Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
A hiker was rescued after falling in a snowy area near Twin Lakes in the North Cascades on June 26. The Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council reported that a pair of National Forest Service employees heard the hiker's calls for help and provided assistance until a rescue team arrived. Hikers are reminded to pack essential gear and prepare for wintery conditions, even in late June.
Rite Aid locations in Whatcom County will transition to CVS pharmacies following Rite Aid's bankruptcy announcement. The Sehome Village Rite Aid will close on August 19 and reopen as a CVS the next day, with additional locations following suit in mid-September. All prescriptions will be transferred to CVS automatically, requiring no action from patients.
Whatcom County residents can provide feedback on 12 proposed amendments to the county charter ahead of the November General Election. The council seeks volunteers to draft pro and con statements, with applications due by July 14. Proposed changes include establishing an "Office of the Ombuds" for government complaints and modifying referendum signature requirements.
A Whatcom County couple faces arrest for allegedly scamming two residents out of nearly $14,000. Jonathen Faircloth impersonated a credit union fraud department to steal login information and transfer funds from victims' accounts. His fiancé was also arrested after visiting him in jail.
Texas State will join the restructured Pac-12 conference for the 2026 season, fulfilling the requirement for eight football-playing members. The Mariners won a thrilling series against the Rangers, with key performances from Mitch Garver and Miles Mastrobuoni. Meanwhile, the Bells secured a series sweep, and the Sounders returned to MLS action with a victory over Austin FC.
Washington state implements new laws starting July 1, including a six-cent gas tax increase and property tax exemptions for disabled veterans rated at 40% or higher. Other significant measures taking effect later include higher business taxes for top earners and expanded unemployment benefits for striking workers.
Travelers on I-5 south of Bellingham will face delays as construction begins this weekend to replace a fish culvert at Lake Creek. Starting Sunday at 8 p.m., lane and ramp closures will occur, with traffic shifting to a two-lane bypass on Monday morning to facilitate the removal and replacement of the culvert.
Free vaccinations for young people under 18 will be available in Bellingham on July 1 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The clinic comes in response to two confirmed measles cases in the Lynden area, and other childhood vaccines will also be offered.
Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, WA, reveals its 2025-26 Main Stage Season lineup featuring 25 events, starting with Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti on September 20. Executive Director John Purdie highlights that this season marks the theater's 99th, with preparations underway for its centennial celebration.
Bellingham Public Schools plans to run two levies in the November election to counteract proposed federal funding cuts. The supplemental operations levy aims to raise $4 million annually, while the facilities maintenance levy seeks $11 million yearly for essential repairs. The district anticipates losing $750,000 in annual funds due to budget cuts.