INTRO
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for [Monday], [May 22nd]. Good afternoon, I’m
__.
STORY: LUMMI NATION AGAINST PORT OF VANCOUVER EXPANSION
The Lummi Nation has released a statement against the approval of the
Roberts Bank Terminal 2, a marine container terminal project of the Port of
Vancouver. The Lummi Nation says that the port’s expansion will impact
their ability to revitalize their salmon fisheries and that their rights were not
considered during the approval.
The Supreme Court of Canada found in a 2021 ruling that a Washington
resident with Canadian First Nations heritage could not be fined for shooting
an elk without a license, as he was exercising constitutionally protected
aboriginal rights, despite being an American citizen.
Lummi Nation officials say that this ruling means they also have aboriginal
rights under the Canadian Constitution, since their traditional territory
includes southern British Columbia.
The Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project is projected to increase Western
Canada’s shipping container capacity by one third, according to the Port of
Vancouver.
STORY: DRONE WILL SPRAY PESTICIDES IN SKAGIT WILDLIFE AREA
Starting today, the Department of Fish and Wildlife will take to the skies in
their efforts against noxious weeds. A contractor will fly a drone to identify
invasive plants in wetlands in the Skagit Wildlife Area and the drone will be
able to spray herbicides in areas unreachable by people on the ground.
The drone will target invasive cattails and reed canary grass, as well as
other noxious weeds.
Flights will occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through June, weather
permitting.
STORY: WEDNESDAY MARKET CANCELED
The Bellingham Farmers Market announced that the Wednesday Market is
on pause as we enter the summer due to a lack of sales.
The Bellingham farmers market hosted a mid-week market in 2021 and
2022 on the waterfront. According to organizers the mid-week market had
struggled to make enough to maintain itself. Saying that Quote: We want to
ensure that any market we organize, honors the hard work it takes for our
vendors to make their products available. End Quote.
The Bellingham farmers market will continue to operate on Saturday
mornings every week.
STORY: LUMMI, OTHER TRIBES TO HOST FENTANYL SUMMIT
Beginning today, the Lummi nation is hosting a two-day summit to discuss
fentanyl use and how the crisis is affecting all tribes in Washington State.
The Lummi Nation Public Health Department reported that in 2023, eighty
percent80% of emergency room visits and Emergency Medical Services
related to substance abuse were directly related to fentanyl.
During the summit, tribes from all corners of Washington will discuss topics
like fentanyl treatment, recovery, prevention, housing and community needs.
Governor Jay Inslee, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, and their staff are
attending the summit as well.
Lummi Nation is hosting another summit in August with representatives of
the federal government.
STORY: WA CAREGIVERS
The state legislature has set aside money to help fund a critical-yet-
underpaid service: at-home caregiving. Eric Tegethoff has the story.
WNS AUDIO
WX:
And now, here’s today’s weather. This week we’re going to see a bit cooler
weather. A high of 63 degrees is on the way today, this afternoon we can
expect mostly cloudy weather with passing showers in the afternoon.
Tomorrow, a high of 63 is on the way with a mixture of clear skies, sun and
spots of rain.
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.
