Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Bellingham will host a vibrant fireworks display over Bellingham Bay at 10:30 p.m. on July 4. Popular viewing spots include Kulshan Trackside, Hotel Bellwether, Zuanich Point Park, and Taylor Dock, each offering unique festivities and food options. Attendees are advised to consider parking challenges and safety measures while enjoying the celebrations.
Washington state leaders criticize the passage of President Trump's $4.5 trillion "One Big Beautiful Bill," which cleared the House by just four votes. U.S. Representative Rick Larsen warns that the bill could lead to the loss of health insurance for up to 46,000 people in the region.
A motorcycle crash in Anacortes resulted in the death of a 48-year-old man and the arrest of a 49-year-old man for vehicular manslaughter. The accident occurred on Q Avenue around 10:17 p.m. on Wednesday night, prompting an ongoing investigation by local authorities.
Cal Raleigh earned his first All-Star selection and was named American League Player of the Month for June. The Seattle Mariners catcher leads MLB with 33 home runs and aims to break Aaron Judge's AL record. The Mariners defeated the Royals 3-2 in his absence as they prepare for their next game.
Washington State implemented an expanded Equal Pay and Opportunities Act on July 1, ensuring equal pay protections for workers regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, immigration status, or physical ability. The new rule aims to address the state's significant gender pay gap, which ranks sixth in the U.S. in 2023. Additional changes effective July 27 will require job listings to disclose wage information.
Structures Brewing in Bellingham announced its Old Town Summer Concert Series, starting July 10 with performances by Black Mountain and Spoon Benders. The series features various artists, including country and folk acts, culminating in a weekend of diverse performances in early August. Tickets and details are available on the brewery's website.
The Bellingham Planning Commission approved changes to temporary shelter regulations on June 26, simplifying the permit process and removing capacity caps. Shelters can now be approved for up to two years with possible one-year renewals, aligning with state law amendments.
Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund appointed Deborah Danner as Human Resources director and Ameleah Sullivan as deputy director on July 2, 2025. Danner, previously the associate VP for human resources at Eastern Washington University, will lead a department overseeing over 1,000 employees. This decision follows a leadership shakeup in the city’s HR and public works departments.
A person was airlifted from Lake Padden Park in Bellingham, WA, after a severe mountain biking accident on Galbraith Mountain. First responders reported a significant medical incident that necessitated transport to Harborview Medical Center for specialized care. Airlifts from public areas like Lake Padden are rare but may become more common in the future.
Doug Bestle, a veteran and coordinator of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), prepares Whatcom County for emergencies through an eight-session training program. His dedication to community service is rooted in his experiences as a Vietnam veteran, where he faced challenges upon returning home. Bestle actively engages in various local organizations, demonstrating a commitment to helping others.