Lunar Eclipse, Child Abuse Sentencing, and St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Bellingham Local Frequency

Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for March 14, 2025. We've got a packed day ahead, so let's dive right in. Last night, Bellingham residents were treated to a spectacular celestial show as a total lunar eclipse graced our skies. The event began at 8:57 pm and reached its maximum at 11:58 pm, with the moon fully engulfed in Earth's shadow. Many night owls gathered at local parks and viewpoints to witness this rare astronomical phenomenon. In other news, a Bellingham man has been sentenced to five years in prison for sexually abusing two family members. Brian Drake, 33, pled guilty to charges of child rape, molestation, and incest. This case has sparked discussions about expanding mandatory reporting laws for clergy members in Washington state. On a brighter note, the 15th annual Bellingham St. Patrick's Day Parade is scheduled for tomorrow, March 16th. The parade, held in honor of Bellingham Police and Fire Departments, promises to be a festive celebration of Irish culture and community spirit. For those looking to enjoy some live music tonight, head over to Stones Throw Brewery on Larrabee Avenue. They're hosting a performance from 6 to 8 pm, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind after a long week. Theatre enthusiasts won't want to miss the BTG Satellites' presentation of "A Sampler of the Acting-Est" at the New Prospect Theatre tonight at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available for just $10, making it an affordable night out for local arts supporters. In community news, a recent census report shows nearly a 1% population increase in Whatcom County. This growth reflects the continued appeal of our region to new residents and businesses alike. Looking ahead to next week, author Erica Bauermeister will be hosting a discussion on the art and craft of writing at Village Books in Fairhaven. This event is part of the Whatcom READS program and is sure to be insightful for aspiring writers and book lovers. Lastly, a reminder to our listeners that Daylight Saving Time began last weekend. We hope you've adjusted to the time change and are enjoying the extra hour of evening light. This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.