Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Wednesday, November 5th, 2025.

We wake up this morning in the heart of election week, where ballots cast by thousands of Bellingham and Whatcom County residents are shaping the future of our schools, city, and county. Local levies crucial to the school district’s funding are passing with strong support—over 66 percent for the supplemental operations levy and more than 62 percent for the facilities maintenance levy. These votes help to fund vital programs, staff positions, and services, and district staff, families, and students are expressing their gratitude to all who participated. City races are also coming into focus: in City Council contests, Hollie Huthman has taken a commanding lead for Ward 2, while Skip Williams and Michael Lilliquist are ahead in Wards 4 and 6 respectively. The Initiative to protect tenants’ rights, prohibiting landlords from interfering with tenant activities, is passing by more than 70 percent, a significant development for renters citywide.

Regionally, the Port of Bellingham may soon grow its commission from three to five members, a change approved by voters with over 64 percent support. Over at the county level, a series of propositions—with topics ranging from government audits to redistricting—received clear direction from residents: voters decisively approved measures calling for performance audits, clarifying official duties, and enhancing financial reporting, while turning down the creation of an Ombuds office and councilmember aides.

If your ballot is still out, remember, it needs to be postmarked by 8 p.m. today or dropped in an official box, and updates from the county auditor’s office will roll in as counting continues. An estimated 15,000 ballots are still to be counted, so keep watching for those numbers to shift as we await the next update at 5 p.m.

Shifting from civic duty to community enjoyment, today in Bellingham is packed with things to do. Start your morning with music at Trinity Lutheran Church, where the BMC Matinee Program takes the stage at 10:30. Art lovers can experience Bellingham Illuminations, a glowing celebration of creativity running all day at the Whatcom Art Center, or catch the “PURE JOY” exhibition at Cordata Gallery from 11 to 4. If you’re seeking inspiration from local student artists, don’t miss the “By the Books” show at Whatcom Community College’s Heiner Theater.

For some midday relaxation, it’s College Day at NEKO Cat Cafe from noon until 5:45, or take a sip and tour at Chuckanut Bay Distillery downtown. Music fans will want to check out tonight’s live performance by Twanguero at Mount Baker Theatre at 7:30. Stones Throw Brewery is also hosting live local acts from 6 to 8, creating the perfect setting to unwind with friends.

Trivia enthusiasts can test their knowledge at Cheba Hut or Flatstick Pub, both starting at 7, while the Birchwood Garden Club meets at the Whatcom Museum’s Rotunda Room for green thumbs looking to connect.

If you’re exploring downtown, Western Wednesdays continue, offering deals and special happenings all day throughout shops and eateries. And if you’re in the mood for something a little different, Café con Conversación at Cafe Rumba invites locals for lively Spanish conversation between 6 and 8 p.m.

In city news, construction continues on the Skyline at Cordata apartment development, promising to bring more housing options to our steadily growing community. Remember, November is Native American Heritage Month, and statewide events are celebrating indigenous cultures through the week, so keep an eye out for local gatherings and educational opportunities.

That’s your dose of what’s happening, what’s impacting, and what’s worth celebrating here in Bellingham today. This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

For more Back to Episodes