Man charged with first-degree assault after brandishing weapon at Ferndale business, Whatcom County Council reaffirms support of immigrants in wake of Renee Good shooting, Numerous flooding victims speak to Whatcom County Council at Tuesday’s meeting, Guinness provides some clarity on reported failure of Birch Bay’s attempted record-breaking polar plunge, State lawmakers consider moves to limit ICE, State debuts Telebupe, Washington seeks re-hearing on TransAlta coal plant
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, Jan, 2026. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Man charged with first-degree assault after brandishing weapon at Ferndale business
A man is facing a first-degree assault charge after allegedly making threatening gestures with a gun at a business in downtown Ferndale.
Authorities say 40-year-old Peter Arthur Hollander of Ferndale was asked to leave the business last Thursday morning after causing a disturbance. Police were called back to the area later after receiving reports of a man with a gun. Witnesses told officers Hollander appeared to aim the weapon at the business. Police later determined the weapon was a BB gun. Court documents say Hollander told officers he was trying to scare the owner as a joke.
He was arrested without incident and remains in custody at the Whatcom County Jail.
STORY: Whatcom County Council reaffirms support of immigrants in wake of Renee Good shooting
Whatcom County Council passed a resolution supporting community members regardless of immigration status.
The measure was approved Tuesday after a heated debate among council members, sparked by recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions nationwide— as well as the January seventh killing by an ICE officer of Minnesota mother of 3, Renee Good (ruh-Nay GOOD).
The resolution reaffirms the county’s compliance with Washington state laws that limit local involvement in federal immigration enforcement and protect people from warrantless immigration arrests at courthouses.
The resolution passed on a five-to-two vote, with Ben Ellenbass (EL-len-boss) and Mark Stremler voting ‘no’. Ellenbass had this to say–
ELLENBAAS AUDIO 1
STORY: Numerous flooding victims speak to Whatcom County Council at Tuesday’s meeting
Dozens of Whatcom County residents shared their experiences of the December 2025 Nooksack River flooding at the Whatcom County Council meeting last night.
They voiced their need for action to avoid being displaced, losing finances and jobs and risking their children’s mental health.
Flood Audio 1
Their main question was how to stop wholesale flooding from happening again. Executive Satpal Sidhu said the county has consensus on short and long-term flood solutions and needs help with permitting. Long-term solutions, he said, could cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
County finance, public works and emergency management department officials presented to the council members about the actions before, during and after the flood. Other council members pointed out that Whatcom County needs to communicate its plans and projects at the state level, use congressional power and look at all options.
Sumas (SOO-mass) Mayor Bruce Bosch (BOSH) echoed the need to fight flood with flood – a flood of action in the community.
BOSCH AUDIO
STORY: Guinness provides some clarity on reported failure of Birch Bay’s attempted record-breaking polar plunge
Officials have released the final results of the Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge world record attempt.
The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce says GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ has determined the January first attempt to set a record for the world’s largest polar bear dip was unsuccessful.
Guinness officials cited two issues — an unverified starting count due to non-participants in the plunge zone, and some participants not remaining waist-deep in the water for the required amount of time.
Despite missing the record, organizers say the event was a success because it brought the community together and drew thousands of visitors to Birch Bay during the off-season.
STORY: State lawmakers consider moves to limit ICE
State lawmakers say they will weigh new limits on federal immigration enforcement, including proposals banning agents from wearing masks and restricting their access to schools and day cares.
The debate follows recent ICE arrests in north Seattle, and the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis. Governor Bob Ferguson criticized reports of masked agents making arrests from unmarked vehicles and called the actions unjust. One bill would bar on-duty police and federal agents from wearing face coverings during public interactions, with limited exceptions. Another would require immigration officers to have a judicial warrant to enter non-public areas of schools, day cares, colleges, and hospitals. A third proposal would require employers to notify workers ahead of federal I-9 inspections.
The measures come as a similar California law faces a federal court challenge over states’ authority to regulate federal officers.
STORY: State debuts Telebupe
People across Washington now have a new, same-day option for help with opioid use disorder.
According to a press release, the state Department of Health has expanded the Washington Telebuprenorphine (TELL-uh byoo-pruh-NOR-feen) Hotline statewide, which gives residents access to addiction treatment by phone or video, no matter where they live in the state. The service connects callers with University of Washington physicians able to prescribe the medicine — often called ‘bupe’ (BYOOP) — which eases withdrawal and cravings.
Health officials say more than 1,400 people have already used the hotline, which is free, available year-round to people as young as 13, and available from 9am-9pm.
STORY: Washington seeks re-hearing on TransAlta coal plant
Washington state has asked the U.S. Department of Energy to reconsider an emergency order that would keep the TransAlta coal-fired power plant in Centralia in operation.
Both Governor Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown say the order is illegal and unnecessary, and argue the plant was already slated to end coal generation under state law by the end of 2025. State officials warn the move could raise energy costs and increase pollution, while interfering with local energy planning.
The federal government has 30 days to respond to the state’s request for a rehearing.
WX: Mist ‘n sunkissed
And now for the weather:
We’re in for another day of mixed sunshine. Temperatures are expected to continue to cool, with highs today only reaching around 50 degrees. Tonight should also feature some patches of heavy fog, so be aware if you plan any late-night travel. Evening lows are projected in the mid-30s.
But take heart — it looks like tomorrow will be a solidly sunny day.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRAH-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Austin Wright, and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by your donations. To help support what we do, check out our Patreon, Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and thanks for listening!
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