Latest News in Bellingham, WA

Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.

Find out who is running in Whatcom County elections this year

Whatcom County's filing week closed with several key races set for the primaries. Notably, Todd Donovan's District 2 seat will see competition among Elizabeth Boyle, Maya Morales, and Mike Cullum, while District 3 features incumbent Tyler Byrd facing three challengers. Additionally, multiple local council positions will have contested races, while others remain unopposed.

Rusnk scores 2 goals, Musovski scores for the 5th game in a row, Sounders beat Dynamo 3-1

Albert Rusnák scored twice, and Danny Musovski netted his fifth consecutive goal as the Seattle Sounders defeated the Houston Dynamo 3-1 on May 10. The Dynamo, now 2-6-4, played a man down after Femi Awodesu received a red card in the first half. Seattle remained unbeaten in five matches, outscoring opponents 11-2 during this stretch.

Whatcom County launches new Customer Service Portal for online permits

Whatcom County has launched a new Customer Service Portal on its website, allowing residents to access details on construction permits and related planning documents. The portal also enables users to make payments and estimate fees for various projects. Additional services will be introduced within the next year.

Seattle man sentenced to eight years for connection to Whatcom County drug ring

A Seattle man, Mohamed Abdirisak Mohamed, received an eight-year prison sentence for his involvement in a fentanyl distribution ring operating in Whatcom County. He was apprehended twice with firearms and large quantities of fentanyl pills during traffic stops. The operation primarily distributed narcotics within the Lummi Nation.

WSDOT says Chuckanut Drive closure to extend through June

A rockslide has blocked a section of Chuckanut Drive near Bellingham, with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews expected to work for weeks to clear the debris. The closure, which affects access from the Oyster Dome trailhead to Chuckanut Manor, is anticipated to last through June. Local attractions along the route remain open, with detours provided for access.

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center prepares for upcoming union strike

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is bracing for a five-day strike by unionized workers, including CNAs and imaging technicians, starting May 12. Workers cite wages, understaffing, and patient care concerns as critical issues after eight months of stalled contract negotiations. PeaceHealth plans to ensure continued care during the strike, although nurses will not participate.

Lifestyle Lookout Mothers Day brunch in Bellingham, Big Jam Stories in Ferndale and The Spring Wine Walk

Mother’s Day events in Bellingham include a performance by comedian David Cross and a Spring Wine Walk featuring regional wines. Families can enjoy Big Jam Stories in Ferndale, while local restaurants offer special brunch menus to celebrate the occasion. Boundary Bay Brewing also hosts a farewell brunch before closing.

Seahawks re-sign veteran defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins

Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks on May 7. Entering his 13th NFL season, Hankins played all 17 games last season, recording 30 tackles and one sack. His return bolsters a defensive line that already includes notable players like Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed.

Mariners rally from 5-run deficit to beat Athletics 6-5 and win 9th straight series

Leody Taveras delivered a game-tying single in the eighth inning of his Seattle debut, leading the Mariners to a 6-5 comeback victory over the Athletics on May 7. Seattle overcame a five-run deficit, marking their ninth consecutive series win. Andrés Muñoz secured his 13th save, maintaining an impressive streak of 18 innings without an earned run.

Man convicted of selling drugs in Whatcom County taken into ICE custody

Victor Alcala-Arellanes, a 36-year-old man from Mexico, was taken into ICE custody after being convicted of drug trafficking in Whatcom County. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison following his guilty plea in February 2025. His arrest was part of a larger investigation into a Mexico-based drug operation.

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