Good morning, Bellingham.

The state Department of Ecology fined BP Pipelines and Olympic Pipeline Company $3.8 million for a 2023 gasoline spill near Conway—this is the second fine for the company in five years—and asked for over $800,000 to cover cleanup costs.

WSDOT crews are repairing guardrails on Interstate 5 and Guide Meridian that will affect your commute this week.

Today, the southbound right lane on Interstate 5 is closed from Iowa Street to Lakeway Drive from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. while other segments see nightly left lane and Guide Meridian closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.—drivers should plan extra travel time.

The City of Bellingham settled with the Northwest Clean Air Agency by agreeing to install air pollution controls and carbon monoxide monitors at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant—approved by a unanimous city council vote and signed by Mayor Kim Lund on November 18.

The upgrades will be implemented over the next five years and do not admit any wrongdoing.

A Grays Harbor County resident died after contracting the world’s first case of a rare bird flu strain, according to state health officials.

The older adult with underlying health conditions had been hospitalized in King County after exposure from a backyard flock—while testing near Wiser Lake detected avian influenza in wild birds, no other human cases have been found.

The Seahawks beat the Titans 30-24 yesterday with Jaxon Smith-Njigba setting a franchise record by catching eight passes for a season-high 167 yards and two touchdowns, and the Kraken lost 1-0 in a shootout to the Islanders.

UW football won 48-14 over UCLA on Saturday and the UW women's soccer team advanced to the Elite Eight after a penalty win over Virginia, while local high school teams Mount Baker and Lynden Christian moved to the semifinals—preparing for next weekend’s games.

Yesterday, the Seahawks beat the Titans 30-24 as Jaxon Smith-Njigba set a franchise record with eight catches for 167 yards — he is on track to break more records.

Locally, Mount Baker advanced in the state football tournament by beating Omak 32-22 and Lynden Christian won 56-35 over Montesano — with Mount Baker set to face Cashmere on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

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.

Winter Paint and Sip Celebration

4-6 p.m. — Semiahmoo Resort — $35 adults / $25 kids — Celebrate the season with friends while painting and sipping festive drinks.