Good morning, Bellingham.

Three local restaurants will close soon as rising labor costs, retirement, and lease increases force tough decisions.

Luna’s Bistro will close Friday, Sept. 11, Red Star will shut on Sept. 25, and Corner Taphouse will cease operations at month’s end.

Karl Petersen will read from his new book 'Left Unsaid' at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

26 at Village Books store (430 Front St.).

Gas prices in Whatcom County have reached $5.35 per gallon today, marking a 40-cent increase from a month ago — a rise that comes as records are set for Labor Day prices nationally.

Skagit County remains slightly lower at $5.30 per gallon.

Washington’s oldest state park will replace aging water lines through May 2027.

The park’s campground will close Sept. 15 until June 15 while day-use areas and the boat launch remain open (the project aims to improve water distribution and reduce maintenance emergencies).

Fire crews in Whatcom County advanced efforts to contain local wildfires.

The Luna fire reached 34% containment on Tuesday while burning about 7,700 acres near Newhalem + the Border 2 fire is 73% contained, with air quality forecast to remain moderate through Wednesday.

The Mariners host the Texas Rangers tonight (first pitch at 6:40 on KPUG) in a crucial series, while the Seahawks prepare for their season opener tomorrow and the Huskies fall two spots to No. 19 as two top running backs are injured.