Bellingham Macy’s to strike on Black Friday; Bellis Fair employees calling for change, Fired Bellingham police detective’s court hearing delayed until December, Bomb threat derails Lummi Nation School evening meeting, Hiker stranded at Twin Lakes rescued from snowy conditions, Base Camp restricts non-resident access to day services, Western gray squirrels now consider ‘endangered’ in Washington, AG prosecutes first ‘organized retail theft’ case, Expert recommends isolating dogs amid deadly, highly contagious, ‘mysterious illness’, Student designs wanted for invasive species art contest, State awards money for housing planning independent, nonprofit community radio
KMRE brings you local news for Monday, 20th November. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Bellingham Macy’s to strike on Black Friday; Bellis Fair employees calling for change
Macy’s employees at Bellis Fair mall, Alderwood Mall, and Southcenter Mall, plan to go on strike on Black Friday.
The strike will include about 400 employees who cite concerns over safety issues, pay that doesn’t match the rising cost of living, and insufficient measures to address shoplifting and violent shoppers.
Macy’s Workers Union UFCW 3000 urges customers to support their cause by not shopping at Macy’s during the strike. Macy’s contends that they are seeking a mutually beneficial deal. The company had discussions with workers and the union in early November but failed to reach an agreement. The strike is scheduled for this Friday.
STORY: Fired Bellingham police detective’s court hearing delayed until December
A former Bellingham police detective is set to appear in court in early December on felony and gross misdemeanor charges.
Adam (Bo) Stanton McGinty is accused of misappropriation of public funds, official misconduct, and third-degree theft. McGinty, who investigated sexual assault allegations in Bellingham Public Schools, is accused of misusing public funds. McGinty used another officer’s dry cleaning stipend, obtaining more than $750 worth of services in 2022 and 2023.
McGinty was placed on paid administrative leave in June, and an internal investigation recommended termination, leading to his firing in August. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
STORY: Bomb threat derails Lummi Nation School evening meeting
A bomb threat disrupted a Lummi Nation School Parent Advisory Committee meeting last Wednesday.
The threat, made by juveniles who hacked into a Zoom meeting, resulted in the building being evacuated, while Lummi Nation Police, with a canine unit, searched the area. The FBI and local authorities are investigating.
STORY: Hiker stranded at Twin Lakes rescued from snowy conditions
Last week, an out-of-state hiker was found at Twin Lakes after sending a distress call. He became lost after trying to find his way back from camping near Mount Baker.
The Whatcom Search and Rescue 4×4 unit had time to strategize their mission since the stranded hiker was prepared to sustain himself for the next couple days.
The volunteers were able to chain his vehicle and guide him back to the main road without harm.
STORY: Base Camp restricts non-resident access to day services
The Lighthouse Mission has restricted access to its day services at Base Camp due to high demand and increasing complexity of residents’ needs.
Staff shortages and misconduct from day services for people experiencing homelessness contributed to the changes. People who are not official residents of Whatcom County can no longer use the day room or lockers. Showers and health care are on a case-by-case basis. According to staff, the shelter is reaching maximum capacity more frequently, with an increase in severe mental illness, chronic medical conditions, and substance use disorders among residents.
The mission plans to improve access once a new shelter opens next Fall.
STORY: Western gray squirrels now considered ‘endangered’ in Washington
Western gray squirrels are now classified as “endangered” in Washington state.
The uplisting in status comes after the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission held a periodic review process for the squirrels over the past few months.
The current habitat is primarily limited to three areas: the Klickitat (KLICK-uh-tat) region, the North Cascades, and the southern Puget Trough.
Researchers estimate the population to be between 450 and 1,500 squirrels. The more commonly found species, the eastern gray squirrel, is often mistaken for its threatened counterpart. Eastern grays are a non-native invasive species introduced in the early 1900s and are the most common tree squirrels in Washington’s urban areas.
Now with the change in status, the squirrels have stronger legal protections, including higher penalties for harming or killing them and a greater overall effort in conserving the species moving forward.
STORY: AG prosecutes first ‘organized retail theft’ case
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the first criminal prosecution by the newly formed Organized Retail Crime Unit.
Organized Retail Crime involves groups stealing products for resale, posing a threat to retailers and potentially involving intimidation and violence. The new unit, led by Assistant Attorney General Kent Liu (LOO), is part of efforts to address organized retail crime, identified as a significant and growing problem. The unit, which began operation on July 1st, established in collaboration with the Legislature, aims to provide investigative and prosecutorial resources.
STORY: Expert recommends isolating dogs amid deadly, highly contagious, ‘mysterious illness’
Dog owners are being warned about a mysterious and potentially deadly illness spreading nationwide, with over 100 reported cases in Oregon.
The illness is still under investigation and is highly contagious among dogs.
Owners should be on the look-out for symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and a productive cough resembling kennel cough. Kevin Snekvik, Executive Director of the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab, advises prompt veterinary attention for symptoms, and that vets test samples at state labs.
Snekvik also suggests owners avoid dog parks and unfamiliar dog congregations. Boarding pets for the holidays is also discouraged. The cause and nature of the illness remain unknown.
WX:
Expect a partly sunny day, with a high of 51 degrees. Clouds will roll in towards the night, with lows around 38. Tomorrow will be warmer, but bring a high chance of rain in the afternoon.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, and Alex Michael. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
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