Good morning, Bellingham.

The Center for Whale Research reported on Wednesday, Oct.

14 that the K Pod hit a milestone with 76 Southern Resident Orcas counted during its annual survey. A calf boosted the pod’s number for the first time in two decades (only two of four born survived).

The state Dept. of Health lifted a shellfish harvesting ban in southern Whatcom County yesterday, Oct.

16, allowing Bellingham Bay, Chuckanut Bay, and Larrabee State Park to reopen while some areas remain closed due to pollution. Harvesters are advised to check the state’s closure map before collecting shellfish.

Washington’s Employment Security Department announced that the paid family and medical leave premium will rise from 1.13% to 1.2% in 2027.

Workers will bear nearly 71% of the cost while employers pay about 29%.

Crews will repair the Roeder Ave Bridge starting Monday, Oct.

19, merging bike and car traffic until Oct. 30. WSDOT will close I-5 ramps at night and work a ten-mile section of Mount Baker Highway from Monday, Oct. 19 (7am to 4pm) until Oct. 23 to install new markings.

At Lynden High School, The Zone’s Friday Night Lights pregame show is live for the Lions’ football game against Burlington-Edison tonight on KPUG while the defending state champion volleyball team edged Sehome in a five‐set match last night ahead of tomorrow’s tournament at Western Washington University.