A Seattle man, Mohamed Abdirisak Mohamed, received an eight-year prison sentence for his involvement in a fentanyl distribution ring operating in Whatcom County. He was apprehended twice with firearms and large quantities of fentanyl pills during traffic stops. The operation primarily distributed narcotics within the Lummi Nation.
Victor Alcala-Arellanes, a 36-year-old man from Mexico, was taken into ICE custody after being convicted of drug trafficking in Whatcom County. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison following his guilty plea in February 2025. His arrest was part of a larger investigation into a Mexico-based drug operation.
Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks on May 7. Entering his 13th NFL season, Hankins played all 17 games last season, recording 30 tackles and one sack. His return bolsters a defensive line that already includes notable players like Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed.
Leody Taveras delivered a game-tying single in the eighth inning of his Seattle debut, leading the Mariners to a 6-5 comeback victory over the Athletics on May 7. Seattle overcame a five-run deficit, marking their ninth consecutive series win. Andrés Muñoz secured his 13th save, maintaining an impressive streak of 18 innings without an earned run.
A rockslide has blocked a section of Chuckanut Drive near Bellingham, with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews expected to work for weeks to clear the debris. The closure, which affects access from the Oyster Dome trailhead to Chuckanut Manor, is anticipated to last through June. Local attractions along the route remain open, with detours provided for access.
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is bracing for a five-day strike by unionized workers, including CNAs and imaging technicians, starting May 12. Workers cite wages, understaffing, and patient care concerns as critical issues after eight months of stalled contract negotiations. PeaceHealth plans to ensure continued care during the strike, although nurses will not participate.
Mother’s Day events in Bellingham include a performance by comedian David Cross and a Spring Wine Walk featuring regional wines. Families can enjoy Big Jam Stories in Ferndale, while local restaurants offer special brunch menus to celebrate the occasion. Boundary Bay Brewing also hosts a farewell brunch before closing.
Allan Fee and Jason Upton host "The Zone" on KPUG, delivering sports coverage every weekday from 3-6 p.m. in Bellingham, WA. The duo engages listeners with local sports stories and interviews, honoring the legacy of their late predecessor, Mark Scholten. Their innovative approach includes a new roadshow, "Friday Night Lights," focusing on Whatcom County prep football.
A Whatcom County jury convicted John Thomson of second-degree murder for killing his brother, Robert, in North Cascades National Park. Thomson shot his brother 20 times after an altercation during a trip meant for detoxing from substance abuse. He faces sentencing on June 5.
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a rent stabilization bill limiting annual rent increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. The law also prohibits rent hikes during the first year of a lease and requires landlords to provide 90 days' notice before raising rents. Starting June 1, the Department of Commerce will determine the allowable rent increase percentage annually.
A U.S. District Court judge ordered the arrest of the fishing vessel "The Hannah," built in Whatcom County, due to a $1.3 million complaint from Leo’s Welding and Fabrication. Northline Seafood's CEO Ben Blakey asserts the vessel will continue operations in Bristol Bay despite potential disruptions.
Developers near completion of Bellingham's North Haven tiny home village expect to welcome residents by the end of May. The city purchased the site last April and is collaborating with HomesNOW! to assist current residents in the transition.
Aircraft fuelers at Seattle-Tacoma Airport voted unanimously to authorize a strike, potentially disrupting flights for major airlines. The Teamsters Local 174 union demands improved pay and better working conditions, including clean facilities. Negotiations are set to resume on Thursday as union leaders stress the importance of reaching a fair agreement.
The Port of Bellingham terminated its exclusive development agreement with Harcourt Developments due to ongoing project delays. The decision follows a history of legal disputes, with the Port's commissioners emphasizing the importance of adhering to contracts. Future development plans will be discussed in upcoming meetings.
The City of Bellingham will host a neighborhood meeting on May 7 to discuss the Downtown Forward initiative led by Mayor Kim Lund. The event, free and open to the public, will take place at Boundary Bay Beer Garden from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Seattle Mariners overcame a five-run deficit to defeat the Oakland Athletics 6-5, marking their ninth consecutive series win. Key contributions came from Ben Williamson, Rowdy Tellez, and Leody Taveras, who drove in crucial runs after Taveras was claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers. The victory solidifies the Mariners' three-game lead in the AL West.
Jacob Wilson's 11th-inning single lifted the Athletics to a 7-6 victory over the Mariners in West Sacramento on May 5. Wilson's performance included three hits and three RBIs, bringing the Athletics within one game of the first-place Mariners. The game featured multiple lead changes and strong pitching performances from both teams.
Ferndale Public Schools will host the Rock the Nest Fest on May 17, featuring music, food, and family activities. The event, which runs from 3:00 – 9:30 p.m. at Ferndale High School, will include a performance by Seattle-based band Nite Wave, playing 80’s hits. Proceeds support the Ferndale Public Schools Foundation to help remove financial barriers for students.
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.
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.
Bellingham residents can voice traffic safety concerns as the city launches its Community Streets Program. The initiative targets neighborhoods including Cordata and Meridian in 2025, encouraging feedback on issues like speeding and visibility through an online survey or phone calls until May 31.
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.
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.
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.
