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September is Eat Local Month in Bellingham and to celebrate, the summer Front staff is going to be breaking down some of...
15/09/2024

September is Eat Local Month in Bellingham and to celebrate, the summer Front staff is going to be breaking down some of our favorite local bites open past midnight.

These spots have a special place in our hearts, not just as local fixtures, but also as the spots that got us through our late-night cravings. All located downtown, these eateries are largely accessible from campus via bus, Uber, car or whatever your travel preference is.

Click the link in our bio to read more!

Story by Madi Tessem and Morgan Merriam
Photo by Zen Hill

I’ve been drinking coffee for as long as I can remember. And before you go critiquing my parents, know that it was my gr...
12/09/2024

I’ve been drinking coffee for as long as I can remember. And before you go critiquing my parents, know that it was my grandma sneaking me sips of what was probably more creamer than actual coffee.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story!

Story and photo by Morgan Merriam

Latine students in Washington face unique challenges in their journey through higher education, but organizations such a...
30/08/2024

Latine students in Washington face unique challenges in their journey through higher education, but organizations such as the League of United Latin American Citizens and the Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs are fighting those challenges.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story!

Story and photo by Liam Walsh

Jazz is a genre that is documented to have existed since 1917, and is continually kept alive by musicians all over the w...
21/08/2024

Jazz is a genre that is documented to have existed since 1917, and is continually kept alive by musicians all over the world, including those in Bellingham, Wash.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story!

Story by Logan Schreiber
Photo by Darius Trinidad

Kat Chawkins positions the butt of the gun on her shoulder and takes a stern and stable stance. Lining up the cross-site...
08/08/2024

Kat Chawkins positions the butt of the gun on her shoulder and takes a stern and stable stance. Lining up the cross-site, she stares down the barrel of the plastic gun. “Vegan hunting,” as she calls it. After about 30 seconds, she’s shot three bucks and a couple of critters.

“Kat doesn’t like to lose at video games,” Chawkins says, quoting one of her closest friends and Big Buck Hunter competitors, Jabriel Donohue. She then points to a classic video game controller tattoo positioned on her right forearm.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story!

Story and photos by William Morton

Zach Bender-Kokx, a senior at Western Washington University and lead Jiu Jitsu Instructor at the Wade King Student Recre...
30/07/2024

Zach Bender-Kokx, a senior at Western Washington University and lead Jiu Jitsu Instructor at the Wade King Student Recreation Center, has trained in martial arts since his senior year of high school.

“The initial draw was from watching mixed martial arts,” Bender-Kokx said.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story!

Story and photo by Ozzy Konez

University Police terminated the employment of officer Robert Anderson on Thursday, July 11, over allegations that he as...
17/07/2024

University Police terminated the employment of officer Robert Anderson on Thursday, July 11, over allegations that he assaulted a suspect unaffiliated with Western Washington University trying to break into one of the arresting officer’s personal vehicles on Jan. 20.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story!

Story and photo by Morgan Merriam

In 2021, 2,180 Division II student athletes transferred to another school. In 2023, that number was 3,453. That’s a 63% ...
17/07/2024

In 2021, 2,180 Division II student athletes transferred to another school. In 2023, that number was 3,453. That’s a 63% increase in two years. For Division I student athletes in 2021 there were 9,806 portal transfers. In 2023 that number was 13,025. That’s a 75% increase in two years.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story!

Story by Nathan Barber
Photo by Imogene Eagan

Due to much-needed construction on North Lake Samish’s Bridge No. 107, nearby Samish Park will be closed as it is being ...
14/07/2024

Due to much-needed construction on North Lake Samish’s Bridge No. 107, nearby Samish Park will be closed as it is being used as a staging area. Construction contractor Cascade Bridge LLC, the project lead of the $9.67 million bridge replacement, will use the park for storing all necessary construction equipment and materials.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story!

