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Whatcom County has launched a new Customer Service Portal on its website, allowing residents to access details on construction permits and related planning documents. The portal also enables users to make payments and estimate fees for various projects. Additional services will be introduced within the next year.
A Seattle man, Mohamed Abdirisak Mohamed, received an eight-year prison sentence for his involvement in a fentanyl distribution ring operating in Whatcom County. He was apprehended twice with firearms and large quantities of fentanyl pills during traffic stops. The operation primarily distributed narcotics within the Lummi Nation.
Mother’s Day events in Bellingham include a performance by comedian David Cross and a Spring Wine Walk featuring regional wines. Families can enjoy Big Jam Stories in Ferndale, while local restaurants offer special brunch menus to celebrate the occasion. Boundary Bay Brewing also hosts a farewell brunch before closing.
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is bracing for a five-day strike by unionized workers, including CNAs and imaging technicians, starting May 12. Workers cite wages, understaffing, and patient care concerns as critical issues after eight months of stalled contract negotiations. PeaceHealth plans to ensure continued care during the strike, although nurses will not participate.
Leody Taveras delivered a game-tying single in the eighth inning of his Seattle debut, leading the Mariners to a 6-5 comeback victory over the Athletics on May 7. Seattle overcame a five-run deficit, marking their ninth consecutive series win. Andrés Muñoz secured his 13th save, maintaining an impressive streak of 18 innings without an earned run.
Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks on May 7. Entering his 13th NFL season, Hankins played all 17 games last season, recording 30 tackles and one sack. His return bolsters a defensive line that already includes notable players like Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed.
A rockslide has blocked a section of Chuckanut Drive near Bellingham, with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews expected to work for weeks to clear the debris. The closure, which affects access from the Oyster Dome trailhead to Chuckanut Manor, is anticipated to last through June. Local attractions along the route remain open, with detours provided for access.
Victor Alcala-Arellanes, a 36-year-old man from Mexico, was taken into ICE custody after being convicted of drug trafficking in Whatcom County. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison following his guilty plea in February 2025. His arrest was part of a larger investigation into a Mexico-based drug operation.
The City of Bellingham will host a neighborhood meeting on May 7 to discuss the Downtown Forward initiative led by Mayor Kim Lund. The event, free and open to the public, will take place at Boundary Bay Beer Garden from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Seattle Mariners overcame a five-run deficit to defeat the Oakland Athletics 6-5, marking their ninth consecutive series win. Key contributions came from Ben Williamson, Rowdy Tellez, and Leody Taveras, who drove in crucial runs after Taveras was claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers. The victory solidifies the Mariners' three-game lead in the AL West.