From the newsroom

Over the last few weeks, readers have heard about the budget woes the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County are facing. From cutting hours at the library to tightening spending, many local governments are tightening the belt and looking at raising property taxes. But the one government not looking at a property tax increase: the Port of Bellingham. 

Rather, thanks to a bevy of grants, as well as the Bellingham Shipping Terminal coming online in the next year and a rise in moorage rates at the marinas, the port's economic outlook for 2026 is rosy. The port is forecasting a bump in revenue and static expenditures. However, that might change after Tuesday night's election. With the commission expanding and the search for an executive director on, the port will be one to watch over the next year.

Do you have hot takes about the 2026 port budget? The port commission will be holding a second public hearing at 4 p.m. on Nov. 18 in its chambers ahead of the approval vote.

Today's news

Hardware Sales covers about five city blocks of the Sunnyland neighborhood. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

Former Hardware Sales employee sentenced to federal prison for embezzlement scheme

Eight Whatcom County Charter amendments get the nod from voters

Elenbaas urges county to lead negotiated settlement for water rights lawsuit

Whatcom council approves lease for new sheriff's office

Second Didgʷálič mobile medical unit arrives in Bellingham

Sehome, Lynden Christian win district girls soccer titles

Lynden sweeps Sehome for 2A district volleyball title

Skagit Tourism Bureau plans new ideas to expand sports tourism

Whatcom and Skagit football teams begin state playoff runs

Welcome November with a comforting chorizo and mushroom wonton skillet

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Things to do

Downtown Bellingham's annual Holiday Wine Walk takes place this year from 5–9 p.m. on Nov. 14. (Photo courtesy of Downtown Bellingham Partnership)

Cocoa's picks: Bigfoot, ballet and the Holiday Wine Walk

Live music calendar: Nov. 7–16, 2025

Sports/Rec calendar: Nov. 7–16, 2025

Weekly Watchdog: Nov. 7–13, 2025

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