Good morning, Bellingham.

A group of nearly 300 stakeholders at WWU signed a letter and delivered it to school cabinet members on Nov 6, asking for more transparency about job cuts that removed critical positions like the student affairs office — as of Nov 18, no response was received.

The letter highlighted concerns from students, workers, and alumni over the reductions made to address the budget deficit.

A University of Washington-led study found that small increases in wildfire smoke were linked to about a 7% higher risk of preterm birth in the western region—pregnant women are urged to stay indoors and use N95 masks during heavy smoke episodes.

Mariners officials announced Josh Naylor signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with a full no-trade clause that secures the team’s offensive core through 2030—meanwhile, the Kraken begin their Eastern road trip against the Detroit Red Wings today at 4:00 p.m. WWU women’s soccer earned the top seed in the West Region for the NCAA D-II playoffs and Lynden volleyball honored Coach Chris Elsner and players with postseason awards.

Today, the Mariners locked in their core offensive trio—Josh Naylor, Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh—through 2030 by signing Naylor to a five-year, $92.5 million deal with a no-trade clause, while the Kraken begin a road trip against Detroit after a win that gave them their best start. Former Mariners star Felix Hernandez is on the 2026 Hall of Fame ballot, Western women’s soccer earned a top seed with a first-round bye for Saturday’s NCAA D-II tournament, and Lynden’s prep volleyball awards honored Coach Chris Elsner and junior Finley Parcher after a state championship win yesterday.

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.

Laser Cutter Office Hours

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Get expert advice on laser projects from Tool Champion Jason Davies in an informal Q&A session.

Esme's Adventures in Another World

7-3:30 p.m. — BAAY Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Embark on a magical journey with Esme in this original production full of music and adventure.

Walton Magic

1-7 p.m. — Mount Baker Theatre — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy a captivating performance full of mind-bending magic, laughter, and wonder by resident magician John Walton.

Intro to Vector Graphics Workshop

6:00–7:30 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — 50% scholarship available — Learn to use Inkscape to create stunning vector graphics for various applications.

Contra Dance: Dec 13th

7-10 p.m. — Bellingham Public Library Fairhaven Branch — $12-$15, $8 students — Enjoy an engaging evening of dancing with live music by Heliotrope and expert calling by Laura Mé Smith.

S.O.S. Signs of Strength Film Screening

3-5 p.m. — Firehouse Arts & Events Center Bellingham — Free entry — Experience a powerful dance film exploring resilience through the stories of military veterans and their journey of strength.

Intro to the Laser Cutter

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members, $20 for non-members — Join experienced instructor Jason Davies for an informal Q&A about laser cutting and related tools.