Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
East Whatcom County will ban campfires, fire pits, and barbecue grills in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex starting Thursday, July 3, due to heightened wildfire risks. Stoves or grills powered by bottled fuel are permitted if they have an on/off switch. Park officials urge visitors to be cautious with smoking and prohibit fireworks on federal lands.
Green Jobs PAC received a $20,000 fine for failing to report over $1 million in campaign spending related to the 2024 election. The Washington state Public Disclosure Commission cited late filings that deprived the public of key information before ballots were counted. The PAC admitted to multiple violations but no intentional wrongdoing was found.
Bryan Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, avoiding the death penalty. He will serve four consecutive life sentences without parole and waive his right to appeal. The formal plea is scheduled for July 2nd.
Washington state implements new laws starting July 1, including a six-cent gas tax increase and property tax exemptions for disabled veterans rated at 40% or higher. Other significant measures taking effect later include higher business taxes for top earners and expanded unemployment benefits for striking workers.
A Whatcom County couple faces arrest for allegedly scamming two residents out of nearly $14,000. Jonathen Faircloth impersonated a credit union fraud department to steal login information and transfer funds from victims' accounts. His fiancé was also arrested after visiting him in jail.
Texas State will join the restructured Pac-12 conference for the 2026 season, fulfilling the requirement for eight football-playing members. The Mariners won a thrilling series against the Rangers, with key performances from Mitch Garver and Miles Mastrobuoni. Meanwhile, the Bells secured a series sweep, and the Sounders returned to MLS action with a victory over Austin FC.
Bellingham Public Schools plans to run two levies in the November election to counteract proposed federal funding cuts. The supplemental operations levy aims to raise $4 million annually, while the facilities maintenance levy seeks $11 million yearly for essential repairs. The district anticipates losing $750,000 in annual funds due to budget cuts.
Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, WA, reveals its 2025-26 Main Stage Season lineup featuring 25 events, starting with Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti on September 20. Executive Director John Purdie highlights that this season marks the theater's 99th, with preparations underway for its centennial celebration.
Travelers on I-5 south of Bellingham will face delays as construction begins this weekend to replace a fish culvert at Lake Creek. Starting Sunday at 8 p.m., lane and ramp closures will occur, with traffic shifting to a two-lane bypass on Monday morning to facilitate the removal and replacement of the culvert.
Free vaccinations for young people under 18 will be available in Bellingham on July 1 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The clinic comes in response to two confirmed measles cases in the Lynden area, and other childhood vaccines will also be offered.