Good morning, Bellingham.

Testing data from last spring’s assessments showed modest improvements in math and reading for grades 3-8 and 10, though nearly one-third of students were below grade level in math.

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal asked the Legislature for $10 million to fund assistive technology and teacher training to help improve math skills as the job market evolves.

Whatcom County named national firm Nelson Worldwide plus local firm RMC Architects to design a new jail on LaBounty Drive in Ferndale while national firm Clark Construction plus local firm RAM Construction will build it, with contracts expected to be finalized this week.

The jail is set to be finished by summer 2028.

A judge ruled in late August that Li-Ching Fang must pay $125,000 to cover cleanup costs for a 20-acre encampment behind Walmart — the city had fenced the area and removed over 17 tons of waste with additional removal planned.

The Department of Health has closed all recreational shellfish harvesting in Samish Bay because recent samples found high levels of PSP toxins—this closure also limits clam harvesting in West Fidalgo, Cypress, Sinclair and Guemes islands except for the southern shoreline from Kelly's Point east to Long Bay. Harvesters are advised to check the state’s shellfish safety map before digging.

A new report shows that most users of Whatcom County’s permanent supportive housing were chronically homeless or institutionalized before enrolling and that most had a mental health disorder while nearly a third faced substance use issues.

The report highlights a critical shortage in treatment for these disorders—county recommendations include increasing staff and streamlining data reporting for programs like 22 North, Dorothy Place, and the YWCA projects.

The Mariners try to gain ground as they host the Angels tonight at 6:40 after a 4-2 win in 13 innings, while the Storm will learn their playoff opponent at 5:00, and local high school football rankings list Anacortes, Lynden and Sehome among the top teams — adding to a busy slate in regional sports today. The Seahawks adjust their lineup ahead of Sunday and NFL matchups round out the day.

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.

Indigenous Peoples' Day Primer with Rena Priest and Caskey Russell

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Celebrate Indigenous authors while exploring themes of community and environmental stewardship in literature.

Diving Before Dawn: A Dream Exploration by Sandi Madison

4-5 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Engage in a book talk and interactive activity about the metaphorical language of dreams with local author Sandi Madison.