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City & County

Unemployment rates rise in Whatcom County

The Whatcom County unemployment rate increased from 4.6% to 5.2% in December 2025, following a broader decline in jobs countywide. According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, employers reported 300 fewer payroll jobs in the county. Sectors such as manual labor and service providing industries have lost jobs.





Western




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Candy, condoms, and suckers! What the puck?

It started as a text. An idea inspired by what other universities around the country were doing evolved into a plan within 15 minutes. As three suitemates at WWU played around with what a lookalike competition at WWU could look like, the “Heated Rivalry Lookalike Contest” was born.


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A Q&A with Sabah Randhawa Pt. 2

I spoke with Randhawa about his promises to the university and worries from students and staff. This is the continuation of a Q&A with Sabah Randhawa, President of Western Washington University.


Local News


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Q&A: Challenges and opportunities with affordable housing

Housing affordability has been a hotly debated topic among Bellingham residents for years. According to a 2025 study by Construction Coverage, Bellingham had the fourth highest home price-to-income ratio out of 375 observed areas, making it one of the least affordable cities in the nation. One way the city planned to solve the issue is through investing in affordable housing as detailed in 2025’s Bellingham Comprehensive Plan.  




BRIEF: Bellingham community gathers to honor victims of ICE violence

As the sun began to set on Western Washington University on Monday, Jan. 26, countless voices chanted “presente” in response to the reading of 38 names, one for each person whose death was caused by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration officers since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term.  


Sports Recreation


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Process over perfection: WWU softball kicks off 2026 season

Walking into a Western Washington University softball practice, you can instantly feel an energy of connection, passion and enthusiasm radiating from the team. Players sing along to music, laugh at inside jokes and encourage each other’s efforts, all while working hard to improve their skills.



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Wheelchair basketball players score more than just baskets

Every Monday evening, basketballs bounce, wheels skid and players holler across Court A inside Wade King Student Recreation Center. Many things change from week to week; players fluctuate, different drills are run. But one thing about the WWU Adaptive Sports Club stays the same: an undeniable sense of community.


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Where to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday

When the clock expired on the Seattle Seahawks’ 27-31 NFC Championship victory over the Los Angeles Rams on the evening of Jan. 25, 2026, it wasn’t just to the delight of the uproarious home crowd affectionately known as the “12s.”


Opinion


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OPINION: Tell your friends when they deserve better

Much like exam anxiety or Sunday morning hangovers, messy dating is a disconcerting reality for many college students. In navigating these relationships, we learn through trial and error: what is fun and what is not, and who we should or should not be with.


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OPINION: The rock that refused to leave

Between Flora St and W Champion, nestled behind the backs of O-Pole dance studio and the Mount Baker Theatre, lies the Great Bellingham Boulder. Standing almost two stories tall, it looks disarmingly natural and serene amongst paved asphalt and urban alley.



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