Nearly 2,000 Puget Sound Energy customers in Bellingham lost power this afternoon after an outage that began around 3:33 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. PSE’s outage map shows roughly 1,952 customers affected as crews continue assessing the issue. No cause has been identified, and restoration is currently estimated for 7:00 p.m. as the utility works to determine the extent of the damage.
Category: Local
Local news from Bellingham, Whatcom County, and surrounding communities. Bellingham Metro News delivers comprehensive coverage of the stories, events, and issues that matter most to residents of Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, Blaine, and all of Whatcom County.
Bellingham Resident Tied to D.C. Attack; National Guard Member Not Expected to Survive
Federal officials have confirmed that 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in Wednesday’s shooting near the White House, had been living in Bellingham prior to the attack. One of the two National Guard members critically wounded, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, is not expected to survive, according to her family. FBI agents executed an overnight search warrant at a North State Street residence as the multi-state investigation continues.
Dutch Bros Coffee Plans New Cordata Parkway Location After Months of Inactivity in Bellingham’s Development Records
After months without public updates, new documents confirm that Dutch Bros Coffee is moving forward again with plans to open in Bellingham.
Turning Point USA Chapter Launches at Lynden High School
A new student-led chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) has been formed at Lynden High School
Bond Would Flip Lynden High School’s Footprint and Add Modern Labs and Arts Center
Lynden voters will decide this fall whether to approve a $129 million bond to replace Lynden High School with a reoriented north–south campus, modern career and technical labs, and a new performing arts center. Superintendent David Vanderyacht says the design will emphasize “function over fancy” and include opportunities for students to gain “pre-apprentice experience” in trades such as electrical, plumbing, and framing.
Lynden School Board Tables Resolution on Establishing “Charlie Kirk Day”
The Lynden School Board voted 3–2 Thursday to table a proposal that would have created an annual “Charlie Kirk Day.” The resolution, introduced after Kirk’s assassination on September 10, called for a yearly observance against political violence and support for student debate clubs. Board President Verburg acknowledged the decision, saying, “The buck stops here,” and committed to allowing more community input. The proposal may return for discussion at the October 2 meeting.
Massive Turnout at Lynden Candlelight Vigil Honoring Charlie Kirk
Thousands filled Bender Fields in Lynden on Sunday evening for a candlelight vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, drawing one of the largest community gatherings in recent memory. More than 3,000 people stood shoulder-to-shoulder in prayer, song, and reflection, creating a striking display of faith and unity.
Lynden School Board Resolution Proposal Establishes Charles James Kirk Day Following Assassination
The Lynden School District Board of Directors is set to consider a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk with the creation of “Charles James Kirk Day.” If approved, the day would be observed annually on the Monday before September 10, encouraging students and staff to stand united against political violence. The resolution also underscores the importance of civil dialogue, debate clubs, and critical thinking in preparing students for civic life. A vote on the proposal is scheduled for September 18, 2025.
Lummi Nation Police Officer Shot During Traffic Stop; Suspect Remains at Large
A Lummi Nation Police Officer was shot early Monday morning while responding to a traffic incident on the 3200 block of North Red River Road.
Bellingham Hits 98,340, Whatcom County Tops 240,000 People
The Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) has just released its official 2025 population estimates — and Bellingham has reached a major benchmark: 98,340 residents, bringing the city closer than ever to the historic 100,000 milestone. If current trends hold, Bellingham is poised to pass that mark as early as next year.