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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.
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.
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.
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.
Whatcom County officials announce a special three-day filing period for uncontested local offices, beginning Wednesday. Thirteen positions, including various commissioner roles, remain open for candidacy, with declarations due by 4 p.m. on May 16. These positions will appear on the November general election ballot.
The Mariners lost to the Yankees 3-2, despite Julio Rodriguez's early two-run double. The team, now struggling with injuries, placed pitcher Bryce Miller on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation. The Mariners maintain a narrow one-game lead in the AL West, heading into a series against the Padres.
Health officials warn of potential measles exposure at various locations in King and Snohomish counties following a Canadian tourist's diagnosis. Individuals who visited one of the 16 identified sites from April 30 to May 3 should verify their vaccination status. This case is unrelated to five other measles cases reported earlier this year.
A man reported Tesla vandalism in Bellingham, WA, where two eye-shaped stickers were placed on his parked vehicle. The incident occurred near a hospital clinic and coincides with a rise in Tesla vandalism linked to CEO Elon Musk's recent federal job cuts.
Leslie Lekos leads a kelp harvesting workshop at Fort Ebey State Park, teaching students about foraging seaweed and its identification. Participants must obtain a Washington state fishing license and bring tools for safe harvesting. Lekos emphasizes respectful stewardship of the land and the learning opportunities provided by nature.
A burn ban will begin in unincorporated Skagit County on June 15, limiting outdoor fires. Fires must be contained within enclosures, measuring no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high. Water must be available at all burn sites, and additional restrictions apply.