Story and photo by Ross Osborne

The morning after a spectacular sighting of the northern lights, sunlight bounced off the snow while the smell of burnin...
10/07/2024

The morning after a spectacular sighting of the northern lights, sunlight bounced off the snow while the smell of burning joints and laughter filled the air. This all occurred at the fourth annual Brain Bowl Session, hosted by Tre Squad, which launched off at Mt. Baker Ski Area on May 11. The event lasted all week, from May 6-12.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story and swipe right to see more photos!

Story and photos by Nathan Barber

As the weather warms up and the days become longer, people are gathering around Bellingham to watch the summer sunsets. ...
06/07/2024

As the weather warms up and the days become longer, people are gathering around Bellingham to watch the summer sunsets. With a variety of parks around Bellingham, people have the opportunity to watch the sunset from the beaches to the mountains.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story!

Story by Miles Vander Vennet
Photo courtesy of Stephen Matera

The global nonprofit Shut Up and Write has joined the collection of writing groups at Village Books in Fairhaven, offeri...
28/02/2024

The global nonprofit Shut Up and Write has joined the collection of writing groups at Village Books in Fairhaven, offering structured productivity every Friday from 9:15-11 a.m.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story!

Story by Halley Buxton
Illustration by Sam Fozard

Aiming to engage and connect the Bellingham community, the Whatcom Museum is now hosting a plethora of events on the fir...
02/02/2024

Aiming to engage and connect the Bellingham community, the Whatcom Museum is now hosting a plethora of events on the first Friday of every month, all for free.

The Whatcom Museum will display intricately woven violin and storytelling narratives, traditional songs and dances from the Lummi Nation and a hand-curated exhibition expressing senses of healing and repair.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story!

Story and photo by William Morton.

Each academic quarter, the Counseling and Wellness Center at Western Washington University holds a multitude of Therapy ...
05/12/2023

Each academic quarter, the Counseling and Wellness Center at Western Washington University holds a multitude of Therapy Groups, available to any student. This fall quarter, 11 different groups, including groups for anxiety and depression, are being offered.

These groups provide a different approach to mental wellness that a one-on-one session with a therapist does not. They allow for feedback and guidance from two licensed clinicians or psychologists, as well as connection with a group of peers, said Gabrielle Hope-Foucault, a coordinator of the Therapy Groups program.

“Just being in the same room with other people who are struggling with something similar decreases distress related to mental health because it decreases feelings of isolation,” Hope-Foucault said.

Story by Olivia Marty.
Illustration by Maren Duffy.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is an illustration of a therapy group as they all sit in a group. Slide 2 is a solid blue background with the quote " “There tends to be a belief that individual therapy is the only thing that works. And that's just simply not true,” said Hope-Foucault, coordinator of the Groups Program at Western."]

Just outside of Fairhaven’s historic district in Bellingham, a group of hardened souls gather at Taylor Dock each evenin...
01/12/2023

Just outside of Fairhaven’s historic district in Bellingham, a group of hardened souls gather at Taylor Dock each evening at 4:30 p.m. to take part in a collective cold plunge.

It all started in November 2022, when Caleb Barville and his buddy Jaden Miller thought it would be a fun challenge to plunge into Bellingham bay every day. Snow, ice, and torrential downpours didn’t stop them.

When word-of-mouth sparked curiosity and drew in more people, Barville and Miller formed an official Cold Plunge Club at Western Washington University in March 2023.

“It was a nice little group of people and a great way to hang out and all suffer together,” Barville said. “It’s a great bonding experience. So we’re like, might as well make it a club, this could be awesome.”

Story & Photo by Evan Riley.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is a photograph of members of the WWU's Cold Plunge club jumping off of Taylor's Dock in Bellingham, WA. Slide 2 is a solid light blue background with the quote " “It's just a great community, and a great experience for people to join in on,” Barville said. ”If you're looking for a community, in the winter time where seasonal depression is more prevalent, then you’re doing that deliberate cold exposure. “It doesn’t have to be every day, it could just be one day, two days a week.” “]

Do you have an insatiable appetite for reading? Are the rising book prices just too much to keep up with? Have you ever ...
23/11/2023

Do you have an insatiable appetite for reading? Are the rising book prices just too much to keep up with? Have you ever wanted to rob a library? Have you ever felt bad for wanting to rob a library?

