Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Western Washington University aims to increase enrollment with a new initiative offering automatic admission to eligible local high school seniors. University President Sabah Randhawa announced this plan amidst a $23 million budget deficit, hoping to attract 3,200 first-year students and 1,200 transfers by fall 2026.
Whatcom County residents can enter the We Scoop Dog Photo contest, which encourages dog owners to clean up after their pets. The contest ends on Sept. 30, and winners will be featured in future Public Works advertisements. Six winners will be announced on Oct. 10.
A segment of the Mount Baker Highway will close from September 29 to October 2 for winter preparations. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will conduct maintenance activities, including clearing catch basins and removing hazardous trees. Travelers beyond the closure must reach Picture Lake before 7:30 a.m. and cannot return until after 4 p.m.
Downtown Bellingham restaurant Carnal will close its doors on November 1 after announcing its impending sale. The restaurant has provided fine dining experiences since early 2020 and is urging patrons to make reservations before its final day of service.
Fishing at Whatcom Creek has been extended for two weekends due to higher-than-expected Chinook salmon numbers. Anglers can fish on Saturdays and Sundays until October 5, with a limit of two hatchery Chinook per day, each over 12 inches.
The Seattle Mariners clinched their first AL West division title since 2001 after defeating the Colorado Rockies 9-2, with Cal Raleigh hitting his 59th and 60th home runs of the season. The Mariners aim to secure a series sweep tonight, while the Seattle Seahawks face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4 of the NFL season. Local high school football also features Ferndale hosting Mount Vernon.
Whatcom County will host the free Bellingham SeaFeast festival this weekend, featuring local seafood, craft beverages, and maritime activities. Concurrently, the Sunnyland Fest will showcase special beer releases at five local breweries. Families can also enjoy art exhibits and live music events throughout the weekend.
Whatcom County Council received an independent report evaluating its sexual harassment policy, revealing employee concerns about support for harassment claims. While the report highlighted strengths in training, only 43% of employees felt safe reporting harassment without fear of retaliation.
A ferry crew rescued a pilot after his plane crashed off the coast of Anacortes, WA, around noon on Monday. The Guemes Ferry crew spotted the aircraft going down and quickly responded, retrieving the pilot who appeared unharmed despite being cold and wet. Emergency services met them at the terminal to assist.
Whatcom County's unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in August, a slight increase from July but lower than the 4.8% recorded a year prior. Skagit County experienced a similar trend, while the state's seasonally adjusted rate remained unchanged.