Writing about the relicensing of hydro electrical dams on the Skagit River isn't straightforward. Rivers are complex. Bureaucracy is complex. The cultural landscape of the Skagit Valley is complex.

Appreciate @audralanderson.bsky.social's editorial support.

www.cascadiadaily.com/2025/aug/01/...

Around 25 Mt Baker Roofing workers were detained by federal immigration enforcement officers during a raid on the Bellingham business this morning. This is a developing story.

I recall believing a shutdown would only last two weeks. Walking down what felt like an abandoned street just to get some fresh air, a cop car slowly cruising past me. It felt illegal to even be outside. Waiting to go in groups into Haggen, and following taped arrows down aisles.

What about you?

I woke up to my first earthquake this morning. Annoyingly, it was 45 minutes before my alarm was set to go off. But that meant I could write up a quick story for @cascadiadaily.com.

🧵In late May 2024, I got a text alleging that bullets were ricocheting out of the most heavily used shooting range in Whatcom County onto neighbors' property.

www.cascadiadaily.com/2025/jan/30/...

When @audralanderson.bsky.social and I visited Glacier last month, we found a topic that got locals talking: Airbnbs.

In recent years, they told us, vacation rentals have increased in Glacier. Some believe they've made finding housing "borderline impossible."
www.cascadiadaily.com/2025/feb/12/...

In 2022, a developer stirred excitement when he crowdfunded a 35-dome vacation complex in Glacier.

Today, the site has one dome - and is still permitted only for a single-family home.

The story, along with @audralanderson.bsky.social's brilliant headline:
www.cascadiadaily.com/2025/feb/19/...

The @cascadiadaily.com newsroom is usually focused on reporting. Unless it's the annual holiday potluck brunch and Secret Santa gift exchange.

Then, we eat local donuts (Lafeen's), homemade dishes and yes, still reflect on the news. Because #journalism.

Oh, I'm the empty chair in the foreground.

The left column does not exist in newsrooms

You'd think Trader Joe's was a cherished institution in #Bellingham with its parking lot crowding. But look carefully at plates; many are from BC. Now, a second TJ's may help relieve the crush. Or encourage it.

My new Business Briefs column in Cascadia Daily News. Including u-pick tulip awards.

This story by my great colleague, Elliott Almond, raises interesting ethical questions. Should humans play god with species? And if so, how is value determined?

CDN has made an ex out of X. I’m excited to start sharing our work on this platform.

Cascadia Daily News tip: You CAN read many stories about #Bellingham & environs without subscribing (though we'd prefer you do; keeps #journalists employed).

1. It's a soft paywall. One freebie per month.
2. Anything tagged "FREE FROM CDN" is outside the paywall.

Do sample. www.cascadiadaily.com

Each morning I wake in shivering anticipation of the little treat I will reward myself that day.