Good morning, Bellingham.

Blaine Police warned residents today about scam texts that claim a fake traffic ticket carries penalties — they urged anyone receiving these messages to report them to the FTC since no government agency sends urgent payment notices.

County council members discussed a lawsuit filed by inmate Richard Kirkham (48) who has been in jail since September 2023; he claimed that the jail staff neglected his long-term physical and mental health needs and even threatened him when he asked for counsel.

The council backed four county employees in the matter, and Kirkham seeks nearly $5 million in damages along with prompt access to proper medical care.

Bellingham officials remind residents of firework laws as the Fourth of July nears—city limits ban fireworks unless approved as a public display while legally purchased fireworks and anchored sky lanterns can be used in unincorporated areas during specific hours.

Residents in unincorporated Whatcom County can set off fireworks from 6 to 11 p.m. on July 3 and 5 and from 6 to 12 a.m. on July 4, while bottle rockets and firecrackers remain limited to tribal lands and explosives are illegal statewide.

Bloodworks NW will set up three mobile blood donation stations around Bellingham in July with stops at Sehome Haggen, City Hall on July 7, and the WWU campus on July 15—each open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and urgently seeking all blood types, especially type O.

Whatcom County has a busy weekend planned—Downtown Distilled in Ferndale will run tomorrow from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring craft beverages and live music, while Bellingham hosts the Holi Festival at Boulevard Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the 35th Annual Tour of Private Gardens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local music fans can also enjoy live acts with The All’s Eye performing today at Shakedown at 9 p.m. and That Devil Music holding shows on Friday and Saturday at Lookout Arts Quarry—offering a mix of rock, punk, and surf rock.

At Joe Martin Field tonight, the Bells will play a deciding rubber match against Wenatchee after a 15—2 win ended their three—game skid and boosted their North Division lead to 1.5 games, with first pitch at 6:35; meanwhile, the Mariners lost 10—1 to the Twins in a rain‐delayed game that also saw first baseman Rowdy Tellez placed on waivers. Further sports updates include the Kraken trading Frederick Gaudreau for a fourth—round pick, former Washington State standout Cedric Coward being selected 11th in the NBA Draft, and the Whatcom FC Rangers 2010 Gold Team earning a spot at nationals in Tampa from July 11 through 15.

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.

Vietnam Veterans Car Show

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Barkley Village Green — Free admission — Celebrate veterans with a showcase of classic cars and community camaraderie.