Good morning, Bellingham.

The Washington State Patrol has urged the public to help locate missing Indigenous teen Abriana Powell, a 15 year old last seen on June 23 on Jefferson St in the Columbia neighborhood wearing a white T shirt and jeans — anyone with information should call 911.

Anthony D'Amato—formerly known as Kenneth Bianchi and called the Hillside Strangler—will appear before a parole board today in Bellingham; the 74-year-old serial killer who once took the lives of two women while working as a security guard may have his sentence extended if his appeal is rejected.

Western Washington University announced 20 layoffs on Tuesday, including eliminating its student affairs division, to address a $23 million budget deficit.

President Sabah Randhawa said previous cuts reduced the deficit by $13 million—and future changes to academic programs on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas and in Everett, along with main campus departmental cuts, will cover the remaining shortfall.

Western Washington University announced 20 layoffs on Tuesday as it cuts the student affairs administrative division to address a $23 million budget deficit—President Randhawa said planned academic changes at Kitsap, Olympic Peninsula, Everett and the main campus will help reduce the shortfall while keeping key services intact.

Bellingham City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed land annexation on July 21 that may change the city limits.

Council members are studying the 146-acre parcel near Squalicum High School—where more than 60% of property owners signed a petition—to assess its impact on emergency service coverage.

Bellingham City Council voted unanimously Monday night to ban extra fees for tenants and mobile home residents—removing charges for in-unit appliance use, common area access, payment processing, mail collection and lease changes—from any new leases or lease renewals.

The changes will take effect on Aug. 1.

Bellingham City Council approved a $150,000 settlement for Jerry and Terri-Lynn Land after they sued over the motorhome's destruction— the lawsuit is dismissed with prejudice to prevent further claims.

Boulevard Park Concert Series: SpaceBand

6-8 p.m. — Boulevard Park Stage — Free — Enjoy an evening of old-school dance covers and new classics with the local favorite, SpaceBand.

Bellingham Festival of Music Opening Night 2025

7:30 p.m. — Performing Arts Center — $50--$60 — Experience a global musical tour with Artistic Director Marcelo Lehninger and pianist Simon Trpceski starting with The Russian Masters.

2025 Literary Citizenship Awards Ceremony

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Celebrate local literary citizens recognized for their contributions to the community.

Laser Cutter Q&A Session

6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Get expert advice on laser projects and tools from Jason Davies in a casual setting.

In Timberline's Embrace Book Reading

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Jean Waight explores the enchanting history of Timberline Lodge through her latest book.

Horseshoe Tournament

All day — Lynden / Bellingham KOA Journey — Entry fee required — Compete in a thrilling horseshoe tournament while enjoying scavenger hunts and tractor rides.

Cascadia Dirt Cup 2025 – Galbraith Mountain Enduro

July 12-13 — Galbraith Mountain and Padden Trails Parking Lot — Entry fee varies — Experience thrilling mountain bike racing at the fourth stop of the Cascadia Dirt Cup series.

Intro to the Laser Cutter

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Learn from laser expert Jason Davies and get your questions answered about laser projects and techniques.

Midsummer Cider Tasting

4-7 p.m. — Elizabeth Station — Free entry — Sample specialty ciders from local farms and enjoy beautiful bouquets in a vibrant community setting.

Northwest Raspberry Festival

9 AM – 8 PM — Downtown Lynden — Free entry — Celebrate Whatcom County's raspberry bounty with live music, food sampling, and community fun.