Good morning, Bellingham.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Washington’s State Superintendent Chris Reykdal said student results matched national averages as attendance and dual credit participation increased.

He urged the Legislature to restore funding to programs including Transition to Kindergarten (T2K) and math professional development despite ongoing national declines in reading and math skills.

Bellingham city officials invite residents to nominate its official bird and share feedback on an affordable housing report open through noon Sept.

15; low-interest home repair loans, road work on Lincoln + Fraser Streets and new metered parking spaces support ongoing improvements while officials warn against permit scam emails.

Following the state Insurance Commissioner's approval on Sept.

9, nearly 250,000 residents who buy individual health plans face a 22.2% rate increase in 2027. Three companies — Coordinated Care Corporation, Kaiser and Lifewise — will offer plans in Whatcom County with open enrollment beginning on Nov. 1.

Today, locals can enjoy Improv and Dragons at Upfront Theatre from 9 to 10:30 p.m. as Oktoberfest at Trackside starts Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.—upcoming Saturday events include Run with the Chums at BP Highlands in Birch Bay and the Lynden Whiskey Event on Front St in Lynden.

Local Squalicum hosted Anacortes in a high school football rematch last night at Civic Stadium (pregame coverage started at 5:30 p.m. on KGMI with kickoff at 7:00 p.m.).

The game revisited last year’s upset and energized the community.