Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
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.
Dan Erickson, a Western Washington University graduate and creator of the TV series "Severance," received an Emmy nomination. The show garnered a total of 27 nominations this year, adding to its previous two Emmy wins. The 77th Emmys will air on September 14.
The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to repave SR 539, also known as the Guide Meridian, from I-5 to the Canadian border in 2027. Residents can provide feedback on the project through a questionnaire available until August 7. The road serves as a vital freight corridor, accommodating 35,000 to 52,000 daily vehicles.
Farmworker rights activist Alfredo “Lelo” Juarez Zeferino will return to Mexico after being detained by ICE since March. He opted for voluntary departure, as conditions in detention were intolerable, and a judge granted his request on July 14. Juarez Zeferino could be in Mexico within a week.
Whatcom County issues a moderate heat warning as temperatures rise into the 80s from July 15 to July 17. Overnight lows will remain in the low to mid 60s, prompting officials to remind residents about heat safety measures. Temperatures are expected to decrease to the mid-70s starting Friday.
Bellingham City Council approved a draft ordinance to bolster support for LGBTQ+ rights, aiming to challenge unconstitutional policies. The ordinance ensures protection for healthcare access, free speech, and gender expression, with a final vote scheduled for July 21.
Washington state has joined a lawsuit against the federal government for withholding $7 billion in education funding. The grants are essential for programs supporting English learners and children of migratory workers. The state argues that the federal government is legally obligated to disburse these funds.
Anthony Volpe scored the winning run as the New York Yankees defeated the Seattle Mariners 6-5 in 10 innings on July 10. The Yankees, who were hitless until the eighth inning, rallied from a five-run deficit to secure the victory, marking their first win when trailing by five or more runs since 2016.
A section of I-5 and the Lakeway Drive offramp in Bellingham will close for overnight maintenance from 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 13 to 5 a.m. on Monday, July 14. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will conduct vegetation maintenance during this period, urging drivers to seek alternate routes.
The City of Bellingham will improve bike lanes on Holly Street starting July 21, replacing parking-protected lanes with standard buffered lanes. Traffic delays are expected due to lane closures as the city aims to enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians.