Daily
Bellingham
Friday, September 26th, 2025
Good morning, Bellingham. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The City of Bellingham and Whatcom County are hosting the We Scoop Dog Photo contest to remind dog owners to scoop, bag, and trash animal waste. Dog owners must submit photos by Tuesday, Sept. 30 — six winners will receive prize packs and be featured in future Public Works ads. KISM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Western Washington University began classes earlier this week and President Randhawa introduced the Presidential Strategic Enrollment Growth Initiative to prevent further layoffs amid a $23 million budget deficit. The plan will automatically admit eligible high school seniors and ease community college transfers, aiming to enroll 3,200 first-year and 1,200 transfer students in fall 2026 — a move to secure the school’s future. KISM
- ➤ Western Washington University started classes earlier this week as President Randhawa announced the Presidential Strategic Enrollment Growth Initiative — a plan that will offer automatic admission to local high school seniors and easier credit transfers for community college students — to help avert further layoffs. The school will enroll 3,200 first-year students and 1,200 transfers in fall 2026. KAFE
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A record 7,000 Chinook salmon are expected to return to Whatcom Creek this fall due to a hatchery program run by Bellingham Technical College (in partnership with the Lummi Nation) that supports local fisheries, endangered Southern Resident killer whales, and gives students hands-on learning in aquatic science. FOX13
- ➤ The state Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today that higher numbers of Chinook salmon let lower Whatcom Creek extend fishing on Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, Oct. 5—anglers are limited to two hatchery Chinook per day if they are over 12 inches long. KAFE
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting next week—Sept. 29 through Oct. 2—a portion of Mount Baker Highway near the Coal Creek Bridge will close daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for early winter maintenance led by WSDOT that clears catch basins, ditches, hazardous trees and repairs guardrails. KISM
- ➤ Bellingham City staff will present the 2026 proposed budget to address a $10 million gap at a City Council session on Sept. 29 and hold public hearings on Oct. 6 and Nov. 3. The city will also host the We Scoop Photo Contest until Sept. 30, begin a new traffic signal installation in Fairhaven on Sept. 29, and remind drivers to check tire pressure and follow parking rules—supporting local waterways and safety. City of Bellingham
- ➤ A portion of Mount Baker Highway will be closed next week from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 near the Coal Creek Bridge as WSDOT crews conduct early winter maintenance—clearing catch basins, ditches, hazardous trees and repairing guardrail and shoulders. Travelers must be past Picture Lake by 7:30 a.m. to avoid being caught in the closure until after 4 p.m. KAFE
- ➤ State leaders in Washington expressed concern after a forecast showed a $900 million drop in projected revenue—mainly because of weaker retail sales and construction—and Governor Ferguson noted his budget team had expected a challenging outlook. The next revenue update will come in mid-November. KISM
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Whatcom County will enjoy clear fall weather this weekend as Bellingham SeaFeast takes place at Squalicum Harbor on Saturday and Sunday—offering a seafood market and maritime activities—while Sunnyland Fest runs today through Sunday at five local breweries with special beers. The weekend also features a final chance to view a Ferndale art exhibit and live music from Brittany Collins at the Shakedown on Friday plus Energy Pyramid at Blue Room on Sunday. My Bellingham Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Mariners won the AL West for the first time since 2001 after a 9-2 victory with Cal Raleigh nearing the home run record — the Seahawks will play Thursday Night Football tonight with key players returning. Locally, Ferndale started its prep football game at 7:00 and the Bellingham Bells launched a Community Foundation to boost youth baseball and softball opportunities. My Bellingham Now
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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