Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Great Washington Shakeout earthquake and tsunami drill occurs at 10:16 a.m. on October 16, with participation expected from over a million residents statewide. Emergency management officials urge people to practice safety measures, including dropping, covering, and holding on. The drill aims to prepare communities for potential earthquakes from the nearby Cascadia Subduction Zone.
South Whatcom Fire Authority Fire Chief Mitch Nolze has served the community for nearly two decades, focusing on resource allocation and emergency services. He emphasizes supporting his team to ensure optimal service delivery, with three-quarters of their calls related to emergency medical services.
The Seattle Mariners aim for a 3-0 lead in the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays tonight, with George Kirby starting on the mound. Meanwhile, the Kraken fell to the Montreal Canadiens in overtime, suffering their first loss of the season. Western Washington University basketball fans gather for the annual Viking Jam to kick off the season.
Jasmine Ikeda, an Orcas Island activist, was released from Israeli military custody after being detained during a flotilla aiming to deliver aid to Gaza. She reported being held at gunpoint for over 20 hours and witnessed violence against other detainees. Ikeda's release coincided with a recent agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The ongoing government shutdown could disrupt healthcare coverage for nearly 217,000 Washington residents reliant on Affordable Care Act tax credits. If Congress fails to extend these credits, approximately 80,000 individuals may lose their health insurance due to rising premiums.
Two individuals, John Elliott and Shanelle Sunde, face over $7 million in penalties for a scheme that exploited probate laws to profit from deceased estates. They illegally managed approximately 200 estates, selling homes worth over $28 million without notifying rightful heirs. A court has permanently barred them from serving as probate administrators in the future.
The Lynden City Council approved a new one-tenth of one percent sales tax to fund public safety services, effective January 1, 2026. This tax will add a dime to every $100 purchase and is expected to generate up to $400,000 in revenue next year. Lynden joins Bellingham as the second city in Whatcom County to implement this tax.
Bellingham residents will face a 13.5% increase in water utility rates starting in January 2026. The City Council approved the hike to fund essential upgrades to aging infrastructure, with further increases expected in subsequent years. To alleviate financial strain, the city will expand its Customer Assistance Program for low-income households.
Frost is expected to develop in western Whatcom County and the San Juans on Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle. Cooler temperatures will follow a breezy Monday, with 2-4 inches of snow predicted in the North Cascades. Pre-winterization work continues on the Mount Baker Highway, with no closure dates announced.
Whatcom County will begin mailing ballots to residents on October 15 for upcoming elections. Voters will decide on a state constitutional amendment, various local initiatives, and numerous council races. Residents must ensure their ballots are returned by November 4 to be counted.