Good morning, Bellingham.

Sahara Pizza opened its new Lynden location in Bender Plaza on Sept.

9. The restaurant, run by Dan and Tiffeny McDowell and partners Chris and Tom Wartinger, offers seating for 50 and large TVs for games (bringing a social twist to dining) as the chain’s 18th location.

Bellingham’s Mayor Kim Lund announced the appointment of Darby Galligan as Urban Transformation Strategist to help local businesses, developers, investors and artists overcome city process hurdles.

Galligan, who started on August 14, will guide economic efforts and represent the city in regional development projects.

The City Council approved a noise exemption Monday for night work on Samish Way to replace aging sewers in the Sehome area.

The project will start in October and finish in May 2027.

The Mariners will try to even their series tonight in Anaheim with KPUG coverage from 5:30 and first pitch at 6:40 following a 6-4 setback, while NBA officials review Seattle Sonics expansion bids with a decision due by year-end and former Seahawks’ Kenneth Walker III impressed in his NFL debut.