The solution to your woes may only be a bus ride away.

Bellingham and Fairhaven are home to many locally-owned used bookstores that offer pre-loved books at a discounted price, so your wallet can keep up with your to-be-read list.

Story & Photo by Aubrey Black.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is a photograph within Henderson Books in Downtown Bellingham. Slide 2 is a solid light blue background with the quote " “There’s just something about getting on the bus, sitting with my headphones, wearing a cute outfit and walking through the doors of Henderson’s,” Anna Helsel said.“]

On Oct. 17, many residents in the Fairhaven dorms on Western Washington University's campus started to notice a foul sme...
21/11/2023

On Oct. 17, many residents in the Fairhaven dorms on Western Washington University's campus started to notice a foul smell. Many wondered about the origins of the smell and posted online to ask if anyone knew what it was.

By Oct. 23, University Residences at Western put out a statement, stating there was a “presence of a small sewage outflow.” This has turned out to be a big problem for many people, including Western’s Facilities Department, The Outback Farm and students.

The smell was caused by a sewage pipe leak in the stormwater drain, which feeds into Connelly Creek, located in The Outback Farm.

The leak in the stormwater pipe is due to its age, as the Fairhaven stacks were constructed in the 1970s. It’s also due to its close proximity to the sewage system pipes, which run in the same area, said Amanda Cambre, the director of facility management at Western.

Story & Photo by Olivia Marty.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is a photograph of the Fairhaven complex stormwater drain, showing grey cloudy water as a result from sewage contamination. Slide 2 is a solid blue background with the quote " “We are doing everything we can to identify it as quickly as possible, and also acknowledge that the smell is real, the impact is real. None of us are happy about this,” said Amanda Cambre.']

Bellingham’s annual Turkey Trot kicks off this Saturday, November 18 at 9:00 a.m. in Squalicum Creek Park, with all net ...
19/11/2023

Bellingham’s annual Turkey Trot kicks off this Saturday, November 18 at 9:00 a.m. in Squalicum Creek Park, with all net proceeds directly benefiting the Bellingham Food Bank.

The organizer of the event, the Greater Bellingham Running Club, has put on the event since 2010, with each year drawing in a steady crowd of people.

The GBRC is a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit that's served Bellingham since 1976. Their primary goal is to make running more accessible and inviting to the community.

Story by Evan Riley.
Photo courtesy of Steph Thurman.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is a photo of Steph Thurman and her two friends, Lindsey Boldrin and Jennie Pittis at last year's Turkey Trot in Bellingham. The photo displays the headline "Turkey Trot returns for its 13th year." Slide 2 is a solid light blue background with the quote: “If you love to run, come help GBRC give others some of that joy! Kwiatkowski said. “And, if it's not running, find another match from the multitude of Bellingham organizations that would not exist without volunteers.”]

The month of November was declared Native American Heritage Month in 1990. At Western Washington University, it is a tim...
18/11/2023

The month of November was declared Native American Heritage Month in 1990. At Western Washington University, it is a time to recognize the history of the land that the university sits on and to uplift Native peoples’ voices.

“At Western, it's a time of celebration and recognition of the rich cultures and traditions of our Native and Indigenous communities, but also one of learning, reflection and dialogue,” according to Western’s webpage on Native American Heritage Month.

Many events are being held to honor and celebrate the month, including a variety of Native speakers, panels and the IndigiQueer Fashion show.

Story & Photo by Olivia Marty.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is of the cedar "Thunderbird and Bear and Steelhead Totem Pole" by Dale James located in Western Washington University's library. Slide 2 is a solid blue background with the quote " “It’s very important for us to celebrate at least the month, but it’s more than just a month,” said George Swanaset Jr., the Cultural Resources Director of Nooksack Indian Tribe. "]

Every Thursday afternoon, members of the Black Student Union gather for their club meeting. Up the stairs of the Viking ...
16/11/2023

Every Thursday afternoon, members of the Black Student Union gather for their club meeting. Up the stairs of the Viking Union, about 50 members meet in the Ethnic Student Center to discuss a variety of subjects surrounding the Black experience.

