Amy Nelson
Can small businesses survive in Friday Harbor?
Friday Harbor small businesses struggling to stay afloat cite rent prices, failing infrastructure and workforce shortage — and, some say, difficult landlord relationships.
Homeless by choice
Commentary: Bobby Joe, the Singing Hillbilly, has stories, songs and jewelry to share.
Office stack planned to replace historic building on onetime Poor Farm site
Whatcom County’s process to demolish a past work farm and nursing home site to build government offices is underway.
How new gun laws might make a difference
A new firearms law addressing banning, waiting and training is aimed at aspects of safety and security. Will it work?
Loss of palliative care is a community’s loss
Commentary: More than 100 current patients and all possible future eligible patients stand to lose palliative care when PeaceHealth closes its outpatient palliative program.
Outpatient palliative care program unfortunately unsustainable
Commentary: Insurance reimbursement levels and rising costs across all service lines led to PeaceHealth’s decision to end its comprehensive outpatient palliative program and restructure to continue to “provide the essential components of the program.”
Sky Cutter
The common nighthawk winters as far as the Amazon Basin and returns to this area to nest in summer. Ironically and contrary to its name, the common nighthawk’s numbers are diminishing.
Assistant … or replacement? AI, in real life
The future is already here for users of artificial intelligence technology.
B.C. metal recycler may site shredder on Bellingham Bay
A scrap metal recycling company which has been the subject of noise complaints from neighbors is reportedly looking to expand its operations along Bellingham Bay.
San Juan County permit woes result in director firing
Months of complaints of delays, discourtesy and interpretation led to a decision by the San Juan County council to “part ways” with the county’s Community Development director.
‘No Mow May’ keeps pollinators in mind
Native plants and trees provide food for “workaholic” bees.
City seeks balance: housing needs and forest benefits
Bellingham faces the challenge of building homes to meet housing needs while preserving trees for public and environmental health.
Island schools avoid perfect storm menacing budgets
School districts in San Juan County have steered away from a perfect storm of budget cuts, while districts in Whatcom and Skagit counties are feeling the squeeze.
Expectations are high, questions remain as waterfront neighborhood takes shape
In early planning, Bellingham envisioned an urban village, public spaces, new jobs and low-income housing on the former GP property on Bellingham Bay. What’s actually in development?
Shortage of mental health care providers hits home locally
“Not a pretty picture”: Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties — like elsewhere across the country — are seeing a shortage of mental health care providers, and not enough are in the training queue.
Earth Day at 53: Pogo’s truth still resonates
Behind Earth Day’s local actions, policies and global trends lies a questions: Does Earth Day matter to the Earth itself?