FBI leading investigation into border patrol shooting near Blaine crossing, Infant formula sold at Bellingham Target recalled after outbreak of botulism, Bellingham man accused of shooting two National Guard troopers pleads not guilty to new charge, Bellingham man accused of shooting two National Guard troopers pleads not guilty to new charges, Bloodworks NW declares Code Red, New round of state grants to fund sixteen new electric vehicle charging stations across Bellingham, Northbound I-5 will be diverted onto a bypass road for WSDOT’s fish migration project, WA’s leading assisted living organizations sue state over spending cuts, Cantwell-sponsored bill directs research into rising lung cancer rates among women, AG’s office scores victory in multi-state lawsuit against freeze on federal wind energy permits, 4th of July fireworks info, WA joins multi-state lawsuit against federal government’s addition of contract terms targeting DEI
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, June, 17. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: FBI leading investigation into border patrol shooting near Blaine crossing
A U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and injured a person in Blaine yesterday morning.
The FBI is now investigating the incident, which took place near Fourth and A streets. Witnesses report hearing shouts followed by several gunshots around 5:30 a.m., which prompted a large response from emergency medical crews and a host of law enforcement agencies.
Authorities say a firearm was recovered at the scene; they also confirmed that no agents were injured. Customs and Border Protection is conducting a separate review of the agent’s use of force.
The condition of the injured person has not been released.
STORY: Infant formula sold at Bellingham Target recalled after outbreak of botulism
A multi-state outbreak of infant botulism has triggered a nationwide recall of infant formula.
The formula in question is Nava Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula. It was sold between last July and this month at Target stores — including the one in Bellingham — as well as online at Target.com and Nara.com (NAH-rah dot com). Whatcom County Health and Community Services has confirmed that Bellingham Target removed the product from its shelves as soon as the recall was announced.
Washington, California, and Pennsylvania have all reported confirmed or suspected infant botulism cases. The disease poses particular risks for infants, and may carry fatal consequences. At present, no deaths have resulted from this particular outbreak.
In an online post, Whatcom County has urged parents to stop using the recalled formula and watch any child who may have been given some. Children experiencing symptoms should be taken to the emergency room immediately.
UPDATE: Bellingham man accused of shooting two National Guard troopers pleads not guilty to new charges
Federal prosecutors have filed new charges against a man accused of fatally shooting a National Guardsman last November.
Investigators say Rahmanullah Lakanwal (ruh-MAH-noo-luh LUK-ahn-wahl) drove from Bellingham to Washington, D.C. to carry out the attack. He pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a 17-count federal indictment that includes first-degree murder — an indictment that could make him eligible for the death penalty. According to court documents, authorities allege Lakanwal ambushed the two Guard members outside a Metro station just blocks from the White House.
He remains in federal custody and is scheduled to return to court in September.
STORY: Bloodworks NW declares Code Red
Bloodworks Northwest has issued a Code Red alert after its blood supply dropped to critical.
Bloodworks says it only has a 1-to-2 day inventory for platelets (PLAYT-lits) and several blood types. Officials say the shortage is being driven by reduced summer donations and increased hospital demand across western Washington and Oregon.
The organization says it needs about 1,000 donors a day to stabilize supply, but only about 3% of the population currently donates blood.
In Whatcom County, donations can be made at the Bloodworks Northwest Bellingham Center. Appointments are available, and walk-ins are accepted, and a mobile drive is scheduled this Friday in Fairhaven from 10 to 4.
STORY: New round of state grants to fund sixteen new electric vehicle charging stations across Bellingham
A new round of state grants will add sixteen new electric vehicle charging stations to Bellingham.
The Washington State Department of Commerce is allocating $37.3 million for new charging stations, funding over 750 new ports throughout the state.
In Bellingham, public charging stations will be available at the Shell gas station on North Lake Samish Drive and at the Bakerview Fred Meyer. A private station will be built at one of North State Street’s affordable housing units.
The new charging stations are expected to deliver enough electricity to power about 5,000 electric vehicles, and reduce emissions in the state by 20,000 metric tons each year.
The charging ports are expected to be completed by late 2027.
STORY: Northbound I-5 will be diverted onto a bypass road for WSDOT’s fish migration project
Travelers using I-5 to pass through Bellingham will have to use a two-lane bypass road until September.
WSDOT (wash-DOT) says part of northbound I-5 on Chuckanut Creek is being diverted onto a temporary bypass road at 8 p.m. tonight. The agency expects it to cause some traffic between midnight and 5 a.m. tomorrow, when the shift will be complete. Southbound I-5 was also diverted to a bypass road on Monday.
The shift is part of WSDOT’s fish migration project, which consists of removing 17 barriers and replacing them with 10 fish-passable structures meant to improve fish migration in Whatcom and Skagit counties.
