Good morning, Bellingham.

A 19-year-old motorcyclist in Whatcom County was arrested Saturday after a lengthy investigation found he led troopers on a chase in March and posted a speeding photo—captioned 'Here piggy piggy'—that also linked him to a hit and run before he was released on bail the next day.

Community groups in Blaine trapped about 30 invasive green crabs from Drayton Harbor after the March 31 trapping season began; experts say the species harms eelgrass and native shellfish and a free training session will be held at Birch Bay State Park on May 10 to boost control efforts.

US Senator Patty Murray visited Blaine on April 25 to hear local officials say that a drop in Canadian shoppers has cut retail sales by 40% and forced layoffs that risk vital public funding.

Blaine and Point Roberts leaders warned that the ongoing trade war—along with cheaper gas in Canada—will continue to hurt local businesses if Congress does not act.

WSDOT announced that a three-year construction project on I-5 will start today near Bellingham—crews will remove 17 fish migration barriers and install 10 new structures, leading to overnight single-lane closures from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. through early June while temporary two-lane bypass routes are planned for later this summer.

The City of Bellingham received a nearly $1 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to build a new emergency dispatch center because the old facility on Alabama Street is aging (Mayor Kim Lund approved the grant at Monday’s City Council meeting).

Bids for the center will be accepted later this year and construction is slated to finish in late 2026 (information provided by Public Works).

The Mariners aim to extend their winning streak in tonight’s series opener against the LA Angels — they won 12 of their last 16 games but lost utility man Dylan Moore to a 10-day injured list.

Meanwhile, the Seahawks finalized post-draft moves by exercising a fifth-year option on left tackle Charles Cross while the Pac-12 announced a TV deal for WSU and OSU home games airing on The CW, CBS or ESPN in 2025.

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.

The Chuckanut Radio Hour with Patrick Hutchison

7-8 p.m. — The Hotel Leo Crystal Ballroom — $5 — Enjoy an evening of music and storytelling featuring author Patrick Hutchison and musician Phil Paige.