Missing Teen, Bellingham Herald reporters participate in one-day strike, citing low wages and encroaching artificial intelligence, Whatcom Fire District 1 to promote assistant chief, Independent advocacy group presents research on potential incorporation of Birch Bay, Fatal explosion in Longview leaves one dead, nine missing, Thirteen health insurance companies request rate increases of up to 27% in Washington’s individual market, Jobless report out for WA, AG’s office issues statement reaffirming commitment to upholding fair wages and working conditions ahead of World Cup, FEMA disaster assistance available, deadline 6/10 (edit for dates as needed), Community conversation in Van Zandt, Intercultural Dance Day comes to Bellingham
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, May, 27. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Missing teen,
Everson Police are asking for help finding a missing 15‑year‑old girl.
Investigators say Yesica Tellez left her home during the night last Thursday and may be trying to travel to California.
She was last seen wearing red pants, a grey sweatshirt, and white sneakers.
Police say there’s no additional information at this time. If you’ve seen Yesica Tellez or know anything about where she might be, you’re asked to contact law enforcement.
STORY: Bellingham Herald reporters participate in one-day strike, citing low wages and encroaching artificial intelligence
Reporters at The Bellingham Herald joined journalists at four other Washington newspapers in a one-day strike yesterday.
Picketers said they were striking over wages and the company’s use of artificial intelligence. The walkout involved 31 workers at papers owned by McClatchy, including newspapers in Bellingham, Tacoma, Olympia and Kennewick, along with the Idaho Statesman.
Union leaders say contract negotiations have dragged on for nearly 11 months. They claim the company has proposed a $52,000 minimum salary with 2% annual raises while increasing newsroom workloads. They point out the consumer price index rose 3.8% in April over the prior year.
Workers also raised concerns about AI-generated content in newsrooms. Union officials allege McClatchy wants the ability to publish AI-written stories without human review and create AI replicas of reporters for podcasts and videos.
McClatchy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
STORY: City of Bellingham intends to fight lawsuit from woman who allegedly broke her leg after falling into hole in sidewalk
The city of Bellingham says it will hire outside legal counsel to defend against a lawsuit filed by a woman who says she broke her leg after falling on a Roosevelt neighborhood sidewalk earlier this year.
City Council members discussed the case in closed session Monday before unanimously approving the move.
Bellingham resident Lea Scopeletti sued the city and two property owners in January, alleging she fell into a hidden hole between a sidewalk and curb on Orleans Street while walking with her child.
The lawsuit claims overgrown vegetation and debris made the hole difficult to see. Scopeletti says the fall caused fractures to her right leg and ankle, along with other injuries. She is seeking damages for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent disability.
The city denies responsibility, saying it had no prior notice of the alleged sidewalk defect and exercised ordinary care.
STORY: Whatcom Fire District 1 to promote assistant chief
Whatcom County Fire District 1 has promoted Assistant Chief Brian Atkins to fire chief beginning in June.
Atkins will replace outgoing Chief Rachel Carlson, who is leaving the district to become assistant chief with the Bellingham Fire Department.
District officials say Atkins has served in several leadership roles and will now oversee administrative operations and long-term planning.
The announcement comes just days after Fire District 1 placed a levy lid lift measure on the August primary ballot.
The district provides emergency services to Everson, Nooksack, Deming and the Nooksack Indian Tribe.
STORY: Independent advocacy group presents research on potential incorporation of Birch Bay
New research released by the Birch Bay Incorporation Association suggests it could be financially viable to incorporate Birch Bay as its own city.
The group presented its independent findings during a public meeting last Thursday, examining four possible pathways to incorporation. That contrasts with an earlier county-commissioned study that concluded incorporation would likely create a budget deficit.
The Incorporation Association says its research found each of the proposed scenarios could generate revenue for a future city’s general fund, though organizers acknowledged the projections reflect a best-case staffing situation.
The group says it encourages Birch Bay residents to review the study and provide feedback.
STORY: Fatal explosion in Longview leaves one dead, nine missing
At least one worker is dead and nine others remain missing after a massive chemical tank collapsed Tuesday in Longview.
