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DaywithScanlon
City & County

A day in the life of a Whatcom County councilmember

By River Martinez

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.

Western

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Miller Market begins accepting SNAP benefits

By Maevis Croteau | May 15

Western Washington University students and staff can now use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits at Miller Market to purchase groceries and grab-and-go snacks. This change, which became effective on April 20, 2026, is a step toward improving food security on campus. 

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Western students transform ideas into films in just 48 hours

By Manna Spiro | May 15

From being assigned random genres to navigating the rush of last-minute editing, Western Washington University’s 48-hour film festival challenges students to create an original short film in just two days. Registration for this unique event is open now on the 48-hour film festival website. Kickoff is Friday, May 15 at 5:00 p.m. and films will be screened at the Pickford Film Center on May 21.

Local News

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Contaminated shellfish linked to five illnesses in Whatcom County

By Atlanta Moss | May 15

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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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. 

Sports Recreation

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Connection in every outing

By Julianna Quarto | May 14

For some multilingual and immigrant households, getting outside can be filled with barriers that are not made accessible for Spanish-speaking families. 

Rec center classes

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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