Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Hundreds of unionized nurses in Bellingham are preparing to picket outside PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center on April 29 due to stalled contract negotiations. Key issues include health insurance and wages, with union representatives expressing a sense of disrespect from management. PeaceHealth is committed to reaching a fair agreement, citing proposed wage increases of 12% to 30% over three years.
Washington officials are seeking public input on the updated State Rail Plan, which aims to improve rail systems for both passenger and freight transport. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is launching a survey to gather feedback until June 24, 2025, with goals including reducing roadway congestion and enhancing safety. An online open house will also be held during this period to facilitate community engagement.
The former site of the historic Terminal Building in Fairhaven, Bellingham, is now on the market for $1 million following a devastating fire in December 2023. The lot, previously home to beloved local establishments, may be transformed into a mixed-use building of up to four stories, thanks to recent zoning changes by the Bellingham City Council. This development presents an opportunity for revitalization in the Fairhaven area.
Western Washington University has implemented a new socially responsible investing policy following pro-Palestinian protests last spring. This policy prohibits investments in companies that conflict with the university's values, including those involved in fossil fuels and human rights violations. The initiative was part of an agreement that resolved a two-week protest by students.
Mount Vernon, WA, has implemented a hiring freeze due to a significant budget shortfall of nearly $6 million, which is about 15% of its operating budget. Mayor Pete Donovan highlighted the unsustainable financial trajectory, attributing the deficit to rising labor costs and the loss of COVID-19-related funding. The freeze excludes police and fire department positions and will not impact roles funded through the utility budget.
Lawmakers in Olympia have advanced a bill requiring gun buyers to obtain a permit before purchasing firearms, which includes fingerprinting and completing a certified safety program. Sponsored by Representative Alex Ramel, the bill aims to enhance gun safety but faces criticism for potentially infringing on Second Amendment rights. The measure will undergo a concurrence vote in the state House before heading to the Governor for approval.
Jamie Lopez Laz Cano, a 29-year-old fentanyl dealer linked to a Mexican crime organization, has been sentenced to over a year and a half in prison for drug trafficking and money laundering in Whatcom County, WA. His arrest followed a thorough investigation by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, which uncovered significant amounts of fentanyl and evidence of international money transfers. This case highlights ongoing issues related to drug trafficking and organized crime in the region.
The article covers recent developments in Northwest sports, focusing on the Seattle Mariners, Kraken, and Storm. The Mariners aim for their first road win against the Cincinnati Reds, while the Kraken play their final game of the season against the LA Kings. Additionally, the Storm made significant moves during the WNBA Draft, selecting standout players to enhance their roster.
The former site of the historic Terminal Building in Fairhaven has been listed for sale at $1 million, following its destruction in a fire in December 2023. The property, now fenced and gravel-covered, offers potential for a mixed-use development that could honor the building's legacy. Local property owners express optimism for a future that revitalizes the area as a community hub.
The Trump administration has denied Washington's request for federal disaster relief following last year's bomb cyclone, which inflicted significant damage on the state. Governor Bob Ferguson plans to appeal the decision, expressing concern over the delays in recovery for affected communities. The denial highlights ongoing tensions between state leadership and federal disaster aid policies.