Cascadia Daily News
@cascadiadaily.com
We are a locally owned online and print newspaper created in a Bellingham newsroom by local journos. We publish news, sports and lifestyle content, with a focus on Whatcom and Skagit counties.
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As Opus Performing Arts' artistic director, Brooke Evans directs the ballet school's annual performance of "The Nutcracker."
Brooke Evans: Artistic Director at Opus Performing Arts | Cascadia Daily News
CDN's weekly community profile
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December 26, 2025 at 11:22 PM
As Opus Performing Arts' artistic director, Brooke Evans directs the ballet school's annual performance of "The Nutcracker."
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is considered a sacred place for the Native Gwich’in people. It’s also ground zero in the decades-long battle over oil drilling.
Alaska's sacred Arctic Refuge faces threat from climate change, oil drilling | Cascadia Daily News
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is ground zero for decades-long battle over oil drilling
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December 26, 2025 at 10:45 PM
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is considered a sacred place for the Native Gwich’in people. It’s also ground zero in the decades-long battle over oil drilling.
In just one year, Samish Elementary doubled the number of students who consistently met grade-level standards in math.
As student math scores remain low statewide, Samish Elementary is a bright spot | Cascadia Daily News
The school doubled its passing marks in state assessments in one year
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December 26, 2025 at 9:20 PM
In just one year, Samish Elementary doubled the number of students who consistently met grade-level standards in math.
Washington state received an emergency disaster declaration following historic flooding in mid-December. But what's the likelihood the federal government will help the state recover from the flooding in a year that has seen seismic shifts to FEMA?
Can Washington make the case for federal disaster cash in a politically fueled climate? | Cascadia Daily News
The Trump administration remains fickle with its disaster declarations
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December 26, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Washington state received an emergency disaster declaration following historic flooding in mid-December. But what's the likelihood the federal government will help the state recover from the flooding in a year that has seen seismic shifts to FEMA?
Skagit County is reminding flood survivors they have until Monday to fill out initial damage assessment forms for those impacted by the historic December flooding.
Skagit residents have until Monday to turn in initial damage assessment forms from flooding | Cascadia Daily News
Whatcom residents should also fill out the forms that will help determine aid
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December 26, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Skagit County is reminding flood survivors they have until Monday to fill out initial damage assessment forms for those impacted by the historic December flooding.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared a public health emergency Wednesday over this month’s flooding in Washington state, the Washington State Standard reports.
RFK Jr. declares public health emergency for WA flooding | Cascadia Daily News
Ferguson plans to ask for major disaster declaration from Trump
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December 26, 2025 at 6:45 PM
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared a public health emergency Wednesday over this month’s flooding in Washington state, the Washington State Standard reports.
Super Duper Teriyaki is among the most reliable local spots for sampling Washington state's spin on fast food.
Review: Super Duper Teriyaki | Cascadia Daily News
Hole-in-the-wall eatery specializes in Washington's unique spin on fast food
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December 26, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Super Duper Teriyaki is among the most reliable local spots for sampling Washington state's spin on fast food.
"Flooding is natural. Damage from flooding is not," Bob Freitag, a University of Washington expert of flood mitigation, writes in a Cascadia Daily News guest commentary. Even in an age of accelerated flooding, five "proven lines of defense" can and should be embraced by the public, Freitag writes.
Guest Writer: Even with climate change, a flood-resilient future is possible | Cascadia Daily News
Today’s floods are a window into our future; resiliency is imperative
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December 25, 2025 at 11:52 PM
"Flooding is natural. Damage from flooding is not," Bob Freitag, a University of Washington expert of flood mitigation, writes in a Cascadia Daily News guest commentary. Even in an age of accelerated flooding, five "proven lines of defense" can and should be embraced by the public, Freitag writes.
Here at CDN HQ, we estimate we've published at least 2,500 stories this year. Here are some we can't stop thinking about.
