Two arrested in immigrant smuggling operation at Peace Arch crossing, Bellingham REI union members strike day before Ski to Sea, Bloedel Donovan Park’s construction may impact summer plans, WA mountain goats struggle to survive, Lawsuit challenges ‘parents’ bill of rights’ passed by WA legislature, Kona Bicycles co-founders buy company back from private equity firm, Capital gains tax receipts in WA decrease
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, May 28th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Two arrested in immigrant smuggling operation at Peace Arch crossing
Two men, Jesus (HEY-zeus) Ortiz-Plata and Juan Pablo Cuellar (KWAY-yar) Medina, were arrested in Whatcom County on Friday and charged with first-degree human trafficking.
The arrests follow an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and US Border Patrol that began in July and linked a phone number used for coordinating human smuggling to Ortiz-Plata. Incidents in August and November revealed the same phone number was used for smuggling 42 undocumented noncitizens into the US via rail cars. On Thursday, Ortiz-Plata was apprehended in Everett along with three undocumented noncitizens. Interviews indicated that the detainees paid to be smuggled from Canada to Oregon and followed specific instructions to conceal themselves in rail cars or cross the border on foot.
Prosecutors have requested pretrial detention for both men due to flight risk, with a detention hearing set for tomorrow.
STORY: Bellingham REI union members strike day before Ski to Sea
Union members of the Bellingham REI store held a one day strike on Saturday due to unfair labor practices, joining striking unions in New York City and Chicago.
According to the union’s social media, Bellingham REI union workers timed the strike to align with not only Ski to Sea but also with the retailer’s anniversary sale. According to workers, the strike was prompted by REI’s bad-faith bargaining and illegal union busting.
According to Reuters, REI received 80 complaints last year accusing the store of violating federal labor laws, that include retaliation against pro-union workers, changing working conditions without union input, restructuring jobs, and stalling contract bargaining.
On the topic of Ski to Sea, Birch Equipment won the annual relay race for the third year in a row. Boomer’s Drive-in came in second place, 5 minutes behind Birch Equipment.
STORY: Bloedel Donovan Park’s construction may impact summer plans
This summer, parts of Bloedel Donovan Park will be roped off as crews work on electrical upgrades to the community building.
The City of Bellingham says existing mechanical systems as well as the building’s roof will be replaced. They also plan to install a single EV charging station at the park, with the possibility of more charging stations coming in the future. The City says it expects construction to take place intermittently between June 1st and September 30th, with steps to make sure key services aren’t interrupted. The restrooms and boat ramp will remain open, and there will continue to be an accessible route to the water along the east side of the building.
The City advises the public to take public transportation to the park this summer to reduce road congestion.
STORY: WA mountain goats struggle to survive
Fluffy white mountain goats perched in the Cascade Range have become synonymous with the rugged landscape of Washington–– but herds are dwindling and scientists are hoping to find out why.
According to the Department of Natural Resources, surveyed mountain goat populations across the state have been in decline since 2018.
The survey found the sharpest drop in the North Cascades where nearly 90% of goats near Darrington vanished between 2018 to 2023. During this time period, wildlife officials moved hundreds of goats to the area from the Olympic Mountains, however only a few of these goats have survived.
While a full explanation of the disappearing goats remains elusive, researchers believe human-caused climate change is a contributing factor. Scientists say some goats are dying in avalanches, others are finding less to eat during drought years, are stressed from extreme heat, and going into increasingly stormy winters too skinny to survive. Researchers also theorize an increase in people hiking through the backcountry in the North Cascades is helping push goats to the brink.
A nearly $200,000 federal grant will allow Stillaguamish, Lummi and Tulalip tribes to begin further monitoring this summer to try to identify reasons for the decline and possible avenues for recovery.
STORY: Lawsuit challenges ‘parents’ bill of rights’ passed by WA legislature
A lawsuit was filed on Thursday challenging Initiative 2081, known commonly as the “parents’ bill of rights”, claiming it violates the state constitution.
The initiative, passed by the Washington State Senate in session earlier this year, mandates that schools inform parents about their entitlements, including access to instructional materials and notifications on medical and safety matters. Supporters assert that the initiative clarifies existing rights without changing or overruling laws such as HIPAA.
Critics, however, argue it could breach privacy protections and jeopardize LGBTQ+ students by forcing schools to notify parents about their children’s health issues. Nonprofits like ACLU of Washington, Legal Voice, and QLaw, argue that the initiative’s language is overly broad and vague, potentially harming the marginalized youth.
The lawsuit seeks to prevent the initiative from taking effect in June, with concerns about its implementation also noted by the Washington state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
WX: Sunny
Your Whatcom County weather today – Expect clouds and rain, with a high of 57 degrees. The occasional shower may come tonight, as temperatures drop to a low of 45. More rain will come 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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STORY: Kona Bicycles co-founders buy company back from private equity firm
STORY: Capital gains tax receipts in WA decrease
