Person injured in Blaine border patrol shooting identified, agents allege he was fleeing search, Emergent activist group aims to help address Whatcom’s mounting list of water-related difficulties, World Cup game in Seattle tomorrow, Blaine School Board approves new contract for interim superintendent, County releases behavioral health fund report, State Route 9 reduced to single lane indefinitely amid paving project, 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, Nake riders hit the Seattle streets, no word yet on Bellingham (RUN TODAY OR TOMORROW), WA unemployment rate remains stagnant even amid solid job growth, 4th of July fireworks info, Election center tours scheduled, 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 Thursday, June, 18. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
UPDATE: Person injured in Blaine border patrol shooting identified, agents allege he was fleeing search
The man shot Tuesday in Blaine by the Border Patrol has been identified.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 39-year old Nathaniel Muniz-Spry (moo-NEEZ-spry) from Everson was shot in the leg by a Border Patrol agent while attempting to flee after a gun was found in his waistband.
According to records filed in the case, Muniz-Spry appeared in a Seattle federal court Wednesday, on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in connection with the shooting.
Muniz-Spry is prohibited from having guns due to a history of illegal possession of guns and drugs, as well as stealing vehicles. The judge ordered him detained, and set a preliminary hearing date for July 1st.
The FBI is leading the investigation into the incident. In a statement, they said that the incident was isolated and there was no ongoing danger to the public.
STORY: Emergent activist group aims to help address Whatcom’s mounting list of water-related difficulties
A new environmental group focused on the Nooksack River Basin’s water challenges has formed.
Local farmers, politicians, and advocates announced the group, called Water for Whatcom. They say that collaboration and compromise between residents, farmers, tribes, and state agencies is necessary to solve the water issues of Whatcom County.
Group member Rich Appel (uh-PEL) said in a news release that the problems with our water supply are not engineering challenges, but relationship challenges. Members point to the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan as an example of collaborative initiatives.
The group urges policymakers and community leaders to take action as soon as possible to solve Whatcom’s water resource issues.
STORY: World Cup game in Seattle tomorrow
The U.S. Men’s National Team takes on Australia tomorrow at noon in Seattle.
Fans heading south should expect major road closures and heavy traffic in Seattle’s Pioneer Square and SODO neighborhoods throughout the day.
Closer to home, Bellingham’s official Fan Zone will host free watch parties for the match beginning at noon at the Commercial Street Block Party outside The Den and Wild Buffalo downtown, and at Kulshan Trackside on the waterfront. Both events will feature large screens, food, drinks, and family-friendly activities.
STORY: Blaine School Board approves new contract for interim superintendent
The Blaine School Board has appointed a new superintendent.
The board approved a two‑year contract Monday for Dan Chaplik, who will take over July 1st. The agreement runs through June 2028, with an option for either side to opt out after the first year.
Chaplik is currently serving as interim superintendent and previously led the Sultan School District for nearly 20 years. His district biography highlights his focus on student‑centered leadership and strong community partnerships.
The board will evaluate Chaplik’s performance annually, with goals set each August.
STORY: County releases behavioral health fund report
A new report says over 2500 local youth have been helped by the Behavioral Health Fund.
The 2024-25 Behavioral Health Fund report details how local tax dollars are being used to support mental health and substance use treatment programs throughout the county. One cent for every $10 spent in Whatcom goes to the Behavioral Health Fund, which helps programs that fill gaps in mental healthcare coverage and support public safety initiatives. One of those initiatives is the Alternative Response Team, which is dispatched to non-violent 911 calls, and responded to over 2,000 incidents in 2025.
With recent dips in sales tax revenue, Health and Community Services says it will continue to reduce costs where possible to maximize the fund’s effectiveness.
The report also outlines future goals, which include improvements to local healthcare facilities and senior and youth services.
STORY: State Route 9 reduced to single lane indefinitely amid paving project
Drivers on State Route 9 will encounter delays south of Nooksack.
WSDOT says State Route 9 is down to one lane around the clock near milepost 87. Northbound and southbound drivers are taking turns crossing the bridge at Klein Ditch as crews inspect the bridge deck. The work is part of a larger project that includes repaving parts of State Routes 9 and 547.
There’s no estimate for when the highway will fully reopen. Drivers should plan for slow‑downs during busy travel times.
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 the rates 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. Data shows that during the same time period 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.
WX: Seven’s high. That’s a rule for a game somewhere, right?
And now for the weather:
Sunny and pleasant are the watchwords again today, as we return to a forecast of sunshine and temperatures peaking in the mid-upper 70s. This evening’s forecast should look much the same as last night’s, with near-cloudless skies and lows around 50 degrees.
Expect more of the same tomorrow. We’ll letcha know if anything changes. Or if it doesn’t. That’s kind of our job.
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, Natalie Jones 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: Nake riders hit the Seattle streets, no word yet on Bellingham (RUN TODAY OR TOMORROW)
Slowing traffic down in Seattle on Saturday will be the 27th annual Naked Bike Ride in Seattle.
Created as part of the two-day Fremont Fair, the celebration is led by the famous Solstice Cyclists— hundreds of body-painted riders who roll through the neighborhood ahead of a parade featuring giant puppets, handmade floats, dancers, and stilt walkers.
The Fremont Solstice Parade began in 1989 as an arts-focused celebration of the summer solstice—and for many locals, one of the surest signs that summer has arrived.
The Bellingham Naked Bike Ride started in 2009. According to organizers, the annual clothing-optional summer event was held to promote body positivity and protest oil dependency. However, there has been no official word yet from local organizers whether it will be happening again this year.
STORY: WA unemployment rate remains stagnant even amid solid job growth
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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