Good morning, Bellingham.

State Ecology is researching geothermal energy at Mount Baker as a potential power source (officials are gathering input from tribes and community members on extraction methods and risks) and will hold virtual meetings (Nov.

6 and Nov. 12) for public discussion.

Researchers from the Center for Whale Research reported that a newborn orca, J64, likely died on October 23 when it was not seen surfacing with its mother, J42, near Village Bay.

The team continued to monitor the pod and noted that the calf did not appear during repeated dives — and they will follow protocol in future sightings.

Washington sued the U.S. Department of Education over a rule change that may leave many workers ineligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program — the suit, joined by 20 other states, asks a judge to block the rule before it takes effect in July 2026. Over the past four years, more than 23,000 state borrowers had $1.6 million in loans forgiven.

Twin Sisters Creamery in Ferndale is urging customers to discard any cheese from affected batches due to an E. coli outbreak—owners apologized and are offering refunds when contacted for more details.

Seven Whatcom County high school football teams are set to play win-or-go-home games this weekend to earn a spot in the state tournament—matchups start Friday at 5 p.m. and continue on Saturday at local fields—and the Seahawks won 38—14 on Monday in Washington as Sam Darnold threw for 330 yards and four touchdowns while Jayden Daniels was injured, with the team set to host the Cardinals next Sunday for a chance at a fourth win. In other sports, Washington State lost 10—7 to Oregon State while the Huskies earned a #24 ranking ahead of a road game against Wisconsin, the Kraken will face the Blackhawks tonight at 7 p.m., the Sounders meet Minnesota United at Lumen Field at 7:45 p.m. in Game 2 of their playoff series, the Reign play Orlando Pride Friday at 5 p.m., and the Dodgers repeated as World Series champs after an 11-inning win in which Will Smith hit a key home run.

Seven Whatcom County high schools will play in Week 10 play-in games to earn a state tournament spot next weekend, with Lummi Nation hosting Ocosta Friday at 5 p.m., Lynden hosting Bremerton Friday at 6 p.m. at Ferndale, the Golden Eagles facing Cheney Friday at Eastern Washington University at 6 p.m., Lynden Christian hosting Naches Valley Saturday at noon, Sehome playing Selah Saturday at Civic Field at 2 p.m., Mount Baker hosting Wapato Saturday at Blaine High at 3 p.m., and Nooksack Valley hosting King’s Saturday at Civic Field—nationwide, the Seahawks won 38–14 in Washington with Sam Darnold throwing for 330 yards and four touchdowns while the Sounders and Reign prepare for playoff rounds.

Intro to the Laser Cutter

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Ask questions and get insights on your laser projects with expert guidance from Jason Davies.

25th Annual Nordic Fest

10 AM – 4 PM — Ferndale Events Center — $5, FREE Under 13 — Celebrate Nordic culture with crafts, baked goods, and all-day entertainment.

Building Hope: Numan Gala

12-5 a.m. — 1650 Baker Creek Pl, Bellingham, WA — Fundraising event — An evening of dinner, a silent auction, and 80's dancing to support orphaned children in Ethiopia.

Intro to Vector Graphics Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Class fees apply — Learn to create art and cutting files using free software Inkscape.

Finding Nemo Jr.

7 p.m. — BAAY Theatre — $12 — Experience an enchanting journey as Marlin and Nemo venture across the ocean to reunite.

Dave Laster: Skis, Shovels, and Stories Book Launch

4-5 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Explore the thrilling tales of Dave Laster's adventures with the Sun Valley ski patrol in the 1960s.

Natasha Tripplett - Downtown Doors Launch

2-3 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free event — Explore community themes through Natasha Tripplett's heartwarming picture book.

Intro to the Laser Cutter Workshop

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Get expert advice from Jason Davies on your laser projects and explore related tools.

Krampus Night 2025

6:30-10 p.m. — Chuckanut Bay Distillery — $35 — Experience a night of festive mischief with music, dancing, and a visit from Krampus.

Blaine Holiday Harbor Lights

6 PM - 1 AM — 701 Peace Portal Dr, Blaine, WA — Free entry — Experience the festive spirit with a day full of holiday activities and dazzling lights.