Port of Bellingham’s interim director officially accepts permanent executive director position, Bike to Work and School Day tomorrow, Second of two emergency repair contracts begins next phase of repairs on North Cascades Highway, Mount Baker School District planning expansion of woodshop amid high enrollment, NW WA fair announces cancellation of plowing match after passing of six-time champion, Fed judge asked to ditch WA legislative district maps, WA voting experts call for change after SCOTUS ruling, Best and worst times for Memorial Day weekend traffic, Additional bus service for Ski to Sea
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, May, 14. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Port of Bellingham’s interim director officially accepts permanent executive director position
Tiffany DeSimone (DAY-suh-MONE) is the new Port of Bellingham Executive Director.
In her formal acceptance of the position, DeSimone said she is proud to serve the community where she was raised, and promised to, quote, “optimize Bellingham’s transportation gateways”, which include the marine terminal and the airport.
She was selected from nearly 100 candidates.
STORY: Bike to Work and School Day tomorrow
Bike to Work and School Day is tomorrow, and riders of all levels are invited to get on their bikes.
Schools and businesses across Bellingham will host morning “celebration stations,” offering treats and cheers to riders. Participants are encouraged to plan their routes in advance and stop for refreshments and encouragement.
The event runs in the early morning hours, with stations typically operating from about 6 to 9:30 a.m. Find out more at WhatcomSmartTrips.org.
STORY: Second of two emergency repair contracts begins next phase of repairs on North Cascades Highway
A section of the North Cascades Highway will remain closed over Memorial Day weekend.
The stretch between Colonial Creek Campground and Porcupine Creek sustained damages from earlier winter storms and a rockslide. WSDOT (wash-DOT) sent workers to the area to perform repairs; as a result, access is closed for all vehicles, as well as bikes, hikers, and campers.
The Department of Transportation says it hopes the work will be finished by the Fourth of July.
STORY: Mount Baker School District planning expansion of woodshop amid high enrollment
The Mount Baker School District says it hopes to raise $225,000 to expand its construction trade program.
According to the district, the plan is to build a bigger woodshop so that students can take on projects such as framing, flooring, and electrical work.
Todd Rightmire, the technical education director for the district, told KMRE News that the goal is to place 10 to 12 students in construction and manufacturing jobs every year once they turn 18.
STORY: NW WA fair announces cancellation of plowing match after passing of six-time champion
Saturday’s International Plowing Match at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds is cancelled.
The cancellation follows the sudden death of six-time champion, Craig Shagren (SHAY-gren), on Monday. Shagren, a Bellingham native, was raised in Lynden. His family has been showing Belgian draft horses in the region for decades. He was 57.
STORY: New Washington Aviation System Plan outlines roadmap for WA’s 134 airports across next decade
Washington has plans to update the state’s 134 airports across the next decade.
According to the new Washington Aviation System Plan, goals for the next decade include addressing the shortage of pilots and mechanics, the use of electrical and hydrogen-powered aviation, and preparing for climate impacts and maintenance needs.
In addition, the Department of Transportation says it will look into funding for airport infrastructure, sustainability, and compatible land use near airports. The department’s Aviation Director, Ann Richart (RYE-cart), said airports are vital in supporting emergency response, connecting communities, and driving economic activities across Washington.
STORY: Fed judge asked to ditch WA legislative district maps
A federal judge may upend Washington’s legislative maps just months before the primary.
The Washington State Standard reports U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik (LASS-nick) is considering whether to undo the political boundaries he approved two years ago that strengthen Latino voting power in the Yakima Valley. That redraw shifted more than 300,000 residents across 13 districts.
Opponents now argue Lasnik’s map cannot stand after a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that sharply limited the use of race in redistricting in Louisiana. They want the judge to restore the bipartisan commission’s 2021 map, or signal he’s ready to do so if the case is sent back to him.
State election officials say reversing course now would be “a recipe for chaos,” warning it could confuse voters, drive up costs, and even delay the primary currently set for August 4th.
Supporters of the current map argue that the challengers already asked the Supreme Court to intervene, and say there’s no reason for Lasnik to act before the high court weighs in.
STORY: WA voting experts call for change after SCOTUS ruling
Civic engagement leaders in Washington are calling on the state to adopt rank choice voting as a way to secure voting rights against changes to the federal Voting Rights Act. Washington News Service’s Isobel Charlet (shar-LAY) reports:
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STORY: Best and worst times for Memorial Day weekend traffic
Memorial Day weekend is about to bring some of the worst traffic of the year across Washington.
Transportation analysts say next Friday afternoon will be the biggest mess, especially on I‑5, I‑90, and Highway 2 as drivers head for the coast, the Cascades, and lake destinations across the state.
Reporting from KIRO 7 says the most popular getaway spots include the San Juan Islands, Ocean Shores, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Chelan and Wenatchee areas — all of which are expected to see heavy backups.
The best times to travel are early Friday morning, late Friday night, or before 10 a.m. Saturday. Drivers heading home Monday should avoid the 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. window, when return traffic typically is at its heaviest.
WSDOT (wash-DOT) also warns that ferries will be packed, mountain passes could slow to a crawl, and even short trips may take much longer than usual.
WX: Rainy way ya want it
And now for the weather:
Today’s forecast calls for partial clearing, some intermittent afternoon showers with possible thunderstorms, and highs in the low-60s. Look for rain tonight, with temperatures dropping down to the low-40s.
Tomorrow, expect more clouds, more rain, and increased chances of thunderstorms, with highs in the mid-50s.
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, and Jenny Lam. 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: Additional bus service for Ski to Sea
On Ski to Sea Sunday, May 24, 2026, the Whatcom Transportation Authority will boost bus service between Downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven to help spectators and racers reach the Marine Park finish line.
Route 1 will run every 10 minutes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and every 15 minutes from 5 p.m. to 7:55 p.m., with additional connections on Routes 14 and 105. Regular service resumes outside peak hours.
Organizers say the extra transit service will help reduce traffic and parking pressure, with a free bike valet also available at Marine Park. Fares are $1 per ride, and riders 18 and under ride free, with mobile and cash payment options available.
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