News
News
ForeFront Podcast Episode 2: 'Dancing into near-normal'
By Lauren Gallup , Nate Sanford and Kyle Tubbs | April 21In the first part of this episode, we explore what a halting return to near-normal looks like and head to the Underground Nightclub, which is reopening after more than a year. We also talk about the murder hornet on Western’s campus. (Don’t worry; it’s dead.)
Campus
New enrollment for fall 2021 hold stake in budget planning
By Zoë Parker | April 21The results of new student enrollment numbers for fall 2021 impact budgeting and financial prospects for the upcoming biennium. The effects of enrollment are expected to be better understood in May, as students across the country commit to colleges and universities.
City & County
Western’s newest admit: a murder hornet
By Cameron Martinez | April 21Western Washington University has become the first university in the United States to obtain an Asian giant hornet. The hornet is from a radio giveaway on Bellingham’s classic rock station 92.9 KISM.
Washington State
Forest management project draws community’s attention
By Cliff Heberden | April 21On March 3, the U.S. Forest Service released its environmental assessment for a new forest management project in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Administration
Student trustee seat open
By Jason Upton | April 19Western Washington University’s Board of Trustees have begun their selection process for the next Student Trustee, a job crucial to having student voices heard by the university.
Campus
In a time of increased anti-Asian hate, Asian students gain new networking space
By Jacob O'Donnell | April 19Content warning: This article contains language and stories about incidents of violence and assault against racial minorities.
Travel
Border remains closed, but new CDC guidelines a sign of hope for domestic travel
By Joslin Keim | April 16The Centers for Disease Control updated guidelines for domestic travel during the COVID-19 pandemic on April 2 with a focus on those who are fully vaccinated.
Health & Wellness
Western confirms COVID-19 surges contained
By Nicola Wasmuth | April 16After off-campus parties caused COVID-19 cases to surge, Western Washington University confirmed that the outbreaks have been limited after imposed quarantines.
City & County
The Underground opens up the pit again
By Clay Wren | April 16The Underground nightclub opened its doors on Friday, April 2, after over a year in hibernation.
City & County
Washingtonians over the age of 16 are now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine
By Cameron Baird | April 15All Whatcom County residents ages 16 and older are now eligible to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
City & County
How COVID-19 has affected local nonprofits
By Luisa Loi | April 15Nicole Berman, the executive director at Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, has difficult choices ahead. For a few months in the early pandemic, the nonprofit ceased asking for donations because of economic insecurity and the cancellation of events Berman said. They estimated DVSAS lost 70% to 75% of the nonprofit’s donations.
City & County
Bellingham announces the new SeeClickFix app and Public Works updates
By The Front | April 13By Adela Cruz
Campus
College budgets are a balancing act, COVID-19 has added more weight
By The Front | April 12By Lauryn Haywood
Education
Dr. Tesla Monson receives grant from the Leakey Foundation for research
By The Front | April 7By Alison Ward
Washington State
Bicycle helmets not required in Bellingham, social justice, infrastructure prioritized
By The Front | April 7By Sophia Struna
Housing & Development
Tiny house village expects to open in Bellingham
By The Front | April 6By Adela Cruz
Environment
$30,000 goes to water quality research on the Nooksack River
By Gaia Crans | April 5Western Washington University professor of biology, David Hooper, received a $30,000 grant to conduct research on the links between policy and riparian restoration for nutrient retention in the Nooksack River watershed. He’s conducting this research along with two first-year graduate students majoring in biology, Astoria Tershy and Patrick Damaree in collaboration with Amanda Stahl, a post doctorate at Washington State University.
Campus
For the second time, a cryptic manuscript with strange symbols, drawings and swastikas was dropped off at Viking Union
By Nate Sanford | April 3Editor’s note and content warning: This story includes discussion and opt-in access to images that include swastikas. The Western Front uses “antisemitic” instead of “anti-Semitic” in accordance with the findings of Western’s Task Force on Preventing and Responding to Antisemitism. The task force was made up of students, faculty, staff and administrators, and the report can be found here.
