Good morning, Bellingham.

Washington’s economy shows signs of slowing as the state posts its fourth straight month of job losses with the unemployment rate rising to 5.2% in April — construction dropped while finance made gains — and Whatcom County’s report is due Tuesday, May 26.

Meridian Middle School students have spent several weeks turning old newspapers into art.

Sixth graders made papier-mâché cakes while seventh and eighth graders embraced creative projects to showcase recycling in school.

A state audit found the K-12 funding system used to distribute $30 billion in biennial funds is outdated and at risk for catastrophic failure.

The superintendent’s office plans to replace the computer system by the school year starting in 2028, which may leave schools exposed for three or more years.

The North Fork of the Nooksack River opens for hatchery Chinook on Saturday, May 23, with fishing allowed from Highway 9 Bridge to a marker at Kendall Creek Hatchery until June 30 or sooner if limits are reached—anglers must follow a 12-inch minimum and two-fish daily limit.

During Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, Whatcom County Health advises residents to check swim warnings, closures, and water clarity before entering local lakes and rivers to avoid bacterial risks and algal blooms (wash hands after contact with sand).

Harlan Kredit, a longtime science teacher and track coach at Lynden Christian (class of 1957), was inducted into the WIAA Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Snoqualmie on May 6.

He continues to coach and serve on the WIAA Executive Board while mentoring students.

The annual Ski to Sea race is sold out with a full wait list.

The event takes place Sunday, May 24 and begins at Mt. Baker Ski Area, running through Glacier Maple Falls, Kendall, Everson, Lynden, Ferndale before finishing at Fairhaven Marine Park.

Squalicum boys soccer, seeded second in the 2A state tournament, will host Clover Park tonight at 6:00 from Civic Field + the game follows Lynden Christian’s season-ending loss yesterday in the opening round of the state tournament.

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.

Forest Logging Show

All day — Deming Log Show Grounds — Entrance fee details not provided — Discover the thrill of logging competitions and the latest equipment demonstrations.

Karen Treiger - Standing on the Crack

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Explore the influential legacy of Jewish immigrant families in Seattle and Bellingham through captivating storytelling.

Tool Fair

Join us Father's Day Weekend, June 19–20, for the Hardware Sales 30th Annual Tool Fair — Bellingham's favorite tradition celebrating 30 years of community, featuring live demos, vendor booth raffles, a Super Raffle, exclusive Tool Fair merch, and a Beer Garden at Stemma West. Meet reps from your favorite tool brands, score deals, and keep the fun going at participating local businesses all weekend long.