Two individuals received prison sentences for their roles in the fatal shooting of a Mount Vernon man earlier this year. Seventeen-year-old Jesus Angel was sentenced to ten years for second-degree murder, while 23-year-old Robert Lozano received four and a half years for unlawful firearm possession and aiding a criminal.
Residents of Glacier, WA, are advocating to maintain their mail services after the local post office ceased operations following the postmaster's death. U.S. Representative Rick Larsen is seeking clarification from USPS regarding the post office's future and has requested a response by December 5.
Whatcom County residents can enjoy various events this weekend, including the Bellingham Improv Festival from Nov. 20-23. The weekend also features the Show Me the Reptiles Show and Expo, holiday festivities at Bellis Fair Mall, and the Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts. These activities provide entertainment options as families prepare for Thanksgiving.
The Port of Bellingham approved a feasibility study to assess potential cruise ship business at its cruise terminal. Global Ports Holding will evaluate market demand, vessel types, and necessary infrastructure improvements over the next year. If viable, cruise operations may commence years later.
U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd announced the detention of 34-year-old Leanthony Palmer, a suspected sex trafficker linked to Whatcom County. Palmer faces three federal felony charges, including sex trafficking and money laundering, with a trial set for December. If convicted, he could face 15 years to life in prison.
Bellingham Police Department launched the Safe Place program to assist hate crime victims. Local businesses can partner with the BPD to provide a safe location for victims to call 911, ensuring timely investigations. The program, originally developed in Seattle, aims to support all hate crime victims.
The Whatcom Transportation Authority plans to increase bus fares for the first time since 2008, proposing a rise to $2 per ride and a daily fare cap of $6. A public hearing will be held on December 4, 2025, to gather community feedback on the proposal. If approved, the new fares would take effect in fall 2026.
Bellingham's bike polo community is growing, with Brett Lott leading efforts to expand participation and accessibility. In 2024, the club received city support, enhancing its practice space downtown. A recent tournament attracted 29 teams from across the U.S., showcasing the sport's rising popularity.
Allegiant Air pilots will picket at over a dozen airports, including Bellingham International Airport, on November 18. The Teamsters Local 2118 claims Allegiant has invested in other areas while failing to offer a fair contract to its pilots. Over 1,400 pilots nationwide are expected to join the protest starting at 10 a.m. local time.
A Sehome High School senior died in a car crash in Bellingham on Nov. 16. The vehicle caught fire after the collision, and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner ruled the death accidental, and Bellingham Police are investigating the incident.
A 28-year-old man was arrested in Blaine, WA, for allegedly committing a hate crime after he threw a wooden decoration through a motel window and made derogatory comments to the owner. Police found probable cause for the arrest based on the damage and the man's statements. He was later released on personal recognizance.
Nearly 300 stakeholders at Western Washington University criticized leadership for recent layoffs affecting 94 positions. They urged administrators for transparency regarding future job cuts, particularly after the disbandment of the student affairs office. As of November 18, no response was received to their letter.
An 18-year-old from Everett, Jose Juarez-Montez, received a three-year prison sentence for stabbing a man during a fight in Bellingham. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries from two stab wounds in June. A trial for the second suspect, a 25-year-old male, is set for January.
Whatcom County's Plantation Shooting Range plans to reopen its indoor facilities for law enforcement in January 2026, followed by public access in March. The outdoor range, however, faces delays due to ecological cleanup, potentially pushing its reopening to 2028. The state Department of Ecology mandated this cleanup after lead contamination was detected.
Salmon fishing in Skagit County will temporarily close from the mouth of the Skagit River to Marblemount Bridge and the Cascade River to Rockport-Cascade Road Bridge starting November 19. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife cites nearing catch limits for coho salmon as the reason for the closure, which will last until January 31, 2026. Recreational fishing for game fish remains open under annual rules.
Drivers on southbound I-5 near Bellingham should anticipate delays due to a right lane closure this week. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will implement the closure from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 19 and 20 for rock removal.
First baseman Josh Naylor is finalizing a five-year contract with the Seattle Mariners, according to a source. Naylor, who became a free agent after the Mariners' postseason run, made a significant impact during his short tenure with the team, hitting .299 with nine home runs in 54 games.
The Los Angeles Rams secured a 21-19 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, marking their fifth consecutive win. Jason Myers missed a crucial 61-yard field goal attempt as time expired, allowing the Rams to celebrate a messy but significant win. Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown passes, while the Rams' defense recorded four interceptions, including two by Kamren Kinchens.
The North Cascades Highway reopened on November 17 after a four-day closure due to anticipated snowfall. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) implemented the closure between Ross Dam Trailhead and Silver Star Gate as part of its winter weather protocols. Last year's seasonal closure occurred on November 18.
Two individuals are suing the City of Bellingham, claiming injuries from accidents at locations where recent street safety upgrades occurred. One man alleges negligence after a collision while riding his electric scooter, and a woman claims inadequate street lighting contributed to her being struck while in a crosswalk. Both lawsuits highlight concerns regarding the city's safety measures despite recent improvements.
The Lynden Lions captured their first state volleyball championship by defeating Ellensburg. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners secured a five-year contract with first baseman Josh Naylor, and the Seahawks suffered a narrow 21-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, ending their four-game win streak. Former Seahawks safety Kenny Easley passed away at the age of 66.
Bellingham city officials have limited public access to Boulevard Park as restoration efforts progress. The project, expected to continue until the end of December, aims to enhance the park's facilities and natural environment. Some restoration work will extend into spring 2026.
Ten people in Washington state have fallen ill from E. coli linked to recalled cheeses from Twin Sisters Creamery. The state Department of Health issued a voluntary recall for several cheese varieties after the outbreak was confirmed. Officials advise consumers to discard any affected products and sanitize areas where they were stored.
A Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office detective filed a $30 million tort claim against the county, alleging gender discrimination and harassment. The claims include years of humiliation and a recent incident involving an AI-generated explicit video shared among colleagues, which went unpunished. Sheriff Donnell Tanksley has initiated two investigations into the allegations.
