Latest News in Bellingham, WA

Northwest Sports Mariners head to Fenway, Kraken continue offseason of changes, WWU softball honored for dominant sweep and more

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.

One deceased, one rescued from boating accident near San Juan Island

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.

Proposed student-athlete rule changes by Whatcom school districts fail WIAA vote

Whatcom County school districts' proposals to limit transgender participation in high school sports failed to secure enough votes during the WIAA's recent voting session. The measures aimed to restrict girls' sports to biological females and create a separate division for transgender or nonbinary students but did not meet the required 60% supermajority.

Skagit County farmworker activist receives immigration hearing date

Local farmworker activist Alfredo “Lelo” Juarez Zeferino faces an immigration hearing in November after being detained by ICE. His lawyer is working on securing his release from the Tacoma detention center, where conditions are reportedly difficult.

North Cascades Highway reopens following six-month seasonal closure

The North Cascades Highway reopens on Tuesday after a six-month winter closure, as reported by the Washington State Department of Transportation. This seasonal closure occurs due to heavy snowfall, with the highway typically reopening between mid-April and mid-May. The timing aligns with ongoing National Park Week, which lasts until April 27.

Northwest Sports Update Kraken can Bylsma, Raleigh and Mariners stay hot, new high school sport in WA and more

The Seattle Kraken dismissed head coach Dan Bylsma after one season, finishing with a 35-41-6 record. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners extended their winning streak, taking two of three games against the Toronto Blue Jays, with standout performances from Rowdy Tellez and Cal Raleigh. Additionally, Washington's high school sports landscape changes with the approval of girls flag football as an official sport.

Blaine man killed in suspected DUI crash in Custer

A Blaine man died in a suspected DUI crash in Custer on Monday morning. Mark Bunch, 34, lost control of his vehicle on I-5, veering off the road and striking a tree. The accident blocked the highway for approximately 30 minutes.

Bellingham Food Bank suffers as federal funding cuts continue

Federal funding cuts have severely impacted food security services in Whatcom County, Washington, with the Bellingham Food Bank losing over $800,000 in annual USDA funding. Food bank spokesperson Stephanie Sisson warns that demand for services has nearly tripled since 2021, exacerbated by the end of federal SNAP benefits for many families.

Trial is underway for Seattle man accused of killing brother in North Cascades National Park

The trial of 42-year-old John Thomson, accused of murdering his brother Robert in North Cascades National Park, is currently taking place in Whatcom County Superior Court. Thomson faces first-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting his brother 20 times during a confrontation following a detox trip. His defense argues that he acted out of fear for his life.

Lynden School District plans legal action against state over gender inclusion

The Lynden School District is considering legal action against the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction over gender inclusivity policies in athletics. The district's Board of Directors has authorized Superintendent David VanderYacht to initiate this legal challenge, asserting that compliance with state regulations could jeopardize federal funding under Title IX. The district also plans to file complaints with federal authorities regarding potential conflicts with these regulations.