Good morning, Bellingham.

Amtrak Cascades resumed train service through Bellingham yesterday between Seattle and Vancouver after buses replaced trains for a week when corrosion was found in Horizon cars.

Replacement cars were brought from Chicago and more are coming from the Midwest and East Coast until repairs are complete.

Bellingham Parks and Recreation announced that Sehome Arboretum access is interrupted through April 15—while crews install electrical service for a Coast Salish-style longhouse built as an educational center for healing and cultural exchange.

The project will add an EV charging station and is expected to finish this fall—with a gathering hall, indoor and outdoor kitchens, and student lounges.

Washington state joined 23 other states in a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services after $11 billion in public health grants were cut—Attorney General Nick Brown said the $159 million loss has disrupted funding for infectious disease management, emergency preparedness, and mental health and substance abuse services. Brown argued that the funds were established by Congress and that HHS lacks the authority to cancel them, while HHS claimed the grants created during the COVID-19 pandemic are no longer needed.

Washington state joined 23 other states in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HHS Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy Jr.—after $11 billion in public health grants were cut without warning—and said the $159 million loss in funds affects infectious disease management, emergency preparedness, mental health and substance abuse services and efforts to modernize public health infrastructure.

Whatcom County Home & Lifestyle Show

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center — Free admission — Step into inspiration with BBQ competitions, food trucks, workshops, and family fun activities.

Richard Widerkehr & Barbara Bloom: Missing the Owl

3-4 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Celebrate Poetry Month with engaging readings and delightful treats from local poets.

Intro to Vector Graphics Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Pricing varies — Master vector graphics using Inkscape to create art and cutting files.

BAAY Presents: Out of the Woods

7 p.m. — BAAY Theatre — Ticket details available online — Experience a whimsical apocalyptic tale where imagination reigns as beloved characters find their way back to creativity.

The River Only Runs One Way Book Reading

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Celebrate award-winning poet Mary Lou Kayser's newest collection that explores love, loss, and the passage of time through evocative poetry.

Páscoa Rhythms: Easter Brunch with Jovino Santos Neto

Celebrate Easter with Páscoa Rhythms at Hotel Leo—a festive brunch buffet featuring dishes like coconut chicken thighs, prime beef sirloin, and brunch classics paired with live piano by three-time Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto. Sip Novo Fogo caipirinhas crafted for the occasion, with a portion of proceeds supporting rainforest reforestation; $68 per person, half off for kids 12 and under, and 10% off for seniors.

Intro to the Laser Cutter

6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free to members — Get expert advice on your laser projects from seasoned designer Jason Davies.

Swan Lake - A Timeless Masterpiece

7-9 p.m. — Mount Baker Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting ballet “Swan Lake” performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.

LinuxFest Northwest

9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Bellingham Technical College — Free entry — Explore free and open source technologies with presentations and exhibits for all skill levels.

April Brews Day 2025

3-8 p.m. — Waypoint Park — Check for ticket prices — Celebrate local brews with great friends and craft beverages.