Latest News in Bellingham, WA

Northwest Sports Mariners head to Fenway, Kraken continue offseason of changes, WWU softball honored for dominant sweep and more

The Seattle Mariners aim for first place in the AL West as they face the Boston Red Sox after winning eight of their last ten games. Meanwhile, the Kraken promote Ron Francis to president of hockey operations following the firing of coach Dan Bylsma, and the Storm's Nika Muhl will miss the upcoming season due to an ACL injury. Western Washington University's softball team received GNAC Team of the Week honors after a dominant series sweep.

Pacific Northwest Region of the USDA announces job openings for 2025 fire season

The USDA's Pacific Northwest Region plans to hire wildland firefighters for the 2025 fire season, responding to concerns raised during the previous administration's hiring freeze. Positions are available for U.S. citizens aged 18 and older, with applications due by April 24.

North Cascades Highway reopens following six-month seasonal closure

The North Cascades Highway reopens on Tuesday after a six-month winter closure, as reported by the Washington State Department of Transportation. This seasonal closure occurs due to heavy snowfall, with the highway typically reopening between mid-April and mid-May. The timing aligns with ongoing National Park Week, which lasts until April 27.

Proposed student-athlete rule changes by Whatcom school districts fail WIAA vote

Whatcom County school districts' proposals to limit transgender participation in high school sports failed to secure enough votes during the WIAA's recent voting session. The measures aimed to restrict girls' sports to biological females and create a separate division for transgender or nonbinary students but did not meet the required 60% supermajority.

Blaine man killed in suspected DUI crash in Custer

A Blaine man died in a suspected DUI crash in Custer on Monday morning. Mark Bunch, 34, lost control of his vehicle on I-5, veering off the road and striking a tree. The accident blocked the highway for approximately 30 minutes.

Skagit County farmworker activist receives immigration hearing date

Local farmworker activist Alfredo “Lelo” Juarez Zeferino faces an immigration hearing in November after being detained by ICE. His lawyer is working on securing his release from the Tacoma detention center, where conditions are reportedly difficult.

Northwest Sports Update Kraken can Bylsma, Raleigh and Mariners stay hot, new high school sport in WA and more

The Seattle Kraken dismissed head coach Dan Bylsma after one season, finishing with a 35-41-6 record. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners extended their winning streak, taking two of three games against the Toronto Blue Jays, with standout performances from Rowdy Tellez and Cal Raleigh. Additionally, Washington's high school sports landscape changes with the approval of girls flag football as an official sport.

Bellingham Food Bank suffers as federal funding cuts continue

Federal funding cuts have severely impacted food security services in Whatcom County, Washington, with the Bellingham Food Bank losing over $800,000 in annual USDA funding. Food bank spokesperson Stephanie Sisson warns that demand for services has nearly tripled since 2021, exacerbated by the end of federal SNAP benefits for many families.

Plantation Rifle Range could reopen this year with limited operations

Whatcom County's Plantation Rifle Range may reopen later this year after extensive upgrades totaling $1.7 million. The indoor range has been closed since July 2021, while outdoor facilities remain shut due to contamination issues involving lead waste. A detailed cleanup study is underway, with costs estimated at $13.5 million.

Lynden School District plans legal action against state over gender inclusion

The Lynden School District is considering legal action against the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction over gender inclusivity policies in athletics. The district's Board of Directors has authorized Superintendent David VanderYacht to initiate this legal challenge, asserting that compliance with state regulations could jeopardize federal funding under Title IX. The district also plans to file complaints with federal authorities regarding potential conflicts with these regulations.