Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
A man vandalized the Legislative Building in Olympia, breaking a glass door and setting fire to a rug and flag. He faces charges including first-degree burglary and arson, with authorities noting his actions were not politically motivated. The Capitol has reopened, but some areas remain closed for repairs.
Bellingham's city council approved a new one-tenth of one percent sales tax to fund public safety services, set to begin on January 1, 2026. The tax, which adds a dime to a $100 purchase, aims to raise nearly $4 million to address a $10 million budget deficit and prevent cuts to city departments.
Lummi Nation health officials warned of dangerous drugs circulating in Whatcom County following multiple overdoses over the weekend. Preliminary tests revealed the presence of carfentanil and xylazine, prompting officials to advise the public to carry Narcan and provide CPR in emergencies.
Bellingham's city council plans to lower speed limits on various roads throughout the city. Proposed changes include a 20 mph limit in the downtown core and a default 20 mph for residential streets, with potential approval as soon as early 2026.
Julio Rodríguez hit a tiebreaking RBI double in the eighth inning, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of their AL Division Series. The win evened the series after a previous extra-innings loss. Jorge Polanco contributed with two home runs, marking a significant performance for the Mariners.
Lavonte David intercepted Sam Darnold with 58 seconds left, setting up Chase McLaughlin's game-winning field goal as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 38-35. Baker Mayfield completed 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Bucs secure their fourth win by three points or fewer this season.
Home sale prices in Whatcom County dropped over four percent this summer, marking the largest decline in two years. The median home price is now just under $624,000, with sales increasing in some areas while decreasing in others. Local broker Adrik Brashear anticipates a more favorable market for buyers this fall and winter.
A Skagit County dairy worker, Efrain Alatorre Camarena, pleaded guilty to fraudulently collecting over $100,000 in workers' compensation benefits. An investigation revealed he worked at another dairy for three and a half years without reporting it to the state. The court ordered him to repay L&I over $140,000 and complete 160 hours of community service.
The Port of Bellingham plans to expand operations in Fairhaven, including a new ADA-accessible dock and a feasibility study for the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. These initiatives aim to enhance local boating access and optimize the terminal for smaller vessels.
Bloodworks NW will hold a blood drive outside Civic Field in Bellingham starting Tuesday at 9 a.m., urgently seeking type O donations. Attendees can also get a free car battery health check. Appointments can be made online until slots are filled.