Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
Good morning, Bellingham.
📰 Economy
Washington’s minimum wage will rise beginning January 1 so that Bellingham workers earning the local minimum wage will make $19.13 an hour as the state rate increases to $17.13 a hour based on a 2.8% consumer price index adjustment.
L&I has also raised the salary threshold for overtime exemption to about $80,000 — a change that depends on employer size.
🏛️ Government
The City of Bellingham presented its preliminary 2026 budget that forecasts a ten million dollar deficit and calls for cutting 40 positions which will lead to 12 layoffs and reductions in services for libraries, parks and offices.
Mayor Kim Lund proposed a new sales tax of one tenth of one percent to raise nearly four million dollars for public safety — the council will hold a public hearing on Monday at 7 p.m.
Governor Ferguson signed an executive order on Sept.
29 that established an Immigration Sub-Cabinet to help protect immigrant rights, data privacy, and health care programs. The cabinet will work with state agencies and update him with quarterly reports — recommending changes in state policy.
🎉 Bellingham Events
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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.
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.
Intro to the Laser Cutter
4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Get expert laser cutter insights and project tips with Jason Davies.
How Birds Fly: The Art and Science of Avian Flight
4-5 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Dive into the fascinating world of avian flight with Peter Cavanagh's artful and scientific exploration.
📣 Bellingham Announcements
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Local Pop Artist Veronica North Headlines the Wild Buffalo
Local rising indie-pop artist Veronica North headlines the Wild Buffalo with
🏠 Bellingham Real Estate
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💼 Bellingham Job Board
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