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City & County

OPINION: Crisis care offers help before hospitalization

There’s a narrow idea of what “help” looks like for those experiencing behavioral health issues. Too many people have decided not to seek help because they believe hospitalization is the only option. Hospitalization is long-term care in a large, highly institutional environment like Western State Hospital or Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital. 


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City & County

OPINION: Where did all our Canadians go?

Bellingham stores and restaurants once bustled with Canadian customers. Now, they look like ghost towns, comparatively. President Trump’s blitz of outrageous tariffs and scandalous comments toward Canada have Bellingham’s Canadian regulars staying home. Canadians are justified in giving the U.S. the cold shoulder. Americans, be warned; this isn’t temporary, and it’s going to leave a mark. 


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City & County

The college tattoo rite of passage

For many college students, turning 18 comes with newfound freedoms: voting, moving out, and for an increasing number, getting their first tattoo. Just as turning 21 is associated with a first drink at a bar, getting inked at 18 has become a rite of passage for students entering adulthood.


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City & County

OPINION: It takes a village to keep your favorite restaurants afloat

Before you even walk through the door of El Capitan's, you get a sense of the quirky atmosphere. Colorful string lights line the large bay-facing windows. The smell of fries and the sound of ‘80s rock drifts out the open door. Once inside, you will be greeted with plastic skeletons, a “Pirates of the Caribbean” pinball machine and the bar’s own Jack Sparrow figurine. 


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City & County

Let’s talk Galentine’s!

Galentine’s Day, inspired by the fictional character Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation,” has become a beloved tradition, especially for Gen Z women. It’s traditionally celebrated on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. It celebrates friendship and inclusivity, offering a thoughtful alternative to the romantic focus of Valentine’s Day. 


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