Holly Street safety overhaul: Bellingham Public Works will swap parking-protected lanes for buffered bike lanes from State to Bay streets after a year of data and feedback, with construction starting the week of July 21 and brief lane closures ahead — find out what to expect.
Bellingham bites junk fees: Last month the City Council capped screening, security deposit and pet damage fees and barred hidden appliance, common-area and lease-transfer charges — find out how renters benefit.
Ethan Hunger’s extreme challenge: On July 19, Bellingham agent Ethan Hunger will bike 112 miles and swim 10.5 miles in 20 hours to torch 13,000 calories and raise $300,000 for the Bellingham Food Bank, with community HIIT classes, yoga sessions and a Stones Throw Brewery finish-line party — find out how to get involved.
Whatcom Habitat’s $160K grant: Whatcom County’s Habitat for Humanity has secured a Lowe’s Hometowns award to renovate its youth center — learn what impact it will have.
Brace for utility hikes: Bellingham customers will pay about 13% more on combined water, sewer and stormwater bills starting Jan. 1, 2026, with rates rising through 2045 to fund $765 million in pipe and treatment-plant upgrades — find out what help’s available for low-income families.
SNAP cuts strain food banks: Food banks across Whatcom County warn of soaring demand after federal SNAP and USDA funding cuts leave thousands at risk of food insecurity — find out how to support their efforts.
Retail shake-up in Bellingham: Old Navy seeks a new Cordata spot, CVS plans to take over several former Rite Aids, China Palace has shuttered after 40 years and Desert Pines is now open downtown — find out all the details.
Ferndale’s first official Pride: Organizers team up with Whatcom County Library and the city for free workshops, trivia night and Pride in the Park next weekend at Pioneer Pavilion — find out how to join.
Retail and office vacancies rise: Bellingham’s retail vacancy jumped by nearly 90,000 sq ft from April to June while office space hit a two-year high and average rents climbed about $1 per sq ft amid landlord optimism — find out what’s driving these shifts.
Other Bellingham headlines this week
- Hamsters, chickens and sloths symbolize Bellingham’s spirit
- Bellingham casting calls draw aspiring actors
- First car show at Bellis Fair Mall
- Discover family fun at Larrabee State Park
- I-5 paving project extends delays into fall
- Outdoor Research opens new Bellingham retail store
