Whatcom county woman sentenced for role in 2020 fatal overdose, Bellingham Antique Mall announces closure, Sedro-Woolley confirms interim school district superintendent to permanent position, Mount Baker school faculty voice frustrations over handling of recent layoffs and reassignments at board meeting, WA among coalition of states victorious in challenging federal tax on H-1B visas, Ferguson proposes legislation banning cell phones and smart devices from first to last bell in K-12 schools, New law aimed at reducing drug prices for hospitals survives first legal challenge from pharmaceutical industry, $1M in restitution for WA regarding COVID-19 testing, 911 Survey, Intercultural Dance Day comes to Bellingham (FREE EVENT), FREE & CHEAP June 12:
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, June, 10. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Whatcom county woman sentenced for role in 2020 fatal overdose
A Ferndale woman has been sentenced for her role in a fatal overdose more than six years ago.
Sixty-year-old Sheila Johnson was sentenced Tuesday to one year and one day in prison for her role in the death of 31-year-old Evan Parberry in March 2020. Prosecutors say Parberry died after overdosing from drugs including fentanyl, cocaine, and benzodiazepines.
During the sentencing hearing, members of Parberry’s family spoke about the lasting impact of his death, and urged the court to hold those involved accountable. Johnson denied having a role in Parberry’s death, but acknowledged selling cocaine to support her own addiction. She pled guilty to unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
Two other people were charged in the case; one is already serving a prison sentence, while another is scheduled to go to trial in August.
STORY: Bellingham Antique Mall announces closure
Another downtown Bellingham business is preparing to close its doors.
In a social media announcement, the owner of the Bellingham Antique Mall said the store will shut down later this month after over seven years in business. While no specific reason was given, the owner’s posts mention financial challenges due to declining business and physical challenges related to treatment of stage 4 cancer.
The closure comes as city leaders continue looking for ways to address rising commercial vacancies in downtown Bellingham after several recent business departures.
STORY: Sedro-Woolley confirms interim school district superintendent to permanent position
The Sedro-Woolley School Board has selected Brett Greenwood as the district’s next superintendent.
Greenwood, who currently serves as assistant superintendent of business and operations, had been slated to serve as interim superintendent beginning July 1st. The board, however, voted Monday to appoint him permanently to the position. Greenwood will earn a base salary of $265,000.
Board members say the search for a superintendent — launched after the departure of former superintendent Miriam Mickelson — was paused this spring in favor of leadership continuity and stability.
Greenwood has worked in the district for 14 years.
STORY: Mount Baker school faculty voice frustrations over handling of recent layoffs and reassignments at board meeting
In more school news, tensions are rising in the Mount Vernon School District as educators push back against layoffs.
At a recent school board meeting, teachers and support staff criticized district leaders for notifying employees of layoffs and transfers by email, with some learning of the changes while they were teaching class. The district is facing a projected $5.5 million budget gap for the coming school year; layoff notices were issued to dozens of employees, and more than 40 teachers were reassigned.
Educators say the process has damaged morale and disrupted school communities, while Superintendent Victor Vergara has apologized for how the notifications were handled. School board members say they have heard the concerns and plan to continue discussions in the coming weeks.
STORY: WA among coalition of states victorious in challenging federal tax on H-1B visas
A multi-state coalition has defeated the Trump administration’s efforts to impose a $100,000 tax on petitions for new H-1B visas.
Aimed at highly skilled workers, the H-1B visa program creates temporary opportunities for specialists in fields of particular need, such as researchers, physicians, and nurses. President Trump’s administration levied the new tax last year without Congressional authorization, triggering the multi-state lawsuit — which included Washington Attorney General Nick Brown.
The U.S. District Court of Massachusetts on Monday issued a final ruling declaring the tax illegal, and vacating it.
In a press release celebrating the verdict, Brown said, quote, “this win helps keep our state at the forefront of highly specialized research that drives our world’s most dynamic industries,” unquote. He also pointed out that H-1B recipients and their dependents contribute over $80 billion annually to the country’s economy, and pay over $45 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
STORY: Ferguson proposes legislation banning cell phones and smart devices from first to last bell in K-12 schools
Governor Bob Ferguson is pushing for a statewide ban on cellphones in Washington schools.
