Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning, Bellingham. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Volunteer firefighting recruits have begun training at the East County Recruit Academy—15th for chief Michael Lish Everson—as they work toward a purpose-driven career in local public service. Lynden Tribune
- ➤ Olivia Lenssen, Kortnee Tolsma and Mia Alderliesten were named 2026-2027 Whatcom County Dairy Ambassadors; these 17-year-olds from Lynden Christian High School will visit schools and agricultural events to share local dairy farming insights. Their role will help community members learn about the industry. Lynden Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ State officials declared a statewide drought emergency on Wednesday, Apr. 8 after noting parts of the snowpack were only 52% of normal, which raises wildfire risks. They began hiring seasonal firefighters and clearing brush using $3 million in relief funds to protect local lands. KISM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ferndale Police announced a new program in partnership with nonprofit BlueBridge Alliance to give preloaded debit cards with $50 to $100 for urgent needs. The assistance program is funded through donations + a $10,000 contribution from Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery. 1170 KPUG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local medical providers are seeking blood donors next week during two mobile drives as Bloodworks Northwest works to replenish a low supply. Nearly 70 donors are needed at Western Washington University’s Viking Union on Tuesday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) while PeaceHealth offers seven slots at St. Luke’s Health Education Center on Wednesday (10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). 1170 KPUG
- ➤ PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center received a $10 million donation from local leaders Fred Kaiser and Grace Borsari from Alpha Technologies; the funds will support a Peter Paulsen Pavilion upgrade — including emergency department improvements, a rooftop helipad and enhanced childbirth and pediatric care. KAFE
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Whatcom County’s housing market slowed in the first quarter with 411 homes sold—down over 7% from last year—and the average sale taking 82 days, while the median price held steady at $630,000, noted local broker Adrik Brashear. KISM
- ➤ On March 18, a judge in Lynden ruled that MJ Management can now collect the $36 monthly fee along with attorney fees and costs for maintenance from November 2017 — May 2023. Lynden Tribune
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BRD Presents: Hindsight - A Celebration of 20 Years
7-8:30 p.m. — Firehouse Arts & Events Center Bellingham — Ticket information to be announced — Celebrate two decades of contemporary dance with a vibrant mix of beloved repertory and new works by BRD alumni.
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Terry Tempest Williams in Conversation with Brenda Miller: The Glorians
6-7 p.m. — Sehome High School, 2700 Bill McDonald Pkwy, Bellingham, WA — General admission sold out, but book/reservation combo still available — Explore the beauty of the ordinary with eco-visionary Terry Tempest Williams.
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Kenadie Lee: Handwritten Poetry Reading
6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Experience a poetic journey through gratitude and nature with local writer Kenadie Lee.
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Intro to the Laser Cutter
6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Get your laser cutter questions answered by an expert in a casual Q&A session.
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TJ Poortinga Book Launch
6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — In-person event — Explore TJ Poortinga's debut darkly-comic psychological fiction, 'Electric Orange!'.
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April Brews Day Festival 2026
3-8 p.m. — Civic Stadium — Ticket prices may vary — Celebrate craft beverages with 40+ breweries, cideries, live music, and local food.
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David Mason: Cold Fire
8 AM – 5 PM — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Contact via email for details — Attend a day of literary exploration at this local venue.
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CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival 10th Anniversary
Various times — Pickford Film Center — $15-$395 — Celebrate global cinema and inclusive storytelling at a milestone festival featuring award-winning films.
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Spring Car Show
All day — Les Schwab Tire Center — Free for spectators, $20 registration fee — Show off your wheels and enjoy a day of automotive camaraderie.
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KMRE 88.3 FM Marks 20 Years of Independent Community Radio with “Whatcom in Food & Stories”
On Thursday, May 7, KMRE presents Whatcom in Food & Stories at the Ferndale Events Center (5715 Barrett Road). This one-night-only gathering blends inventive local cuisine with live storytelling, creating an immersive experience that reflects the richness, diversity, and creativity of the region. KMRE is a nonprofit, all-volunteer, independent community radio station serving Whatcom County.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The smaller the change, the easier it is to stick to.
~ James Clear
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