Mount Vernon man killed in shooting late Monday night, Water main break in Everson delays traffic along Nooksack River Bridge,Tourist detained by ICE near Blaine released and repatriated to UK, Anacortes seafood company issues recall of chowder products following potential bacterial contamination, WA lawmakers seek to relieve strained youth justice system, Groups combat Christian Nationalism in Washington, Unemployment rates rise in Bellingham and Whatcom, decline statewide, WSDOT removes eight-foot stuffed sloth
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, March 20th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Mount Vernon man killed in shooting late Monday night
An 18-year-old man from Mount Vernon has died in an apparent homicide.
According to Lieutenant Dave Shackleton, Mount Vernon Police responded to reports of multiple gunshots at East College Way around midnight on Monday. Officers arrived to find the victim with a gunshot wound, and provided aid until medics arrived.
The victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he later died. Authorities believe this was an isolated incident, but no suspect has been publicly identified.
The investigation is ongoing; anyone with information is urged to call Mount Vernon Police.
STORY: Water main break in Everson delays traffic along Nooksack River Bridge
City of Everson officials are warning residents of possible water impacts following a water main break on Tuesday night.
The break occurred around 9:15 p.m. during drilling work near the Nooksack River bridge on Everson Road. Officials confirmed the break has been fully isolated, has positive pressure, and water samples were taken as line flushing began. Residents north of the bridge are receiving water from an alternate source and may experience lower pressure. Some discoloration is expected, and residents are advised to flush outdoor faucets if needed.
No water restrictions or advisories are currently in place. Repairs are scheduled for today. Single-lane travel on the bridge is expected until 5 p.m.
STORY: Tourist detained by ICE near Blaine released and repatriated to UK
A Welsh backpacker has returned home after spending 19 days in an ICE detention center in Tacoma.
28-year-old Becky Burke was detained on February 26th when she attempted to enter Canada with an incorrect visa and was then denied re-entry into the U.S. After being held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center, she was repatriated to the U.K. on Tuesday, and reunited with her family at London’s Heathrow Airport.
Burke’s story gained international attention after her father’s viral Facebook post highlighted concerns about conditions at the Tacoma facility. Reports have documented poor hygiene, inadequate food, and limited medical care, with state health inspectors previously denied access. The facility’s conditions contributed to the passage of Washington’s House Bill 1470 in 2023, which increased state oversight.
During her detention, Burke described the facility as cold and prison-like, with overcrowded dormitories and insufficient rest. Friends raised over $11,000 to assist in her return, with leftover funds donated to support Seattle-based immigration aid groups.
STORY: Anacortes seafood company issues recall of chowder products following potential bacterial contamination
A seafood company from Anacortes has issued a recall for two of its products.
SeaBear Smokehouse’s Smoked Salmon and Alehouse Clam chowders may have been contaminated with the bacteria that causes botulism. A company announcement released on Saturday says that the chowders were distributed to stores in Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado and Alaska.
Botulism is a form of food poisoning that is potentially fatal, with symptoms including muscle weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble speaking or swallowing. No illnesses had been reported as of Saturday.
According to SeaBear, a mechanical issue with several pouches prevented them from being fully sealed; some of them subsequently leaked. The recall is being voluntarily made by SeaBear; full refunds can be provided to customers who bought either of the products between last October and Friday, March 14th if they contact the company’s service team by phone or email.
STORY: WA lawmakers seek to relieve strained youth justice system
With overcrowding reaching crisis levels at Washington’s youth prisons, state lawmakers have proposed two dozen bills to address issues in the system.
Key legislative efforts focus on incarceration limits, an expansion of rehabilitation alternatives, and greater oversight. Several proposals aim to adjust the “Juvenile Rehabilitation to 25” law, which has contributed to increased population levels—-particularly at Green Hill School, a Chehalis (shuh-HAY-luhs)-based facility operating beyond capacity.
Included among the bills moving forward are:
- Senate Bill 5296, which mandates courts independently verify that juvenile imprisonment is necessary for public safety before incarceration;
- Senate Bill 5278, which would establish a framework for reducing overcrowding by prioritizing community-based alternatives;
- House Bill 1815, which allows youth convicted of prison riot offenses within juvenile institutions to have their convictions vacated, and;
- House Bill 1391, which would standardize diversion programs and prohibit juvenile diversion agreements for offenses committed after age 18.
As legislators navigate a challenging budget year, at least three reform-related bills have not moved forward, and the fate of several measures remains uncertain. However, lawmakers on both sides say continued debate underscores the commitment to address the complex challenges that face Washington’s juvenile justice system.
STORY: Groups combat Christian Nationalism in Washington
Groups organizing for social justice are warning about the rise of white Christian nationalism across the country. Among the states, research shows Washington has one of the lowest rates of this ideology, but those voicing concerns say that isn’t a reason to ignore it. Isobel Charle (shar-LAY) reports.
CX NATIONALISM AUDIO
WX: Burton Guster
And now for your Whatcom County weather:
Another blustery day is in store for us today, with gusts topping out at around 30 miles per hour. Expect consistently overcast skies, with an occasional burst of rain, all of which should persist into the evening.
Forecasts are calling for very similar weather tomorrow, with the only major change being… heavier rain.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Paloma Ortiz, Stevie Sjogren (SHOW-gren) and Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg). 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 listener donations. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and thank you for listening.
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STORY: Unemployment rates rise in Bellingham and Whatcom, decline statewide
STORY: WSDOT removes eight-foot stuffed sloth