While I-5 is empty, construction crews will excavate the roadbed, remove the old culvert, install a new fish-passable structure, and rebuild the road around it. Both directions of I-5 are expected to reopen in the fall.
STORY: WA’s leading assisted living organizations sue state over spending cuts
Assisted living organizations are suing Washington state after recent spending cuts.
The $80 billion budget signed by Governor Ferguson in April cuts Medicaid in favor of affordable housing and lawsuit payout funds. The assisted living providers say the budget obscures the lower reimbursement rates for facilities and argue it should have been passed through separate legislation. The providers allege this action is illegal under the state constitution.
The Washington State Standard reports reimbursement rate increases were expected this summer due to the rising costs associated with running the facilities. Now that increases will not be coming, the reduction in funds could lead to difficulty retaining caregivers.
In addition, residents who are not covered by Medicaid will likely be charged more to make up for the difference.
The spending cuts come alongside federal Medicaid cuts passed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year.
STORY: 2023 law restricting some gun rights upheld by State Supreme Court
The Washington Supreme Court has upheld a 2023 state law that bars some repeat DUI offenders from possessing firearms.
In a narrow five-to-four decision, the court ruled that people convicted of two DUI-related offenses within seven years may be prohibited from owning guns.
The majority of judges upheld the 2023 law, and found the restriction consistent with the nation’s historical firearm regulations. However, four justices dissented, arguing the state failed to show that repeat DUI convictions justify restricting a constitutional right.
The ruling stems from a challenge by two Spokane-area men denied licenses to carry concealed pistols. The decision has drawn the ire of gun rights advocates in the state and is expected to add to the ongoing debate over firearms and public safety.
WX: Sixty, seventy, eighty, PUNCH
And now for the weather:
More warm sunshine is in store today, as are light southwest winds and highs in the mid-70s. This evening, expect continued clear skies and lows right in the mid-50s.
Tomorrow, look for sun with highs in the upper-70s and more light westerly winds. Look for the sun to stay right where it is into the weekend. Not that it ever really moves, because that’s how orbits work. Enjoy the sun while we can see it!
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, Jenny Lam, and Noelle Reger (REE-ger). 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: Cantwell-sponsored bill directs research into rising lung cancer rates among women
The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a new bill aimed at improving research and prevention of lung cancer in women.
Co-sponsored by Washington Senator Maria Cantwell,the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act directs health officials to conduct a comprehensive review of why lung cancer rates among women have risen sharply in recent decades— even as overall rates among men have declined. The measure now moves to the House for consideration.
STORY: AG’s office scores victory in multi-state lawsuit against freeze on federal wind energy permits
Wind energy development in Washington can move forward.
A federal appeals court has dismissed the Trump administration’s appeal of a lawsuit challenging a 2025 order that froze federal approvals for wind energy projects nationwide. A federal judge previously ruled the freeze violated federal law.
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown says wind power is a key source of affordable, clean energy and supports jobs across Washington. State officials argued the federal permitting freeze was unlawful and threatened Washington’s renewable energy goals.
The case was joined by a coalition of 18 states and the District of Columbia.
STORY: 4th of July fireworks info
If you’re planning to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, make sure you know the rules before you light the fuse.
Fire officials remind residents to celebrate safely and know your local fireworks laws. In unincorporated Whatcom County, consumer fireworks may only be discharged July 3rd and 5th from 6 to 11 p.m., and July 4th from 6 p.m. to midnight. Fireworks cannot be discharged on public property, roads, school grounds, or in parks without permission, and users are responsible for keeping fireworks away from people, buildings, and dry vegetation.
In Bellingham, all consumer fireworks are illegal.
Officials urge residents to check local regulations, use fireworks responsibly, and consider attending a professional fireworks display instead.
STORY: Election center tours scheduled
Next month, Whatcom County residents can get a behind-the-scenes look at how local elections are run.
The Auditor’s Office will host public tours of the county Election Center July 28th through the 30th. The tour gives visitors a chance to see how ballots are processed, learn about election security measures, and ask questions about voting procedures.
According to the Auditor’s office, the tour takes less than an hour and advance reservations are encouraged through the Whatcom County Elections Division.
STORY: WA joins multi-state lawsuit against federal government’s addition of contract terms targeting DEI
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has sued the federal administration over new contract requirements tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
The lawsuit challenges a March executive order that directs federal agencies to prohibit what it calls “racially discriminatory DEI activities” in federally funded contracts. Brown says the new rules are vague, confusing, and could jeopardize billions of dollars in federal contracts, including agreements with Washington state agencies.
The coalition argues federal agencies failed to follow required public notice and comment procedures and have asked a federal court to block enforcement of the new contract terms.
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