Good morning, Bellingham.

The Whatcom Humane Society received a large number of stray cats and kittens on Saturday and now asks the community for donations of canned pate, cat toys, and supplies—reminding owners to microchip or collar their cats so lost pets can be returned home.

Its Division Street shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

United Way of Whatcom County is hosting its third annual Tastiest Taco Competition this fall in Whatcom County.

Eight local restaurants offer a $30 booklet for one free taco at each spot from Sept. 30—Oct. 28 while proceeds support the Community Impact Fund.

Home buyers and sellers in Whatcom County saw mortgage rates drop from over 7% in May to 6.3% on Sept.

5 as weak job reports led to lower rates. Kena Brashear from the Muljat Group expects the rates to hold steady unless bond market conditions or Federal Reserve actions change the trend.

Over the weekend, fire crews worked in adverse smoke conditions to contain the Perry Fire, which burned an estimated 1,557 acres on the west side of Ross Lake.

Helicopters and boat crews were deployed to protect Little Beaver and Silver Creek Campgrounds while cooler North Cascades temperatures improved aerial operations—helping water drops and surveillance efforts.

The Washington Department of Ecology today rejected a federal draft report for downplaying climate change and ignoring decades of research, saying it is used to justify rolling back climate rules.

They also released analysis showing that Washington has warmed nearly two degrees and warned that more extreme weather—floods, droughts, and wildfires—will threaten local communities if emissions are not reduced.

Political action committee Let's Go Washington is collecting signatures to send two initiatives to the state legislature by year-end — one to restore parents' access to student records and the other to bar students assigned male at birth from female sports.

Fire Station 22, known as the Sudden Valley Station, received a county permit for its renovation that will begin on Oct.

6 and be led by Tiger Construction. Equipment is now being moved and fire crews will temporarily work from Station 21 — the station is expected to reopen next year.

South Whatcom Fire Chief Mitch Nolze said Fire Station 22—better known as the Sudden Valley Station—got a county building permit; construction will begin around Oct.

6 with Tiger Construction making repairs while firefighters work at Station 21 and admin services move to the Valley Mall until the station reopens next year.

Introduction to the Laser Cutter

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free entry for members — Learn about laser cutting, vector graphics, and more with expert Jason Davies.

An Evening of Self-Compassion

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Discover how to cultivate kindness towards yourself and manage difficult emotions effectively.

Intro to Vector Graphics Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — $Cost info available via inquiry — Master the art of vector graphics using Inkscape with expert guidance.

The Lone Bellow Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — Mount Baker Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the transcendent harmonies and live energy of Brooklyn's rising band.

Intro to the Laser Cutter

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Explore laser cutting and ask questions during this informal Q&A session with expert Jason Davies.

Carolyn Larkin Taylor - Whispers of the Mind

2 – 3 PM — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Explore the intricacies of the human brain through the lens of a seasoned neurologist's journey.

Introduction to the Laser Cutter

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Engage in an informal Q&A about laser projects and various maker tools.