Good morning, Bellingham.

Bellingham is set to host many community events as an Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration with dinner and a program by a state Poet Laureate takes place on Oct.

13—while a walking tour of new murals on Oct. 15, Housing Week sessions from Oct. 14 to 17, and a volunteer work party at Whatcom Falls Park on Oct. 25 add to a busy local calendar. The Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant earned a state award and BMCC restocked its food pantry after a staff drive.

State officials have raised concerns over alleged harassment, vandalism and theft targeting signature gatherers for Let's Go Washington as the group works to collect roughly 308000 signatures for two initiatives—one to increase parental access to student records and another to bar students assigned male at birth from playing in female sports—after 30 reported hostile incidents and the arrest of a woman by Tacoma Police for tearing up petitions.

Western Washington University announced on Thursday that 2,690 first-year students are enrolled this fall—about 300 fewer than last year's class.

The university will boost enrollment to 3,200 next fall by offering guaranteed admission for eligible high school graduates and reducing transfer barriers for community college students.

The Department of Ecology reminded residents of flood safety during Flood Awareness Month as rainy, cooler weather increases the risk of flooding and landslides this winter.

Climate change is expected to lead to larger floods in the future—especially in areas near water or with recent drought or fire damage.

State officials are worried that signature gatherers for the conservative group Let’s Go Washington have faced 30 reports of harassment, vandalism and theft while collecting names for two initiatives that aim to change school records access and sports rules.

Tacoma Police made an arrest for tearing up petitions— and the group must collect 308,000 signatures by Jan. 2 for the measures to be considered next session.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services warned today that ready-to-eat meals—Blue Apron’s Cheesy Chicken Mac with Vegetables and Marley Spoon’s BBQ Sauce Beef Meatballs with Cheesy Cauliflower—may be contaminated with listeria and said anyone with these items should throw them away or return them to the seller; no illnesses have been confirmed.

Bellingham Exit continues through Sunday with live music, art, and comedy in downtown and features a Saturday show by Lucinda Williams at Mount Baker Theatre—adding to the festive spirit of the ongoing weekend events.

Meanwhile, Lynden hosts a music festival on Front Street, Blaine holds its annual oyster fest with shucking contests on Saturday, and the Pickford Film Center presents Doctober, the largest documentary festival in the Pacific Northwest running until Oct. 26.

Seattle Kraken start their season tonight as head coach Lane Lambert leads the team against the Anaheim Ducks while the Mariners prepare for a decisive Game 5 against the Detroit Tigers tomorrow to advance to the ALCS.

Other sports updates include MLB playoff pushes, the Las Vegas Aces nearing a WNBA title, and shifts in high school football rankings with local games airing tomorrow.

Kraken hockey returns tonight with new coach Lane Lambert leading the team against the Ducks at 7 p.m.—Mariners will host the Tigers in Game 5 tomorrow as the Dodgers, Cubs, and Brewers vie in MLB contests while the Las Vegas Aces aim to sweep the WNBA Finals in Game 4 on Friday.

High school football rankings have shifted with Archbishop Murphy and Lynden moving up, and live coverage will start at 3 p.m. for LC vs Sehome and Mount Baker’s game against Meridian.

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.

High Step Society Dance Party

9 PM - 1 AM — Wild Buffalo House Of Music — Cost Info not specified — Experience a dynamic blend of jazz with a big band atmosphere at this unique dance party.

Beyond the Veil Concert

7-9 p.m. — Mount Baker Theatre — $34 — Celebrate Halloween with a spine-tingling concert featuring ghostly tunes and a costume catwalk.

The Sea - Film Screening

3-4 p.m. — Firehouse Arts & Events Center Bellingham — $5-$15 — Experience a poignant exploration of aging and relationships through the art of dance and film.