Opinion

OPINION: It’s time to educate the next generation on the world’s biggest threat – climate change

By Katie McNabb

Climate-related deaths are increasing globally at a terrifying rate. Whether it’s the result of food insecurity, extreme weather events, lack of access to clean water, rising temperatures or any of the other dangerous side effects of climate change, people are dying. Yet there are still many who have never received any formal education in environmental science.

City & County

Mount Baker Theatre to host Dance Theatre of Harlem ballet group

City & County

Come for the coworking and stay for the community

Sports

Western pitcher Mareena Ramirez dominating after difficult transfer from Idaho State

Sports

Meet Bellingham’s pinball wizard

By Tarn Bregman | March 18

Ever since he was a young boy, Mike Wolff played the silver ball. From Bellingham down to Seattle, he must’ve played them all.

Sports

BRIEF: Screams and slams! Pro wrestling in downtown Bellingham

By Tarn Bregman | March 18

Campus

Why did bottled water return to Western?

By Ben Stainbrook | March 18

City & County

Uncovering the complexities of a housing divide

By Jase Picanso | March 18

Western

Put down the phone when you are going to bed

By Ben Stainbrook | March 17

You’ve just finished studying for a stressful exam, and you need to get to sleep for an early wake up the next morning. After preparing for bed, you check your phone. You later realize that you’ve just wasted an hour or two you could have spent sleeping by watching online videos and scrolling through social media.

Border Patrol participation in WWU career fair causes backlash

By Riley Weeks and Ava Boorn | March 17

United States Border Patrol agents visited Western Washington University’s campus on Feb. 9 to participate in the Career and Internship Fair.

We need to address antisemitism at Western

By Joshua Kornfeld | March 17

Chava Spokoiny, a second-year student at Western, was in the VU on Jan. 18 with friends, working on a Holocaust remembrance project, when a man approached them and made antisemitic statements, according to University Police reports.

A Swift game night

By Jenna Kramer | March 17

The Swifties of Western Washington University, an official club dedicated to Taylor Swift and her music, hosted a game night on March 1.

Bellingham

Artists come together to display their work at “The Art Movement” craft fair

By Mathew Callaghan | March 18

“The Art Movement” craft show, indoor art and vendor market, took place at a local Bellingham gym, Jett Movement Academy, on Sunday, March 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Spin Jam creates a sense of community among people who practice flow arts

By Tristyn MacDonald | March 17

Bellingham Spin Jam, a weekly gathering where people can practice flow arts, hopes to create a sense of community in its attendees.

BRIEF: Birchwood Park will soon have a new bike pump track and updated restroom facilities

By Imogene Eagan | March 17

After three years in partnership with the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition, the City of Bellingham is moving forward with plans for a bike pump track and permanent restroom in Birchwood Park.

A clearcut debate?

By Riley Weeks | March 17

The often competing interests of the Department of Natural Resources and environmental activists have set the stage for some of the most dramatic conflicts in the sphere of environmental protest. A majority of timber sales don’t receive local or even global attention.

Whatcom

Third Planet’s new owner is an inspiration for local employee-owned businesses

By Lauren Eydt | March 17

Long-time employee Erika Millage has taken over ownership of Third Plant Boutique, an inclusive and eclectic shop that sells a variety of jewelry, clothing and gifts, making them among the several queer, women and employee-owned businesses in downtown Bellingham.

Unlock the secrets of the universe: Expert stargazing tips from Whatcom’s astronomy enthusiasts

By Jase Picanso | March 16

The night skies of Bellingham are a popular attraction during summertime. Finding places for star viewing can be difficult in the bright lights of the city.

Black Noise Records values artists’ independence while helping them find their voices

By Tristyn MacDonald | March 15

The independent record label and store Black Noise Records was founded by Nico Sanchez in 2016 when he was still attending Western Washington University.

Thanks to partnerships with local museums, the Bellingham Public library can get you access to more than just books

By Janet Lopez | March 14

If you’re looking for fun, interactive plans for your next outing that won’t bite your budget, you’re in luck. The Bellingham Public Library is offering free general admission passes to three of the city’s family-friendly museums.

Sports Recreation

Vikings track & field’s indoor season comes to a close while outdoor season begins

By Kota Sato | March 15

Viking track and field broke and set schools’ records in their 2022-’23 indoor season. With the outdoor season starting up, their propensity for changing Western Washington University’s record book isn’t letting up.

Western figure skating club: Empowering through competition

By Briana Tuvey | March 10

As their last competition for the season, Western Washington University's figure skating club will be participating in the 2023 Ride the Tide in San Diego, California, March 11-12. With the competition closing in, members of the club prepare their programs and master their skills hoping for a positive outcome.

Fish food, beer: The Iron Fly Showdown

By Tarn Bregman | March 7

Anglers and fly fish enthusiasts gathered at Goods Local Brews to create the most attention-grabbing fly for fish to bite in Bellingham, Wash. on Feb. 16. The Iron Fly Showdown brought anglers from all over Whatcom County for the first fly-tying event hosted by North Sound Trout Unlimited.

The ascension of Seattle basketball

By Andrew Foster | March 7

Jamal Crawford’s CrawsOver Pro-Am, headlined by LeBron James and Jayson Tatum, shut down mid-game due to humidity issues caused by the amount of people packed in Seattle Pacific University’s Royal Brougham Pavilion on Aug. 20, 2022.

Opinion

OPINION: 'Queer' is an empowerment

By Madison Roper | February 4

The year is 2009, and Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” blasts from the radio. My friend and I are listening to the song, blissfully unaware of the innuendo that is cherry chapstick.

Response to the "We need to change the stigma around sexual assault" column

December 14

The assertion that Bellingham is an intolerant liberal echo chamber is made often, and it can be valid – but more realistically, many members of the Bellingham community feel that they cannot speak against social warriors. The silent majority of Western students are not committed to the brand of social justice that some Western students are selling.

Response to "We need to change the stigma around sexual assault" column

December 14

Addressing the topic of sexual assault in an ethical and comprehensive manner requires diligence, empathy, sensitivity, courage and nuance. It is a difficult topic for anyone to write about. As a disclaimer, my perspective on the recent opinion piece is inevitably informed by my personal experience. I am fortunate: I have not experienced sexual assault.

OPINION: Antisemitism is on the rise; Western needs to fight back

December 10

On the week of Oct. 20, two antisemitic displays were found on the “free speech” board in the Viking Union. The first depicted an antisemitic caricature, and the second was the Nazi dog whistle “1488.” This understandably affected the Jewish student body at Western Washington University, and unfortunately, this kind of antisemitism is nothing new in our culture or at WWU.

Western

Bellingham

Whatcom

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