Authorities say the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. paper mill tank held nearly one million gallons of a corrosive chemical known as “white liquor,” used in paper production. Nine others were injured, including a firefighter.
Emergency crews suspended recovery operations overnight because of concerns the damaged tank could collapse further or leak additional chemicals.
Officials say there is no threat to the public, but the cause of the implosion remains under investigation.
The mill employs about one thousand workers and has long been a major part of the Longview community.
STORY: Thirteen health insurance companies request rate increases of up to 27% in Washington’s individual market
Health insurance premiums in Washington could rise sharply again next year.
Thirteen insurers have requested an average rate increase of more than 22% for the 2027 individual health insurance market, following a 21% increase approved for 2026.
State insurance officials say the requests are now under review, with final decisions expected in September before open enrollment begins in November.
More than 280-thousand Washington residents buy coverage through the individual market rather than an employer plan.
Officials say enrollment dropped this year after enhanced federal tax credits expired at the end of 2025.
STORY: Jobless report out for WA
Washington’s job market slipped again last month.
State labor economists say employment fell slightly in April, continuing a slow downward trend that began earlier this spring.
Most of the losses came from public‑sector jobs, with private employers also showing a modest decline. Over the past year, Washington has seen a small overall drop in total employment.
The statewide unemployment rate edged up again in April.
Here in Whatcom County, unemployment held steady at 4.8%, though that’s noticeably higher than a year ago. Skagit County followed a similar pattern — unchanged from last month but still above last spring’s levels.
STORY: AG’s office issues statement reaffirming commitment to upholding fair wages and working conditions ahead of World Cup
Attorney General Nick Brown’s office has issued a statement in support of workers’ rights as the region prepares to host World Cup festivities next month.
With multiple matches scheduled for Seattle, and Fan Zones being planned all over Washington, the statement seeks to provide clarity for employees and employers alike about state labor laws, which apply to all workers, no matter their immigration status.
Key points covered include the minimum wage, which is currently $17.13 an hour statewide, and higher in many cities and counties including Whatcom where it is $19.13. In addition, tips and service charges may not be included in hourly wages, but must instead go directly to workers.
The statement also lays out rules for meal and rest breaks, as well as workplace safety, and includes contact numbers for filing complaints, which the AG’s Office promises to respond to rapidly and effectively.
WX: Shine Time Station
And now for the weather:
Today should be warm and sunny, with temperatures in the mid 70s. Expect the skies to remain clear, with clouds coming in towards the evening and temperatures drop into the mid-50’s.
Thursday calls for the clouds to stick around but still highs in the mid 70’s. There’s some chance of stormier weather on Friday.
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: FEMA disaster assistance available, deadline 6/10 (edit for dates as needed)
As the deadline looms to apply for flood recovery assistance, Whatcom County has doubled its Disaster Assistance Centers.
Officials say the added capacity is meant to support residents still working through the long recovery from December’s flooding.
The center at Sumas Advent Christian Church on Front Street is open Monday through Friday from nine to five, and Saturdays from eleven to two.
Additional centers will be open next Tuesday and Wednesday, and again June 3rd through 5th, at the Ferndale Pavilion Community Center from noon to seven.
A mobile unit will also be at Nugents Corner in the Ellis Dentistry parking lot this Friday and Saturday from ten to six, with an extra session Saturday morning from nine to one.
The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is June 10th.
STORY: Community conversation in Van Zandt
Whatcom County has announced they will host a community conversation with Council members Jessica Rienstra and Jon Scanlon.
Part of the council’s Community Conversations series, the public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Van Zandt Community Hall. County officials say the event is intended to give residents a chance to connect with council members and discuss local issues.
Officials also noted that a quorum of the County Council will not be present and no formal action will be taken during the event.
STORY: Intercultural Dance Day comes to Bellingham
A new cultural celebration is coming to Bellingham.
Intercultural Dance Day will take place June 14th at Fisherman’s Pavilion at Zuanich Point Park, featuring live music and dance performances, cultural booths, local artists, food trucks, and family activities.
The free event is presented by ANJ Dance Project and aims to bring people together through shared cultural experiences.
Organizers say the event is designed to promote connection and belonging in the community while supporting local artists and intercultural programming.
The celebration runs from noon to 3 p.m.
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