Avian flu hits Whatcom, What’s closed today, Winter shelters open in Skagit today, Coyote season is back, Mark your calendars, Get that FAFSA in, WA wins battle for libraries, Pumpkin is king of pies in the PNW
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KMRE brings you local news for Saturday, November, 27th. Happy Thanksgiving, I’m ______.
STORY: Avian flu hits Whatcom
A small backyard flock of chickens and ducks in Whatcom County has tested positive for avian influenza, also known as bird flu.
In a release yesterday, Whatcom County Co-Health Officer Dr. Meg Lelonek (luh-LAWN-ek) offered condolences to the flock’s owner, noting that these situations are stressful and mental health resources are available. Bird flu spreads primarily through contact with wild birds, which carry the virus during seasonal migration. Last year, a Whatcom backyard flock also tested positive in November.
While the risk to the public is low, those who work closely with birds face a higher risk. Officials are contacting anyone exposed to the infected birds. There are no confirmed human cases in Whatcom County, but there was a recent avian flu death in Grays Harbor County. Health experts say seasonal flu vaccination helps reduce the risk.
Backyard bird owners are urged to: cover coops, keep wild birds away, wash hands, clean equipment, and report any sick or dead birds to state authorities.
STORY: What’s closed today
Some Bellingham city facilities and businesses will be closed today.
City Hall and public libraries will be closed, as well as The Whatcom Museum and Arne Hanna Aquatic Center.
Emergency services through Public Works and Parks are available at with a phone call. Police, fire, and medical help are always reachable by calling 911.
In addition, all U.S. Postal Service post offices in Whatcom County, banks, The Bellingham Food Bank, and the Washington State Department of Licensing offices are closed.
For those with last minute shopping needs today, all Costco locations will be closed, as well as all Walgreens and CVS pharmacy locations. However, most grocery stores, restaurants and other retailers will remain open, but may have shorter operating hours.
STORY: Winter shelters open in Skagit today
Skagit County will open seasonal shelters today for those in need.
Three shelters will operate nightly through mid-March, with an additional shelter in Concrete activated during severe weather.
Adults can check in daily at 2:30 p.m. at the Welcome Home Skagit Resource Center at Salem Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon. Beds are first-come, first-served. Pregnant and parenting families should contact Family Promise of Skagit Valley for intake.
Officials urge anyone in need of a warm, safe place to stay to take advantage of these services.
STORY: Historic fish passage project complete
An historic partnership was celebrated with the completion of the Kenney Creek Fish Passage Restoration Project.
The project replaced a blocked culvert with a bridge, reopening more than four miles of salmon habitat and improving road safety.
According to a recent release, the effort involved the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Tribe, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Whatcom Land Trust, and the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association. 115 volunteers planted over 700 native trees to support wildlife and stream health. Officials say the project demonstrates the power of collaboration in restoring fish habitat, protecting ecosystems, and supporting endangered orcas.
STORY: Coyote season is back
Coyotes are becoming more visible across Whatcom County as sightings rise in the cities and suburbs.
Wildlife officials say this is a seasonal trend. Bare trees make the animals easier to spot, and they roam farther when prey is scarce. Coyotes play an important role in controlling rodents and rabbits in urban parks and greenbelts.
Most coyotes avoid people, but a few can grow more aggressive, especially after being fed. Officials urge residents to keep pets leashed, secure trash, and never feed wildlife.
STORY: Mark your calendars
Mark your calendar and get outside with Washington State Parks’ First Day Hikes which start on January 1st.
More than 30 parks will host guided and self-guided hikes, which include snowshoe treks, interpretive activities, and family-friendly walks to scenic forest and lake trails. Participants also receive a collectible 2026 First Day Hikes button.
Space is limited and advanced registration is recommended for most hikes. All hikes are free, and no Discover Pass is needed on New Year’s Day. Visit the Washington State Parks website for full details.
STORY: Get that FAFSA in
The long holiday weekend is also a good time for students to fill out financial aid forms to help pay for college, trade school, technical programs, or approved apprenticeships.
Most students apply through the FAFSA (FAFF-suh), but Washington also offers the WASFA (WAHS-fuh) for those who don’t qualify for federal aid, including undocumented students. Forms are available in English and Spanish, and officials say it’s easier than ever to get financial assistance.
To find out more, go to your school or training program’s website.
STORY: WA wins battle for libraries
Washington State has won a major legal victory to protect libraries, museums, and other federal programs.
Last Friday, the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island ruled against the Trump administration’s effort to dismantle four agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Minority Business Development Agency, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Attorney General Nick Brown said the ruling ensures Washingtonians will continue to benefit from programs that support libraries, minority-owned businesses, and workers’ rights.
The decision also affirms that the President cannot unilaterally eliminate agencies created and funded by Congress.
STORY: Pumpkin is king of pies in the PNW
According to recent data from Instacart, pumpkin is the King of Pies in the Pacific Northwest but that’s not true everywhere in the U.S..
Apparently, Americans have very different tastes across the country: strawberry rhubarb and French silk pies are popular in the Midwest, cream pies in New England, and peanut butter pies top the list in Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and New York.
The data comes from Instacart orders placed during Thanksgiving week last year.
And speaking of Thanksgiving dinner, experts say a short walk afterward can do wonders. Just 10 to 15 minutes helps digestion, eases bloating, and prevents blood sugar spikes. Nutritionists say walking with family and friends also adds a social boost, while time outside can lift your mood.
Other tips: don’t fast before the meal, eat a little throughout the day, and pace yourself at the table. And, at the end of the day, don’t worry. One big indulgence a year isn’t a problem.
WX: Eeyore
And now for the weather:
Your Thanksgiving Day skies should be very rainy. The National Weather Service says up to half an inch of rain is likely, with a chance of a rain-snow mix Friday night into Saturday. Temperatures should stay mild, with occasional breezy conditions. Exercise caution if you’re traveling, but hopefully it’ll make dinner feel a bit cozier.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and from everyone at the KMRE News Team, Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for listening!
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