PeaceHealth worker strike begins, Whatcom confirms first case of mumps in seven years, officials say no risk to public health, Seattle man sentenced to eight years for role in Whatcom drug ring, Bellingham School District changes calendar, Whatcom County launches customer service portal for online permits
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, May 13th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: PeaceHealth worker strike begins
Healthcare workers are striking at St. Joseph’s, and the hospital says it remains committed to patient safety — even as some services are temporarily impacted.
In a statement released on Friday, hospital officials said temporary replacement staff and existing care partners are filling in — a standard industry practice. However, two Priority Care Clinics — Medical Office Plaza and Sedro-Woolley — are temporarily closed due to the strike. Both are expected to reopen on Monday.
The strike involves caregivers represented by SEIU and UAPD, and follows over eight months of negotiations. PeaceHealth says it has offered a competitive package, including wage increases of up to 36% for SEIU members over four years, and up to 10% in the first year for advanced practice clinicians.
But union members argue that the medical group as well as its contractor, Sound Physicians, are purposely misleading the community. Cardiology nurse practitioner Graham Meeks had this to say.
Strike Audio 1 not market rate :50
For many on the picket line, the experience is one they never thought they would be part of. Joe Crane, an organizing coordinator with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, explains.
Strike Audio 2 people like this 1:01
At the end of the day, nurse practitioner and SEIU member Katie Pernick says it’s all about patient care for those walking the picket line.
Strike Audio 3 one hoop at a time :24
While strikers complain about bad-faith bargaining and call for stronger commitments to wages and staffing, when asked what options exist if PeaceHealth refuses their demands, union members say they’ll have to wait and see.
Strike Audio 4 are effective :14
Strike Audio 5 possible every one :24
Bargaining is paused during the strike. Meanwhile, PeaceHealth nurses represented by the Washington State Nurses Association are still in stalled negotiations.
PeaceHealth declined an offer to comment on this story.
STORY: Whatcom confirms first case of mumps in seven years, officials say no risk to public health
A case of mumps has been confirmed in Whatcom County for the first time since 2018.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services has confirmed the case, but say there is no immediate risk to the public. Officials believe the individual may have been exposed while traveling on a cruise ship outside the U.S. The person is recovering at home, and was not hospitalized.
Public health staff have identified and notified those who may have had close contact with the patient. Those individuals are being monitored for symptoms, and no further spread has been reported.
Officials urge people to stay current on their Measles, Mumps, and Rubella—or MMR—vaccinations.
Mumps is a viral illness spread through coughing, sneezing, or sharing food or drinks. Common symptoms include puffy cheeks, fever, headache, and tiredness. Most people recover fully, but serious complications can occur.
To learn more about mumps and where to get vaccinated, visit the Washington Department of Health website.
STORY: Seattle man sentenced to eight years for role in Whatcom drug ring
A Seattle man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in a fentanyl trafficking operation in Whatcom County.
Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced on Friday that 35-year-old Mohamed Abdirisak (ab-DEER-is-ak) Mohamed was sentenced after pleading guilty to drug distribution and firearms charges last year.
According to court records, Mohamed was twice caught with thousands of fentanyl pills and firearms. The trafficking ring moved fentanyl from the Seattle area to redistributors in Bellingham, with much of the drug supply reaching the Lummi Indian Reservation.
Mohamed was one of six people charged in the months-long investigation. He is the fifth individual to be sentenced; three Bellingham residents and another Seattle man were previously sentenced. One suspect from Burien remains at large.
STORY: Bellingham School District changes calendar In an effort to address a budget shortfall, Bellingham School District has updated the 2025–2026 school year calendar.
According to a letter sent to families yesterday, the changes were made after collaboration with labor associations and gathering input from the community. The start and end dates of the school year have been shifted, and professional development days for staff have been reduced.
Key calendar updates include:
● Grades 1-thru-12 and Community Transitions will begin school on Tuesday, September 2nd, following a regular schedule;
● Elementary school hours end 7 minutes later each day at 2:30 p.m.; ● Middle school and high school hours will stay the same; ● Kindergarten and Promise K will start on Thursday, September 4th, with early dismissal at 12:20 p.m;
● Preschool begins on Friday, September 5th, on a regular schedule, and;
● The last day of school next year is set for June 12th, 2026, unless adjusted due to weather or emergency-related closures.
The release refers parents and community members to the updated calendar for further details.
STORY: Whatcom County launches customer service portal for online permits
Whatcom County residents can now easily track construction projects in their neighborhoods—thanks to a new online tool.
The county’s Planning and Development Services department has launched a Customer Service Portal on its website. The portal allows anyone to search permits, site maps, inspections, and other planning documents by address.
Residents can also make payments and estimate fees through the tool.
Officials say additional services for other permits and planning needs will be added over the next year.
WX: It Will Rain
And now for the weather:
Today will be warm and overcast. Temperatures should get up near 65 degrees. Nighttime lows are projected in the upper-40s. Rain is expected tonight, with the sun coming back in the morning. Expect some clouds by tomorrow afternoon.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (O-shay), and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and thank you for listening.
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