TOP STORY

• Whatcom County housing affordability highest in at least 18 years

  With interest rates remaining low and home prices continuing to drop, housing affordability has reached record highs in Whatcom County and across the state.

Business News

• Frontier Airlines to offer non-stop flights between Bellingham and Denver

• Junior Achievement continues to make that financial literacy connection

• Regional wild seafood conference moves from Seattle to Bellingham

• Fred Meyer's parent company could become a takeover candidate

• Whatcom County bankruptcies rise in January

• Alaska to begin flights from Seattle to Philadelphia, Fort Lauderdale

• Report: Whatcom County home sales rebounded in January, but prices lower

• Ask SCORE: Hiring a critical part of a successful business

• Rocket Donuts ready to make a home in Fairhaven

• Market Report: 2011 showed some signs of improvement in Whatcom economy

BIZ TALK

More BIZ TALK Headlines

• Training program helping match job seekers with employers in Whatcom County

• While prices remain low, opportunities abound for aluminum

RETAIL TIPSHEET

Rocket Donuts ready to make a home in Fairhaven

It won't be long before Rocket Donuts lands in Fairhaven, and it's bringing along one other retail business.

More RETAIL TIPSHEET Headlines

• New Bellingham bar owner aiming for a relaxed, casual atmosphere

• Beaver Inn to reopen in new location; old spot becoming State Street Bar

• Bellingham bakery finds niche in gluten-free goods

• Bigger orders for holiday season pays off for some Whatcom retailers

ASK SCORE

More ASK SCORE Headlines

• Ask SCORE: Taking that next step with accounting skills

• Ask SCORE: Learn six important steps to improve decision-making skills

• Ask SCORE: In business, it comes down to doing the right thing

• Ask SCORE: Manage yourself to better manage your time at work

• Ask SCORE: Business restructuring can help avoid stagnation

State Business

• Boeing CEO: 787 problem won't slow production

• Coinstar's stock soars on strong 4Q for Redbox

• Verizon-Redbox deal adds to online video choices

• Boeing finds problem in 787 tails

• Verizon to set up streaming service with Redbox

• Microsoft cuts about 200 marketing employees

• Judge approves settlement in WaMu bankruptcy

BUSINESS WIRE

• Trade deficit widens to $48.8 billion in December

• Turbo-traders take Bank of America for a ride

• Friendly's CEO steps down

• Alcatel-Lucent returns to profit in 2011

• GM gets environmental OK for new China plant

• German Parliament set to vote on Greece Feb. 27

• Barclays slashes bonus pool after 2011 profit fall

TECHNOLOGY

• Brazil files injunction against Twitter

• Gadgets: Keeping your phone charged on the go

• Review: 'Amalur' a cliched tale in a vibrant world

• NY attorney general ends lawsuit against Intel

• FBI file: Steve Jobs was considered for govt post

• LinkedIn's 4Q revenue doubles, stock soars 8 pct

• Report says Apple to unveil new iPad in March

Job Market

• Q&A: Is it OK to quit without a new job lined up?

• Jungle-themed office sports marmots, macaws

• Ways to know your workplace worth and increase it

• Overtime bill pits needs of high-tech employers vs. workers

• Your Office Coach: Negative feedback a red flag for career

• Q&A: Get comfortable with one phrase: 'It's just not an option'

• Job hunters, be at the top of the class