Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Skagit County officials will lift a burn ban for unincorporated areas starting Friday, Oct. 3. The decision follows cooler weather and substantial rainfall, ending a ban that had been in place since June 15. A similar ban in Whatcom County will also conclude this weekend.
The federal government shutdown affects thousands in Whatcom County, according to U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen. Essential federal workers remain on the job while non-essential staff face unpaid leave, impacting local services and nutrition programs. Larsen emphasizes the economic challenges exacerbated by the shutdown.
Seattle Mariners will host the Detroit Tigers in the American League Divisional Series after the Tigers defeated the Cleveland Guardians 6-3 in the Wild Card round. The start time for Game 1 will depend on the outcome of the Yankees vs. Red Sox game, with options at 1 pm or 5:30 pm. Mariners' All-Star pitcher Bryan Woo is uncertain for the series but is expected to play if it extends beyond three games.
Whatcom County celebrates the arrival of fall with various events, including the Blaine-Birch Bay Fall Festival and Ferndale Oktoberfest on October 4. The 2025 Whatcom Artist Studio Tour will showcase nearly 50 local artists this weekend, while Stones Throw Brewery hosts a Fresh Hop Block Party.
Bellingham Councilmember Lisa Anderson accused Andrew Reding, a candidate for the city council, of ethical misconduct regarding manipulation of endorsement processes within the Whatcom Democrat party. Reding denied the allegations, citing a lack of evidence and claiming that the Executive Board collectively made decisions.
The Seattle Mariners will learn their playoff opponent tomorrow after the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Detroit Tigers 6-1. The Mariners will host the winner on Saturday for Game 1 of the American League Divisional Series, with game times contingent on the outcome of the Yankees-Red Sox matchup. Meanwhile, the Kraken face injuries to key players ahead of their season opener next week.
The owners of Thai Maison have finalized the purchase of the Carnal restaurant space in downtown Bellingham. They plan to reopen the venue as Iki Izakaya and Bar by early December or January, emphasizing a family-friendly atmosphere despite offering a full bar.
Western Washington University Police investigate a threat made against the campus, which included racist language and a nonspecific threat near Wilson Library. An all-clear was issued after police sweeps determined the threat was not credible. The investigation remains ongoing.
Washington State Patrol located 15-year-old Kamran Finkbonner, who was reported missing in Ferndale. Finkbonner, who is autistic, was last seen on September 29 wearing black sweatpants and a T-shirt. Authorities urged anyone with information to call 911.
An Everett woman sustained serious injuries in a two-car crash near the I-5 on-ramp in Ferndale on Wednesday morning. The driver of a pickup truck failed to negotiate a curve, causing the truck to go airborne and collide with a Nissan, injuring its 54-year-old driver. The incident is under investigation, and the pickup driver may face charges.