Good morning, Bellingham.

Allegiant Airlines will end its service at Los Angeles International Airport after more than 17 years on January 3 because operating costs have grown too high—forcing the cancellation.

With that route ending, Bellingham International Airport will offer six nonstop destinations in the new year including service to Hollywood Burbank Airport.

The Hands Across the Water flotilla launched on Sept.

18 in the Salish Sea and will continue through Sunday with fireside stories by local historians and Indigenous leaders, a soccer game and live music. The event aims to strengthen bonds between US and Canadian citizens.

Washington State Ferries announced the new schedule for the Anacortes to San Juan Island ferry will remain in effect through spring; the fall schedule begins Sunday, Sept.

21 and runs until June 13, 2026, with 144 trips per week—up from 130 last winter after the Legislature allocated extra funds to boost service. This marks the first time in 20 years that the fall schedule will be maintained for the winter and spring seasons.

On Sept 12, elected officials from Bellingham and Langley gathered to plant a tree symbolizing long-standing regional unity, and Bellingham will start Boulevard Park shoreline improvements in mid-October—an effort to boost beach access, protect the coast, and support local fish.

Other projects include a three-year environmental cleanup and new park development at Salish Landing, a Friends of the Library book sale from Sept 25 to 27, a photo competition to capture Bellingham’s spirit, nighttime road closures on West Bakerview Road for a sewer project, and potential overnight work at Padden Creek with advance notice to Fairhaven residents.

This weekend, Bellingham hosts the Celtic Festival through Sunday with concerts and workshops while runners can join the Bay Marathon on Sunday to support youth nonprofits.

The New Prospect Theatre presents The Shark is Broken from today until Sep.28 and The Wailers perform at Wild Buffalo on Sunday — adding more choices like apple picking and local celebrations.

On Sept. 5, a weak job report helped push the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate down by 16 basis points to 6.29%, a drop that a local real estate broker said may help both buyers and sellers.

Lower rates are expected to boost home sales in Whatcom County—offering easier financing for those looking to move.

Today the Mariners beat Kansas City 2-0 to tie with Houston for the division lead and will head to Houston for a series that could decide the American League West—Storm will play decisive Game 3 against the Las Vegas Aces at 6:30 p.m. while local high school teams and NFL matchups add to the night's sports action as the Bellingham Bayhawks host undefeated Anacortes on KGMI and the Bills host the Dolphins at 5:15 p.m.

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.

Kendall Lujan & Band Live

7-11 p.m. — The Orion (Oddfellows) — Check event page for ticket price — Experience a night of live music with Kendall Lujan & Band in Bellingham.

Intro to Vector Graphics Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Cost varies — Learn to create vector graphics using Inkscape with seasoned designer Jason Davies.

Volunteer Opportunity: Community Work Party at Big Rock Garden Park

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Big Rock Garden Park — Free entry — Help clean sculptures and tidy this peaceful park suitable for all ages.

DESERT ANGEL

Join us this Sunday, October 17th at 12:30 pm, at the Pickford Film Center to watch one of their October's Official Selection DESERT ANGEL. We will have a table in the lobby with information, and we will be discussing the struggles our immigrant community is currently facing.