Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Washington State Department of Transportation announced that a third stuffed sloth will remain in the trees above I-5 due to removal challenges. Meanwhile, the closure of Chuckanut Drive will last several weeks as crews work to stabilize the hillside and repair the roadway. Local businesses along the drive remain accessible.
U.S. Representative Rick Larsen plans an in-person town hall in Skagit County at 6 p.m. on May 12. He aims to discuss his interactions with the Trump administration and will answer questions from attendees, who must register in advance. The event will also be livestreamed on social media for those unable to attend.
Rite Aid will sell most of its assets, including locations in Whatcom County, as it continues Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The company plans to ensure customer prescriptions are transferred to other pharmacies during the sale process. Six stores remain open in Whatcom County as Rite Aid restructures its business.
Nineteen states, led by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, challenge cuts to the U.S. Health and Human Services agency, claiming the Trump administration's restructuring harms essential health programs. The lawsuit, filed on May 5, argues the administration's actions violate Congressional authority over program funding.
The Seattle Mariners secured their eighth consecutive series win after defeating the Texas Rangers two out of three games. Cal Raleigh leads the majors with 12 home runs this season, while the Rangers fired their offensive coordinator following a disappointing performance. The Mariners continue their road trip against the Athletics tonight.
Bellingham City Council approved a $3.7 million contract for the Sunset Pond project, which will enhance existing pathways with new boardwalks and bridges. Construction begins next month and is expected to finish by early 2027, partly funded by a $1 million state grant.
Whatcom County Public Works will host three virtual workshops this month to assist water users with the water adjudication process. These sessions follow the Washington State Department of Ecology's mailing of claim forms to landowners, which will determine legal water rights. Registration is required, and each workshop will accommodate 50 households.
A man and his dog were rescued from a cave near Sudden Valley without injuries after the dog fell in during their hike. Bellingham Mountain Rescue and Summit to Sound Search and Rescue used ropes and pulleys to extract them safely. Both were able to walk out with their rescuers.
Washington State Patrol responded to two wrong-way driving incidents in Whatcom County over the weekend. One driver was safely removed from the freeway due to a mental health crisis, while a second driver was arrested for DUI. No injuries occurred in either case.
A Whatcom County Jail employee was arrested for smuggling contraband into the facility, including methamphetamine and vapes. An investigation revealed that the inmate's fiancé provided the contraband to the employee, who then delivered it during shifts. Both the employee and the fiancé were arrested but released on bail shortly after.