Daily
Bellingham
Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Bellingham. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Whatcom County's jobless rate increased as expected with seasonal trends in December 2025—rising from 4.6% in November to 5.2% while remaining below the statewide rate of 5.3%—and the seasonally adjusted rate is set for release next month. KISM
- ➤ Whatcom County’s jobless rate was 5.2% in December (up from 4.6% in November) and remained below the state level of 5.3% as seasonal trends continued while the private sector added roughly 7,700 jobs in food services, bars and software publishing. My Bellingham Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Whatcom County Farm Forestry Association is hosting its 67th tree sale that offers inexpensive seedlings available from Feb. 1 to March 11 via its website with pickup at NWW Fairgrounds in Lynden to support forestry educational outreach. Lynden Tribune
- ➤ On Wednesday, Jan. 28, the Northwest Clean Air Agency canceled the Stage 2 air quality burn ban for the Columbia Valley near Kendall (including Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes developments) as air quality improved. The agency urged residents to limit indoor burning to reduce future bans. KISM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Whatcom County council voted Tuesday, Jan. 27 to recommend a new behavioral care center on Division Street that will offer 32 beds to local residents. Construction is expected to begin in May 2027 to provide treatment outside jail custody. KISM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Lynden support group (focused on dementia care) meets regularly to help families navigate changing roles when a loved one regresses and aims to reduce stigma around the illness. Lynden Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ PeaceHealth announced on Tuesday, Jan. 27 that its three parcels, including the former St. Luke’s Hospital and adjacent assets, are for sale with a market value over $18 million to support investments in St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Real Estate Company JLL is managing the sale. My Bellingham Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Lynden’s girls flag football team won a district championship with a perfect 12-0 record after victories over Bellingham and Squalicum and will host Lindbergh at Ferndale High School at 5 p.m. Friday. My Bellingham Now
- ➤ Lynden’s girls flag football team won the district championship last night with a perfect 12-0 season and now advances to the district crossover tournament. The 2nd-seeded team will host Lindbergh at Ferndale High School tomorrow at 5 p.m. (game time confirmed). KISM
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Bellingham Symphony Orchestra: Smitten
3-6 PM — Mount Baker Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a delightful musical evening with the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra.
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Intro to Laser Cutting Workshop
6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Class fees include materials — Learn to safely operate a powerful laser cutter and create custom acrylic keychains.
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Super Bowl 60 Watch Party
3 p.m. — Aslan Depot — Free admission — Enjoy pizza, beer, wings, and the excitement of the Super Bowl.
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Josh Rawlings Trio Live Performance
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Firehouse Arts & Events Center — $20 general, $10 students — Experience captivating jazz grooves and soulful classics from Grammy-nominated pianist Josh Rawlings and his trio.
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Emily Nemens and Kiik Araki-Kawaguchi: An Evening of Friendship
6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Dive into the heartfelt narrative of friendship and resilience in Emily Nemens' newest novel 'Clutch'.
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Valentine's Day Swing Dance
7-11:30 p.m. — 1027 N Forest St, Bellingham, WA — Check event site for cost — Celebrate Valentine's Day with live jazz music, dance performances, and a beginner swing dance lesson.
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Paul Bannick's Woodpecker Photography Presentation
6:30-7:45 p.m. — Whatcom Museum — $17 — Experience captivating stories and stunning images of North American woodpeckers throughout the seasons.
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HOPE Conference® Bellingham
9:30 AM – 2:30 PM — Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center — Free event — A supportive gathering for those on the Parkinson’s journey.
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Ben Thomas Quartet Live Performance
4-6 p.m. — Firehouse Arts & Events Center — Tickets available — Experience the rich sounds of jazz with the Ben Thomas Quartet featuring talented musicians on vibes, clarinet, bass, and drums.
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Good Neighbor Night at Stones Throw with The Millie Project
5-9 p.m. — Fairhaven Stones Throw Brewery — Free entry — Support rescue dogs and enjoy craft beers while helping a local cause.
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
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
~ George Bernard Shaw
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