Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Whatcom County's unemployment rate dropped to 4.3% in March, down from 5.5% in February. Skagit County also reported a decline, with a rate of 4.7%. The statewide unemployment rate remained unchanged compared to February but decreased from the previous year.
Whatcom County hosts a weekend filled with cultural events, including the CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival, Bellingham’s April Brews Day, and a Bollywood and Bhangra dance event. The film festival features diverse genres and supports women directors, while the beer festival supports the Max Higbee Center. Live music from local bands will enhance the vibrant atmosphere.
A suspected feud between coworkers led to an RV fire at VanderPol Building Components in Lynden, WA. Police arrested a 35-year-old man on charges of burglary and arson after witnesses reported him throwing belongings out of the trailer before it ignited. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Whatcom County received an “A” grade for ground-level ozone pollution but a “D” for particle pollution in the American Lung Association's annual report. The Northwest Clean Air Agency attributed the lower grade to high levels of wildfire smoke over the past three summers. Residents generally experience good air quality despite the mixed ratings.
The University of Washington reports that federal authorities revoked visas for 13 students and 10 recent graduates without prior notice. In contrast, Western Washington University confirmed that no international student visas were canceled. Nationwide, over 1,000 students face similar visa cancellations.
The USDA's Pacific Northwest Region plans to hire wildland firefighters for the 2025 fire season, responding to concerns raised during the previous administration's hiring freeze. Positions are available for U.S. citizens aged 18 and older, with applications due by April 24.
Lynden City Council voted 5-2 to repeal its fluoridation program, initially established in 1959. A motion to place the issue on the November ballot failed by one vote, leaving Mayor Scott Korthuis with the option to veto or accept the decision within 10 days. If the repeal stands, fluoride will be removed from the water supply by late April.
Chuckanut Drive (SR 11) south of Bellingham closed Tuesday due to a 150-foot-long rockslide. The Washington State Patrol warns that the closure may last up to a week or more, urging drivers to find alternate routes.
A boating accident near San Juan Island resulted in one death and one rescue over the weekend. A sailing vessel crashed into rocks, causing it to flood and break apart, leading to the occupants entering the water. The U.S. Coast Guard rescued one man, while the other was later pronounced dead.
The Seattle Mariners aim for first place in the AL West as they face the Boston Red Sox after winning eight of their last ten games. Meanwhile, the Kraken promote Ron Francis to president of hockey operations following the firing of coach Dan Bylsma, and the Storm's Nika Muhl will miss the upcoming season due to an ACL injury. Western Washington University's softball team received GNAC Team of the Week honors after a dominant series sweep.