Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Unionized healthcare workers at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham are currently voting to authorize a strike, with results expected soon. Key issues include wages, medical benefits, and safety concerns related to short staffing. PeaceHealth has expressed disappointment over the union's decision, arguing their contract offer includes significant wage increases and improvements.
The City of Ferndale has appointed Sean O’Laughlin as the new police chief, set to take over on July 2. O’Laughlin, currently the deputy chief at Eastern Washington University, brings a diverse background in military service and crisis management. He will succeed Kevin Turner, who resigned to take a similar role in Burlington.
Unemployment rates in Whatcom and Skagit counties have risen to their highest levels since last September, with February rates at 5.5% and 5.9%, respectively. The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County is set to host a regional job fair, while two downtown Bellingham eateries have closed due to inconsistent business. New coffee shops have opened in the area, and Club Pilates plans to launch a studio in Barkley Village this summer.
A Lummi Nation man, Joel Ridley, faces federal charges after allegedly killing two juvenile bald eagles on the reservation. Witnesses reported gunshots, leading to Ridley's arrest, where police discovered one dead eagle and a rifle in his vehicle. Ridley, previously incarcerated, was also taken back into custody on unrelated charges of child pornography.
Thousands gathered in Bellingham, WA, as part of a nationwide protest against the Trump administration's policies, including cuts to federal jobs and social services. The Hands Off! demonstrations, organized by over 150 advocacy groups, occurred peacefully across all 50 states. No arrests were reported, highlighting the civil nature of the protests.
The article discusses the increasing fear within immigrant and non-immigrant communities in northwest Washington due to heightened federal immigration actions, including recent large-scale detentions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding legal protections and rights, particularly in relation to the "100-mile rule" that allows immigration enforcement near borders. Legal experts advocate for individuals to be informed about their status and rights, highlighting that the Constitution protects all individuals, regardless of immigration status.
KAVZ 102.5, a community radio station in Van Zandt, operates from a small, modern broadcasting room managed by Breanna Anderson. With a focus on local music, the station thrives on donations and showcases artists' work, offering a unique catalog that contrasts with mainstream streaming services. Anderson, a musician and software engineer, emphasizes the importance of community engagement and eclectic programming.
The article highlights the innovative measures taken by Bellingham schools to improve student attendance following a significant decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It features personal stories, such as that of a student benefiting from a quiet online class environment, while also presenting state attendance data that reflects broader trends. The piece underscores the challenges schools face in re-establishing in-person learning habits among students.
Skagit Commons, a cohousing community in Anacortes, offers a unique model of living that fosters deep connections among its residents, particularly among seniors. The community's collaborative spirit was recently highlighted when neighbors quickly rallied to help a resident facing a plumbing emergency. This initiative reflects a growing trend in cohousing as an alternative to traditional living arrangements, addressing issues like loneliness and isolation among older adults.
Over 6,000 individuals gathered in Whatcom and Skagit counties on April 5, 2025, to participate in nationwide demonstrations against the Trump administration's policies. The protests, titled "Hands Off!", focused on issues such as Social Security, immigration, and healthcare, drawing personal accounts from attendees on how these policies have affected their lives. The event was part of a larger national movement, with more than 1,110 rallies taking place across the United States.