Western Academic Workers United set May 21 strike deadline, Whatcom Sheriff’s Office recovers 9 ghost guns in Monday evening raid, Whatcom Sheriff’s Office recovers 9 ghost guns in Monday evening raid, Crash at Lummi Island ferry landing sends 2 to hospital, stalls ferry service, Big changes coming for Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s office, CDC to put tight restrictions on dogs traveling across the border, 2 out of 3 Bob Fergusons withdraw from WA governor’s race
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STORY: Western Academic Workers United set May 21 strike deadline
Western Academic Workers United announced its intention to strike on May 21st if Western Washington University administration does not agree to a 37-proposal contract.
Members are asking for better wages and increased job security, among other issues. Those that will be striking are Educational Student Employees, which include tutors, faculty assistants, peer advisors, research assistants, and others. Not included in this strike are Operational Student Employees such as lifeguards, resident advisors, clerks, and editors.
According to union organizers, roughly 1,100 employees will participate in a work stoppage and picket line on campus if the union decides to strike. Individual members are expected to protest at the picket line for at least 20 hours per week.
The May 21 deadline comes after eight months of bargaining sessions with WWU.
STORY: Whatcom Sheriff’s Office recovers 9 ghost guns in Monday evening raid
Bellingham Police have recovered nine Ghost Guns during a raid this week.
According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Bellingham Police Department arrested Austin Grimme (GRIM) on Monday, during a traffic stop at Cornwall Park. Grimme admitted to having drugs in his vehicle, and that he was dealing. Authorities searched the car and found what was later confirmed to be fentanyl. During the stop they received information that Grimme, a seven-time convicted felon, had firearms at his residence.
After a search, they found three complete firearms without serial numbers, also known as ‘ghost guns’. They also found multiple gun parts and a 3-D printer with supplies believed to have been used to construct the gun parts. Grimme was arrested on probable cause for possession with intent to deliver, and three counts of possession of firearms and unlawful firearms.
He is currently in custody at Whatcom County Jail.
STORY: Crash at Lummi Island ferry landing sends 2 to hospital, stalls ferry service
Emergency teams responded to reports of a crash at the Lummi Island ferry landing yesterday.
Officers say they believe a van missed the ferry ramp, striking a barrier and launching into the air. The van then landed on the rocks near the ferry ramp, right at the edge of the water. Ferry service was paused while both occupants were helped out of the vehicle and transported to St Joseph Medical Center. After fuel or oil was seen in the water, the US Coast Guard was notified along with the National Response Center.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the source of the oil.
STORY: Big changes coming for Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s office
The Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s office is being brought under the control of the county.
Whatcom County is one of the only counties in Washington state to contract with an outside medical examiner’s office for autopsies and death investigations. There is currently only one examiner in Whatcom ,however, last year the office saw 726 cases. According to County Medical Examiner Allison Hunt, there should be at least 1 full-time investigator per 100 cases.
An estimated $1.2 million dollars is budgeted for the transition, which will add six staff members including those already in the office. The office is also undergoing a renovation as it must become accredited by 2025, according to state law.
County council will discuss the resolution to add positions on Tuesday.
STORY: CDC to put tight restrictions on dogs traveling across the border
Starting August 1st, new CDC rules will regulate the importation of dogs into the U.S.
The new rules require dogs to be over six months old, micro-chipped, vaccinated for rabies, and accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form. Dogs without a vaccination certificate must have been in a low- or no-risk country for six months before entry. These rules apply to all dogs entering the U.S. by land, sea, or air, including U.S. residents returning from Canada and Mexico.
The new rules aim to create uniform standards and reduce fraudulent import claims and apply to all those crossing the border, and are meant to primarily target commercial dog importation. Concerns have been raised by residents who frequently cross the border for various needs who say that the new regulations ignore border communities.
Rabies cases in the U.S. are rare, however, according to the CDC, the significant public health risk and cost of managing a single rabies-infected dog– which averages $270,000– justifies the change in rules.
Officials, including U.S. senators and a representative, are reviewing the issue following inquiries from local media.
STORY: 2 out of 3 Bob Fergusons withdraw from WA governor’s race
The state’s longtime attorney general is now the only Bob Ferguson in the governor’s race after two others with the same name withdrew.
The confusion began when conservative activist Glen Morgan orchestrated the entry of two more Bob Fergusons into the race, raising legal and logistical issues. Both candidates withdrew after facing pressure from the attorney general, who had sent cease-and-desist letters and threatened legal action, citing a state law against filing under a well-known name to confuse voters.
The two Bob Fergusons, one a veteran and the other a retired state employee, criticized the attorney general’s actions as undemocratic and bullying. The attorney general, however, maintained that their actions threatened democracy and stated that he held no ill will towards them. With their withdrawal, the attorney general’s position on the ballot shifted, and he is now the sole Bob Ferguson running for governor.
Washington’s primary election will be held on August 6, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election.
WX: Sunny
Your Whatcom County weather today – Expect clouds with winds as high as 23 mph, and a high of 62 degrees. Rain will come in tonight as temperatures drop to a low of 47. The rain is likely to continue tomorrow.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, and Kye Salinas (KEY suh-LEE-nus). 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 thanks for listening.
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