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Campus

Western DECA member places first at international conference in Kentucky

By Maddie Ferguson

As demonstrated at the annual International Career Development Conference, Western shows that collegiate DECA is thriving. Open to all students with varying interests and career goals, DECA at Western helps members develop professional skills in areas such as entrepreneurship, marketing, hospitality and tourism, finance, and business management. Through competitions and workshops, students learn how to network, build professional connections, deliver presentations and solve problems in workplace settings. 

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Opinion

OPINION: The rise in popularity of analog music

By Rowan Braeckel | May 25

Since the beginning of the digital age, which began in the early 1970s and grew quickly from there, physical media has been used less and less. The introduction of the internet and mobile technology has made practically every form of media available all on one device, yet – in recent years – analog media has had a revival, particularly in the music industry.

Western

Local News

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A roundabout way to decrease traffic

By Benji Cook | May 22

In March, project engineers with the city of Bellingham completed a 60% design mockup of a new roundabout connecting Squalicum Way, Birchwood Avenue and Meridian Street near Cornwall Park. Multiple traffic projects have been completed in Whatcom County over the past few years, including a roundabout at James Street and Bakerview Road, a roundabout on West Illinois and Meridian Street, and a bike and pedestrian lane reroute project on Holly Street downtown. 

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A day in the life of a Whatcom County councilmember

By River Martinez | May 20

Whatcom County Councilmember Jon Scanlon spent almost 12 hours listening and engaging with constituents in Whatcom County on May 13, 2026. The county council is the main legislative body for Whatcom and is made up of seven members, including two at-large positions. Jon Scanlon has been an at-large representative for Whatcom County since January 2024. The Front followed Scanlon for a day on May 13.

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BRIEF: Bellingham hosts fair housing info session

By Brodey O’Brien | May 16

April is Fair Housing Month in the United States, commemorating the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, signed on April 11 of that year. The law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability. To commemorate the month, the City of Bellingham hosted an information session on April 28 to educate residents about city and state rental laws.

Sports Recreation

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Whatcom World Cup: where competition meets community

By Zander Ulmer | May 22

For Bellingham mountain bikers looking to get their weekly fix of competition, the Whatcom World Cup race series provides just that. Since 2019, the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition has hosted a nine-week long spring race series on Galbraith Mountain, offering mountain bikers of all ages and skill levels a chance to compete. 

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A field of familiar faces

By Julianna Quarto | May 22

Western Washington University women’s rugby team and former players split off into teams for their 2026 annual alumni game on May 10. Players joined in at 1:30 p.m. at the Robert S. Harrington Field on south campus to play a game of touch-and-contact.

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Q&A: Not just a team, a family

By Chayton Engelson | May 20

Adam Segaar has spent the last six years as the head coach of Western Washington University’s ice hockey team, despite having no prior hockey or coaching experience. He took over the team in 2020 on a whim, following a friend's recommendation, which posed challenges because the team had lost its identity due to the pandemic. 

Opinion

Thrifting

OPINION: Know your limit when buying secondhand

By Rowan Braeckel | May 18

Thrifting has been around for over 150 years, at least the modern idea of it. The Salvation Army launched its ‘Salvation Brigade’ in 1897 to gather used items and sell them to those in need. Since then, secondhand buying has grown immensely, becoming extremely popular and almost trendy in the age of social media. However, thrifting, which was originally advertised as a sustainable and affordable way to get necessities, has now become a new form of consumerism. 

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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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