CDN Special Reports represent our newsroom’s deepest dives into single subjects, going beyond daily headlines to focus our reporting, visual journalism and other story-telling tools in enterprising ways on topics of special interest. These are a team effort in CDN’s newsroom, which is typically at work on one at all times. Check back here often to find our latest in-depth work, and feel free to suggest enterprise-reporting subjects at newstips@cascadiadaily.com.
Written by Isaac Stone Simonelli
This special report features Whatcom County residents who live next to the Custer Sportsmen’s Club and are fearful of being hit by ricochet bullets after finding hundreds of them on their properties. They blame government officials, shooting range operators and law enforcement officers, many of whom train at the range, for failing to take action to stop it after being notified years ago.
Written by Charlotte Alden
This five-part series explores Bellingham’s recreation needs and current options, and how other cities have funded and built successful public centers.
Written by Isaac Stone Simonelli
This mini-series is a collection of stories “pre-bunking” misinformation and disinformation, and exploring the democratic process in Whatcom County ahead of the 2024 election.
Written by Julia Tellman
This multi-part series follows waste from curbside to commodity market.
Written by Cocoa Laney
This occasional travel series profiles communities within two hours’ travel of Bellingham.
Written by Cocoa Laney
This occasional series with video highlights makers and artisans in Whatcom and Skagit counties.
Written by Meri-Jo Borzilleri
This five-part series is about the legacy of Whatcom and Skagit County rowers on the University of Washington crew that won Olympic gold in 1936, depicted in the book and movie “The Boys In The Boat.”
Written by Hailey Hoffman
This six-part series captures the past, present and future of Whatcom County’s waterfront, and highlights the people behind the industry.
Written by Jaya Flanary
This three-part series explores league culture, highlights women bowlers, and details the impact of bowling alleys closing and the history of the sport in Whatcom County.
Written by Ralph Schwartz
This special report explores the county’s controversial effort to build a new jail. Voters on recent jail bond measures made it clear they won’t accept a new jail without better social services for the people who wind up behind bars. Editor’s note: Due to broad public interest in this subject, this story, originally published Jan. 15, has been made available outside the newspaper’s paywall as a public service by Cascadia Daily News.
Written by Audra Anderson
This monthlong series includes Q&As with regional women in traditionally male-dominated fields in honor of Women’s History Month.
Written by Julia Lerner
This special report explores the county’s operations at Plantation Rifle Range, one of two publicly owned ranges in the state.
Written by Audra Anderson
This two-part series is about the child care landscape in Whatcom County.
Written by Julia Lerner and Olivia Hobson
This multipart series explores how the devastating November 2021 flooding changed the lives of Whatcom County and Skagit County residents, as well as bodies of government, over the past year. From farmers to mayors, the historic flooding led to economic challenges, developing plans for the future and preparative measures.
Written by Cassidy Hettesheimer
This three-part series explores and reports on how the federal law has impacted and changed lives of Whatcom County women in sports over the past half-century. At times controversial, the legislation has gone a long way toward leveling the playing field for girls and women since its inception in 1972. Editor’s note: Due to broad public interest in this subject, this series has been made available outside the newspaper’s paywall as a public service by Cascadia Daily News.