Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has established additional security checkpoints at border crossings in Blaine, Lynden, and Sumas, leading to longer wait times. Border Patrol spokesperson Jason Givens stated that these inspections are routine and aimed at combating smuggling, particularly of fentanyl. The checkpoints are based on various factors, including intelligence and bi-national efforts.
Over 1,000 registered nurses at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center participated in an informational picket in Bellingham, WA, to protest the rejection of a contract offer. The nurses, represented by the Washington State Nurses Association, will return to negotiations tomorrow, while service workers and physicians continue their strike. All three unions cite low wages, rising health insurance costs, and lack of respect as key issues.
A 38-year-old man from Renton survived a 400-foot fall during a climbing accident in the North Cascades, which resulted in the deaths of three of his friends. The climbers were rappelling down a steep gully when their anchor failed, sending them tumbling down the mountainside. After regaining consciousness, the survivor managed to free himself and seek help after eight hours.
The Seattle Seahawks unveiled their schedule using a nostalgic 90's action figure commercial, opening the season at home against the San Francisco 49ers on September 7. The team aims to reclaim home-field advantage after struggling last season, informing season-ticket holders that ticket resale could impact renewal eligibility. Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders faced a tough loss against LAFC, while Western Washington University's softball team seeks to bounce back in their NCAA Super Regional series.
Health officials warn of potential measles exposure at various locations in King and Snohomish counties following a Canadian tourist's diagnosis. Individuals who visited one of the 16 identified sites from April 30 to May 3 should verify their vaccination status. This case is unrelated to five other measles cases reported earlier this year.
Whatcom County's severe weather shelter faced significant challenges last winter, including staffing issues and reliance on unpredictable weather forecasts. A recent report suggests the county should operate the shelter regularly during the coldest months, despite anticipated funding declines.
A Blaine man was arrested after deputies discovered over 3,500 images and 170 videos of child pornography on a flash drive and hard drive he had dropped off. The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the content did not involve local children. The 33-year-old remains in custody without bail.
A burn ban will begin in unincorporated Skagit County on June 15, limiting outdoor fires. Fires must be contained within enclosures, measuring no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high. Water must be available at all burn sites, and additional restrictions apply.
A man reported Tesla vandalism in Bellingham, WA, where two eye-shaped stickers were placed on his parked vehicle. The incident occurred near a hospital clinic and coincides with a rise in Tesla vandalism linked to CEO Elon Musk's recent federal job cuts.
Leslie Lekos leads a kelp harvesting workshop at Fort Ebey State Park, teaching students about foraging seaweed and its identification. Participants must obtain a Washington state fishing license and bring tools for safe harvesting. Lekos emphasizes respectful stewardship of the land and the learning opportunities provided by nature.