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Jasmine Ikeda, an Orcas Island activist, was released from Israeli military custody after being detained during a flotilla aiming to deliver aid to Gaza. She reported being held at gunpoint for over 20 hours and witnessed violence against other detainees. Ikeda's release coincided with a recent agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The ongoing government shutdown could disrupt healthcare coverage for nearly 217,000 Washington residents reliant on Affordable Care Act tax credits. If Congress fails to extend these credits, approximately 80,000 individuals may lose their health insurance due to rising premiums.
Two individuals, John Elliott and Shanelle Sunde, face over $7 million in penalties for a scheme that exploited probate laws to profit from deceased estates. They illegally managed approximately 200 estates, selling homes worth over $28 million without notifying rightful heirs. A court has permanently barred them from serving as probate administrators in the future.
The Lynden City Council approved a new one-tenth of one percent sales tax to fund public safety services, effective January 1, 2026. This tax will add a dime to every $100 purchase and is expected to generate up to $400,000 in revenue next year. Lynden joins Bellingham as the second city in Whatcom County to implement this tax.
Bellingham residents will face a 13.5% increase in water utility rates starting in January 2026. The City Council approved the hike to fund essential upgrades to aging infrastructure, with further increases expected in subsequent years. To alleviate financial strain, the city will expand its Customer Assistance Program for low-income households.
Frost is expected to develop in western Whatcom County and the San Juans on Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle. Cooler temperatures will follow a breezy Monday, with 2-4 inches of snow predicted in the North Cascades. Pre-winterization work continues on the Mount Baker Highway, with no closure dates announced.
Whatcom County will begin mailing ballots to residents on October 15 for upcoming elections. Voters will decide on a state constitutional amendment, various local initiatives, and numerous council races. Residents must ensure their ballots are returned by November 4 to be counted.
The Lummi Nation hosts Indigenous People’s Day celebrations at Lummi Nation School, featuring a free salmon dinner and a keynote address by state Poet Laureate Rena Preist. The event, open to all, emphasizes the theme "nilh to u," which translates to “since the beginning of creation,” and includes live music and dancing.
A Blaine man, Clayton Dubois, received a 15-year prison sentence for attempting to murder his former partner. The assault in August 2024 involved Dubois hitting her with propane tanks, resulting in severe injuries. He will be prohibited from contacting the victim upon release.
Skagit County residents can voice their opinions on agritourism policies at a public hearing on Tuesday. The Skagit County Planning Commission will discuss proposed code amendments that regulate agritourism activities like farm tours and weddings. A decision on these changes is expected on November 18.