Bellingham Metro News (BMN) is an independent digital news organization serving Whatcom County and Northwest Washington with breaking news, public safety reporting, business coverage, political reporting, weather alerts, and community journalism.
Founded in 2019, BMN has grown into one of the region’s largest independent local news platforms, reaching readers across Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, Blaine, Birch Bay, Everson, Nooksack, and surrounding communities through its website and digital platforms.
Meet the individuals helping power Bellingham Metro News and its continued growth across Northwest Washington.
Fernando Gonzalez
Founder, Publisher Owner & Editor-in-Chief
Fernando Gonzalez founded Bellingham Metro News in 2019 after years of experience in digital media, social publishing, grassroots journalism, and independent reporting throughout Northwest Washington.
His background in digital content creation began in 2013 with a YouTube channel that grew to over 11,000 subscribers, followed by the creation of independent local news pages and volunteer reporting work focused on developing incidents and community coverage throughout Whatcom County.
Under Fernando’s leadership, BMN has expanded into one of the region’s largest independent digital news platforms, covering breaking news, crime, business developments, politics, retail growth, transportation, weather events, and regional community stories.
Fernando also oversees BMN’s digital publishing operations, website infrastructure, multimedia coverage, social distribution systems, and long-term newsroom development initiatives.
Coverage Focus: Breaking news, business development, local government, crime reporting, regional growth, and community coverage.
Contact: [email protected]
Kevin Schmidt
Managing Editor
Kevin Schmidt joined Bellingham Metro News during its early growth period and has contributed to the outlet’s editorial development, investigative coverage, and long-form reporting initiatives.
His work focuses on community-centered journalism, accountability reporting, and stories impacting residents throughout Whatcom County and Northwest Washington.
Coverage Focus: Investigative reporting, feature stories, and community issues.
Contact: [email protected]
Greg Thames
Citizen Reporter & Columnist
Greg Thames joined Bellingham Metro News as a contributing columnist and citizen reporter focused on local government, civic engagement, and public policy coverage throughout Whatcom County.
With a background in Mass Communications and Photojournalism from Jackson State University, Greg combines community-centered reporting with accessible storytelling designed to help readers better understand local political processes and regional issues.
His reporting often focuses on elections, charter issues, public meetings, and civic transparency initiatives impacting residents across Northwest Washington.
Coverage Focus: Local politics, government transparency, elections, and civic engagement.
Contact: [email protected]
Chloe Anne
Volunteer News Reporter
Chloe Anne joined Bellingham Metro News in 2025 as a volunteer reporter contributing general news coverage and community-based reporting throughout Whatcom County.
With experience in student journalism and a lifelong passion for writing, Chloe focuses on local storytelling, community engagement, and human-centered reporting.
Coverage Focus: Community reporting, feature stories, and general local news.
James Lynch
Visual Journalist & Community Reporter
James Lynch contributes visual journalism, field reporting, and community-focused coverage for Bellingham Metro News throughout Whatcom County and Northwest Washington.
With experience documenting local issues and community developments, James focuses on on-the-ground reporting, visual storytelling, and regional coverage involving public safety, community concerns, and local events.
Coverage Focus: Visual journalism, field reporting, and community issues.
Our Mission
Bellingham Metro News is committed to delivering accurate, timely, and independent journalism for readers throughout Whatcom County and Northwest Washington.
Our mission is to provide transparent local reporting, community-focused journalism, and accessible news coverage that helps residents stay informed about the issues shaping the region.
BMN remains independently owned and locally operated, with a continued focus on digital-first reporting, fast-breaking updates, and meaningful community coverage.
Contact the Newsroom
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Bellingham Metro News
Have a news tip, developing story, correction, or community event? Contact the BMN newsroom directly.
Support Independent Local Journalism
Bellingham Metro News is built on community trust, local reporting, and a commitment to keeping Whatcom County and Northwest Washington informed. Every story, update, photo, video, and public safety alert reflects our ongoing mission to serve readers with timely and reliable information.
If you have a news tip, correction, community announcement, business opening, event, or story idea, we encourage you to contact the BMN newsroom. Your information helps us continue covering the stories that matter most to the people who live and work here.
Bellingham Metro News remains independently owned, locally operated, and committed to serving readers across Whatcom County and Northwest Washington.
