Amy Nelson
Removal of birdseed feeders advised to stem rising salmonellosis deaths
Recently, wild birds have been dying at a higher rate, and birdseed feeders are being blamed. A state advisory asks people to take down birdseed feeders until April 1 to protect pine siskins and other birds.
From the Editor’s Desk / Young adults weigh risks in choosing to mask, distance in COVID-19 fight
To help stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, young adults are making choices that range from the hard decision to curtail visits home to see family, to feeling safely unmasked with family or select friends.
In Whatcom’s 42nd Legislative District, a series of changes is turning election tides
Gains in voter support made by local Democrats in recent years may be due to demographic shifts caused by a wide variety of trends in who lives here, how they work and how each political party gets its messages out.
Masked young adults key to beating COVID in the long term
With the number of COVID-19 cases in Whatcom County spiking among young adults, the county council has approved a public awareness campaign to influence young adults to adopt safer COVID-19 behaviors and help end the pandemic.
Internet connectivity has improved in Whatcom County, but many gaps remain
One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, many more students in Whatcom County are able to connect to the internet for remote learning, thanks to communitywide efforts, particularly in rural communities with limited or no internet options. Still, a clear digital divide remains.
From the Editor’s Desk / ‘We seek truth and report it accurately and fairly’
The proliferation of media platforms where facts, news and opinion swirl and mix often creates ideological divides and culture bubbles. In launching Salish Current, we thought it important to make clear distinctions between news and opinion.
Community Voices / Thoughts on the Puget Sound Partnership and recovering Puget Sound
An apparent focus on reducing the ongoing costs of recovery of Puget Sound rather than recovery efforts themselves worries some who are concerned about the health of the ecosystem.
Doing the work of the people: legislation introduced by 40th and 42nd District legislators
A month into the 2021 state legislative session, it’s time to review the legislation introduced by our elected representatives as of this week.
Artist’s Corner / Tailored to the task
The northern harrier is a regular presence along the outer fields, sloughs and dikes bordering the Salish Sea.
Local food banks have been addressing a hunger crisis — even before COVID
Even before the pandemic lockdowns caused unemployment to skyrocket, food banks worked to help millions of Americans who were not able to feed their families.
Community Voices / Powerful stories bring understanding, in celebration of Black History Month
The study and knowledge of Black history bring understanding to race and racism in the United States.
Democracy in America: Are you a citizen? Let’s test that.
Naturalized citizens of the United States share some common knowledge about our country when they discuss, argue and vote. How much of that do you, as a citizen whether naturalized or born, share?
Community Voices / Understanding the importance of the Point Elliott Treaty
An understanding of the elements of sovereignty of the Lummi Nation and the significance of the term “treaty” is integral to understanding the importance of these agreements then — and now.
The future arrives on the Bellingham Bay waterfront
After more than a decade of discussion, planning and cleanup of an industrial waste site on Bellingham Bay, the city’s partnership with the port and a contract with a Dublin-based company are putting the waterfront’s future on the ground.
Community voices / Cascadia’s media ecosystem connects our cross-border bioregion
Journalism that embraces a larger vision of the international corridor will best serve the Cascadia bioregion’s constituents by setting up the region up to tackle the big challenges of the next century.
Oil train derailment in Whatcom County drives home transport risk concerns
An oil train derailment spilling more than 29,000 gallons of Bakken crude in Whatcom County is prompting officials lobbying for state and federal oil train regulations in recent years to consider whether more can be done.