Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Washington state has enacted a new law to enhance protections for minors in the workplace, significantly increasing penalties for labor violations. The law allows fines up to $1,000 for each infraction, including failing to secure a minor work permit. This measure responds to concerns over unsafe working conditions for minors.
The Seattle Seahawks drafted 11 new players, including quarterback Jalen Milroe, who is expected to be a future dual-threat QB. The Mariners secured their sixth consecutive series win, topping the Marlins 7-6, while ace Logan Gilbert faces a two-week recovery from an elbow strain. Both Seattle soccer teams, the Sounders and the Reign, ended their weekends with draws.
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.
Indian citizen Rajat Rajat received a five-month prison sentence for his role in a cross-border smuggling operation. He conspired to help individuals illegally enter the U.S. and was arrested near the border in December 2023. Following his release, he faces deportation back to India.
Bellingham will implement nightly gate closures at Boulevard, Cornwall, and Squalicum Creek parks starting May 1 to combat vandalism and illegal activities. The gates will lock at 10:00 p.m. and reopen at 6:00 a.m., following a reported $17,500 in vandalism damages last year.
Drivers in Bellingham should expect construction delays on I-5 next week due to shoulder work causing lane closures. The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to close the left lanes on both the southbound and northbound sides from April 28 to May 1, between 1 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed HB 1494 into law on April 25, expanding the Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption program to increase affordable housing opportunities. The legislation aims to provide tax incentives for developers focusing on multi-unit homes, addressing the state's urgent housing needs.
Chuckanut Drive remains closed due to a rockslide that deposited a 30-foot high pile of boulders across the highway. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is assessing the damage but has not provided a timeline for reopening. Local attractions along the road, including Larrabee State Park and Chuckanut Manor, remain accessible.
The Seattle Seahawks selected offensive guard Grey Zabel with the 18th overall pick in the NFL draft, aiming to bolster their struggling offensive line. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners return home to face the Miami Marlins, looking to secure their sixth consecutive series win. Fishing season opens tomorrow in Whatcom County, featuring the annual Trout Derby with over $50,000 in prizes.