Good morning, Bellingham.

A Whatcom County fentanyl dealer tied to a Mexican crime organization was sentenced to a year and a half in prison after authorities seized roughly 3.5 pounds of fentanyl from his home and vehicle during an investigation by the Whatcom Gang + Drug Task Force.

Western Washington University approved its new socially responsible investing policy on Friday, April 11—rejecting investments in companies involved in fossil fuels, tobacco, weapons production and human rights violations.

The policy was agreed with students after a two-week protest in May 2024—requiring full transparency of its investment portfolio and excluding the WWU Foundation.

On April 14, lawmakers in Olympia passed HB 1163 in the Senate—if signed, the bill would require gun buyers to obtain a permit that includes fingerprinting and a gun safety course.

The measure now goes to the House for a concurrence vote before it reaches the Governor’s desk.

WSDOT is updating its rail plan and opened a survey on April 15 that will accept public feedback until June 24.

The department will use the input to guide improvements for easing congestion, boosting the economy, cutting emissions — and enhancing safety.

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.

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.

First Fridays Celebration

6-10 p.m. — Downtown Bellingham Partnership — Free entry — Experience local art, live music, and late night shopping in the heart of Bellingham.

Procession of the Species 2025

2 PM — Downtown Bellingham Partnership — Free entry — Celebrate nature and creativity with a vibrant costume procession and festival.