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City & County

Contaminated shellfish linked to five illnesses in Whatcom County

By Atlanta Moss

Contaminated oysters and clams sold at three Bellingham locations (the downtown Community Food Co-op, Keenan’s at the Pier and Rock & Rye Oyster House) between March 22 and April 9 were recalled by the FDA and the Washington State Department of Health on April 10. Five confirmed cases of norovirus-like illness linked directly to the shellfish were reported in Whatcom County.

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City & County

Make a splash outside this summer

By Laney Lark | May 15

As the temperature and cost of living rise, places like the Community Boating Center and the Lakewood Boathouse are offering low-cost opportunities to get on the water. They offer rentals of kayaks, boats, paddleboards and so much more. Their goals are to just get people outside and have fun. 

Western

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WWU’s Model UN team wins big in New York

By Gabriel Townsend | May 13

Student delegates from around the world attend the National Model United Nations conference. This year, Western’s team of delegates won big, receiving an Outstanding Delegation award, which is only given to about 13% of groups that attend the conference each year, according to Riley Kessler, a Western Model U.N. delegate.

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Bike theft up, student certainty down

By Gray Pendell Jones | May 13

With Western Washington University Police reporting 10 stolen bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters in April, students are doubting the security of bike racks on campus. Amid the ongoing rise in theft, students who haven’t already experienced losses are searching for preventative solutions.

Local News

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Bellingham considers raising select electric vehicle charging rates by 60%

By Atlanta Moss | May 4

The City of Bellingham is considering raising the prices of city-owned electric vehicle charging stations for the first time since 2022. A proposal presented to the city’s transportation commission on April 14 by the city’s climate and energy manager, Seth Vidaña, suggests raising the price of level three fast charging from $0.25 per kilowatt-hour to $0.40. 

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Student bus pass safe in new contract with WTA

By Brodey O’Brien | May 4

The board of the Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) unanimously approved a new contract with Western Washington University, ensuring the continuation of the student bus pass for another year. In a meeting on April 16 at WTA’s office, board members gathered online and in person to vote on a new contract that would cost the university more but keep the student bus pass. 

Sports Recreation

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Need a quick sweat? Try fitness classes at Wade King Student Recreation Center

By Violet Mills | May 11

Music bumps, kicks fly and hands whirl as Western Washington University students dance their way through a Zumba class at the Wade King Recreation Center. Fitness classes at Western’s rec center provide a space for participants to move their bodies while surrounding themselves with peers who share a goal of staying active. A variety of classes are offered to fit many styles of movement and exercise goals including Zumba, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, spin and weightlifting.

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A place to come back to

By Chayton Engelson | May 10

While many senior athletes struggle to find their place after hanging up their cleats, Western Washington University graduates often find themselves back on campus after their playing time is done. Of the 61 staff members working for WWU Athletics, 21 are listed as alumni on the staff directory or on their individual rosters.

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Bellingham kayakers compete in the Little White Salmon Race

By Zander Ulmer | May 1

Every April, the roar of the Little White Salmon River is drowned out by cheers echoing from the canyon. Cars lined the shoulder of Cook-Underwood Road, near White Salmon, Wash., on April 18, as spectators and fans bushwhacked to the river. Within the lush, forested gorge, a roster of elite whitewater kayakers prepared to charge down miles of continuous rapids and waterfalls in the annual Little White Salmon Race. 

Opinion

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OPINION: Go out of your way to support women in film

By Rowan Braeckel | May 11

Women have always been underrepresented in film. Since 1929, only five women directors have been nominated for the Academy Award for best director, according to a study done in 2020. While representation has increased since then, the number of women directors is shockingly inferior to that of male directors, continuing the cycle of women being under-recognized. 

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OPINION: Bellingham's music scene needs more than just house shows

By Adrian Rattray | May 6

When wandering the tightly woven one-way streets of Bellingham, you’re never more than a stone's throw from a music venue, with venue being a loose term for anywhere people have figured out a way to plug in an extension cord long enough to run an amp through. The gatherings of music often start in the funky houses of the York Neighborhood and Garden Street, with rattling windows and crowded porches overflowing with thick smoke and baggy jeans. The house show is the perfect stomping ground for fresh bands hoping to entertain burnt-out college kids, but the short-term reality of rental leases and college degrees creates inconsistency for concertgoers and musicians alike.

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OPINION: How the biennial staff and faculty exhibition benefits art students

By Rowan Braeckel | May 5

It has been three years since the last biennial faculty and staff exhibition, so this year's display was much anticipated by students and staff. With 20 artists from the art department, the Western Gallery is showcasing their pieces ranging from interactive sensory pieces to weaving to rings of photographs. This event works to showcase the reality of working within the art world, often seen as intimidating by students. 

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