Samish Park in Whatcom County has reopened after more than a year of closure for bridge replacement work. The park, the only public access beach on North Lake Samish, will open reservations for day lodging on December 1, 2026. A section of the lakeside trail remains closed.
The Seattle Seahawks signed running back Cam Akers and safety Quandre Diggs to enhance their roster ahead of a match against the Minnesota Vikings. Meanwhile, former head coach Jim Mora takes the helm at Colorado State University. The article also highlights upcoming Thanksgiving football matchups and local high school football accolades.
Washington state and 19 other states filed two lawsuits against the Trump administration over changes to federal food and housing assistance. The lawsuits challenge modifications to HUD's Continuum of Care grant program and new USDA guidance that may jeopardize food assistance for certain legal immigrants.
Bellingham’s Severe Weather Shelter will open for the season on November 29 and 30, with potential extension to Monday based on weather. The shelter, located at 925 N. Forest St., will accept guests from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and provide meals for up to 60 individuals each night.
WSDOT forecasts heavy traffic on major highways during the Thanksgiving week. Travelers should monitor congestion patterns on I-5 and I-90, as historical data indicates peak times for delays. Planning ahead can help mitigate travel hassles.
Kaiti Lopez, 28, became the operations manager at Ferndale Food Bank in mid-2024 to enhance food security in her community. Last fiscal year, the food bank served over 8,100 individuals, a 20% increase from the previous year, amid rising demand due to a government shutdown affecting SNAP benefits.
The Seattle Seahawks plan to sign veteran safety Quandre Diggs to their practice squad, adding depth to their secondary amid injuries. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers secured a 20-9 victory over the Carolina Panthers, tightening the NFC West race. Gonzaga's basketball team defeated 8th-ranked Alabama, improving to 6-0 this season.
The Port of Bellingham seeks public input on its plan to expand the board of commissioners from three to five members. A public hearing will occur on December 9, following voter approval of the measure, which passed with 65% support. Written comments on the redistricting plan are accepted until December 8.
Bellingham has recorded over 420 DUI arrests this year, significantly exceeding previous years' figures. Police attribute the increase to heightened patrols and emphasize that the actual number may be higher due to prioritization of serious offenses. The Washington State Patrol plans to conduct targeted patrols around Western Washington University on November 26 to promote safe driving during the holiday season.
Verizon plans to lay off 165 employees across Washington state, including 11 in Bellingham, starting January 23, 2026. The layoffs result from a consolidation and restructuring of operations at various locations, including the Meridian Street site, which will be handed over to an agent.
The Lighthouse Mission in Bellingham, WA, will host its 102nd Thanksgiving dinner on November 27 from noon to 3 p.m. at their F Street location, offering a meal to anyone in need. The organization seeks 75 volunteers and welcomes donations to support the event.
A Washington resident died after contracting the world’s first case of a rare bird flu strain. The individual, an older adult with underlying health conditions, had been hospitalized for weeks. Health officials monitor others exposed to the person's backyard flock, but the public risk remains low.
Bellingham City Council approved a settlement to enhance emissions controls at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. The agreement addresses violations by the Northwest Clean Air Agency and mandates the installation of additional air pollution controls over the next five years.
A federal judge has ruled to protect four public service agencies from federal funding cuts, ensuring their operations can continue without financial threats. This decision is significant for local services that rely heavily on federal support.
Lane closures on I-5 and the Guide Meridian this week may disrupt commutes in Bellingham. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced lane closures for guardrail repair and construction from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, and overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Wednesday.
Edgar Gonzalez Barragan, 32, faces federal charges for robbing Silver Reef Casino Resort and two other tribal casinos in Washington. He allegedly threatened a cashier with a gun during the robbery on August 3 and is linked to additional attempted robberies within a nine-day span. Barragan was arrested after a bank heist in Shoreline on August 11.
Sam Darnold threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns as the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Tennessee Titans 30-24. The win marked the Seahawks' fifth victory in six games and helped them secure the first wild-card spot in the NFC playoff chase. Seattle improved to 8-3 overall, remaining strong on the road with a 5-1 record.
Washington fines BP nearly $4 million for a gasoline spill near Conway, with a $3.8 million penalty and an additional $800,000 reimbursement request for cleanup costs. The leak, traced to a corroded pipeline component, resulted in over 21,000 gallons of gasoline contaminating a stream and briefly closing a local school.
A wintry weather system is set to impact holiday travel in Whatcom County, Washington, starting Tuesday. Forecasters predict snow accumulation exceeding six inches in the Cascade passes, potentially causing travel delays, particularly from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning.
Bellingham Police renew efforts to solve the 2009 murder of Bryan Marriott, who was shot beside his car. The police urge the public to provide any tips that could lead to new information in the cold case. Marriott's family seeks closure as the investigation has seen minimal progress over the last sixteen years.
A Tacoma man, Michael Young Jr., received a seven-year prison sentence for his involvement in a drug ring that distributed over 800,000 fentanyl pills across multiple states. His arrest followed a series of fentanyl overdose deaths among Lummi Nation citizens, prompting the tribe to declare a state of emergency. Authorities continue to investigate the drug organization with local and federal collaboration.
A 21-year-old man died after his car crashed into a house in Bellingham's Columbia neighborhood late Friday night. The vehicle caused significant damage to the home, but no occupants inside were injured. The police are investigating the cause of the crash.
The Federal Transit Administration awarded $2 billion to modernize bus services nationwide, including nearly $17 million to Whatcom Transportation Authority for hybrid bus replacements. Skagit Transit received over $9 million to expand its paratransit fleet and acquire larger buses. This funding aims to enhance safety, reliability, and reduce carbon emissions.
Whatcom County reopens recreational shellfish harvesting after a decline in paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) biotoxin levels. All beaches, from Sandy Point to the Skagit County line and Lummi Island, are now accessible for harvesting clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops. Harvesters should consult the state’s shellfish closure map before proceeding.
