Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Whatcom County Council members voted to encourage an immediate increase in Lummi Island ferry fares, which have not risen since 2012. Council member Ben Elenbaas warned that delaying the increase could lead to even larger hikes in the future to address financial shortfalls.
Blaine schools appointed Dan Chaplik as interim superintendent, effective for the upcoming school year. Chaplik previously served as superintendent in Sultan School District since 2007 and will replace Christopher Granger, who transitions to Sultan on July 1.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) set a June 1 deadline to find a new home for Bellingham's iconic graffiti rock. If a suitable location is not identified, WSDOT plans to break the rock apart and preserve pieces for the Whatcom Museum. The rock has served as a canvas for community messages since it was first tagged in 1969.
A judge in Bryan Kohberger's quadruple-murder trial seeks to identify individuals who may have breached a gag order. Fourth District Judge Steven Hippler suspects that someone linked to law enforcement or the prosecution leaked sensitive information, which could complicate jury selection and increase trial costs.
Family members of Jenoah Donald, a Black motorist fatally shot by a deputy during a traffic stop in Clark County, settled a wrongful death lawsuit for $3.5 million. The incident occurred in 2021 after deputies pulled over Donald for a faulty rear light, which escalated into a struggle and resulted in his death. The county denies liability despite the settlement.
The Bureau of Land Management announced fire restrictions on public lands in Washington and Oregon, effective Thursday. The restrictions ban fireworks, exploding targets, and other incendiary devices to combat rising human-caused fires. Violators face fines up to $100,000 and potential prison time.
Whatcom County residents are urged to secure essential documents to ease recovery after disasters. Key items include identification, insurance proof, medical information, financial documents, and legal papers. Storing digital copies on smartphones and having originals ready for evacuation can streamline the recovery process.
Whatcom County hosts several community events this weekend, including a Bike Party in downtown Bellingham on May 16, celebrating Bike to Work and School Day. The weekend also features the Puget Sound Local Yarn Shop Tour and Blaine's Spring Block Party, offering activities for families and live music. The Western Symphony Orchestra will perform film scores on Saturday evening, adding to the local entertainment options.
Aaron Judge's eighth-inning home run lifted the Yankees over the Mariners 3-2 on May 14. The game featured a strong performance from Seattle's Julio Rodríguez, who drove in two runs and made a key defensive play. The Yankees secured the win with Judge's decisive hit, marking his 15th home run of the season.
Whatcom County's mean hourly wage exceeds the national average, according to a new report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The report reveals that the Bellingham metro area has a higher concentration of jobs in production, construction, and sales, with a mean hourly rate of over $33.