Tekhia Jones, the Black Student Union president, works alongside multiple members of the BSU board, including Aryam Tamene, the union’s vice president. The student-run club spends up to four hours a week collaborating and sifting through potential event ideas.

“Community is definitely something that we’ve been focusing on as a board,” Jones said. “We’re trying to bridge that gap this year and actually form connections and build these interpersonal relationships.”

Story by Neisha Gaskins.
Illustration by Maren Duffy.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is an illustration of three Black students sitting at a table, with a banner that reads "Get to Know the Black Student Union". Slide 2 is a solid dark blue background with the quote: “Community is definitely something that we’ve been focusing on as a board this year,” Jones said. “We’re trying to bridge that gap this year and actually form connections and build these interpersonal relationships.”]

Autumn leaves lined the brick pathway outside of the Communications Facility on Sept. 27 as Western Washington Universit...
14/11/2023

Autumn leaves lined the brick pathway outside of the Communications Facility on Sept. 27 as Western Washington University students approached the glass doors, ready for their first week of classes to begin.

Fall quarter excitement turned into confusion when students realized the central atrium stairwell was gone, finding a white wall in its place due to construction work on the new Kaiser Borsari Hall.

With the main stairwell blocked off, students scrambled to find another way to get to their classes on time in the basement, second, third and fourth floors of the building.

Story & Photo by Maria Kallerson.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is a photo of the current construction on The Kaiser Borsari Hall in the what used to be 17G parking lot behind the Communications Facility. Slide 2 is a blue background with the statement " The stairwell is expected to reopen in August 2024, said Lisa Brennan, the communications and marketing coordinator for Facilities Development and Operations."]

After six months in business, Sweet As Waffles is making a name for themselves by making irresistible waffles.On April 2...
07/11/2023

After six months in business, Sweet As Waffles is making a name for themselves by making irresistible waffles.

On April 20, Nate Brown and Graham Berkwitt opened up their brick and mortar shop in downtown Bellingham on the popular strip of Railroad Ave. Despite having recently opened, the roots of Sweet As Waffles extend much deeper.

“We have a number one rule here and all the employees know it,” Berkwitt said. “It’s no soggy waffles.”

Story & Photo by Evan Riley.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is a photo of a Sweet as Waffles employee and co-owner Graham Berkwitt posing with some waffles. Slide 2 is a solid light blue background with the quote " “Our mission was to create a space that emphasizes and revitalizes Bellingham’s weird, fun, quirky, culture that we had fallen in love with over the years.” "]

A chatty buzz quickly turns into whistles and cheers at Schweinhaus Biergarten on Friday, Oct. 13 as Bellingham rock ban...
05/11/2023

A chatty buzz quickly turns into whistles and cheers at Schweinhaus Biergarten on Friday, Oct. 13 as Bellingham rock band Magenta Wave takes the stage. Every bench in the beer garden is full and an overflow crowd stands on the sidelines.

By the end of the band’s hourlong set, attendees formed a dance pit in front of the stage, the crowd alive and bouncing to the final riffs.

“When Magenta Wave comes through, it feels very electric,” said Martijn Wall, co-founder and co-owner of The Blue Room, a Bellingham venue Magenta Wave has played at multiple times.

Story by Maria Kallerson.
Photo by Kieran Bresnahan.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is a photo of Magenta Wave gazing at the sunset at Samish Overlook. From the left, Taylor Mastin, lead guitarist; Nathaniel McCurley, bassist; Grayson Thompson, singer and guitarist; Kellen Larsen, drummer. Slide 2 is a solid light blue background with the quote " “We’re like a melting pot of genres coming together,” Larsen said. “It makes our sound unique and our own.” "]

The Wade King Student Recreation Center hosts a variety of fitness communities, from weightlifting and sports clubs to Z...
02/11/2023

The Wade King Student Recreation Center hosts a variety of fitness communities, from weightlifting and sports clubs to Zumba and Pilates classes, but diving into new communities and prioritizing health amid busy schedules can be overwhelming and intimidating.

