Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Community groups in Blaine, WA, have begun trapping invasive European green crabs, catching approximately 30 since the season opened on March 31. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife warns that these crabs threaten local ecosystems and economies by preying on native species. A free training program for volunteers will take place on May 10 at Birch Bay State Park.
U.S. Senator Patty Murray visited Blaine, WA, to discuss the adverse effects of Canadian tariffs on local businesses, which have seen a 50% drop in Canadian visitors. Local leaders emphasized the importance of cross-border travel for the economy, with sales tax revenue critical for funding essential services.
Whatcom County property owners must submit their first half property tax payments by April 30 to avoid penalties. Late payments incur at least a 1% penalty each month starting May 1. Property owners can pay via various methods, including online, by mail, or in-person.
The City of Bellingham secured nearly $1 million from the Washington State Department of Commerce to establish a new emergency dispatch center. Mayor Kim Lund approved the grant during a City Council meeting, with construction expected to be completed by late 2026.
Washington State Patrol arrested a 19-year-old motorcyclist in Whatcom County after he led officers on a chase in March. The suspect boasted about his criminal activities on social media, including a hit-and-run incident, and was subsequently released on bail the following day.
The CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival in Bellingham, WA, showcased over two dozen films celebrating female filmmakers from April 24 to April 27, 2025. The festival highlighted diverse stories and featured a collection of event photos. For more details, readers can refer to last week’s We Are Whatcom.
The Mariners aim for their seventh consecutive series win against the LA Angels after securing first place in the AL West. The Angels struggle continues with a recent series sweep by the Twins. Mariners utility player Dylan Moore lands on the injured list, replaced by Samad Taylor from Triple-A Tacoma.
A 30-year-old man faces eight counts of second-degree murder after allegedly killing 11 people by driving an SUV into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver. Investigators have ruled out terrorism and are looking into the suspect's mental health history. Vigils for the victims drew hundreds, reflecting the community's grief over the tragedy.
Washington state has awarded over $3 million to the Northwest Straits Foundation to enhance shoreline protection in Whatcom County. The funding will support efforts to improve salmon spawning habitats by replacing barriers that hinder natural shoreline processes. The project aims to make nearly 6.5 miles of shoreline more accessible for salmon by summer's end.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will start a three-year project to remove fish barriers along I-5 in Whatcom County this week, impacting traffic with overnight lane closures. The project aims to replace culverts that block salmon, bull trout, and steelhead habitats, fulfilling a federal court order from 2013. Construction will continue through 2027.