State Sen. Shewmake announces she will not seek re-election in 2026, Winter storm systems set to hit western WA later this week, : Anacortes High School teacher killed in four-vehicle crash on SR20, : Bellingham’s Granary Building listed for sale, Two local news publications announce strategic partnership, WA lawmakers to convene in Olympia for committee days, Starbucks workers union calls ongoing strike longest in company history, WA state releases AI policy recommendations
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, December 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: State Sen. Shewmake announces she will not seek re-election in 2026
State Senator Sharon Shewmake says she won’t seek reelection in 2026.
Shewmake, a Democrat from Bellingham, won the 42nd District Senate seat in 2022 by just 905 votes, becoming the first Democrat to represent the district in 20 years. She says she’s choosing to focus on her two sons, but will serve through the end of her term in January 2027.
Possible successors are already lining up. Democratic State Rep. Alicia Rule says she’s seriously considering a run, while fellow Democrat Joe Timmons says he’s staying in the House. According to reporting by the Cascadia Daily, Whatcom County Council member Ben Elenbaas and former senator Simon Sefzik(seth-sic), both conservatives, say they’re evaluating another bid.
Shewmake, who chairs the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, points to accomplishments including the Climate Commitment Act, missing-middle housing reforms, and funding for local projects from solar panels at the Deming Library to Ferndale’s Metalworks skate park.
She says she’ll continue working for the community even after leaving Olympia.
STORY: Winter storm systems set to hit western WA later this week
The National Weather Service in Seattle reports that a series of storm systems will move into the region late Thursday.
The incoming front is expected to bring steady rain, gusty winds, and significant snowfall at higher elevations. Forecasters say the risk of river flooding north of the Skagit Valley remains low for now, though that could change as the weekend approaches.
In the mountains, the Mount Baker Ski Area says it’s keeping a close eye on the forecast, with more than 40 inches of new snow possible in the coming days. Sorry skiers, despite the promising outlook, there’s still no official opening date.
STORY: Anacortes High School teacher killed in four-vehicle crash on SR20
An Anacortes High School teacher was killed in a four-vehicle crash Monday morning on State Route 20.
The Washington State Patrol says 36-year-old Edmundo Corrales, a Spanish teacher at the high school, died at the scene after another driver crossed the center line near North Dewey Beach Road just after 7 a.m. His car and another northbound vehicle were hit, and a fourth vehicle was struck by a flying tire.
A 27-year-old man driving the car that crossed the center line was taken to Island Hospital. The other drivers were not injured. Troopers say drugs and alcohol were not factors, and the cause remains under investigation.
The Anacortes School District called Corrales a dedicated educator whose warmth, humor, and passion for teaching touched countless students. Grief counselors are available at the high school as the community processes the loss.
STORY: Bellingham’s Granary Building listed for sale
A landmark on the Bellingham waterfront is on the market.
The historic, 100-year-old Granary (GRAN-uh-ry) Building is now for sale. The 38,000-square-foot retail and office space is listed by international real-estate firm CBRE. Senior Vice President of the Seattle branch, Steve Brunette, says the property is being offered to qualified investors without an asking price, and notes that buyers of large investment properties typically determine value based on potential revenue. Whatcom County assessed the building at just over eleven million dollars for 2025.
Built in 1928 to serve Whatcom County’s early chicken and egg cooperative, the Granary later became part of Georgia-Pacific. It sat vacant for years after the decline of the paper industry, until the Port of Bellingham partnered with Ireland-based Harcourt in 2015 to renovate the six-story structure.
County records show Harcourt purchased the Granary for two-hundred thousand dollars. But after years of missed deadlines and environmental violations, most of its planned waterfront development unraveled. A settlement reached earlier this year ended Harcourt’s future development rights, though the company retained ownership of the Granary and nearby condominium buildings.
Current tenants include; Honey Salon & The Hive, Mercato delle Bonta, Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress, and Infios.
STORY: Two local news publications announce strategic partnership
Salish Current and La Conner Community News say they will partner to help strengthen local journalism across the North Sound.
According to a recent release, the two nonprofits announced they’ll co-publish stories, work together on community events, and collaborate on grants — while keeping separate newsrooms and boards. Leaders say it’s a partnership, not a merger.
Starting in January, La Conner publisher Kari Mar will also serve as executive director of Salish Current, focusing on sustainability efforts.
STORY: WA lawmakers to convene in Olympia for committee days
State lawmakers return to Olympia next week, and the focus will be squarely on Washington’s finances.
Legislators say they are prepared for a significant budget shortfall that’s expected to dominate the 2026 session when it begins January 12th. Both the House and Senate will be in town at the same time, which offers an early look at the debates likely to shape next year’s 60-day session. According to legislative documents, over three days of “committee days,” which start tomorrow, lawmakers will dig into issues that range from data centers and vaccine safety to rising legal payouts and the growing number of bridges hit by trucks.
A joint committee will review recommendations from the governor’s data-center work group. Lawmakers will also take up health insurance costs and vaccine safety.
Budget talks intensify Thursday, as committees examine billions in new and increased taxes approved this year to help close a projected $16 billion gap. A major new sales tax on services — tied to Senate Bill 5814 — will be a key focus.
Transportation committees will also look at highway preservation, truck-damaged bridges, and the ongoing ferry electrification program. All meetings will stream on TVW.
STORY: Starbucks workers union calls ongoing strike longest in company history
Starbucks Workers United says its nationwide walkout has become the longest unfair labor practice strike in company history.
The union says about 2,500 baristas from more than 120 stores are now participating — including three Seattle-area stores that remain closed. Picket lines are planned at the University District Starbucks Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 to noon.
In recent communication with KMRE News, Starbucks says the impact is minimal. It says 99% of its 17,000 U.S. stores are open, including those in Whatcom County, and argues the union has overstated the scale of the strike.
Baristas are calling for higher pay, more hours, and action on alleged labor-law violations. The strike began on Red Cup Day in mid-November and comes as Starbucks prepares to pay $35 million to settle scheduling-law violations in New York City.
STORY: WA state releases AI policy recommendations
Washington’s AI Task Force has released interim policy recommendations.
The group, created by the Legislature and administered by the Attorney General’s Office, delivered eight proposals aimed at promoting innovation while protecting privacy, rights, and economic well-being.
Recommendations include the adoption of ethical AI standards, requiring developers to disclose training data, ensuring human oversight in healthcare decisions, increased STEM education, and the creation of a grant program for AI innovation in small businesses.
Attorney General Nick Brown said the report seeks to balance economic growth with safeguards for historically marginalized groups. The task force’s final report is due July 1, 2026.
WX: Cirrus fruit
And now for the weather:
We’re expecting some cloud cover today, with some possible sunshine later this afternoon. Daytime highs will reach a balmy 47 degrees, and drop into the mid 30s by nightfall. The evening should be primarily cloudy as well, with some patches of late-night fog.
Tomorrow should bring us more of the same, with rain likely in the evening.
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 thanks for listening!
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Sat Dec 6, Deer Creek Tree Planting, Support coho salmon by improving riparian habitat along Deer Creek and planting trees and shrubs! 9am-12pm – Bellingham, WA | Click here for more information.
Sat Dec 13 Ferndale Holiday Market
11am to 4pm on Saturday, December 13th at the Ferndale Pioneer Pavilion Community Center
Sat Dec 13, Connelly Creek Tree Planting, Improve wetlands with NSEA and the City of Bellingham in the Connelly Creek Nature Area. 10am-1pm – Bellingham, WA | Click here for more information.
