The Western Front

The Front serves as the official independent student newspaper for Western Washington University. All news and opinion pieces are crafted, edited, and published by students. While staff reporters take part in a journalism course, any student at Western is welcome to submit articles, photographs, or guest columns for consideration by the editorial team. The Front mainly receives funding through student fees.

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BRIEF: Pro-Palestine protest held in Red Square

Oct 9, 2024 | westernfrontonline.com | Austin Wright |Julia Hawkins

Students gathered in Red Square for a protest held by WWU Divest Apartheid on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m., Many embraced each other, as they listened to speakers recite speeches, poems and information regarding the movement’s actions and calls for financial clarity against the Western Washington University administration. The protest then marched to Old Main, with chants calling for President Sabah Randhawa and other board members to divest from Israeli institutions.
The importance of financial aid for Latine college students

Aug 27, 2024 | westernfrontonline.com | Liam Walsh

The 5th Latin American Studies Forum 2024 at Western Washington University on May 23, 2024. The band playing is named Los Arribeños. // Photo by Liam Walsh Latine students in Washington face unique challenges in their journey through higher education, but organizations such as the League of United Latin American Citizens and the Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs are fighting those challenges.
Rescheduling of marijuana will lead to new research at WWU

May 30, 2024 | westernfrontonline.com | Liam Walsh

A marijuana leaf and an Erlenmeyer flask representing the scientific research surrounding the drug. On May 1, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration rescheduled marijuana from a schedule one substance to a schedule three substance.
Trash photography: Photos through a recycled lens

May 24, 2024 | westernfrontonline.com | Julia Hawkins

One man’s trash was another’s treasure at Western Washington University’s “Pinhole” photography exhibit. The exhibition highlighted student work from Western's black and white photography and photography alternative processes classes. Photos and materials were on display from April 29 to May 15. “I think you can make something out of anything,” Talia Podrachik said, a student exhibitor. “It’s nice to see [the students in the class] as a team, and all we’ve done and how it all varies.
BREAKING: WAWU strike ends after two days

May 23, 2024 | westernfrontonline.com | Jack Glenn |Julia Hawkins

WAWU has reached a contract with Western Washington Univerisity, ending the two-day campus educational student employee strike, a WAWU newsletter said Wednesday night. They will not be returning to the picket line Thursday morning. WAWU will share the contract details and their next steps at a town hall meeting on Thursday. “This could never have happened without the collective power of all of us standing together, we can't wait to share our first contract with you,” the newsletter said.
Southwest Airlines to leave Bellingham International Airport

May 18, 2024 | westernfrontonline.com | Liam Walsh

On April 25, 2024, Southwest Airlines announced its decision to end service at Bellingham International Airport by August 4. The decision was made due to uncertainty surrounding aircraft deliveries from Boeing. Many members of the Whatcom County community are upset with the decision, and have voiced their opinions in a petition titled “Encourage Southwest Airlines NOT to Discontinue Service in Bellingham, WA.” Anneke Palmerton, a Bellingham resident, started the petition.
Western Academic Workers United set May 21 strike deadline

May 15, 2024 | westernfrontonline.com | Austin Wright |Julia Hawkins

Western Academic Workers United has established a strike deadline for Educational Student Employees on May 21. The union held a town hall on Tuesday to discuss and answer questions regarding a future strike. The deadline, announced on Tuesday, sets a date for student workers to strike if Western Washington University admin does not agree to the 37-proposal contract put forward by the union.
Contract negotiation ongoing for recently unionized co-op employees

May 12, 2024 | westernfrontonline.com | Liam Walsh

In the winter of 2024, the two Bellingham Community Food Co-op locations voted to unionize. Since then, workers have gained some protections, but negotiations over a contract are ongoing. On Jan. 31, the downtown location on Forest Street voted to unionize. The next day, the Cordata location did the same. Ellie Mead, an employee at the Cordata co-op, explained why she felt it was necessary to unionize.
Western’s Club Hub provides student engagement opportunities

May 10, 2024 | westernfrontonline.com | Austin Wright

A group photo of the AS Club Activities Office staff during the 2022-2023 school year in Bellingham, Wash. The office helps students and club officers stay connected through extracurriculars. // Photo by Austin Wright First came the spark.
Springing into film

May 9, 2024 | westernfrontonline.com | Julia Hawkins

Western Washington University’s Associated Student Production brings movies, ranging from recent releases to lesser-known films, to students with their Spring Film Series. The program opened on Thursday, April 18, with a showing of “American Fiction” and will continue throughout the remainder of the quarter. The most recent film in the series was “Lisa Frankenstein,” shown on May 9 in the Viking Union. According to Gabby Montana, a Western student who attended the event, this film was a hit.