums for Executive will be re-broadcast Saturday at 12:30pm, and Tuesday July 18th at noon.  You can also access both videos on-demand via the League of Women Voters’ website. STORY: KMRE Candidate Focus Airs Today The KMRE Focus on Primary Candidates airs everyday after the 5pm news. You’ll hear the candidates for Mayor and County Executive speak to issues that are on our listener’s minds. Today, the Mayoral Candidates share their views on the proposed new jail. Tune in after the 5pm news.   WX: Sunny and Warm Your Whatcom Weather today is sunny with scattered high clouds and a high of around 74 degrees and an overnight low of around 56. Tomorrow, expect sun, sun, sun and a high of 79.   OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Sarah Edmonds and Myles Weber. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at  news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening. ###

July 13, 2023 News TranscriptRead More