Good morning, Bellingham.

Businesses in Whatcom County have seen a drop in sales as early April crossings by Canadian visitors fell over 50% compared to last year — following a 43% drop from March 2024 to March 2025.

Blaine Mayor Mary Lou Steward said local shops lost revenue from fewer parcel pick-ups, lower gas station visits, and reduced dairy buying — and a solidarity march will take place at Peace Arch Park Saturday, April 12 from noon to 2 p.m.

The Meridian School District is taking another shot at approving a $75 million bond to build a new middle school—after receiving only 53% in November when 60% was needed—and hopes to meet the vote threshold in the next election.

Gov. Ferguson signed 14 bills on April 7 and several more by April 9 to enact a total of 18 new laws on issues such as health care, disability insurance, and transportation.

One law—HB 1209—regulates sodium nitrite sales after reports showed at least 30 young people bought it from Amazon to end their lives.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed 14 bills on April 7th and several more on April 9th that change laws on sodium nitrite regulation, disability insurance qualifications, city development compliance, medical care access and transportation and tax codes—HB 1209 will regulate sodium nitrite and make Washington the fourth state with such restrictions.

Bellingham Municipal Court will partner with local middle schools to offer free Law Day activities for eighth graders that let them explore courtroom procedures (including live proceedings, meeting judges, canine demonstrations and drone presentations) at the court building on C Street. The events will take place on April 22 from 1:30 to 3 p.m., April 28 from 1:30 to 3 p.m., April 29 from 1:30 to 3 p.m., May 1 from 9:30 to 11 a.m., May 2 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and May 5 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Representative Rick Larsen introduced a measure with two House ranking members on April 8 to end the emergency power that allowed a blanket 10% tariff on all U.S. imports and higher tariffs on many partners, saying the tariffs add about $5,000 a year to a typical household's costs & the resolution will soon be debated even though a veto is expected.

Unionized healthcare workers at PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Medical Center voted on April 8 to authorize a strike over wage, benefit, and safety issues related to short staffing—no strike date has been set and a 10-day notice is required before it begins.

Aurielle Buermann was named as the new race director for Ski to Sea and the Mt. Baker Hill Climb.

She is eager to use her background in fitness, hospitality, and event production to plan the race—an event that sold out five weeks early and will need 500 volunteers on May 25.

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.

Intro to Vector Graphics

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Cost varies — Learn to create art and cutting files using Inkscape in this hands-on workshop.