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Sunday, October 5th, 2025

Skagit County officials announced a 90-day hiring freeze on Oct. 3 to hold off on filling positions amid a $19 million general fund deficit for the 2026 budget—county leaders are considering options like a new public safety sales tax similar to one that the Bellingham City Council will vote on next week; the preliminary budget is set for public comment on November 17.

Sunday, October 5th, 2025

Jasmine Ikeda — an Orcas Island resident — was detained by the Israeli military on Oct. 1 while joining an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. Representative Rick Larsen said he contacted her family and the State Department to ensure she receives humane treatment and to secure her release.

Sunday, October 5th, 2025

The Whatcom Transportation Authority approved a $6.2 million purchase of the former Lighthouse Mission Base Camp property on Cornwall Avenue on Oct. 3 with a closing expected on Oct. 20 and will use the building for office space starting in early 2026 while planning to work with a private developer on mixed housing. The agency announced plans to build a new bus station with increased capacity—construction will begin as early as 2030 and expand the facility from 10 to 20 gates.