Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has established additional security checkpoints at border crossings in Blaine, Lynden, and Sumas, leading to longer wait times. Border Patrol spokesperson Jason Givens stated that these inspections are routine and aimed at combating smuggling, particularly of fentanyl. The checkpoints are based on various factors, including intelligence and bi-national efforts.
Over 1,000 registered nurses at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center participated in an informational picket in Bellingham, WA, to protest the rejection of a contract offer. The nurses, represented by the Washington State Nurses Association, will return to negotiations tomorrow, while service workers and physicians continue their strike. All three unions cite low wages, rising health insurance costs, and lack of respect as key issues.
Whatcom County residents are urged to secure essential documents to ease recovery after disasters. Key items include identification, insurance proof, medical information, financial documents, and legal papers. Storing digital copies on smartphones and having originals ready for evacuation can streamline the recovery process.
Whatcom County's mean hourly wage exceeds the national average, according to a new report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The report reveals that the Bellingham metro area has a higher concentration of jobs in production, construction, and sales, with a mean hourly rate of over $33.
A 38-year-old man from Renton survived a 400-foot fall during a climbing accident in the North Cascades, which resulted in the deaths of three of his friends. The climbers were rappelling down a steep gully when their anchor failed, sending them tumbling down the mountainside. After regaining consciousness, the survivor managed to free himself and seek help after eight hours.
The Seattle Seahawks unveiled their schedule using a nostalgic 90's action figure commercial, opening the season at home against the San Francisco 49ers on September 7. The team aims to reclaim home-field advantage after struggling last season, informing season-ticket holders that ticket resale could impact renewal eligibility. Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders faced a tough loss against LAFC, while Western Washington University's softball team seeks to bounce back in their NCAA Super Regional series.
Whatcom County officials announce a special three-day filing period for uncontested local offices, beginning Wednesday. Thirteen positions, including various commissioner roles, remain open for candidacy, with declarations due by 4 p.m. on May 16. These positions will appear on the November general election ballot.
The Mariners lost to the Yankees 3-2, despite Julio Rodriguez's early two-run double. The team, now struggling with injuries, placed pitcher Bryce Miller on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation. The Mariners maintain a narrow one-game lead in the AL West, heading into a series against the Padres.
Leslie Lekos leads a kelp harvesting workshop at Fort Ebey State Park, teaching students about foraging seaweed and its identification. Participants must obtain a Washington state fishing license and bring tools for safe harvesting. Lekos emphasizes respectful stewardship of the land and the learning opportunities provided by nature.
A man reported Tesla vandalism in Bellingham, WA, where two eye-shaped stickers were placed on his parked vehicle. The incident occurred near a hospital clinic and coincides with a rise in Tesla vandalism linked to CEO Elon Musk's recent federal job cuts.