Good morning, Bellingham.

Local small businesses invite residents to try new hobbies this holiday season by offering unique books, games & art that spark family fun and strengthen community ties.

Whatcom Strong seeks volunteers to help with flood cleanup as nearly 700 households reached out for assistance and local businesses like Herb Niemann’s need support.

Sign-up is available at Station 81 Fire Hall (Everson) and Sumas Advent Christian Church (Sumas) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

The Lynden Music Festival brings Christmas around the World today in Lynden to benefit the Jobes family—festive music and seasonal treats will lift spirits despite a chance of showers later.

Since 2011, Chuckanut Bay Distillery has crafted local spirits in Bellingham, starting in a basement under Rumors Cabaret and expanding to a multi-story space on Cornwall Avenue — now hosting tours, tastings, and private events.

Washington’s job market shrank from August to September as the state’s unemployment rate reached 4.5% this September.

Whatcom County maintained a stable rate of 3.9%, dropping from 4.5% in August — showing better local performance.

Third grade students at Nooksack Elementary School learned about life as a blind person during a visit by the Everson Lions Club + special community guests.

Whatcom County Public Works announced that Hannegan Road (from Lynden limits to Polinder Road) is closed until further notice due to water on the roadway from a culvert failure.

Woburn Street remains closed between Iowa and Lakeway after heavy rains, and Highway 20 is closed near Bacon Creek for safety.

Western Washington counties continue flood damage assessments after severe rains as residents and businesses are urged to report damages via online surveys for potential federal aid; in-person help and free debris disposal are available in select locations like Mount Vernon on Dec. 19 (information from local agencies).

Ventura Foods recalled several salad dressings in Washington after black plastic planting material was found in granulated onion used in these products.

The recall covers 3,556 cases sent to multiple states, and the FDA is monitoring the process.

Local high school basketball games saw Nooksack Valley girls rally for a 64-62 win over Mount Vernon while the boys split wins as Mount Vernon beat Nooksack 71-66.

Meridian boys will host Squalicum tonight at 7:15 on KPUG — follow regional scores for updates.

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.

Good Neighbor Night at Stones Throw Brewery

5-9 p.m. — Fairhaven Stones Throw Brewery — 10% of proceeds benefit local non-profits — Network with community members over drinks and oysters.

Last Chance Marathon

9 AM – 4 PM — Fairhaven Park — Registration required — Get your final marathon fix of the year with this scenic out and back course.

2026 Awards & Installation Banquet

5-11 p.m. — Silver Reef Casino Resort — $100/person or $700/table — Celebrate in Roaring '20s style with cocktails, dinner, and dancing to SpaceBand.

Super Smash LIVE

8 PM - 12 AM — Blue Room — Extra Controllers Available — Experience a live jazz fusion performance of the Super Smash soundtrack while playing casual games or tournaments.