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22/10/2024

The Western Washington University’s women’s soccer team returned to Harrington Field in style on Thursday night, Oct. 17, taking the win over Montana State University Billings by a score of 2-1.

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Story by Jonah Billings
Photo by Michael Potash

17/10/2024

Western Washington University’s men’s soccer team conceded a 2-1 loss to the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks on a cold Thursday night, Oct. 10, at Robert S. Harrington Field, in Bellingham, Wash.

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Story by Alex Couckuyt
Photo by Josh Williams, courtesy of WWU Athletics

09/10/2024

Students gathered in Red Square for a protest held by WWU Divest Apartheid on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m., Many embraced each other, as they listened to speakers recite speeches, poems and information regarding the movement’s actions and calls for financial clarity against the Western Washington University administration.

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Story by Austin Wright and Julia Hawkins
Photos by Ayden Sweat

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

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.

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Story and photo by Morgan Merriam

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.

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Story and photo by Liam Walsh

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.

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Story by Logan Schreiber
Photo by Darius Trinidad

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.

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Story and photos by William Morton

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.

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Story and photo by Ozzy Konez

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.

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Story and photo by Morgan Merriam

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.

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Story by Nathan Barber
Photo by Imogene Eagan

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.

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Story and photo by Ross Osborne

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

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.

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Story by Miles Vander Vennet
Photo courtesy of Stephen Matera

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.

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Story by Halley Buxton
Illustration by Sam Fozard

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.

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."]

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.” “]

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.“]

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.']

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.”]

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. "]

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.”]

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."]

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.” "]

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John Waters spoke with The Front last week in a twenty-minute interview covering his new book ‘Liarmouth: A Feel-Bad Romance’, spoken-word show and his filmography ahead of his appearance at Western Washington University today, Saturday May 21. Check out this sneak preview of the full interview! Waters has been a filmmaker for over fifty years, and is best known for his films Pink Flamingos, Hairspray and Polyester. Waters’ signature style is known for its transgression, surrealism and inclusion of queer culture. Waters is visiting Western today, Saturday May 21 to perform his spoken-word show False Negative, which will begin at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center mainstage. After, he is holding a question-and-answer session followed by a screening of Pink Flamingos. Read about the event and watch the full interview now through these links: Full Youtube Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED0H6Zh08gQ&t=1s Article: https://www.westernfrontonline.com/article/2022/05/a-conversation-with-john-waters

The ForeFront is back! In the first episode of this quarter, we look back at the women’s march at the Bellingham city hall at the beginning of October and the anti-abortion protest that took place in Red Square the following week. Click the link below to learn more about these protests, Western's vaccine and mask requirements and recent bike thefts and car prowls on campus: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6E1e6hgppH9LZemwqQe7Yt?si=0tcvrJ-ZQ-i0Q7_Hlcep0A

The Front: 2021 Fall Info Fair Coverage

Forget how to socialize at school? Us too. Check out our info fair coverage to find out what these clubs and groups have to offer as we transition back to campus:

On Saturday afternoon, protesters and counter-protesters gathered outside the Bellingham Police precinct to voice their opinions on policing. https://tinyurl.com/3hsxx5mp 📝 by Cliff Heberden, Caroline Brooks and Nicola Wasmuth // 📸 by Nicola Wasmuth // 🎤 by Caroline Brooks

Have something to say? Send The Front a guest column. Guest columns share community members' opinions and perspectives, helping us better serve who we cover and further public discourse. Email columns to [email protected]

In this week's ForeFront, we catch up on Bellingham's new $4 an hour hazard pay ordinance. After that, we sit down with sports editor Nathan Schumock for an update on the vast world of collegiate sports 🏀🚣⚾️⛹️‍♀️⚽️🏌️‍♂️ https://open.spotify.com/episode/0r94hBp993CVcRlCslHC5j?si=29cd7fa7711d4433

Dancing into near-normal

In the first part of this week's ForeFront, we explore what a halting return to near-normal looks like and head to the Underground Nightclub, which is reopening after more than a year. Listen to "Dancing into near-normal" here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1xOFifewqXHCG8Ndb0HRVl?si=iN-e988NTpSJYkWLG87p8A

Nooksack River water rights

The Front is starting a new weekly podcast called The ForeFront and the first episode drops this evening! We’ll be recapping the news you need to know this week and taking a deep dive into local stories. Listen to hear more about water rights in the Nooksack River basin, a concerning manuscript that was left on campus, a longhouse in the arboretum and other stories The Front is reporting on. // Video by Emily Bishop.

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Walkout Against Mass Shootings

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Week in Review May 28

Week in Review May 12

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The Front: 2021 Fall Info Fair Coverage

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