Western Washington University has released an updated Sustainability Action Plan (SAP), outlining strategies for 2025 to 2030 aimed at cutting emissions, strengthening accountability and increasing climate leadership.
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.
As travel costs rise and funding tightens for student athletes at Western Washington University, a proposed increase to the quarterly services and activities fee could help stabilize both varsity and club sports, despite concerns with increased tuition prices.
Democratic state Reps. Debra Lekanoff of the 40th legislative district and Joe Timmons of the 42nd district visited Western Washington University for a town hall meeting on Feb. 21, hoping to hear from students about issues they’re concerned about.
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.
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.
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.
Third graders at Happy Valley Elementary School remain quiet, grasping onto every word coming from Jason LaClair. They are enthralled he is here. Allied Arts, a gallery and leader in the Whatcom County art scene, has partnered with LaClair to bring his knowledge to the classroom.
On Sunday, in between spurts of heavy rainfall and patchy blue skies, dozens of people squeezed into the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center in Bellingham with two things on their minds: whistles and resistance.
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.
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.
Small sneakers squeak across the gym floor at the Bloedel Donovan Community Center as their owners take turns swinging plastic bats and chasing after each ball. Some run straight to their parents while others share their bat with the person next to them, but all of them cheer for each other.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Shibari, a style of Japanese rope bondage, is an art form that uses rope to create intricate patterns on the human body. As a subculture of the BDSM community, it is often viewed as taboo or scandalous.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by admiring other people's feelings instead of dealing with your own! Check out WinkWink Boutique’s newest gallery during the month of February.
Solutions by The State News
