Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Bellingham City Council approved a resolution establishing the city as a "welcoming city," enhancing protections for immigrants and transgender residents. The measure builds on a 2017 resolution that limited local officials' involvement in immigration enforcement. Councilmember Hannah Stone emphasized avoiding the term "sanctuary city" due to its contentious connotations.
Birch Bay Waterslides in Birch Bay, WA, will reopen on June 14 after passing a reinspection by Whatcom County Health and Community Services. Two attractions, the hydro drop and ramp slide, remain closed for repairs following a 2023 incident where a patron broke his leg.
Authorities intensified the manhunt for Travis Decker, 32, suspected of murdering his three daughters near Leavenworth, Washington. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office alerted residents in the Ingalls Creek area to secure their properties and report sightings. Evidence, including blood samples, was found in Decker's truck, prompting federal involvement in the search.
Grocery store workers in King County, represented by UFCW 3000, voted to strike, seeking better wages, staffing, and healthcare. The strike could impact King, Kitsap, and Thurston counties but may not affect workers in Whatcom and Skagit counties due to separate contracts. Negotiations are set to resume later this week.
Jeevan Badwal scored his first MLS goal as the Vancouver Whitecaps defeated the Seattle Sounders 2-0 on June 8, extending their unbeaten streak to ten games. The Sounders played with two men down after red cards were issued to Nouhou Tolo and Jon Bell in the second half. Vancouver leads MLS with 35 points, averaging 2.19 points per game.
George Kirby struck out a career-high 14 batters, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on June 8. This win ended the Mariners' five-game losing streak, with Donovan Solano driving in the decisive run. Andrés Muñoz secured his 18th save, striking out Mike Trout to close the game.
Sustainable Connections will host a community forum on June 17 to discuss their recent divestment from Cloud Mountain Farm Center. The event, scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rome Grange, aims to inform the public about upcoming changes at the farm following its closure last month.
A manhunt for Travis Decker, suspected of killing his three daughters, intensifies in Washington's North Cascades National Park. While some park areas have reopened, restrictions remain on certain trails due to the ongoing search. Authorities urge visitors in nearby regions to report any sightings of Decker.
A judge approved a historic settlement allowing colleges to pay Division I athletes directly, ending lawsuits against the NCAA. The settlement mandates nearly $2.8 billion in damages over ten years, with schools able to pay athletes up to $20 million annually starting July 1. Meanwhile, a Seattle man faces charges for burglarizing prominent athletes' homes, including Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo.
Bellingham Public Schools plans to install solar arrays at five schools, funded by the state’s Climate Commitment Act. The initiative is expected to save the district $165,000 in utility fees in its first year and will provide students with hands-on experience in clean energy development.