Uniquely Cascadia stories from 2025 that caught readers' eyes | Cascadia Daily News
We published 2,500-plus stories this year. Here are ones we can't stop thinking about
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December 25, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Here at CDN HQ, we estimate we've published at least 2,500 stories this year. Here are some we can't stop thinking about.
This new cookbook highlights more than 50 recipes by U.S. immigrants.
Cookbook celebrates cuisine by U.S. immigrants. Here are some of our favorites | Cascadia Daily News
"Kitchens of Hope" evokes foodie memories from CDN staff, plus a recipe for tres leches cake
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December 25, 2025 at 8:49 PM
This new cookbook highlights more than 50 recipes by U.S. immigrants.
More than 100 children in flood-hit communities received gifts and bags full of stocking stuffers on Christmas Eve as part of the nonprofit Whatcom Strong’s efforts to help families recover from the disaster.
Generosity flows through Sumas on Christmas Eve | Cascadia Daily News
Toy giveaway, community dinner organized at local church
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December 25, 2025 at 5:52 AM
More than 100 children in flood-hit communities received gifts and bags full of stocking stuffers on Christmas Eve as part of the nonprofit Whatcom Strong’s efforts to help families recover from the disaster.
The man accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House last month, killing one, was charged in federal court Wednesday, moving the case out of the local court system, the Washington State Standard reports.
National Guard shooting case moved to federal court as prosecutors weigh death penalty | Cascadia Daily News
Federal charges include transporting a firearm in interstate commerce
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December 24, 2025 at 10:41 PM
The man accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House last month, killing one, was charged in federal court Wednesday, moving the case out of the local court system, the Washington State Standard reports.
Dec. 31 is just around the corner, meaning it’s almost time to say goodbye — and good riddance — to 2025. Here’s where to find New Year’s Eve festivities in Whatcom and Skagit counties.
How to ring in 2026 in Whatcom and Skagit counties | Cascadia Daily News
Dance parties, live shows, polar bear plunges and kid-friendly celebrations around Bellingham
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December 24, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Dec. 31 is just around the corner, meaning it’s almost time to say goodbye — and good riddance — to 2025. Here’s where to find New Year’s Eve festivities in Whatcom and Skagit counties.
Developers told the Bellingham City Council this month that the city's recent housing legislation and streamlined permitting have sped up the development process and helped keep costs down.
Bellingham mayor touts housing progress in 2025 | Cascadia Daily News
Developers say loosened regulations meant lower costs, fewer delays
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December 24, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Developers told the Bellingham City Council this month that the city's recent housing legislation and streamlined permitting have sped up the development process and helped keep costs down.
Letters to the editor: Flooding, AI, holiday scams and megalomania.
Letters, Week of Dec. 24: Flooding, AI, holiday scams and megalomania | Cascadia Daily News
Send letters, maximum 250 words, to letters@cascadiadaily.com
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December 24, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Letters to the editor: Flooding, AI, holiday scams and megalomania.
Woburn Street is now fully reopened as of Tuesday, and Hannegan Road will reopen temporarily Dec. 24–28 to support holiday traffic.
Woburn Street fully reopens; Hannegan Road to reopen temporarily for holiday traffic | Cascadia Daily News
Hannegan Road will have a gravel surface, jersey barriers and reduced speed limit
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December 24, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Woburn Street is now fully reopened as of Tuesday, and Hannegan Road will reopen temporarily Dec. 24–28 to support holiday traffic.
The state's Disaster Cash Assistance Program, designed to help residents impacted by the recent atmospheric rivers and severe flooding, has been depleted as of Tuesday.
Emergency cash assistance program for flood victims runs dry | Cascadia Daily News
Disaster Cash Assistance Program gave out $1M in one week
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December 24, 2025 at 1:20 AM
The state's Disaster Cash Assistance Program, designed to help residents impacted by the recent atmospheric rivers and severe flooding, has been depleted as of Tuesday.
