Good morning, Bellingham.

Western Washington University joined more than 400 colleges in signing the letter 'A Call for Constructive Engagement' to push back against government overreach in higher education (WWU President Sabah Randhawa signed the letter).

Whatcom County Public Works said the Whatcom Chief’s annual dry dock outage begins today and will last until May 11, so the ferry will run a pedestrian-only route between Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point—travelers should expect a Saturday morning service pause and a Sunday break until about 2 p.m. for gangway installations.

WSDOT said a rockslide on April 23 blocked Chuckanut Drive with a pile of boulders 30 foot high and 150 foot long between Oyster Dome trailhead and Chuckanut Manor, and engineers are still assessing the damage amid safety challenges—no timeline for reopening has been set.

Today, Bellingham celebrates the Little Squalicum Pier ribbon-cutting at 3 p.m. at Little Squalicum Park near 640 Marine Drive—officials also announced that starting May 1, park gates at Boulevard, Cornwall, and Squalicum Creek parks will be locked overnight to curb vandalism; the City names Maria J. Coltharp as acting executive director of the Whatcom Museum beginning May 1 and plans a Learning Together forum at the Central Library at 10:30 a.m., a utility survey next week, wastewater treatment investments, and paving projects in Silver Beach and Samish neighborhoods.

The Washington State Department of Transportation announced that shoulder work on I-5 near Bellingham will close a left lane from 1 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, April 28 (southbound between Bakerview Road and Sunset Drive), Tuesday (southbound between Iowa Street and past Samish Way), Wednesday, April 30 (northbound from the Chuckanut Drive exit through Iowa Street), and Thursday (northbound from Iowa Street to Bakerview Road) — delaying commuters next week.

The Seahawks drafted Grey Zabel 18th overall yesterday to strengthen an offensive line that gave up many sacks last season, while the Mariners return home to host the Marlins today with ace Logan Gilbert set to pitch.

The Sounders will face Colorado Rapids and the Reign will play Bay FC tomorrow—adding to a busy sports weekend—while Whatcom County opens lowland lake fishing with the annual Trout Derby at Lake Padden.

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.

Introduction to the Laser Cutter

6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Get insights on laser projects with expert guidance from Jason Davies.

Quartet San Francisco Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Mount Baker Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Bay Area’s leading crossover string ensemble with Grammy-winning performances.

Women's Only Spring Fling Hike

9-11 a.m. — Clayton Beach Trailhead — Discovery pass required — Explore a scenic forest trail and relax at the beach with fellow nature lovers.

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Hotel Leo

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Hotel Leo — Enjoy a delightful brunch accompanied by live jazz music.