Good morning, Bellingham.

The Whatcom Resource Information Collective (WRIC) is boosting its efforts to help local residents connect with essential services via its website WhatcomResources.org.

The initiative brings together information that simplifies access to community resources.

The Everson Summer Festival will run from July 10-11 with a book sale, basketball tournament, live music and other community activities; Steve Jones (named grand marshal) will lead the event.

Business owners in Bellingham are urged to check their aging HVAC systems this July as rising temperatures boost energy costs and lower customer comfort.

Upgrading to efficient AC may help reduce bills and improve worker (and customer) satisfaction.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2025, Whatcom County workers earned $34.29 an hour—75 cents above the national average and 23 cents below Mount Vernon—as management, healthcare and technical jobs ranked highest while construction was more common locally.

Mount Baker junior Lida Corado joined FFA last year after a friend recommended it and discovered a supportive community that has helped her grow as she works toward her goal of becoming a dentist.

Pest management experts say a sighting of odorous house ants signals a hidden colony that is hard to control.

Residents can trim nearby vegetation and secure entry points — bait traps may bring temporary relief before calling in professionals.

The state Department of Ecology announced on June 30 that over $5.6 million in grants and loans will fund water treatment and watershed projects in Whatcom County next year – local agencies will use the funds to improve wastewater systems and salmon habitat on the Nooksack River.

Whatcom County’s population grew 0.7% to 242,250 as of April 1, 2026 & marked the slowest pace in five years, while Bellingham added less than 700 people and Nooksack increased by 3.8%, mirroring state and national trends.

Fireworks remain banned in Bellingham while unincorporated Whatcom County and nearby towns allow fireworks on July 3 (6 p.m. to 11 p.m.), July 4 (6 p.m. to midnight), and July 5 (6 p.m. to 11 p.m.) with residents advised to check local rules before lighting them.

Whatcom Veterinary Hospital advises pet owners to consult their veterinarian for proper treatments and use distractions to keep pets calm during upcoming fireworks in unincorporated Whatcom County this Fourth of July (such as closing windows or playing music).

Bio Bug pest management experts say odorous house ants often form multiple nests and are hard to control, so residents are advised to trim nearby vegetation, seal entry points, and use bait traps for minor infestations while larger colonies may need professional treatment.

The Bells lost eight to six to the Edmonton Riverhawks last night after catcher Jake Lyall homered, but they will try to even the series tonight with a game starting at 6:05 local time.

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.

Iris Fisher Smith Book Launch

4-5 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Discover a heartfelt memoir that inspires hope and resilience through the journey of faith.

Club Weezer with DJ Mandy Moorhol

9 p.m. — The Shakedown — Tickets available — Indie rock and slacker rock fans unite for a vibrant dance party with DJ Mandy Moorhol.

Phoebe Wahl: Story Rug Book Release Event

4-5 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Celebrate the release of Phoebe Wahl's 'Story Rug' with a craft activity and an engaging conversation.

Florry Live at The Shakedown

7-11 p.m. — The Shakedown — $10+ — Experience the vibrant indie-country sounds of Florry and their eclectic lineup in downtown Bellingham.

Laughs with Richard Bowen

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Larrabee Lager Co — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night full of laughs with Seattle's own Richard Bowen and friends.

Soul Fire: A 70's Soul Tribute

7-11:30 p.m. — Blue Room — $15 — Enjoy a vibrant night filled with smooth grooves and fiery soul as you dance to the best hits of the 70's.