Heavy winds on Christmas Eve afternoon have the chance of knocking out power in parts of western Washington. Watch for downed trees and power lines, and make sure to secure outdoor items that could fly away.
Expect 'substantial' Christmas Eve winds – could put damper on dinner | Cascadia Daily News
Heavy winds could knock out power in western Washington
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December 23, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Heavy winds on Christmas Eve afternoon have the chance of knocking out power in parts of western Washington. Watch for downed trees and power lines, and make sure to secure outdoor items that could fly away.
Whether by choice or by circumstance, someone will be spending this holiday season alone. For these Whatcom County residents, they look to their own traditions to keep the season merry and bright.
Cultivating solo holiday traditions can be exciting, nostalgic | Cascadia Daily News
Spending the holidays alone doesn’t have to be lonely
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December 23, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Whether by choice or by circumstance, someone will be spending this holiday season alone. For these Whatcom County residents, they look to their own traditions to keep the season merry and bright.
A guide to ongoing resources available to flood victims in Whatcom and Skagit counties.
Resources for flood victims in Whatcom, Skagit | Cascadia Daily News
Check back for updates about debris cleanup, shelter and financial assistance
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December 22, 2025 at 9:00 PM
A guide to ongoing resources available to flood victims in Whatcom and Skagit counties.
A year has passed since CDN published a series highlighting indoor recreation gaps in Bellingham. Here's where three potential projects to expand access stand today.
Progress slow, but steady, on adding public indoor recreation in Bellingham | Cascadia Daily News
A year since CDN's series highlighting gaps, where do various projects stand?
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December 22, 2025 at 8:15 PM
A year has passed since CDN published a series highlighting indoor recreation gaps in Bellingham. Here's where three potential projects to expand access stand today.
Community members gathered on the winter solstice to mourn the 87 homeless people who died in Whatcom County this year.
On the winter solstice, Bellingham community mourns homeless people who died in 2025 | Cascadia Daily News
Speaker: Their lives 'not only matter, but deserve better from our community'
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December 22, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Community members gathered on the winter solstice to mourn the 87 homeless people who died in Whatcom County this year.
There’s no Chamber of Commerce to hang holiday decorations or a mayor to complain to in Edison.
For generations, the town’s decorating efforts and community gatherings have been spearheaded by the closest thing Edison has to a governing body: a century-old women’s club.
For generations, the town’s decorating efforts and community gatherings have been spearheaded by the closest thing Edison has to a governing body: a century-old women’s club.
December 21, 2025 at 7:41 PM
There’s no Chamber of Commerce to hang holiday decorations or a mayor to complain to in Edison.
For generations, the town’s decorating efforts and community gatherings have been spearheaded by the closest thing Edison has to a governing body: a century-old women’s club.
For generations, the town’s decorating efforts and community gatherings have been spearheaded by the closest thing Edison has to a governing body: a century-old women’s club.
In the first hour of being open, around 350 community members affected by the historic floods showed up at the Sumas Christian Reformed Church Saturday morning to fill a sack with donated toys, clothes and everyday essentials at the free Christmas event.
Free Christmas 'shopping event’ for flood victims in Sumas helps hundreds | Cascadia Daily News
Organizers continue to take donations of toys, clothes and everyday essentials today
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December 20, 2025 at 11:34 PM
In the first hour of being open, around 350 community members affected by the historic floods showed up at the Sumas Christian Reformed Church Saturday morning to fill a sack with donated toys, clothes and everyday essentials at the free Christmas event.
December is the month of “best-of” reading lists designed to celebrate literary excellence and guide readers toward meaningful reads. Here are a few top picks from 2025, courtesy of WCLS library staff.
WCLS library staff choose their favorite reads from 2025 | Cascadia Daily News
From character-rich debuts to sharp nonfiction, local book experts share their top picks
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December 20, 2025 at 8:01 PM
December is the month of “best-of” reading lists designed to celebrate literary excellence and guide readers toward meaningful reads. Here are a few top picks from 2025, courtesy of WCLS library staff.