Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Three Skagit Valley tulip farms extend their seasons through May 4, inviting visitors for "last chance blooms." Tulip Town, Tulip Valley Farms, and Garden Rosalyn will keep their gates open as the weather promises a sunny closing weekend. The festival's appeal continues as blooms remain vibrant and enjoyable.
Kulshan Brewing Company, founded by Dave Vitt in 2011, has become a leading craft brewery in Bellingham, WA, now boasting two taproom locations and a seasonal waterfront beer garden. The brewery, which began as a home brewing passion, expanded significantly after introducing canned beers and responding to community demand. Kulshan plans to reopen its seasonal beer garden, Trackside, on May 2, featuring live music and community events.
Hundreds of unionized nurses in Bellingham, WA, protested outside PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center on April 29, seeking resolution in stalled contract negotiations. Key issues include wages and health insurance, with the union emphasizing the need for respect from management. PeaceHealth plans to resume negotiations on May 16.
The Mariners defeated the Angels 9-3, scoring six runs in the seventh inning to secure their fourth consecutive win. Randy Arozarena hit his fifth homer, while Leo Rivas contributed three hits and three RBIs. The Mariners now lead the AL West by two games after sweeping LA.
The FBI investigates a series of threats that led to lockdowns at Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington, WA. Four separate calls were made between April 23 and April 29, prompting heightened security measures as officials suspect the threats are linked to a single perpetrator or group.
Travelers must present a compliant ID to board domestic flights starting May 7 due to the federal REAL ID Act. Only 27% of Washington driver licenses meet the new requirements, which may impact many travelers in the state. Failure to comply will result in being unable to enter federal buildings or board flights.
Bellingham City Council approved the acquisition of land beneath the Roeder Avenue Bridge for a new city-owned skatepark. The Northwest Skate Collective, currently using the site, will collaborate with the city to finalize design plans and raise funds for the project. The city plans to allocate up to $1.5 million for the upgrade.
The Port of Bellingham plans to terminate its contract with sole developer Harcourt Developments during a meeting on May 6. The decision follows concerns that Harcourt's development pace does not align with the Master Development Agreement, despite previous successes, including the restoration of the Granary building.
A class action lawsuit targets Mount Baker Imaging and Northwest Radiologists following a cyberattack that compromised patient data. The plaintiffs claim the facilities failed to adequately inform affected patients about the breach and its potential impact.
Bellingham's minimum wage rises to $18.66 per hour on May 1, marking a $1 increase and exceeding the state minimum by $2. This change follows a 2023 voter initiative and will continue with future adjustments set at $2 above the statewide minimum each January.