Good morning, Bellingham.

Federal funding cuts canceled two USDA programs — which provided over $800,000 in yearly funds — for the Bellingham Food Bank, making it hard to restock food orders as many families saw help slow after COVID-19 ended extra SNAP benefits.

Demand for the bank’s services nearly tripled since the pandemic, and officials warn that further SNAP cuts may boost the need even more.

Federal funding cuts cancelled USDA programs that provided over $800,000 yearly for the Bellingham Food Bank, leaving it struggling to meet nearly tripled demand since SNAP benefits ended after the COVID-19 pandemic — and officials warned that more proposed cuts may further boost the need.

Local farmworker activist Alfredo 'Lelo' Juarez Zeferino, detained by ICE while on his way to work in Mount Vernon in late March, faces an immigration hearing in November while his lawyer works to secure his release from Tacoma’s detention center—conditions there remain challenging.

The North Cascades Highway from Ross Dam trailhead to Silver Star Gate will reopen tomorrow after a winter closure caused by heavy snowfall — a pattern seen each year as the area opens from mid-April to mid-May during National Park Week until April 27.

A Skagit County farmworker activist, Alfredo Lelo Juarez Zeferino, was detained on his way to work in Mount Vernon in late March and will have an immigration hearing in November this fall.

His lawyer is working to secure his release from the ICE detention center in Tacoma—conditions inside are challenging.

The North Cascades Highway between Ross Dam trailhead and Silver Star Gate reopens tomorrow after a six-month seasonal closure caused by heavy winter snowfall.

The reopening fits past trends—roads here typically open from mid-April to mid-May during National Park Week until April 27.

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.

An Evening of Poetry with Dion O'Reilly and Kami Westhoff

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Experience a poignant exploration of love, grief, and memory through the eyes of two celebrated local poets.