Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Judge Steven Hippler may delay Bryan Kohberger's trial after the defense argued that an August date compromises his right to a fair trial. Kohberger faces four murder charges related to the November 2022 stabbings of four individuals in Moscow, Idaho. The case has drawn significant public attention, leading to a gag order on the proceedings.
Chuckanut Drive will reopen on June 19 after a 58-day closure due to a rockslide. Crews cleared over 3,600 tons of debris and stabilized the slope to ensure safety.
Whatcom County has added two new naloxone dispenser boxes in Bellingham to combat the opioid epidemic. The initiative follows a nearly 37% decline in opioid overdoses in the county during the first five months of 2025.
The Seattle Sounders face Atletico Madrid today in a crucial FIFA Club World Cup match after a prior loss. Coach Brian Schmetzer acknowledges the Sounders are significant underdogs against the 11-time Spanish champions. Both teams need a win to advance, with the match kicking off at 3:00 PM from Lumen Field.
Authorities identified 42-year-old Mark Fakkema as the victim of a fatal explosion in his Oak Harbor home. Investigators found he was making improvised explosive devices from commercial-grade fireworks, leading to the detonation that injured two others. Fakkema lacked the necessary licenses to possess or alter these explosives.
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Festival in Bellingham will take place on June 21, featuring live music, a parade, and family-friendly activities. Additionally, the Downtime Summer Kickoff in Ferndale offers two days of entertainment, while Lynden hosts tractor pulls at Berthusen Park. Indoor options include a performance of "Down the Rabbit Hole" at the Mount Baker Theatre.
Authorities investigate a large explosion at an Oak Harbor residence, occurring on the evening of June 17. Three adults were present; two escaped with minor injuries, while one remains unaccounted for. The Island County Sheriff’s Office seeks public assistance through an online portal for any footage of the incident.
Lieutenant Leslee Smith, a pioneering firefighter from Whatcom County, will be honored at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Olympia this Sunday. Smith, who passed away from work-related cancer in March 2024, was the first woman to serve as a career firefighter with North Whatcom Fire and Rescue.
Two women were rescued in separate incidents in Okanagan County's North Cascades this week. A 25-year-old woman fell 80 feet on Silver Star Mountain, while a 48-year-old woman injured herself on the Pacific Crest Trail. Both were transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
The Port of Bellingham appointed Tiffany DeSimone as Interim Executive Director following Rob Fix's departure. DeSimone, a Whatcom County native with over a decade of experience at the Port, will lead critical projects while a search for a permanent director begins.