Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) plans to simplify bus routes in Bellingham to address service issues during university sessions. The proposed changes include adding transfer spots and increasing bus frequency around key areas like Western Washington University. Public feedback will be considered in November, with potential implementation scheduled for next summer.
A nurse in Lynden, WA, faces charges for allegedly stealing 31 Oxycodone pills from a resident at an assisted living facility. The state Department of Health accused Allyson Allen of replacing the stolen medication with Lorazepam to conceal her actions. Allen's nursing assistant credential expired in February 2025.
Businesses in Whatcom County experience mixed effects from tariffs, with 42% reporting no impact. A survey indicates that local concerns primarily focus on taxes and labor rather than tariffs, even as Canadian visitation drops 22% this year.
A section of Mount Baker Highway will close for the 2025 Mt. Baker Hill Climb race on Sunday, September 14, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Approximately 450 cyclists will compete in the event, which covers 22.4 miles with an elevation gain of 4,482 feet.
Bellingham recorded 318 DUI arrests from January 1 to September 9, 2025, surpassing the number of days passed in the year. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the same time frame in previous years. Police Lt. Claudia Murphy noted that these arrests do not include other incidents where drugs or alcohol were involved.
Ty McClellan leads Hardware Sales, a family-run business in Bellingham, WA, which has adapted to the competitive market with over half of its sales from online channels. Founded in 1962, the store has evolved from selling dynamite to offering a diverse range of hardware and rental options while emphasizing community investment. McClellan's approach reflects a commitment to reinvesting profits back into the business and the local community.
Josh Naylor's two-run double in the sixth inning propelled the Seattle Mariners to a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on September 8. The Mariners overcame a 2-0 deficit, scoring four runs in the sixth, with Naylor also stealing third base to help secure the win. With this victory, Seattle improved to 17-6 since the All-Star break, boasting the best record in MLB during this period.
Joseph Drager, a 35-year-old Lynden man, pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, robbery, and assault related to a knifepoint attack on a woman in Bellingham's Little Squalicum Park. The victim, a 48-year-old with Downs Syndrome, reported that Drager stole her purse and phone after the assault. His trial is set to begin on October 10.
Allegiant Airlines will launch non-stop flights from Bellingham to Hollywood Burbank Airport starting February 12, 2026. This service expands Bellingham's Allegiant destinations to four in Southern California and seven overall. The addition supports Allegiant's strategic growth in new destination markets.
Whatcom County businesses affected by summer drought can apply for federal low-interest loans. The Small Business Administration offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans up to $2 million for eligible businesses, with applications due by April 6. Farmers and ranchers do not qualify for this assistance.