Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Washington State Patrol has issued a Missing Person Alert for 62-year-old Besalynn James, a Lummi Nation elder last seen near her home on Balch Road on January 21. The search for James involves collaboration between local law enforcement and the FBI. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to call 911.
Justin Guillory has been appointed as the new president of Whatcom Community College, starting May 1, 2025, after serving for 12 years at Northwest Indian College. His appointment follows the retirement of Kathi Hiyane-Brown, who led the institution for 18 years. Guillory's leadership experience and commitment to student success position him to enhance opportunities and community partnerships at WCC.
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Squamish, B.C., on February 21, 2025, shaking Bellingham and parts of British Columbia. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, prompted a response from local reporters who felt the tremors, but no tsunami warning was issued. The event highlights the seismic activity in the region and its potential impact on local communities.
Residents of north Whatcom County experienced tremors from a magnitude 4.8 earthquake that struck near Sechelt, B.C. at 1:30 p.m. on February 21, 2025. The quake, initially reported by the U.S. Geological Survey, was felt locally, but no damage has been reported.
Bellingham's City Council is set to discuss middle housing development and proposed changes to the tree protection ordinance during its upcoming meeting. Additionally, the community is invited to provide input on a new homelessness plan and water conservation efforts, highlighting the city's commitment to addressing pressing local issues.
Western Washington University is responding to the Trump administration's directive to terminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, which the U.S. Department of Education has labeled as discriminatory. Chief Diversity Officer Jacqueline Hughes emphasized that the university is awaiting further guidance and that the directive does not have the force of law. Hughes reaffirmed that WWU already complies with state laws regarding race considerations in admissions and hiring.
Washington's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal, is urging schools to defy the Trump administration's directive aimed at ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Highlighting that the recent "Dear Colleague Letter" from the U.S. Department of Education lacks legal authority, Reykdal reassures schools that his office is exploring legal responses to potential federal funding cuts.
U.S. Forest Service workers in Washington are expressing concerns over staffing cuts ahead of the wildfire season, which could jeopardize public safety amid rising wildfire intensity linked to climate change. Layoff notices sent by the Trump administration have raised alarms among local officials, including Congresswoman Kim Schrier, who emphasize the urgent need for adequate resources to combat wildfires. The article highlights the detrimental impact of frozen funding on wildfire prevention efforts in the state.
The Bellingham Police Department is actively searching for a suspect involved in a burglary at a business on E. Maple Street. The incident occurred early on February 21, 2025, when the suspect broke the front door glass and stole cash, prompting a K9 perimeter search by law enforcement. Community members are encouraged to provide any information related to the crime to assist the investigation.
A Bellingham city councilmember, Michael Lilliquist, was targeted by a fake YouTube account that posted inflammatory comments using his name and photo. The account, which was active for five months, has since been terminated by YouTube for violating its impersonation policy, but Lilliquist emphasizes the need for accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.