INTRO
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KMRE brings you local news for [Monday], [May 15th]. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: BIDEN TO OPEN LANDS TO CONSERVATION LEASES
The Biden administration is proposing to prioritize conserving government-owned lands alongside oil drilling, livestock grazing, and other interests.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Tracy Stone-Manning, director of the Bureau of Land Management, explained that the changes aim to address the increasing pressures of climate change and development.
The proposal would create a framework that would allow conservationists and others to lease federally owned land so it can be restored and would work similarly to cattle grazing, where land is leased as it is being used.
Stone-Manning also explained that the federal government has leased its land out like this before, but there’s never been a dedicated program for it.
Republican lawmakers are heavily criticizing the proposal, arguing that it would ultimately just exclude businesses such as mining, agriculture, or energy development. The Biden administration is facing pressure to allow more drilling, but the proposed rule aims to strike a balance between conservation and other uses of federal lands. Environmentalists generally support the changes, though they emphasize the need for careful consideration of potential unintended consequences.
Public meetings and discussions are being held to gather feedback on the proposal.
STORY: INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS NO LONGER NEED COVID-19 SHOT
People traveling to the United States no longer need to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. The Biden administration ended the requirement last week for air travelers, and the Department of Homeland Security soon followed by ending the requirement at border entries and ferry ports.
Canada ended their vaccination requirement in October.
STORY: WSDA RAMPS UP ASSAULT AGAINST JAPANESE BEETLE
A year after the invasive Japanese beetle was found in Washington, the State Department of Agriculture is ramping up efforts to control it.
In Wapato, a small town just to the south of Yakima, the Department of Agriculture will use insecticide on more than fifteen hundred properties -, encompassing around 500 acres.
The Japanese beetle is a pest to more than 300 plants, including economically important crops like roses, grapes and hops. Last year over 23,000 Japanese beetles were captured in the state.
STORY: ALOHA SIGN TO BE REINSTALLED
The Aloha Motel neon sign which stood on Samish Way since the 60s will be reinstalled tomorrow after undergoing restoration.
The City of Bellingham sold the site of the Aloha Motel to the Bellingham and Whatcom Housing Authorities in 2017. The site is now the center of the construction of the Samish Commons, a large housing project, set to be completed this summer.
Samish Commons will provide 171 affordable apartments, as well as offices for the Housing Authority and an early learning center.
STORY: COWS BLOCK I-5 LANE NEAR CUSTER
If you were heading up 1-5 yesterday near Custer, you might have experienced a strange traffic jam. Loose dairy cows on the freeway caused some delays, but they were safely removed.
STORY: CITY OF BELLINGHAM NAMES FIRST FEMALE FIRE CAPT
The Bellingham Fire Department made history last week when it promoted Bellingham’s first-ever female fire captain.
A total of four promotions were honored at a pinning ceremony– Sarah Pernick was promoted to Fire Captain, Shawn Linville to City Fire Marshall; Matt Munger to Battalion Chief; and Tom Kettman was promoted to Fire Chief.
STORY: VOTING RIGHTS LEGISLATION
The state legislature passed a law aimed at enhancing the Washington Voting Rights Act and making it easier to challenge unfair election practices. Eric Tegethoff has the story.
WNS AUDIO
WX:
And now, here’s today’s weather. We’ve got more warmth on the way this week, today be ready for a high of 85 in Bellingham. It’s going to cool off in the evening reaching a low of 59 degrees. A heat advisory is still in effect so be sure to stay cool and be safe, Bellingham.
Tomorrow it’s going to cool off a little more, we can expect to see a high around 75 degrees with a low of 57 in the evening.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carl Bryden and Questen Inghram. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m, and on demand at kmre.org. For news tips and feedback, please send an email to news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. I’m _______________________ and thanks for listening.
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