Good morning, Bellingham.

Beloved Bellingham Rock was blasted into over 100 pieces as part of the WSDOT Fish Passage Project yesterday.

Local residents say the fate of the historic landmark did not match plans, and remnants will be moved from the work zone in coming days (community voices are upset).

A new quarterly survey by the Association of Washington Business found that nearly 75% of business owners say high tax burdens are hurting profits, with many planning to move their operations + personal residences out-of-state as they explore alternatives.

Washington state officials launched Washington’s Water Future to set water-saving measures amid ongoing drought, outlined in a May 6 press conference by the Department of Ecology.

Regional roundtables will guide future proposals as local leaders (including Lynden Mayor Scott Korthuis) highlight early Managed Aquifer Recharge projects.

State fishery managers closed Marine Area 8-1 for recreational spot shrimp today to help rebuild low populations; non-spot shrimp fishing will resume on June 1 while Marine Area 7 remains open for all shrimp species.

A 61-foot fin whale weighing about 40 tons was stranded and died on Samish Island beach Tuesday after rescue teams responded late Monday—experts said the emaciated animal was in poor condition and NOAA will perform a necropsy before letting the carcass decompose naturally.

On Tuesday a 61-foot fin whale stranded and died on a beach in Skagit County near Samish Island.

Rescue teams responded Monday night but found the very thin animal in poor shape; experts said it will be studied before naturally decomposing.

Emergency repairs began Wednesday, May 6 near Diablo Lake as WSDOT crews work to clear a rockslide that closed the highway between Colonial Creek Campground and Porcupine Creek.

Officials say the roadway will reopen later than usual due to heavy rain and damage (no reopening date yet).

Whatcom County Fire District No. 1 has promoted Nick Kluge to lieutenant.

Kluge, who has worked as a plane flight technician, cable guy and biodiesel producer (and volunteered with the Lummi Island Fire Department in 2023), brings broad experience to his new role.

The Mariners beat the Braves 3-1 behind key plays from Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, and Cole Young, while local teams saw action as Squalicum advanced in high school baseball and WWU's Lauren Lee qualified for nationals with the Vikings softball team set for playoffs tomorrow at noon.

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.

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.

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.

Kate Schuman - Desert Rose Family Event

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free — Explore music and storytelling while building a cattle drive on a felt board in this engaging family activity.

River Spell Concert

4-8 p.m. — Skylarks Cafe — Cost info unavailable — Experience the unique sound of River Spell, a jam band blending folk, rock, and funk.

Sam Lachow Live Performance

9 PM – 12 AM — Wild Buffalo House Of Music — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience an eclectic mix of music from a talented producer and rapper known for his innovative style.

The Journey Begins: Community Introduction to Setting Sun Circle

6-7:30 p.m. — Maritime Heritage Park — Free entry — Experience Indigenous art, music, and dance at this community introduction event during the Indigenous Art Walk.

Buzz In! Improvised Game Show

9:30 – 11:00 PM — The Upfront Theatre — $0.66 ticket service fee — Enjoy Bellingham's favorite improv game show filled with hilarity and surprises.