Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will reopen the final 2.7-mile stretch of the Mount Baker Highway, known as the Road to Artist Point, on June 27. Crews have removed up to 20 feet of snow from the road, although nearby trails remain covered and signs are not visible. Visitors should plan ahead due to limited cell service in the area.
Bellingham City Council made recent pedestrian crosswalks and protected bike lanes on Eldridge Avenue permanent. Improvements aimed to enhance safety following community concerns about speeding and have already increased foot traffic and reduced speeding incidents.
A jury ruled that PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and an emergency room physician were not liable for a misdiagnosis in a 2019 lawsuit filed by Patricia and Carson Parker. The Parkers claimed that a failure to properly investigate symptoms led to severe consequences for Patricia, including a stroke and permanent vision loss. The jury concluded that the doctor met the standard of care throughout the treatment.
Washington state's request for federal disaster aid following last fall's bomb cyclone has been denied by FEMA. The storm inflicted $34 million in damages and resulted in two fatalities, prompting Governor Bob Ferguson to express disappointment over the decision.
Bellingham City Council approved a Transportation Improvement Plan that includes funding to replace the washed-out Chuckanut Creek Bridge, providing relief to residents near Chuckanut Bay. The project, estimated to cost $5.1 million, will be funded by FEMA and local street funds, with completion anticipated by 2028.
Osbaldo Hernández and Dennis Ramey, a queer couple, founded El Sueñito Brewing Company in Bellingham, WA, after years of running a successful tamale business in Seattle. Their brewery, which opened in early 2023, emphasizes inclusivity and community engagement, hosting events such as drag brunches and selling pride-themed merchandise. They aim to create a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate diverse identities year-round.
Cal Raleigh continues his home run streak, hitting his 32nd home run in the Mariners' 11-2 win over the Twins. The Bells host the Wenatchee AppleSox in a pivotal divisional series, while the Storm aim for a fourth straight win against the Indiana Fever. Lynden High School introduces girls flag football, joining four other local schools in the new WIAA-sanctioned sport.
A missing Indigenous person alert was issued for 15-year-old Abriana Powell from Bellingham, WA, who was last seen on June 23. The Washington State Patrol requests anyone with information about her whereabouts to call 911.
The City of Bellingham agreed to a $150,000 settlement in a lawsuit regarding the destruction of a motorhome owned by Jerry and Terri-Lynn Land. The Lands alleged that city employees wrongfully declared their vehicle a "junk vehicle" without verifying its operability. The settlement dismisses the lawsuit with prejudice, barring any future claims on this matter.
Western Washington University announced layoffs impacting 20 positions amid a budget deficit exceeding $20 million. The university's president indicated that the cuts are part of a broader plan to reduce the deficit, which has grown to $23 million since the state’s legislative session.