INTRO
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for [Tuesday], [May 30th]. Good afternoon,
I’m __.
STORY: FIRED DOCTOR PURSUES COURT CASE
Dr. Ming Lin, an emergency room doctor who was fired from
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham at the beginning of
the COVID-19 pandemic after publicly criticizing the hospital’s safety
practices, wants an apology.
Dr. Lin filed a lawsuit against PeaceHealth, claiming that he was
retaliated against for speaking out about unsafe practices.
In a recent Facebook post Dr. Lin stated that he prefers taking the case
to trial rather than accepting a potential settlement unless PeaceHealth
admits it was wrong for firing him. His attorneys, who were working on
behalf of the ACLU, filed a notice stating they will no longer represent
him in the lawsuit. Dr. Lin says he believes it is important to hold
PeaceHealth accountable and prevent similar situations from happening
again in the future.
His case gained international attention, inspiring other healthcare
providers to report unsafe work conditions during the pandemic. Senior
Director of Communications for Peace Health, Bev Mayhew told KMRE
News that patient and caregiver safety has always been its top priority,
however they could not comment on active litigation.
The trial is set for February 2024.
STORY: TRAIN DEATH AN ACCIDENT
A Bellingham High School freshman tragically died after being hit by a
BNSF freight train while walking on a railroad trestle above Squalicum
Beach.
The Bellingham Police Department says it considers it a horrific accident
and not suicide or foul play. The girl’s friend who was with her survived.
A spokesperson for the BNSF Railway says the investigation is ongoing.
STORY: MORE MONEY FOR THE STATE
The Department of Revenue in Washington state has reported an
unexpected surplus of tax revenue.
The state capital gains tax, which imposes a 7% tax on the sale or
exchange of stocks, bonds, and other assets exceeding $250,000, was
passed in 2021. Initial projections estimated the state would collect
approximately $250 million in new capital gains taxes for the fiscal year.
However, the actual amount collected turned out to be almost $850
million, more than three times the original estimate. This figure could
increase further as over 2,500 individuals who were granted an
extension have not yet filed their taxes.
STORY: Paper Whale aims to diversify Bellingham Art
Paper Whale, a non-profit organization that hopes to give new life to the
Bellingham Waterfront, is bringing a new festival to town.
Nick Hartrick is one of the co-founders of Paper Whale, and has helped
spearhead new festivals and art installations all over Whatcom County.
After partnering with Bellingham artist and Paper Whale co-founder
Gretchen Leggett in 2018, the two painted the largest mural in
Washington State, the Encogen Mural on Cornwall Ave.
Since then Paper whale has continued to partner with the Port of
Bellingham to create waterfront installations as well as live music and
art throughout the summer.
Hartrick is excited about projects on the horizon. Next Thursday Paper
Whale is hosting Moses Sun, an artist from Seattle. Sun’s work combines
aspects of jazz, afro-futurism, hiphop, and his own experiences creating
art that invites community.
This summer Paper Whale is presenting Noisy Waters, a mural festival
and competition being held on the waterfront. Eight artists from all over
the world will be hosted in Bellingham to compete for the four top
spots.
The festival will be held August 18th through the 20th. The grand prize
winner will receive a minimum commission of $10,000 for their work.
While the top three voted on by the community will receive $75
hundred dollars for first, 5 thousand dollars for second, and 5 hundred
dollars for third place.
The event will be completely free to the public, with vendors and
activities for the whole family as well as an art wall for kids.Hartrick feels
that looking forward Paper Whale and Noisy Waters hope to continue to
diversify Bellingham Art as much as possible.
[Audio:HartrickTheGoal: 10s]
STORY: STATE INVESTS IN BROADBAND
Washington state is investing $121 million in bringing high speed
internet to rural residents. The state has a goal of ensuring access to
broadband internet for all Washingtonians by 2028. Eric Tegethoff has
the story.
BROADBAND AUDIO
WX:
For your Whatcom weather today, expect spots of clouds with breaks of
sunshine. A high of 65 is forecast to reach Bellingham in the late
afternoon. Tonight we have another clear evening on the horizon with a
low of 48 degrees.
Tomorrow June 2nd, more sunny weather is on the way. Be ready for a
high of 67 degrees with clear skies all afternoon.
STORY: KMRE SIGNAL CHANGE
On Sunday, June 11th KMRE will be moving! To prepare for our increase
in power, we are changing our call signal to 88.3FM which means you’ll
be able to find us down at the beginning of the radio dial, or on-demand
at kmre.org.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carl Bryden and Questen
Inghram. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For
news tips and feedback, send us an email st 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.