Welcome to the Bellingham Metro News team page! As the largest independent news outlet in Whatcom County, we are proud to bring you accurate, timely, and community-focused reporting. Meet the individuals who make BMN possible:
Fernando Gonzalez
Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Business Reporter
Fernando Gonzalez founded Bellingham Metro News (BMN) in 2019, leveraging years of experience in digital content creation and grassroots journalism. His journey began in 2013 with a YouTube channel that grew to over 11,000 subscribers, featuring video game commentary and vlog content.
In 2014, Fernando launched intGBN, a news page on Facebook that gained over 2,000 followers. By 2017, he was volunteering for Whatcom Breaking News, where he reported on developing situations using a handheld scanner. The skills he gained from this experience became instrumental in BMN’s early success.
Fernando covers diverse topics, including crime, local news, business developments, and new establishments. He’s recognized as the driving force behind BMN’s online publication, producing bodycam commentaries, retail theft news, and the popular “What’s Coming to Whatcom County” series.
Beyond BMN, Fernando leads other ventures, including Portland Breaking News, Seattle Metro News, BMN Global News, and Fernslist: Washington State, solidifying his role as a key figure in regional journalism.
Follow @xFavorite Story to Cover: Local business success stories.
Contact: [email protected]
Kevin Schmidt
Senior Reporter, Organization Leader
Kevin joined BMN in late 2019, adding his expertise in investigative journalism and community reporting. With a keen eye for detail, Kevin is dedicated to uncovering stories that matter to Whatcom County residents.
Favorite Story to Cover: Investigative features that highlight social change.
Contact: [email protected]
Greg Thames
Citizen Reporter, Columnist, Bellingham Metro News
Greg Thames joined Bellingham Metro News in December 2024, bringing a passion for civic engagement and a commitment to empowering the working-class citizens of Whatcom County. With a degree in Mass Communications and Photojournalism from Jackson State University, Greg combines professional expertise with a natural talent for storytelling that connects with readers on a personal level.
Having called Whatcom County home for 25 years, Greg’s dedication to local issues grew from a desire to make government more transparent and accessible. Over the past five years, he’s immersed himself in the intricacies of local politics, driven by the belief that democracy thrives when citizens are informed and involved.
Greg’s reporting on the Whatcom County Charter Commission aims to break down complex governmental processes into clear, relatable stories that resonate with everyday residents. His approachable writing style reflects his goal: to deliver news that speaks the language of the people, not just the policymakers.
When Greg isn’t delving into local politics, you can find him exploring the natural beauty of Whatcom County or engaging with the community at local events. He’s excited to be your guide in navigating the critical decisions that will shape our county’s future.
Connect with Greg through his weekly column and join him in making democracy work for everyone.
Chloe Anne
Volunteer News Reporter specializing in General News Stories
Chloe Anne is a volunteer news reporter for Bellingham Metro News. She joined the news outlet in February of 2025. Chloe is a lifelong writer, she first gained experience working on high school newspaper pages and has continued to develop her skills over the years. Passionate about storytelling and community engagement, Chloe is eager to expand her knowledge in journalism.
A resident of Whatcom County for a total of 12 years, Chloe briefly lived in Ohio before returning, drawn back by the area’s natural beauty. She is a dedicated mother of two and an advocate for both her community and the environment.
James Lynch
Volunteer News Reporter specializing in visual-journalism
Born in Hawaii and raised in Texas and Vancouver, BC, James later settled in Bellingham, Washington, before spending a decade in Billings, Montana. Nearly four years ago, he returned to Bellingham with a keen awareness of the city’s evolution and a sharp focus on community issues.
During his time in Montana, James founded the Facebook group Bellingham Has Gone to Sh-t as a response to the city’s changes and challenges. His commitment to highlighting important local issues now continues with Bellingham Metro News, where he brings his experience and passion for storytelling to our video coverage.
Through in-depth reporting and on-the-ground coverage, James is dedicated to exploring the stories that matter most to Bellingham and Whatcom County.
Emma Lynn Harris
Volunteer News Reporter specializing in Community Outreach Stories
Emma joined Bellingham Metro News in February 2025 and covers stories that highlight everyday life in Whatcom County, from community-driven initiatives to local events that shape the region. Whether reporting on uplifting moments or important happenings, she is dedicated to sharing the stories that matter.
At 22, Emma is a manager currently taking a break from studying journalism at Western Washington University. A resident of Whatcom County for the past four years, she has lived in both Bellingham and Blaine. Her passion for journalism began early—she wrote for her high school newspaper and later volunteered as a student journalist for her local county newspaper.
With a strong love for writing and storytelling, Emma hopes to turn journalism into a lifelong career. She is excited to contribute to Bellingham Metro News and looks forward to bringing meaningful stories to the community.
Renee Miller
Volunteer News Reporter specializing in Traffic analysis and investigative reports
Renee has been a proud Whatcom County resident for 36 years and brings a wealth of expertise in traffic safety. As a certified traffic safety driving instructor for 3.5 years and a dedicated mother of four (two adults and two early teens), she understands the importance of safe and informed driving.
She joined Bellingham Metro News in February 2025, focusing on traffic news and new laws coming out of Olympia. Passionate about investigative reporting and writing, Renee is committed to keeping the community informed and advocating for safer streets in Whatcom County.
Our Mission
At BMN, we strive to inform, inspire, and connect Whatcom County through thoughtful journalism. Our team works tirelessly to deliver stories that reflect the heart of our community while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accuracy.
Got a Tip or Story Idea?
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We’re honored to be your trusted source for local news!