Whatcom

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City & County

Hundreds gather for Abortion Rights Rally in response to the Texas abortion ban

By Kai Uyehara | October 7

Nearly a thousand individuals assembled outside Bellingham City Hall to fight for abortion rights on Oct. 2, hoisting picket signs and raising their voices. The event fostered rowdy opposition from about 20 counter-protestors, compromising the crowd’s ability to safely march through the streets, but it didn’t stop ralliers from making their voices heard. 

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City & County

How are vaccine requirements affecting businesses?

By Bella Neff | October 6

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, an increasing number of bars, restaurants and venues in Bellingham are requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test for patrons wishing to enter. 

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City & County

‘Limited compliance’ fueled a COVID-19 outbreak that forced Lynden Christian Schools online

By Matt Adams | October 5

After an uncontrolled COVID-19 outbreak and pressure from local health officials forced them to close their doors last week, the Lynden Christian Schools system is hoping to resume face-to-face instruction on Wednesday, Oct. 13. 

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City & County

Public high schools unsure about full attendance for athletic events

By Juan Baldovinos Jr. | August 25

The new school year is approaching, which means high school sports are upon us, but will schools allow full attendance for fans?  

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Washington State

Abnormally high summer temperatures bring wildfires, droughts

By Aria Nguyen | August 18

The threat of wildfires looms over western Washington, as Gov. Jay Inslee warns Washington state residents of the potential dangers “abnormally high temperatures and dry conditions” may bring. 

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Washington State

Hunger on Campus: Western’s systems fail to meet student need

By Cameron Sires , Mallory Kruml and Kenneth Duncan | August 15

As the summer of 2019 approached, fourth-year Western student Mike Oh had a decision to make: pay rent or go without groceries. With his student loans halted for the summer, Oh became strapped for cash in an increasingly costly college city. 

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Recreation

Northwest Washington Fair returns this summer

By Juan Baldovinos Jr. | August 9

The Northwest Washington Fair will be back Aug. 12 after being canceled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

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Washington State

Opinion | When it comes to voting, Washington needs to do better

By Caleb Lyon | August 4

Across many parts of the country, it’s getting harder to engage in the democratic process. 

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Business & Economy

Washington state fully reopens, some restaurants still struggle

By Aria Nguyen | July 27

After over a year of providing to-go orders, running at half-capacity or shutting down completely, restaurants emerging from COVID-19 restrictions aren’t in the clear yet.   

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City & County

Bellingham Cold Storage employees return to work after strike over “unfair” labor practice

By Maddie Federici | July 21

Around 120 Bellingham Cold Storage employees returned to work on Thursday, July 15, after a two-week strike over what their union representative, Teamsters Local 231, said was unfair labor practices during new contract negotiations.  

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City & County

Local martial arts gym hosts first event since start of pandemic

By Juan Baldovinos Jr. | July 19

On June 26, Pure Fitness Martial Arts hosted its first fight event since February 2020. 

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Recreation

Famous dock and lifeguards return to Bloedel Donovan Park

By Aria Nguyen | July 16

Growing up in Bellingham, Washington, Eddie Hansen said he remembers going to Bloedel Donovan Park as a child. 

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Education

Bellingham high schools recap year of education during pandemic

By Juan Baldovinos Jr. | July 11

Since Washington reopened on June 30, COVID-19 restrictions seem to be coming to an end. 

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City & County

Increasing temperatures pose challenges for Bellingham’s houseless community

By Aria Nguyen | July 9

Western Washington faced a record-breaking heat wave with temperatures well into the 90s in late June, leaving those without shelter vulnerable — and it's not over as high temperatures are a possibility for the future.  

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Environment

Whatcom Land Trust bought 1,000 acres of land from commercial logging

By Maddie Federici | July 8

Whatcom Land Trust purchased 1,130 acres of land along Upper Skookum Creek from commercial logging company Weyerhaeuser to preserve the land, provide public access and restore critical habitat for spring Chinook salmon.  

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City & County

Search for new police chief postponed to fall

By Brooklyn Castellani-Kelsay | July 7

The city of Bellingham did not hire any of the four finalists from a recent search for a new police chief.   

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City & County

Bellingham High School makes mascot change

By Juan Baldovinos Jr. | July 3

For Bellingham High School, 2021 will be the last year the Red Raider is their mascot. 

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City & County

How to keep your pet calm this Fourth of July

By Michael Flo | July 3

 People and pets all around Bellingham are preparing for the Fourth of July. 

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Travel

Discussion of Canada-US Border to reopen, foreigners will have to wait

By Aria Nguyen | July 2

Imagine getting the news that a family member is passing and the only way to be with them while they take their last breath is over FaceTime.   

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City & County

Whatcom County plan aims to make public rights-of-way more accessible

By Cameron Baird | June 30

Only 1% of sidewalks and 2% of curb ramps in Whatcom County fully comply with the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to a self-assessment that the county released in February.