Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will start a three-year project to remove fish barriers along I-5 in Whatcom County this week, impacting traffic with overnight lane closures. The project aims to replace culverts that block salmon, bull trout, and steelhead habitats, fulfilling a federal court order from 2013. Construction will continue through 2027.
Washington state has awarded over $3 million to the Northwest Straits Foundation to enhance shoreline protection in Whatcom County. The funding will support efforts to improve salmon spawning habitats by replacing barriers that hinder natural shoreline processes. The project aims to make nearly 6.5 miles of shoreline more accessible for salmon by summer's end.
A 30-year-old man faces eight counts of second-degree murder after allegedly killing 11 people by driving an SUV into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver. Investigators have ruled out terrorism and are looking into the suspect's mental health history. Vigils for the victims drew hundreds, reflecting the community's grief over the tragedy.
The Seattle Seahawks drafted 11 new players, including quarterback Jalen Milroe, who is expected to be a future dual-threat QB. The Mariners secured their sixth consecutive series win, topping the Marlins 7-6, while ace Logan Gilbert faces a two-week recovery from an elbow strain. Both Seattle soccer teams, the Sounders and the Reign, ended their weekends with draws.
Bellingham will implement nightly gate closures at Boulevard, Cornwall, and Squalicum Creek parks starting May 1 to combat vandalism and illegal activities. The gates will lock at 10:00 p.m. and reopen at 6:00 a.m., following a reported $17,500 in vandalism damages last year.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed HB 1494 into law on April 25, expanding the Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption program to increase affordable housing opportunities. The legislation aims to provide tax incentives for developers focusing on multi-unit homes, addressing the state's urgent housing needs.
Western Washington University signed a letter with over 400 institutions opposing actions by the Trump administration, describing them as unprecedented government overreach. The letter advocates for academic freedom in admissions and hiring practices while expressing a willingness for constructive reform.
The Lummi Island ferry service will operate on a limited schedule due to its annual dry dock outage from April 26 to May 11. During this period, only pedestrian ferry service will be available between Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point, with service interruptions on certain days.
Indian citizen Rajat Rajat received a five-month prison sentence for his role in a cross-border smuggling operation. He conspired to help individuals illegally enter the U.S. and was arrested near the border in December 2023. Following his release, he faces deportation back to India.
Chuckanut Drive remains closed due to a rockslide that deposited a 30-foot high pile of boulders across the highway. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is assessing the damage but has not provided a timeline for reopening. Local attractions along the road, including Larrabee State Park and Chuckanut Manor, remain accessible.