Good morning, Bellingham.

The Assistance League is rebranding as Action League and will launch its new independent status tomorrow at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, community open house and launch party at 2817 Meridian St.

Whatcom County Public Works warns that traffic will get busier from today through early July as the FIFA World Cup kicks off with matches in Seattle and Vancouver—Bellingham will host Fan Zone watch parties that aim to celebrate the tournament while urging drivers to plan for delays.

Bellingham’s BIKE Bellingham program, launched in April, offers riders self-guided bike tours ranging 5 to 25 miles using the free Ride with GPS app (which directs cyclists to 62 local spots including quirky landmarks).

Founder Sarah Burch plans more themed rides and collaborations with SeaFeast and Bellingham Bird Week.

George Pickett built a home near Fort Bellingham, and his house at 910 Bancroft St remains one of the city's oldest wooden structures.

The city council removed his name from the local bridge in November 2019 (reflecting his controversial legacy).

Washington’s average annual wage reached $99,810 in 2025 (a nearly 5% increase over 2024) with unemployment benefits rising to $383 per week for new claims opened on or after July 5.

The Employment Security Department reported that Washington’s average wage reached $99,810 in 2025 — nearly 5% higher than in 2024 — and that minimum unemployment benefits will rise to $383 per week for new claims starting July 5.

A heat wave is forecast for western Washington when the heat advisory starts Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m. with mid-80s temperatures, and unincorporated areas in Whatcom & Skagit counties will see seasonal burn bans on Monday for fire safety.

The City of Nooksack mourned the loss of Mayor Kevin Hester, who died from cancer on June 9, as the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office announced his passing on Facebook at 11 a.m. on June 11 (official update).

Southbound I-5 traffic near Chuckanut Creek is diverted with a temporary bypass starting at 8 p.m. Monday, June 15.

The route will run through September while crews rebuild lanes to install a new fish-passable culvert (reducing speeds to 50 mph).

WSDOT has rescheduled the southbound I-5 temporary bypass to start at 8 p.m. Monday, June 15 and continue through September while crews rebuild lanes to install a fish-passable culvert using Old Samish Road, which remains closed to through traffic.

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.

Mason Bee Revolution with Dave Hunter

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Explore the crucial role of mason bees in pollination with expert insights and engaging discussions.

Laughs @ Larrabee Comedy Night featuring Brett Emerson

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Larrabee Lager Co — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening of nonstop laughs with standout comedians Brett Emerson, Mariah Dodd, and Jay Markowitz.

Rhys Langston Live at The Shakedown

8-11 p.m. — The Shakedown — Tickets required — Experience the genre-defying sounds of Rhys Langston and his eclectic live set.

Eternal Wave Live Concert

Jul 3-4 — The Shakedown — Tickets not specified — Experience infectious surf rock vibes with Eternal Wave and Where’s West? in a night of catchy tunes and dance moves.

Jontavious Willis Live

8-11 p.m. — The Shakedown — Ticket info available — Experience the vibrant fusion of traditional and modern Blues that brings audiences to their feet.

NW Tune-Up 2026

5-10 p.m. — Waterfront Pump Track — Ticket required — Experience world-class mountain biking, live music, and community culture in Bellingham, WA.

Northwest Tune-Up 2026

5:50-9:50 p.m. — Waypoint Park — Cost not specified — Enjoy an evening with modern crooner Stephen Day in the heart of Bellingham.