Janessa Bates
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Drew James, 8, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, joins her mother, Kailin, at the “No Kings” protest in Bellingham, Wash., on Oct. 18, 2025. Kailin said her daughter “understands that President Trump is not doing anything good, and violating our Constitution is not a good way to lead our country.” //
Janessa Bates
Janessa Bates (she/her) is a city news writer for The Front this fall quarter. She is currently studying visual journalism and political science at Western. Outside of the newsroom, she co-leads a club called WWU Photo Video Club, enjoys reading and loves to picnic with her dachshund. You can reach her at janessa.thefront@gmail.com.
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January 27A group of student musicians discuss their favorite genres of music at a Queer + Femme Speed Banding event. The event took place at Western’s Underground Coffeehouse in Bellingham, Wash., on Jan. 14, 2026. // Photo by Erica Stavnem
Yarn Sorting.HEIC
January 26SK Kunkel sorts yarn into piles of natural or synthetic fiber by Ragfinery’s cash register in Bellingham, Wash., on Jan. 16, 2026. The unlabeled yarn goes into a separate pile to be burn tested. // Photo by Noelle Reger
Thread Wall.HEIC
January 26Hunter Wolf restocks Ragfinery’s thread wall in Bellingham, Wash., on Jan. 16, 2026. All types of supplies were depleted in the first few days after reopening. // Photo by Noelle Reger
