Opinion

OPINION: Solidarity against ICE must be multifaceted, thorough, and compassion-driven

By Rosalie Johnson

The words “otro mundo es posible” are painted onto a quilted tapestry banner that hangs on Community to Community’s front window. Adorned with strawberries and roses, it is a form of artful protest that reminds those who pass by that another world is possible. The organization — dedicated to the intersection of farmworker rights, immigrant rights, climate justice and democratic participation — has been working toward community solidarity and a response to ICE’s increased presence in Whatcom and Skagit counties. In doing so, a definition of solidarity has developed.

Campus

Western updates Sustainability Action Plan for 2025–2030

City & County

Unemployment rates rise in Whatcom County

Sports

WWU women’s basketball defeats Seattle Pacific

News

New guide can help Whatcom residents speak up for immigrant rights

By Allison Lam | March 6

The Whatcom Racial Equity Commission (WREC) plans to contact local organizations to help them implement strategies from their newly developed Action Guide on Immigration in late March 2026 with approval from board members.

Sports

Five new inductees enter the WWU Athletic Hall of Fame

By Caitlin Grygorcewicz | March 6

Campus

Western student body copes with series of lewd conduct incidents

By Cody Sauter | March 6

Campus

WWU staff address immigration enforcement fears

By Karsin Hutchins | March 5

Western

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Behind the broadcast: a look into the work of 89.3 KUGS radio station

By Katherine Rogers | March 2

Fifty-two years ago, from a tiny storage room in Ridgeway Commons, the KUGS radio station made its first broadcast. The station has evolved in many ways, but has stayed true to its roots, still being a completely student-run and physical media radio station.

Amidst funding challenges, the Outback Farm continues to stay hopeful

By Karsin Hutchins | March 2

The Outback Farm at Western Washington University, a campus resource known for sustainable agriculture and community engagement, faces funding uncertainty as the university navigates a challenging budget.

Student fee changes may shape campus athletics and clubs

By Caitlin Grygorcewicz | February 27

As travel costs rise and funding tightens for student athletes at Western Washington University, a proposed increase to the quarterly services and activities fee could help stabilize both varsity and club sports, despite concerns with increased tuition prices.

State representatives lead student-focused town hall meeting at WWU

By Noelle Reger | February 27

Democratic state Reps. Debra Lekanoff of the 40th legislative district and Joe Timmons of the 42nd district visited Western Washington University for a town hall meeting on Feb. 21, hoping to hear from students about issues they’re concerned about.

Local News

Q&A: Challenges and opportunities with affordable housing

By Allison Lam | February 20

Housing affordability has been a hotly debated topic among Bellingham residents for years. According to a 2025 study by Construction Coverage, Bellingham had the fourth highest home price-to-income ratio out of 375 observed areas, making it one of the least affordable cities in the nation. One way the city planned to solve the issue is through investing in affordable housing as detailed in 2025’s Bellingham Comprehensive Plan.

Jason LaClair shares the importance of Indigenous perspectives in education

By Kamra Greenwall-Cox | February 19

Third graders at Happy Valley Elementary School remain quiet, grasping onto every word coming from Jason LaClair. They are enthralled he is here. Allied Arts, a gallery and leader in the Whatcom County art scene, has partnered with LaClair to bring his knowledge to the classroom.

Whistles turn ‘silence into community action’ in Bellingham

By Kenna Peterson and Caitlin Grygorcewicz | February 6

On Sunday, in between spurts of heavy rainfall and patchy blue skies, dozens of people squeezed into the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center in Bellingham with two things on their minds: whistles and resistance.

BRIEF: Bellingham community gathers to honor victims of ICE violence

By Aidan Hadley | January 27

As the sun began to set on Western Washington University on Monday, Jan. 26, countless voices chanted “presente” in response to the reading of 38 names, one for each person whose death was caused by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration officers since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term.

Sports Recreation

Q&A: Behind the scenes of the Chuckanut 50k

By Erica Stavnem | March 3

Every third Saturday in March, up to 600 runners from across the world gather in Bellingham to race the Chuckanut 50k ultramarathon.

Process over perfection: WWU softball kicks off 2026 season

By Erica Stavnem | February 27

Walking into a Western Washington University softball practice, you can instantly feel an energy of connection, passion and enthusiasm radiating from the team. Players sing along to music, laugh at inside jokes and encourage each other’s efforts, all while working hard to improve their skills.

No scores, no pressure: Mini Ballers puts fun back into youth sports

By Caitlin Grygorcewicz | February 13

Small sneakers squeak across the gym floor at the Bloedel Donovan Community Center as their owners take turns swinging plastic bats and chasing after each ball. Some run straight to their parents while others share their bat with the person next to them, but all of them cheer for each other.

Wheelchair basketball players score more than just baskets

By Erica Stavnem | February 9

Every Monday evening, basketballs bounce, wheels skid and players holler across Court A inside Wade King Student Recreation Center. Many things change from week to week; players fluctuate, different drills are run. But one thing about the WWU Adaptive Sports Club stays the same: an undeniable sense of community.

Opinion

OPINION: Tell your friends when they deserve better

By Rosalie Johnson | March 2

Much like exam anxiety or Sunday morning hangovers, messy dating is a disconcerting reality for many college students. In navigating these relationships, we learn through trial and error: what is fun and what is not, and who we should or should not be with.

OPINION: The rock that refused to leave

By Eva Breitinger | February 23

Between Flora St and W Champion, nestled behind the backs of O-Pole dance studio and the Mount Baker Theatre, lies the Great Bellingham Boulder. Standing almost two stories tall, it looks disarmingly natural and serene amongst paved asphalt and urban alley.

OPINION: Knotty or nice? The hidden art of Shibari

By Raleigh Nolan | February 18

Shibari, a style of Japanese rope bondage, is an art form that uses rope to create intricate patterns on the human body. As a subculture of the BDSM community, it is often viewed as taboo or scandalous.

OPINION: Bittersweet symphony: the joys and agonies of having a crush

By Raleigh Nolan | February 14

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by admiring other people's feelings instead of dealing with your own! Check out WinkWink Boutique’s newest gallery during the month of February.

OPINION: Solidarity against ICE must be multifaceted, thorough, and compassion-driven

New guide can help Whatcom residents speak up for immigrant rights

Five new inductees enter the WWU Athletic Hall of Fame

Western student body copes with series of lewd conduct incidents

WWU staff address immigration enforcement fears

Western

Behind the broadcast: a look into the work of 89.3 KUGS radio station

Amidst funding challenges, the Outback Farm continues to stay hopeful

Student fee changes may shape campus athletics and clubs

State representatives lead student-focused town hall meeting at WWU

Local News

Q&A: Challenges and opportunities with affordable housing

Jason LaClair shares the importance of Indigenous perspectives in education

Whistles turn ‘silence into community action’ in Bellingham

BRIEF: Bellingham community gathers to honor victims of ICE violence

Sports Recreation

Q&A: Behind the scenes of the Chuckanut 50k

Process over perfection: WWU softball kicks off 2026 season

No scores, no pressure: Mini Ballers puts fun back into youth sports

Wheelchair basketball players score more than just baskets

Opinion

OPINION: Tell your friends when they deserve better

OPINION: The rock that refused to leave

OPINION: Knotty or nice? The hidden art of Shibari

OPINION: Bittersweet symphony: the joys and agonies of having a crush

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OPINION: The rock that refused to leave

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Western Watchdog