Daily
Bellingham
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Bellingham. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Pat Grubb and Louise Mugar announced their retirement after 35 years of local publishing and are transferring ownership of The Northern Light to a non-profit — new issues will resume after negotiations finish. KISM
- ➤ Samaritan’s Purse volunteers cleared flood-damaged homes in Sumas last week after a major flood struck the area. Their work provided essential support to residents in need. Lynden Tribune
- ➤ Pat Grubb and Louise Mugar (publishing since 1991) will retire after 35 years in Lynden as they complete the transfer of The Northern Light and other publications to a nonprofit company. New issues will resume after final negotiations are completed. KAFE
- ➤ My Bellingham Now reflects on 2025 with a review of top local stories including the No Kings rally, lake adventures, and profiles of community voices — a thank you to readers for supporting free local news. KISM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ North Whatcom businesses faced challenges after a recent flood disrupted operations and revenue. Local owners are seeking support to recover and stabilize their services. Lynden Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lynden podcaster Emily Rask’s indie show (The Lies We Bought) hit No.9 on Apple podcasts' Marketing list on Dec. 31 before a full episode was released, marking an early achievement in local creative media. Lynden Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Whatcom County council approved a resolution on Tuesday, Dec. 30 to release up to $750,000 from the Healthy Children’s Fund for families with children ages 5 and under affected by December flooding - local recovery agencies will use the funds for temporary housing stabilization and child-specific relief. KAFE
- ➤ The Whatcom County Council approved releasing up to $750,000 from the Healthy Children’s Fund to help families with children ages 5 and under impacted by December floods. Local aid groups will use the funds for temporary housing stabilization and child-specific needs. KISM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Northwest Clean Air Agency has issued a Stage 2 burn ban for Columbia Valley as very unhealthy air alerts now affect Maple Falls, Kendall and Peaceful Valley due to smoke that is not clearing with calm winds. Vulnerable residents are urged to take precautions. KISM
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Bellingham girls beat La Center 60-32 earlier today in a high school game that set a lively tone for the local sports day as additional matchups unfold at nearby schools. KISM
- ➤ Registration opens for the 2026 Ski to Sea race on Jan. 1 at Mount Baker and Marine Park in Fairhaven. Teams that sign up by Jan. 31 get a $50 discount while Veterans Division standards now require 410+. KISM
- ➤ Registration for the Ski to Sea race opens today from Mount Baker to Marine Park, and teams who register by Jan. 31 receive a 50 dollar discount while free nonprofit team applications are due by Jan. 23 amid updates to the veterans division. KAFE
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2026 Awards & Installation Banquet
5-11 p.m. — Silver Reef Casino Resort — $100/person or $700/table — Celebrate in Roaring '20s style with cocktails, dinner, and dancing to SpaceBand.
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Super Smash LIVE
8 PM - 12 AM — Blue Room — Extra Controllers Available — Experience a live jazz fusion performance of the Super Smash soundtrack while playing casual games or tournaments.
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Noah Gundersen Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — Wild Buffalo House Of Music — Tickets starting at $95 — Experience an unforgettable evening with Noah Gundersen in Bellingham.
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Puzzle Hustle
6-7:30 p.m. — Bloedel Donovan Park — $30/team — Compete in a jigsaw puzzle race for a chance to win prizes.
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Community Work Party at Fairhaven Park
10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Fairhaven Park Pavilion — Free — Help improve the Outdoor Classroom and Native Plant Garden while enjoying the outdoors.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you seek is seeking you.
~ Rumi
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