Latest News in Bellingham, WA

3K calls, 17K emails WAs congressional delegation inboxes flooded in 2 weeks

In a striking surge of civic engagement, Rep. Rick Larsen's office received over 3,000 calls and more than 17,000 emails from constituents in Washington's Second District within two weeks. The outreach stemmed from concerns regarding President Trump's administration's policies, including significant cuts to federal programs and data collection initiatives. Larsen encouraged constituents to voice their opinions, emphasizing the importance of direct communication with their representatives.

Weekly Watchdog Feb. 2127, 2025 Cascadia Daily News

The Weekly Watchdog for February 21–27, 2025, highlights key meetings and public input opportunities in Whatcom County, including discussions on jail capacity, tree ordinances, and educational budget challenges. Residents are encouraged to participate in community surveys to shape local planning and resource management. This article serves as a vital resource for community engagement and local governance.

Allen Law Firm in Bellingham owes 1.3 million following sexual harassment reports

A Bellingham law firm has been ordered to pay $1.3 million in damages after a ruling by Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Lee Grochmal, following sexual harassment claims from two former employees. The court found the testimonies of the employees credible, revealing inappropriate workplace behavior by the firm's owner, Craig Allen.

Deputies arrest man for allegedly firing gun near cemetery in road rage incident

A 47-year-old man from Puyallup was arrested by Whatcom County Sheriff's Office deputies following a drive-by shooting incident near Woodlawn Cemetery on February 18. Witnesses reported the suspect brandishing a firearm during a road rage altercation, leading to the discovery of a pistol and ammunition in his vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the shooting.

Bellingham airport has fewer air traffic controllers, tower closed some days

Bellingham International Airport's control tower is reducing its operational hours due to a decrease in air traffic controllers, highlighting a nationwide staffing crisis. The tower's closure on Tuesdays and some Wednesdays raises concerns about air safety, particularly as the airport experiences increased traffic from inexperienced pilots. Despite these challenges, commercial operators claim that their operations remain unaffected.

Gretchen Leggitt and Nick Hartrich Co-founders of Paper Whale

Paper Whale, a Bellingham-based nonprofit founded by Nick Hartrich and Gretchen Leggitt, aims to revitalize the local art community through diverse cultural events and installations. By integrating traditional and non-traditional art forms, they foster connections between artists and the community, including the Coast Salish tribes. Their recent initiatives also emphasize economic opportunities and community engagement, highlighting Bellingham's unique creative landscape.

Two years and one dome later, Oculis Lodge founder is asking for another 1.2M

An ambitious vacation rental project near Glacier, led by developer Youri Benoiston, has only delivered one concrete dome despite raising $1.2 million through crowdfunding. As delays continue, many backers are requesting refunds, citing safety concerns and unmet expectations regarding the luxury accommodations promised.

Man arrested following drive-by shooting north of Bellingham

A 47-year-old man was arrested for a drive-by shooting incident that occurred north of Bellingham, WA, on Tuesday night. According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect fired a handgun during a road rage altercation and was apprehended shortly after the incident.

Local lawmakers work to pass variety of bills in Olympia

Local lawmakers in Olympia are advancing several significant bills aimed at addressing environmental violations and expanding education opportunities for homeless and foster youth. Notably, SB 5360 seeks to amend penalties for environmental crimes, while HB 1540 would facilitate access to tribal colleges for eligible students. These legislative efforts reflect a proactive approach to pressing local issues within the Washington state legislature.

Port of Bellingham moves forward with Phase 2 of Millworks Project

The Port of Bellingham has approved the design documents for Phase 2 of the Millworks project, which will add a seven-story affordable housing complex featuring 109 units of workforce housing. This development, adjacent to the first phase, aims to address the critical housing needs of the local community and is projected to be completed by the end of 2027.