Good morning, Bellingham.

At a special meeting on Aug.

26 in Laurel, the Meridian School Board discussed the Whatcom County Early Learning Center, with Interim Superintendent Kurt Harvill providing a brief history (covering key details).

Northwest Indian College purchased a property at Legoe Bay on Lummi Island to build an educational center offering indoor and outdoor spaces for classes, meetings, and community events (honoring its connection to its historic Aquaculture site), with classes expected to begin in winter quarter.

Wildfire smoke may affect air quality this month in Whatcom and nearby counties as residents follow burn bans and air quality tips; area schools are open and drop-offs should avoid idling engines.

Wood heaters should burn clean, dry wood when home heating begins Oct. 1.

Washington state is partnering with Oregon and California to build 20 electric truck charging stations + three hydrogen fueling stations along Interstate 5, with $21M in federal funds, as part of a plan to create a zero-emission freight corridor from British Columbia to Baja California to cut diesel emissions.

Pet expert Kate Woods from Whatcom Veterinary Hospital explained that grain-free pet food is linked to heart failure in pets and advised local owners to consult a veterinarian before changing diets based on online advice.

Pet expert Kate Woods from Whatcom Veterinary Hospital warns that grain-free pet food has been linked to heart issues and advises pet owners to consult their veterinarian if their dog or cat develops skin problems.