His Away for the Day plan would bar smartphones and smartwatches from the first to last bell in all K‑12 public schools.
Ferguson cites research showing 95% of teens have phones, and most use them during class — adding up to more than 40 lost instructional days a year.
A third of teachers say phones are a major distraction in the classroom. Studies link school‑day phone use to lower focus, weaker academics, and poorer mental health.
Ferguson will spend the next three months gathering input on enforcement and exceptions. A detailed proposal is due in mid‑September, with districts implementing the policy in fall 2027.
At least 31 states already restrict phones in schools, and Washington currently gets an “F” for its statewide policy.
STORY: New law aimed at reducing drug prices for hospitals survives first legal challenge from pharmaceutical industry
Washington’s new prescription‑drug pricing law has survived its first major legal challenge.
The Washington State Standard reports a Thurston County judge upheld the law, clearing the way for state‑set payment caps on expensive medications.
Drug manufacturers sued, arguing the law violates federal commerce rules and gives the state too much control over pricing. The judge rejected that argument, saying lawmakers acted within their authority to curb rising drug costs.
Supporters say the law targets medications with steep price hikes and could save patients and insurers money. Opponents warn it could limit access if companies pull products from the Washington market.
The ruling keeps the law on track to take effect next year, though industry groups are expected to appeal.
STORY: $1M in restitution for WA regarding COVID-19 testing
Washington is set to get nearly a million dollars back for testing abuses during the pandemic.
The restitution comes from a multistate settlement over GS Labs, which investigators say inflated prices, charged improper fees, and failed to deliver results on time at its COVID‑19 testing sites.
An 18‑state coalition found the company advertised inflated “cash prices,” billed insured patients fees it said they would not owe, and often missed its promised three‑day turnaround.
Under the settlement, GS Labs will pay restitution nationwide, including nearly a million dollars for Washington residents who were overcharged or did not get timely results. Payments will vary based on how patients were affected.
GS Labs is no longer operating; however, if it resumes testing, the company must overhaul its pricing, advertising, and turnaround‑time practices.
STORY: 911 Survey
How much do you know about Washington’s 911 system?
State officials want to find out. They’re asking residents to take a short survey to help improve public understanding of when — and when not — to call 9-1-1.
Washington runs one of the most advanced emergency‑response networks in the country, using a statewide digital system that routes every call to trained telecommunicators across the state. Together, they handled more than four‑and‑a‑half million calls last year. Officials say staying ahead of new technology — and making sure callers know how the system works — is key to keeping response times fast.
The survey is part of a statewide public‑education effort. More information is available at 911info.wa.gov.
WX: Cloud of Africa
And now for the weather:
Look for clearer skies this afternoon and evening, with some sunshine likely around sunset. Partly cloudy skies this evening will likely give way to sun tomorrow. Expect today’s highs to be around 70, and overnight lows in the upper 40s.
The sun returns tomorrow and Friday, bringing temperatures into the low 70s.
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), Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Bella Farris, and Jenny Lam. 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 our work, check out our Patreon, or Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: Intercultural Dance Day comes to Bellingham (FREE EVENT)
A new cultural celebration is coming to Bellingham.
Intercultural Dance Day will take place June 14th at Fisherman’s Pavilion at Zuanich Point Park, featuring live music and dance performances, cultural booths, local artists, food trucks, and family activities.
The free event is presented by ANJ Dance Project and aims to bring people together through shared cultural experiences.
Organizers say the event is designed to promote connection and belonging in the community while supporting local artists and intercultural programming.
The celebration runs from noon to 3 p.m.
FREE & CHEAP June 12:
The City of Ferndale is excited to announce the 2026 Summer of Fun, a season-long celebration of free recreational programs, family activities, and community events taking place throughout Ferndale this summer. The Summer of Fun kicks off on Friday, June 12, which also happens to be the last day of school. Families are invited to celebrate the start of summer with Community Game Night at Pioneer Pavilion, followed by Flicks in the Park featuring Zootopia 2. (condense this!)
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