I-5 still closed northbound, Skagit Sheriff arrests man in connection with death of missing Concrete woman, Bellingham man arrested in Mount Vernon on suspicion of child sexual assault, Canada relaxes citizenship rules, Avian flu detected in backyard flock of Skagit County chickens, E-bike rebate program set to re-open on Mar 30, HHS announces investigation into 13 states mandating insurance coverage for abortions, including WA, ICE not expected at SeaTac…yet, Washington to win summary judgment protecting health care for transgender youth, Ferndale schools implement new AI reading tool, Salmon send-off on Thursday, No Kings Day March 28th, Ribbon cut on new voluntary detox center in Skagit County, set to open in coming weeks, Star Park open house on April 6, Places to file your taxes for free, FREE OR CHEAP
HEADLINES
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KMRE brings you local news for Monday, March, 23. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: I-5 still closed northbound
An update on the northbound I-5 slide near Bellingham: the highway remains closed, with still no estimated time to reopen.
Crews began clearing debris and making repairs over the weekend; however, drivers should continue to plan alternate routes. State officials say State Route 9, State Route 11, and local roads are the best options for detours. State Route 11 and neighborhood routes are, however, not suitable for freight traffic.
Commuters traveling through south Bellingham are urged to plan ahead as delays continue into the week.
STORY: Skagit Sheriff arrests man in connection with death of missing Concrete woman
Skagit County prosecutors have charged a Concrete man with second-degree murder in connection with the disappearance and death of a local woman.
Authorities say 37-year-old Krista Hunt was reported missing in early February. Her remains were found near the Skagit River during a search on March 12th.
Investigators have charged 42-year-old Juan Delgado Jr., who was known to Hunt. He was arrested in Mount Vernon and appeared in court on Friday, where bail was set at one million dollars.
Delgado was already in custody on separate charges after deputies discovered explosive devices at his home. The investigation remains ongoing, and the cause of Hunt’s death has not yet been released.
STORY: Bellingham man arrested in Mount Vernon on suspicion of child sexual assault
A Bellingham man is in custody on suspicion of raping a child.
Authorities say the investigation began on March 8th after reports of a sexual assault involving a child under the age of 10. Detectives allege the 33-year-old man assaulted the child multiple times.
He was arrested in Mount Vernon on Thursday morning with assistance from local police, and later booked into the Whatcom County Jail.
Records indicate that the man is being held on suspicion of multiple charges, including three counts of first-degree rape of a child. As of Friday morning, formal charges had not yet been filed.
STORY: Canada relaxes citizenship rules
Canadian citizenship rules are changing — and it could impact thousands with family roots north of the border.
For years, a “first-generation limit” blocked citizenship for people whose Canadian parent was also born outside Canada, creating a group known as “Lost Canadians.” A Canadian court ruled that policy unconstitutional, and now, under Bill C-3, citizenship can extend back through multiple generations. Anyone able to trace their lineage to a Canadian parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent, may now qualify as a citizen by descent — without giving up U.S. citizenship.
Those interested in finding out more can go to www.immigration.ca.
STORY: Avian flu detected in backyard flock of Skagit County chickens
Bird flu has been detected in a flock of backyard chickens in Skagit County.
Washington state has recently experienced a lull in Avian flu detections; however, the state Department of Agriculture confirmed the new case on Friday. This comes as the spring migration brings thousands of migratory birds – including ducks, geese, and other waterfowl – through Washington, greatly increasing the chance of the virus appearing in domestic flocks.
Washington State Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle (IDLE) encouraged poultry owners to keep their flocks isolated from wild birds, especially if there is a shared waterway.
The WSDA has established a surveillance zone that applies to all flock owners living within six miles of the Skagit County detection site. The agency also urges the prompt reporting of any sudden health changes in birds using the department’s online reporting tool, or by contacting their Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056.
STORY: E-bike rebate program set to re-open on Mar 30
The Washington State Department of Transportation says it will relaunch its WE-Bike rebate program later this month to help more residents afford electric bikes.
Starting on March 30th, Washingtonians aged 16 and older may apply for rebates through a new online portal, with applicants selected at random each month beginning in April. Depending on income, eligible participants can receive either 300 or 12-hundred dollars toward the purchase of a qualifying e-bike at participating shops.
State officials say the expanded program builds on a successful pilot and is aimed at making biking a more accessible and affordable transportation option across Washington.
