Bellingham considering temporary alley closures as part of effort to combat drug crime, District 42 representatives vote “no” on millionaire’s tax, Whooping cough at WWU, Mural Festival artists wanted, WA cities push back against detention centers, Parasitic weed detected near Yakima, Dept. of Agriculture warns, Governor signs bill preventing double voting, Nuclear is back on the table in WA, No Kings Day March 28th, Places to file your taxes for free, Free Or Cheap
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, March, 18. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Bellingham considering temporary alley closures as part of effort to combat drug crime
The City of Bellingham is considering temporarily closing alleys as part of an effort to combat drug crime.
Under an ordinance still to be discussed by City Council next week, the Public Works Department director would have the authority to close alleys with fencing at the request of the police chief, according to a city council agenda. The fencing would cost 10,000 dollars.
The ordinance states that some narrow alleys with limited access present challenges for enforcement actions against criminal activity. The proposal is intended to “disrupt the drug dealing and other illegal activity that has become entrenched in some alleys.”
The agenda item says that in the event of a temporary closure, alleys would still be open for businesses and property owners, their vendors, utility and sanitation workers, and government and emergency personnel would still have access.
STORY: District 42 representatives vote “no” on millionaire’s tax
Two Democratic lawmakers from Washington’s 42nd District broke with their party against the Millionaires Tax.
Representatives Alicia Rule and Joe Timmons were among a small group of Democrats who opposed the proposal, which would tax income over one million dollars at nearly ten percent. Both said the state’s tax system needs reform but argued the plan lacked enough relief for middle- and lower-income residents and left uncertainty about how revenue would be used.
Senator Sharon Shewmake, however, backed the bill, saying new revenue is urgently needed to prevent cuts to education and other essential services, especially amid rising costs and declining sales tax income.
If signed by Governor Bob Ferguson, the tax would take effect in 2029 and impact roughly twenty to thirty thousand households, and generate an estimated three to four billion dollars annually.
The measure is expected to face legal challenges and could be targeted by a repeal effort.
STORY: Whooping cough at WWU
Three confirmed cases of whooping cough—also known as pertussis—have been identified at WWU in the past week.
Health officials say the contagious respiratory illness spreads through close contact and often begins with cold-like symptoms, but can lead to severe coughing and breathing difficulty. Those most at risk include infants, pregnant individuals, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Campus health leaders have urged students and staff to monitor symptoms, practice good hygiene, and stay up to date on the Tdap vaccine.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to stay home, limit contact with others, and seek medical care.
STORY: Mural Festival artists wanted
Applications are now open for artists looking to take part in Bellingham’s 2026 Noisy Waters Mural Festival.
The three-day event is set for August 14th through 16th on the waterfront, and will feature muralists from around the world creating original works live in front of the public on large panels. Festivalgoers will vote on their favorite pieces, with the top artists earning commissions to return and paint murals across the city.
Artists selected as finalists will receive a stipend and materials to participate. Applications are open now and close April 16th at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
STORY: WA cities push back against detention centers
Cities across the Seattle area are moving to block new immigration detention facilities.
Recently, the Seattle City Council approved a one-year emergency moratorium on new or expanded detention centers. Similar measures have recently passed in King County, as well as Tukwila, SeaTac, Renton, and Kent. Pierce County leaders are also considering a temporary ban.
The actions follow a federal notice seeking potential sites for a new detention facility in the region, though Immigration and Customs Enforcement says no specific project has been announced.
Local officials backing the moratoriums cite concerns about the impact of detention centers on communities, while federal authorities say expanded capacity is part of a broader national deportation effort.
Cities say the temporary bans will give them time to consider permanent regulations for any future facilities.
STORY: State extends availability of RSV vaccine
The Washington State Department of Health is extending RSV immunizations for infants as virus activity remains high.
Health officials say protections will now be available through April 30, about a month longer than the typical season. Doctors are urging parents of infants and higher-risk toddlers to talk with their health care providers about RSV protection as soon as possible.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, usually causes mild cold-like symptoms but can lead to serious illness in infants and older adults. It remains a leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S.
State health leaders say this season started later than usual, and cases peaked in January but have stayed elevated.
STORY: Parasitic weed detected near Yakima, Dept. of Agriculture warns
The Washington Department of Agriculture is warning the public of a parasitic weed spotted in Yakima.
In an update posted to Facebook, the WSU Master Gardeners Program announced the discovery and reclassification of sunflower broomrape to Class A Noxious Weed after the Yakima sighting.
According to an October 2025 announcement by the Ag department, broomrape can’t photosynthesize— instead, it attaches directly to plant roots and depends entirely on its host to survive. Once attached, each plant can produce hundreds of thousands of tiny seeds.
If you see the plant, it is recommended not to disturb it and to take a clear photo to send to the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
STORY: Governor signs bill preventing double voting
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has signed a new law aimed at preventing double voting.
Senate Bill 6084 clarifies state law to explicitly make voting more than once in the same election illegal. The change comes after a 2022 case in which a Lewis County man’s felony conviction for voting in both Washington and Oregon was overturned due to unclear legal language.
Under the law, double voting is a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a ten-thousand-dollar fine. The measure passed with near-unanimous support in both chambers of the state Legislature.
STORY: Projected cost of new I-5 bridge connecting WA and OR balloons to over $13 billion
Despite rising costs, Washington and Oregon say they’re still moving forward with replacing the I‑5 bridge over the Columbia River.