Is engaging in Western Washington University’s fitness communities really worth the effort? Matthew Miller, an elementary education professor at Western, thinks it is.

Through Western’s Faculty & Staff Wellness Program, Miller has taken fitness classes ranging from tai chi to pickleball. While the physical results are great, he believes the biggest reward is the mental health support.

“Work is often stressful, so I think it’s beneficial to carve out some specific space to commit to your well-being. That’s what I see the fitness program is doing,” Miller said.

Story & Photo by Kiora Surratt.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is a photo of the Wade King Student Recreation Center on a sunny morning. Slide 2 is a blue background with the quote " “Before, I would just come to work and do my job. Now, I have this little moment during the day where I get to step out of [work] and devote time to self-care. I think everybody deserves that,” Miller said.."]

Amid the buses, walkers, and drivers, students biking to campus is not a rare sight to see. But bikes being stolen isn’t...
31/10/2023

Amid the buses, walkers, and drivers, students biking to campus is not a rare sight to see. But bikes being stolen isn’t a rarity either.

In partnership with Bike Index, Western Washington University chose to revamp its previous system which was once independently run by the University Police. This revamp wasn’t made until three students, Weston Sitterding, Pierce Bock, and Sean Hakala pitched the idea of an improved bike system to Western’s Associated Students Transportation Advisory Committee last spring.

About 200 bikes have been registered since the program's launch this fall, according to Malcolm Duncan-Graves, the Active Transportation Coordinator at Western. That is double the amount of registrations that the University Police received with their previous system.

Story by Neisha Gaskins.
Illustration by Maren Duffy.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is a illustration of a detailed bike. Slide 2 is a solid blue background with the quote " “Roughly 20 bikes are reported stolen from campus each year, though this number is likely higher,” Graves said. “Bikes that are stolen from campus are rarely recovered on campus. That is why the nationwide registration is a great tool to get bikes recovered.” "]

The Associated Students Productions’ fall films series will feature four horror films to keep viewers on the edge of the...
28/10/2023

The Associated Students Productions’ fall films series will feature four horror films to keep viewers on the edge of their seat – or couch – at the newly renovated Underground Coffeehouse, featuring a collaboration with Western’s Scream Queens.

On Friday the 13th, the first film of the series was, appropriately, the Friday the 13th film “Jason X.”

Before the screening of the film, conversations were shared among students who didn’t know each other as they settled into oversized couches. Compliments of Halloween attire, admiration for Bellingham’s fall weather and the absurdity of the Friday the 13th franchise were amongst conversation topics.

Story by Kenna Peterson.
Illustration by Maren Duffy.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is an illustration of two students reaching for popcorn to cope with the fright of a horror movie at the Underground Coffeehouse. Slide 2 is a solid blue background with the quote " “My goal with this is to expose more people on campus to classic and new release horror movies and convert more people over to the horror genre,” said ASP Films Coordinator Rachel Silzlier in regards to ASP’s fall film series."]

Over 100 students staged a walkout and gathered in Western Washington University’s Red Square on Wednesday, Oct. 25, to ...
27/10/2023

Over 100 students staged a walkout and gathered in Western Washington University’s Red Square on Wednesday, Oct. 25, to demand a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

The demonstration was a part of a national student walkout calling for an end to Israel’s siege of Gaza. The Arab Student Association organized the event on campus.

Students were asked to leave their classrooms at 12:30 p.m. to show their rejection of violence against Palestinians.

“[I hope that people gain] awareness. Awareness and the drive to do something, to act because this is our [students’] money and we are involved whether we want to accept that or not,” said fourth-year Asch Qattawi, the honorary president of ASA.