STORY: HHS announces investigation into 13 states mandating insurance coverage for abortions, including WA
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched an investigation into states that require health insurance plans to cover abortion care.
Federal officials say the probe centers on whether those laws violate the Weldon Amendment, which protects health care entities that object to abortion coverage on moral or religious grounds.
The agency has not named the states involved, but reports indicate more than a dozen states with abortion protections could be affected.
Reproductive rights advocates are criticizing the move, calling it an effort to limit access; meanwhile, state officials say they are reviewing the investigation and defending their laws.
STORY: ICE not expected at SeaTac…yet
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may be headed to airports nationwide, but no deployments have been confirmed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
In a recent announcement, airport officials say operations at Sea-Tac remain normal, with security wait times under five minutes and no notice of incoming ICE agents.
The move comes as Transportation Security Administration workers continue without pay during a partial federal shutdown, leading to staffing shortages and long lines at some U.S. airports.
Federal officials say ICE agents could assist with non-screening duties to ease congestion; however, details on where agents will be deployed remain unclear.
STORY: Washington to win summary judgment protecting health care for transgender youth
Washington is poised to win a major legal fight protecting transgender youth health care.
A federal judge said Thursday that he will rule for Washington, 20 other states, and the District of Columbia — blocking what he called an unlawful attempt by the Trump administration to pressure providers into ending gender‑affirming care for minors with gender dysphoria.
U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai (MOOS-tah-fab KAH-soo-bye) said he will grant the states’ motion for summary judgment, with a written order coming soon.
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown called it a resounding win for the rights of youth, their families, and the rule of law, saying the court agreed the administration ignored federal requirements.
Kasubhai found Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. exceeded his authority when he issued a December “declaration” labeling gender‑affirming care unsafe and threatening to cut Medicaid and Medicare for providers who offer it. The judge said HHS skipped required rulemaking, and plans to set the declaration aside.
Besides Washington and D.C., the coalition also includes Oregon, California, New York, and Colorado.
WX: Fluff E. Dupree
And now for the weather:
Experts say we should expect increasing clouds today with a high of 52 – staying cloudy overnight with lows around 40 and early morning rain tomorrow. Increasing winds are expected throughout the day tomorrow and, they say, more rain until mid-week and the possibility of snow.
That’s what NOAA says anyway — but they also said it was supposed to rain all weekend. It’s early spring in Whatcom County, where the forecast is more of a suggestion than a commitment. One minute it’s sunshine, the next it’s possible snow.
But don’t worry — somewhere in the U.S. it’s sunny and 80… and we’re all very happy for them.
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: Ferndale schools implement new AI reading tool
Ferndale elementary students are getting a reading boost from an AI‑powered tutor.
Cascadia Daily News reports the district is piloting Amira AI, a program that listens as kids read aloud and gives instant feedback. Students read to a cartoon “Amira,” which can pop up mini‑lessons when it hears a mistake — from sounding out a tricky word to showing a video of how to form the sound.
Teachers say Amira tracks fluency, accuracy and vocabulary, helping them tailor instruction. Budget pressures also pushed the district to try the tool after cuts to reading‑intervention staff.
Use is limited. Executive director of teaching and learning Kelly Larrabee says selected students use the tool about 30 minutes a week, and early results look promising.
It’s not perfect, but some families report strong gains. Ferndale will evaluate the program at year’s end before deciding whether to continue.
STORY: Salmon send-off on Thursday The Bellingham Public Library is inviting the community to help send off a new generation of salmon this week.
Chum salmon raised at the library are ready to be released into Whatcom Creek, and the public is welcome to take part. The release happens Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. at Maritime Heritage Park, followed by a salmon-themed storytime for kids and families.
Organizers say it’s a hands-on way to learn about local ecosystems and celebrate the salmon lifecycle.
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: Ribbon cut on new voluntary detox center in Skagit County, set to open in coming weeks
STORY: Star Park open house on April 6
The City of Ferndale is inviting the community to celebrate a new addition aimed at making local parks more inclusive.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new communication board at Star Park is set for Monday, April 6th at 11:30 a.m.
The boards use symbols and pictures to help children communicate, especially those with disabilities, making it easier to interact and play.
Following the ceremony, families are invited to stay for a free Spring Break Bubble Playdate featuring games, activities, and community fun through 1 p.m.
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. |
