Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Blaine schools appointed Dan Chaplik as interim superintendent, effective for the upcoming school year. Chaplik previously served as superintendent in Sultan School District since 2007 and will replace Christopher Granger, who transitions to Sultan on July 1.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) set a June 1 deadline to find a new home for Bellingham's iconic graffiti rock. If a suitable location is not identified, WSDOT plans to break the rock apart and preserve pieces for the Whatcom Museum. The rock has served as a canvas for community messages since it was first tagged in 1969.
A judge in Bryan Kohberger's quadruple-murder trial seeks to identify individuals who may have breached a gag order. Fourth District Judge Steven Hippler suspects that someone linked to law enforcement or the prosecution leaked sensitive information, which could complicate jury selection and increase trial costs.
A Seattle judge rescinded an order requiring the Trump administration to admit 12,000 refugees into the U.S. The revised ruling directs the government to evaluate refugee admissions on a case-by-case basis, allowing 160 refugees with imminent travel plans to enter the country.
Boxx Berry Farm in Ferndale plans to sell its 60-acre property to the Port of Bellingham to establish an agricultural research station. The Whatcom County Council approved the sale with a preliminary investment of $3 million from the Economic Development Investment Board. The farm will continue operating until its closure on October 1, offering U-pick opportunities.
The San Francisco 49ers signed quarterback Brock Purdy to a 5-year, $265 million contract extension. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners begin a three-game series against the San Diego Padres tonight, competing for the Vedder Cup. The WNBA's Seattle Storm will tip off their season tomorrow against the Phoenix Mercury.
Whatcom County hosts several community events this weekend, including a Bike Party in downtown Bellingham on May 16, celebrating Bike to Work and School Day. The weekend also features the Puget Sound Local Yarn Shop Tour and Blaine's Spring Block Party, offering activities for families and live music. The Western Symphony Orchestra will perform film scores on Saturday evening, adding to the local entertainment options.
Aaron Judge's eighth-inning home run lifted the Yankees over the Mariners 3-2 on May 14. The game featured a strong performance from Seattle's Julio Rodríguez, who drove in two runs and made a key defensive play. The Yankees secured the win with Judge's decisive hit, marking his 15th home run of the season.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has established additional security checkpoints at border crossings in Blaine, Lynden, and Sumas, leading to longer wait times. Border Patrol spokesperson Jason Givens stated that these inspections are routine and aimed at combating smuggling, particularly of fentanyl. The checkpoints are based on various factors, including intelligence and bi-national efforts.
Over 1,000 registered nurses at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center participated in an informational picket in Bellingham, WA, to protest the rejection of a contract offer. The nurses, represented by the Washington State Nurses Association, will return to negotiations tomorrow, while service workers and physicians continue their strike. All three unions cite low wages, rising health insurance costs, and lack of respect as key issues.