Governors Bob Ferguson and Tina Kotek reaffirmed their commitment this week as the program released updated numbers. On Tuesday, officials pegged the likely cost as $14.4 billion. The “core package” — replacing the 109‑year‑old bridge, rebuilding I‑5 connections, and extending light rail to Vancouver — is estimated at $7.65 billion.
The governors say the current bridge is at high risk of collapse in a major earthquake. Hundreds of timber pilings sit in soil that could liquefy, and more than 143,000 vehicles cross the span daily.
A major hurdle cleared last month when the U.S. Coast Guard approved a fixed‑span design. The program has $5.5 billion in state and federal funding secured so far and is seeking another $1 billion through a federal transit grant.
Officials expect to hire a contractor in 2027, with construction beginning in 2028.
WX: The Dumping Grounds
And now the weather:
Heavy rains are here again, with up to a half-inch over the course of the daytime hours. Highs today are set for the upper 50s, with winds gusting up to 23 mph.
Another flood warning here is still in effect here in Whatcom. Reports warn drivers to beware of ponding on roadways, especially if you expect to be traveling in lowland or more rural regions. Tonight, unsurprisingly, is expected to keep dumping rain on us, with another half-inch expected to fall overnight. Evening lows are projected in the low 50s.
Forecast for tomorrow: wet.
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, Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Kieran (KEAR-un) Dang, and Bella Farris. 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: Nuclear is back on the table in WA
State and national leaders are revisiting nuclear energy as a reliable, carbon-free option of energy.
The renewed interest follows state and federal policy changes, including Washington’s clean energy mandate and new funding for advanced reactors. In addition, increased demand from data centers, businesses, and everyday consumers has prompted leaders to consider other options to meet clean energy goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Energy Northwest has proposed to build up to a dozen small modular reactors near the Columbia Generating Station, as part of a push to create a fully carbon-free power system.
Supporters say modern nuclear technology can provide consistent, around-the-clock energy, unlike wind and solar. Companies like Amazon are also investing heavily in next-generation nuclear projects, helping offset costs and accelerate development.
Opponents of small modular reactors (SMRs) or “mini-nuclear” power in Washington state say there are significant concerns with long-term management of radioactive waste, high construction costs, and potential environmental impacts on tribal lands.
STORY: No Kings Day March 28th
Community members are being invited to take part in a “No Kings” march in Bellingham later this month.
Organizers say the March 28th event will feature a peaceful 1.5-mile procession through downtown, aimed at showing solidarity and encouraging civic engagement. The march will include student leaders, live music, and chanting, with participants able to join in a variety of ways or simply walk in quiet support.
The unpermitted event is being framed as an exercise of First Amendment rights, with organizers emphasizing free speech and public assembly. They say volunteer peacekeepers will be on hand to help keep the march safe and orderly.
The procession is expected to last about an hour, and organizers say they hope it will be both meaningful and empowering for the community.
STORY: Places to file your taxes for free
Even though the Trump Administration has ended the IRS Direct File program, many Americans can still file their taxes for free this season.
Taxpayers earning under eighty-nine thousand dollars a year can use IRS Free File software online, while those making about sixty-seven thousand dollars or less may qualify for free, in-person help through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites at libraries and community centers. Seniors can get no-cost help through AARP Tax-Aide, and military members can file for free through the Defense Department’s MilTax program.
Anyone can also file at no charge using the IRS’s Free File Fillable Forms on IRS dot gov. The tax filing deadline is April fifteenth.
FREE OR CHEAP
38th Annual Fairhaven Neighbors Plant and Tree Sale
Saturday, March 28th, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Hillcrest parking lot – corner of Old Fairhaven Pkwy & 14th St.
Welcome spring with an amazing assortment of plants – veggie starts, flowers, herbs, native and specialty plants, bamboo, trees, berries, ornamentals – from local and regional growers. The sale benefits non-profit Fairhaven Neighbors and a portion of profits are shared with other community non-profits, in the past donating to Bellingham Food Bank, Friends of the Family Resource Center, and the Community Boating Center. Admission is free and all are welcome. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own boxes for transporting purchases. Fairhaven Neighbors thanks Hillcrest for sharing its space. Expert gardeners and novices – inspiration and perfect plants await.
For more information, see www.Facebook.com/FairhavenPlantAndTreeSale
School District Events
| March 20, 21, 27, 28 | 7:30 PM | Firebringer: A Rock Musical | Options Theater | $25 GA / $15 Student | Presented by Bellingham TheatreWorks in partnership with Options High School drama; directed by Zacharee Simm. |
| March 26, 27 | 7:00 PM | Vista & Horizon Middle School Play | Ferndale HS PAC | Not specified | Joint production by Vista and Horizon Middle Schools in Ferndale. |
| March 27, 28 | 7:00 PM | Sweeney Todd: School Edition | Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth | See website | BAAY student production of the Sondheim musical; directed by Dylan Cisneros and Logan Hyer-Long. |
| March 28, 29 | 2:00 PM | Sweeney Todd: School Edition | Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth | See website | BAAY student production of the Sondheim musical; directed by Dylan Cisneros and Logan Hyer-Long. |
| March 29 | 2:00 PM | Firebringer: A Rock Musical | Options Theater | $25 GA / $15 Student | Final performance of the partnership production between Bellingham TheatreWorks and Options HS Drama. |
