Daily
Bellingham
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Bellingham. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Anna Adams brings nearly 20 years of food service expertise to Hela Provisions on Cornwall Avenue by curating local products and a unique charcuterie menu; on April 30 the shop will host an author talk with renowned chef Renee Erickson featuring a tasting from her new book. KISM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Former Lynden paperboy TJ Poortinga will visit Village Books to promote his debut novel Electric Orange as part of his tour, connecting his childhood roots with his emerging literary success. Lynden Tribune
- ➤ Carl Crouse’s latest book recounts the experiences of Nooksack Valley residents who lost much during the December 2025 flood. The work explores the community's resilience as it shares personal stories of recovery. Lynden Tribune
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Washington's jobless rate climbed to 5.1% in February from 5% in January, marking the fourth consecutive monthly rise at a five-year high; Whatcom County figures will be released on Tuesday, Apr. 21 (after delays from last year's federal shutdown). KISM
- ➤ Gas prices for regular fuel in Whatcom County have held steady at $5.34 as of Wednesday, April 15 while diesel remains near its record high. Analysts warn that rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz — which risk further supply disruptions — may drive prices higher soon. KISM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Northbound I-5 reopened south of Bellingham on Wednesday, April 15 after nearly a month-long closure caused by heavy rains and landslides beginning on March 19. WSDOT said crews cleared 7,000 cubic yards of debris and stabilized the slope, though the northbound on-ramp at North Lake Samish remains closed (as of 12:30 p.m.). 1170 KPUG
- ➤ Housing inspectors have begun free (45-minute) visits to assess flood damage for residents who applied for FEMA disaster help after December storms in Whatcom County; appointments will be scheduled via call or text from unfamiliar numbers. KISM
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ In the first quarter of 2026, only 411 Whatcom County homes sold—a 7.4% drop from last year—and each sale took three extra weeks, according to Adrik Brashear of the Bellingham-based Muljat Group. Lynden Tribune
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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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Heather Lea: Riding Full Circle
6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Enjoy humorous tales of adventure and life lessons learned from the road on a motorcycle journey across the world.
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Anne H. Putnam and Ashleigh Renard: A Conversation on Memoir Writing
4-5 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Engaging discussion about relationships, memoirs, and the healing journey post-heartbreak.
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Day Hiking in the PNW with Craig Romano and Tami Asars
6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Discover the best trails in the Snoqualmie Pass region and enhance your hiking adventures with expert insights.
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