Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Port of Bellingham seeks a new executive director and plans to hire a national recruiter for the process. Community members will have a chance to provide input on the final candidates, and the commission may create a second position to assist the new director.
A 61-year-old man died after a BNSF train struck him in Bellingham around 10:30 p.m. on August 6. He was reportedly leaning against a wheelchair near a rail crossing at the time of the incident.
Washington state launches a free LGBTQ Business Enterprise program to support LGBTQ-owned businesses. Governor Bob Ferguson announced the initiative, which connects eligible firms with government contracts and tracks spending starting in 2026. The program aims to enhance equity in public spending.
The City of Bellingham removed several chestnut trees from Chestnut Street after an arborist determined two were dead and others were diseased. City officials plan to monitor the health of remaining trees and will replant with suitable species in the fall.
The Bellingham Bells defeated the Edmonton Riverhawks 5-2 to advance to the West Coast League Championship. Rominic Quiban's seventh-inning double and a strong bullpen performance secured the win. The Bells will face the Portland Pickles for the title, aiming for their first championship since 2014.
Weston Persons launched Madrona Wear in Bellingham, WA, focusing on mending and reclaiming outdoor gear. His business grew from serving 250 customers in its first year to over 2,000 in the third year, highlighting a community demand for sustainable clothing options. Persons emphasizes the importance of sustainability and education within the fashion industry.
Robert Howell Jr., 47, received a 13-year prison sentence for possessing child sexual abuse material. Federal agents discovered over 90,000 files depicting child exploitation after being alerted by foreign police in 2019. Howell Jr. must also pay $140,000 in restitution to nearly 50 victims.
Cleanup crews continue efforts at Padden Creek after over 600 gallons of diesel spilled, killing three coho salmon. Wildlife responders recovered the carcasses and urge the public to report any oiled or injured animals. A stop work order is in place until the site is fully remediated.
A rescue operation off Point Roberts resulted in one fatality and one recovery. The U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard, and a good Samaritan responded to a sinking vessel, recovering one fisherman alive while the other was later declared deceased.
The Washington Department of Wildlife detected invasive European green crabs near Port Gamble and Port Ludlow, marking a significant spread in the Salish Sea. The presence of green crabs threatens local ecosystems by consuming native species. This detection follows the confirmation of a green crab molt in False Bay on San Juan Island, the first since 2019.