Good morning, Bellingham.

Downtown Bellingham is getting new art as WWU design students cover vacant storefront windows and immersive galleries open for free access on May 2 during the First Friday Art Walk.

The city will host a Fair Housing workshop on April 21 (1:30 to 3:30 p.m.) at the Central Library, launch boat inspection stations on Saturday, April 26, and run Work Zone Awareness Week from April 21 to 25 while residents are urged to manage spring weeds naturally.

John Thomson, 42, faces trial in Whatcom County Superior Court for first degree murder after he is accused of shooting his 69-year-old brother near Diablo Lake in August 2022—he pleaded not guilty and the trial will continue Monday.

County officials said Plantation Rifle Range may reopen later this year with limited indoor operations if $1.7 million upgrades are finished and tested.

Outdoor ranges remain closed because lead in the soil makes them unsafe — a cleanup estimated to cost about $13.5 million is needed before work can begin.

Today, the Mariners are on a win streak as they face the Toronto Blue Jays on KPUG at 4:07 p.m. after a big extra innings win over the Reds, and the Reign will host the Portland Thorns at 7:00 p.m. while the Sounders play Nashville SC tomorrow at Lumen Field.

In Bellingham this afternoon, WWU’s softball team beat Central Washington 15-2 and will play more games tomorrow and next weekend before the GNAC tournament begins May 1 — keeping them in first place.

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.

3rd Annual Living Donor Forum

12-2 p.m. — Squalicum Boathouse — Lunch Provided — Hear inspiring stories and learn about the impact of kidney donation.

Drink Beer for a Good Cause

El Sueñito will donate $1 per pint of beer sold from open to close to IRIS. Chicas Reinas and Chicos de Oro-Folklorico Dance Group will be performing at 6:00pm.