Latest News in Bellingham, WA

Four children released from ICE facility in Ferndale, mother in federal custody in Tacoma

Four U.S. citizen children were released from an ICE facility in Ferndale after being detained with their mother, who is from Honduras, for over two weeks. Their mother, Kenia Jackeline Merlos, remains in federal custody at the NW Detention Center in Tacoma, facing accusations of smuggling, although she has not been charged with a crime. A federal judge granted an emergency restraining order preventing the family's deportation.

Veronica North Pop artist

Veronica North, a rising pop artist from Whatcom County, will perform at Downtown Sounds in Bellingham this summer. After relocating to pursue music, she gained momentum following a successful headlining show at the Wild Buffalo. North aims to spread kindness at her performances and recently released her second album, "Home To Me."

Northwest Sports Update Bells host All-Star Game, NBA expansion talks move forward, Kraken schedule release and more

Bellingham hosts the West Coast League All-Star Game tonight, featuring five Bells players. The game will showcase the North Division against the South, with first pitch at 6:35 PM from Joe Martin Field. Meanwhile, the MLB All-Star Game concluded with the National League winning in a dramatic home run swing-off.

Port of Bellingham votes in favor of expanding number of commissioners

The Port of Bellingham Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 to expand the number of commissioners, allowing voters to decide in November. Bobby Briscoe opposed the measure, citing the need for more public input, while Carly James noted strong support for expansion from constituents.

Man who punched Bellingham child in racially motivated attack pleads guilty

Paul Bittner, 43, pleaded guilty to assaulting a Black child in a racially motivated attack in Bellingham, WA. The incident, which occurred near the police station, left the child with injuries, including a chipped tooth. Bittner received a sentence of over three years in prison and will undergo a year and a half of community custody.

August special election puts levies and public office candidates to a vote

Whatcom County voters will receive ballots for a special election featuring two proposed levies and several contested public office races. Ballots must be returned by August 5 to be counted. Candidate races include challenges for Port Commissioner and county council positions.

PNW Climate Week is set to raise awareness and inspire conversation about environmental action in Bellingham

Bellingham will host the third annual PNW Climate Week from July 16 to July 25, featuring workshops and community conversations across over 10 cities. Local businesses, including Pumped Goods and Café Velo, will lead events aimed at fostering environmental collaboration and awareness.

Suspected scammers son implicated in local fraud scheme

A California man’s son faces charges after admitting to taking $20,000 from his father's residence, linked to a local fraud scheme. The father, Xiaobun Zhou, is accused of bilking over $100,000 from a resident in Whatcom County. The son was arrested on July 8 and released on bond two days later.

Bellingham to receive 1.5 million to design fish passage improvements in Padden Creek

Whatcom and Skagit Counties will receive $30 million to enhance fish passage by removing barriers. Bellingham will obtain over $1.5 million for improvements in Padden Creek, while Skagit County will receive over $3 million to replace a barrier under East Hickox Road.

Increased risk of wildfires in Whatcom, Skagit counties through Wednesday evening

Whatcom and Skagit counties face an increased wildfire risk until Wednesday evening, prompting a Fire Weather Watch from the Washington State Emergency Management Division. The watch indicates potential critical fire conditions due to high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds. Residents are urged to stay prepared and informed.