Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Whatcom County residents can provide feedback on 12 proposed amendments to the county charter ahead of the November General Election. The council seeks volunteers to draft pro and con statements, with applications due by July 14. Proposed changes include establishing an "Office of the Ombuds" for government complaints and modifying referendum signature requirements.
Rite Aid locations in Whatcom County will transition to CVS pharmacies following Rite Aid's bankruptcy announcement. The Sehome Village Rite Aid will close on August 19 and reopen as a CVS the next day, with additional locations following suit in mid-September. All prescriptions will be transferred to CVS automatically, requiring no action from patients.
A hiker was rescued after falling in a snowy area near Twin Lakes in the North Cascades on June 26. The Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council reported that a pair of National Forest Service employees heard the hiker's calls for help and provided assistance until a rescue team arrived. Hikers are reminded to pack essential gear and prepare for wintery conditions, even in late June.
East Whatcom County will ban campfires, fire pits, and barbecue grills in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex starting Thursday, July 3, due to heightened wildfire risks. Stoves or grills powered by bottled fuel are permitted if they have an on/off switch. Park officials urge visitors to be cautious with smoking and prohibit fireworks on federal lands.
Green Jobs PAC received a $20,000 fine for failing to report over $1 million in campaign spending related to the 2024 election. The Washington state Public Disclosure Commission cited late filings that deprived the public of key information before ballots were counted. The PAC admitted to multiple violations but no intentional wrongdoing was found.
Bryan Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, avoiding the death penalty. He will serve four consecutive life sentences without parole and waive his right to appeal. The formal plea is scheduled for July 2nd.
Washington state implements new laws starting July 1, including a six-cent gas tax increase and property tax exemptions for disabled veterans rated at 40% or higher. Other significant measures taking effect later include higher business taxes for top earners and expanded unemployment benefits for striking workers.
A Whatcom County couple faces arrest for allegedly scamming two residents out of nearly $14,000. Jonathen Faircloth impersonated a credit union fraud department to steal login information and transfer funds from victims' accounts. His fiancé was also arrested after visiting him in jail.
Texas State will join the restructured Pac-12 conference for the 2026 season, fulfilling the requirement for eight football-playing members. The Mariners won a thrilling series against the Rangers, with key performances from Mitch Garver and Miles Mastrobuoni. Meanwhile, the Bells secured a series sweep, and the Sounders returned to MLS action with a victory over Austin FC.
Bellingham Public Schools plans to run two levies in the November election to counteract proposed federal funding cuts. The supplemental operations levy aims to raise $4 million annually, while the facilities maintenance levy seeks $11 million yearly for essential repairs. The district anticipates losing $750,000 in annual funds due to budget cuts.