Public Health
Measuring COVID-19 infections complicated by self-testing
September 29, 2023
Hospitalization rates and wastewater testing have become disease indicators when it comes to COVID-19.
Questen Inghram
Natural Resources
Could selling sewage save the Salish Sea?
September 29, 2023
Waste flushed into Puget Sound harms fish and marine life. A nutrient pricing system — like Washington’s cap-and-trade program — may curb pollution.
John Stang / Crosscut
Natural Resources
Elephant seal Elsie Mae teaches, inspires during molting haulout
September 22, 2023
A quirky northern elephant seal had much to teach visitors to an Anacortes beach this summer.
Richard Arlin Walker
Natural Resources
Locals in small operation take on ‘tall order’ in marine ecosystem
September 22, 2023
Volunteer power is channeled into marine conservation by the Northwest Straits Initiative.
Adam M. Sowards
Editor’s Desk
Watch, listen, judge, vote
September 22, 2023
Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan county forums kick off the final campaign dash.
Mike Sato, Managing Editor
Public Health
Who will solve the problems of downtown Bellingham?
September 15, 2023
Downtown businesses and civic leaders address downtown Bellingham’s problems of crime and safety.
Matt Benoit
Natural Resources
To the rescue: saving lives, taking action on plastic trash in the Salish Sea
September 14, 2023
“To the Rescue: Protecting Life in the Salish Sea” will feature a talk and a free exclusive screening of a dramatic rescue film by the head veterinarian and director of animal health at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Rena Kingery
Public Health
U.S., Canada make headway on cross-border Nooksack flood strategy
September 12, 2023
As the two-year anniversary of a devastating Nooksack River flood approaches, cross-border strategy talks are beginning to take shape, taking community cooperation and climate change into consideration. Is it enough?
Catherine Skrzypinski and Clifford Heberden
Water Supply
Candidates talk water as Whatcom wells run dry
September 8, 2023
Nooksack watershed and Whatcom County leaders face lower streamflows, higher stream temperatures, less snow runoff and higher temperatures. What do candidates say?
Kai Uyehara
Public Health
Noise, toxins, traffic concerns with proposed metal shredding
September 7, 2023
Residents are concerned about noise, toxic dust, fire hazards and increased truck traffic if a proposed metal shredding facility along Marine Drive is built.
Questen Inghram
Public Health
Signs of a hidden threat: preparing for the really big one
September 6, 2023
New signs around the Salish Sea raise awareness in areas that might be inundated by tsunami.
Adam M. Sowards
Culture
State book award finalists include four Whatcom authors
September 5, 2023
Rena Priest, Clyde Ford, Caitlin Scarano and Tom Crestodina have been named finalists from among 242 entries for Washington State Book Awards.
Dean Kahn
Climate
San Juans assess fire risk, in the aftermath of Lahaina
September 1, 2023
Excess forest vegetation once controlled by managed burns by Coast Salish peoples now accumulates in dry, unhealthy forest conditions.
Kathryn Wheeler
Community Voices
League chapters, media keep the focus on local news
August 29, 2023
Commentary: Bringing home the lesson of local news and the police raid on the Marion County Record
Mary Coltrane and Dee Anne Finken
Culture
Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut celebration is a call to action
August 28, 2023
A celebration of life for Southern Resident orca Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut was a call to action as well as a remembrance.
Richard Arlin Walker
Culture
Lummi Nation prepares for Sk’aliCh’elh’tenaut’s return home
August 25, 2023
The remains of captive Southern Resident orca whale Sk’aliCh’elh’tenaut (Tokitae/Lolita) will be laid to rest in the waters where her orca pod still resides much of the year.
Richard Arlin Walker