Story & Photo by Seddie LeBlanc.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is a photo of Western’s Arab Student Association members at the walkout, with the headline "Western students join nationwide walkout to demand cease-fire." The second slide is a dark blue background with a quote from the story: “The liberation of Palestine is the liberation of everyone. Interconnected struggles are how we better ourselves as human beings,” said Asch Qattawi, a fourth-year student and the honorary president of the Arab Student Association.]

As temperatures drop and days get shorter, rustling leaves become potential ghosts and pumpkins become jack-o-lanterns. ...
26/10/2023

As temperatures drop and days get shorter, rustling leaves become potential ghosts and pumpkins become jack-o-lanterns. It’s increasingly clear: Halloween is approaching.

Whether you’ve been planning your costume for months or are looking for a fun way to celebrate the holiday, Bellingham offers many unique Halloween events for all ages and price ranges.

For a mix of history and spooky atmosphere, Bellingham Ghost Tours offers history tours with a twist, in partnership with the Good Time Girls.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Gore and Lore Tours led by the Good Time Girls offer an experience that encapsulates Halloween.

Story by Jenna Millikan.
Photo by Juliette Machado.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is a photo of a Do Not Enter sign at BAAY's fear garden. Slide 2 is a solid light blue background with the quote "“I mean, you can't get more Halloween than ghosts,” said Charles Crook, director of Bellingham Ghost Tours which combines history and hauntings. This is one of many Halloween events happening in Bellingham."]

Bellingham local Dana Carr began her Taylor Dock sunset silent discos in January 2023 as a way to bring together the com...
25/10/2023

Bellingham local Dana Carr began her Taylor Dock sunset silent discos in January 2023 as a way to bring together the community after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carr founded Dancing Dana Carr LLC in 2019 after spending a few years teaching Nia, a form of dance that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts according to the Center for Nia and Yoga, classes at Western Washington University. Carr initially began by teaching the Groove dance format, a free flowing group dance experience.

Carr knew how expensive renting out a studio was and wanted a more accessible way to revive dance following the hit the community took following the pandemic.

“I wanted to make a weekly offering that I would enjoy doing no matter what happens,” said Carr. “If no one joins me, did I just dance an hour and a half to a beautiful sunset by myself? Yes, great! If anyone joins me? Great! I love the idea of not having to control anything.”

Story & Photo by Madison Linney.

[Image Description: Slide 1 is a photo of a group of silent disco participants dancing with a boat silhouette in the background with the sunset at Taylor Dock. Slide 2 is a light blue background with the quote " “Whether you are a trained dancer or new to the art form, dance is a powerful tool to connect us all! The silent disco offers the opportunity for folx to come together in movement and music in a beautiful outdoor space.” - Susan Haine."]

Western Washington University students have the opportunity to attend all 2023-2024 home games free of charge. This deve...
20/10/2023

Western Washington University students have the opportunity to attend all 2023-2024 home games free of charge. This development came from the partnership of Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) and The Foundation of WWU & Alumni. Together the organizations donated $25,000 to the university.

The free tickets were spearheaded by Jim Sterk, the new Director of Athletics at Western, and in collaboration with Kim O’Neill, CEO of The Foundation for WWU & Alumni, and Jennifer Kutcher, president and CEO of WECU, in hopes of increasing student attendance at sporting events.

Sterk identified the disconnect between campus events and students shortly after stepping into his position this summer. With the Carver Gym having been closed for two years due to renovations and the pandemic hitting shortly after, the athletics department found it difficult to rebuild the budget it once had.

“The Foundations stepped up, then WECU stepped up, it's all been a team effort," Sterk said.

Story by Hannah Quinton.
Photo Courtesy of WWU Athletics.

Image Description: Slide 1 is a photo of students and cheerleaders cheering for a Western Washington University game. Slide 2 is a solid blue background with the quote " 'We've noticed a small disconnect between attendance and financial support for our sports programs," Jeff Evans said, director of athletics communications, "It's not just about the sports; it's about the event itself. The donation helps bridge that gap.' "

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