The intersection in front of the Federal Building in downtown Bellingham filled up with protestors on April 19 at noon as part of the second “Hands Off!” protest Bellingham has seen in 14 days.
The sun was shining and smiles were wide as Bellingham residents gathered at El Sueñito Brewing Company for Walk and Roll Bellingham’s first Slow Roll of the season on April 16.
As the main chamber of Bellingham City Hall quickly reached capacity at 7 p.m. Monday, April 14, security guided the overflow of attendees to view the meeting via livestream in the mayor’s boardroom. In both the chamber and the boardroom, transgender community members and allies — dressed in funeral attire — showed up en masse, imploring the city council to pass a resolution declaring Bellingham a transgender sanctuary city.
At 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, immigration agents carried out one of the largest-scale raids in Washington since President Donald Trump was elected into office, arresting 37 workers at Mt Baker Roofing.
A total of 15 proposals were submitted by 14 organizations in response to the Northwest Clean Air Agency’s request for proposals, or RPF. The RFP offers $3.5 million in total funding for up to three projects. The RFP called for projects that would provide clear, tangible and positive benefits to local communities.
Signs and flags waved in the spring air on Saturday, April 5 as an estimated 4,000 people, according to Indivisible Bellingham, assembled to protest President Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) advisor Elon Musk’s sweeping federal changes.
Rising housing costs and a limited job market are driving many Western Washington University graduates to seek employment outside of Bellingham. As the end of the academic year approaches, thousands of students will need to factor in where opportunity will lead them.
There’s a narrow idea of what “help” looks like for those experiencing behavioral health issues. Too many people have decided not to seek help because they believe hospitalization is the only option. Hospitalization is long-term care in a large, highly institutional environment like Western State Hospital or Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital.
Bellingham stores and restaurants once bustled with Canadian customers. Now, they look like ghost towns, comparatively. President Trump’s blitz of outrageous tariffs and scandalous comments toward Canada have Bellingham’s Canadian regulars staying home. Canadians are justified in giving the U.S. the cold shoulder. Americans, be warned; this isn’t temporary, and it’s going to leave a mark.
The City of Bellingham will commence contamination cleanup for the former RG Haley International Corporation’s wood treatment site and Cornwall Avenue Landfill in the summer of 2025 in conjunction with constructing Salish Landing Park.
Whatcom County’s new jail and Behavioral Care Center (BCC) may include design elements intended to improve incarcerated people’s mental health. Design planning for the project is expected to begin in August 2025.
Food is a vital part of daily life that can unite people across cultures. Bellingham embraces this idea with a diverse selection of delicious dishes from 25 different food trucks, trailers, carts and pop-ups in Bellingham.
On Feb. 24, the City of Bellingham held a public hearing to revise and extend the interim landmark tree ordinance for an additional six months.
On March 8, brewers and beer aficionados alike will gather at Stones Throw Brewery to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The City of Bellingham will use successes and shortcomings gathered from the Holly Street bike lane pilot program to develop interim improvements to bike lanes.
For many college students, turning 18 comes with newfound freedoms: voting, moving out, and for an increasing number, getting their first tattoo. Just as turning 21 is associated with a first drink at a bar, getting inked at 18 has become a rite of passage for students entering adulthood.
Bayou On Bay, a Cajun and Creole restaurant in downtown Bellingham, is set to close on March 5. However, the family it created isn’t going anywhere.
The City of Bellingham finalized a $3.65 million purchase of 754 acres of forested land around Lake Whatcom from Nielsen Brothers Inc. on Feb. 14, 2025. The purchase was made as part of the Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition and Preservation Program (LWLAPP).
On Feb. 1, President Donald Trump signed an order to impose a 25% border tax on most Canadian imports and a 10% import tax on Canadian oil, natural gas and electricity.
The City of Bellingham offers seven Adult Sports Leagues annually. Providing community members with opportunities to stay active and connect. Leagues include indoor volleyball, sand volleyball, basketball, softball, badminton, kickball and roundnet. Fees vary by sport.
Solutions by The State News
