Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Bellingham has acquired nearly 100 acres for the Lake Whatcom Watershed Land Acquisition and Preservation Program, totaling $1.1 million in purchases funded by utility fees. The recent acquisitions aim to protect water quality by preserving forested land around the lake from development.
Trader Joe’s opened its second location in Bellingham, WA, on Thursday, attracting a line of eager customers. The grand opening featured music from the Meridian High School band and saw Bianca and Tony Summers become the first customers by purchasing a plant. The store operates daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Pickford Film Center will open a new location called Pickford on Grand, adding three screens to its existing offerings. The expansion aims to enhance the local film experience in Bellingham, Washington.
A 36-year-old man, Richard Solomon, is in custody on homicide and drug possession charges following a drug-related death on the Lummi Nation. Police responded to a medical emergency on Smokehouse Road early Sunday, where the victim, a Lummi Nation member, was pronounced dead later that morning. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is ongoing.
Over 1,000 student workers at Western Washington University began a strike at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, demanding union recognition and fair contract terms similar to those secured by academic student employees last year. The strike, supported by 94% of the voting members, includes various non-academic positions such as resident advisors and lifeguards.
The Mariners defeated the Nationals 9-1 in Game 1, led by Logan Evans' standout pitching and Cal Raleigh's two home runs. George Kirby aims for a stronger performance in Game 2, while the Astros face significant injury woes in their rotation.
Skagit County officials warn of a surge in opioid overdoses, particularly among individuals in their 20s, following a spike reported on May 25. Local law enforcement suspects a potent supply of fentanyl may be contributing to this trend. The health department encourages residents to carry Naloxone and spread awareness of the overdose risk.
Bellingham City Council approved a construction contract to remove fish passage barriers near the Interurban Trail at Lake Padden Creek. The work will close a section of the trail from late June until February 2026, with detours in place for trail users. An informational open house is scheduled for June 9 at Happy Valley Elementary School.
An 18-year-old Bellingham resident, Alejandro Pallares, died from injuries sustained in a shooting on May 18. The suspect, also 18, faces possible charges after accidentally discharging a loaded gun while playing with it. Pallares, a football player, was set to graduate from Ferndale High School soon.
Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund appointed Joel Pfundt as public works director and Mike Olinger as deputy director. Both have served as interim co-directors since the dismissal of the former director last July, and Lund emphasized their leadership capabilities and shared vision for the city's development.