Columbia Countercurrent

Public Safety

Eastside Police Form Regional Task Force Against Street Racing — With Lessons for Southwest Washington

Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Issaquah police have formed a joint task force to curb reckless driving. Here’s what the Eastside model may mean for communities in Cowlitz County facing similar challenges along major corridors.

The Feed

Feb 19, 2026

Read More →

State Government

Oregon Lawmakers Revisit Potential Reallocation of Kicker Funds for Education and Wildfire Response

Oregon lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would redirect part of the state’s kicker refund to education and wildfire mitigation, reflecting long-running debates over how surplus revenues should be used amid rising wildfire costs.

The Feed

Feb 19, 2026

Read More →

State Government

Key Statehouse Deadlines Halt Dozens of Bills With Local Implications for Southwest Washington

Dozens of bills failed to advance before a key legislative deadline in Olympia, leaving homelessness policy, child welfare reforms, firearm safety measures and other proposals off the table for 2026 — with notable implications for communities in Cowlitz County.

The Feed

Feb 19, 2026

Read More →

Federal Government

Sen. Cantwell Pushes Back on Federal Voting Restrictions During Vancouver Visit

Sen. Maria Cantwell visited the Clark County Elections Office, warning that the federal SAVE America Act could disrupt Washington’s long‑standing mail‑in voting system and impose new burdens on local election offices.

The Feed

Feb 19, 2026

Read More →

Sports

Local Interest Grows as U.S. Women’s Hockey — Featuring Seattle Torrent Talent — Heads to Olympic Gold-Medal Match

Seattle Torrent players are helping drive the U.S. women’s hockey team into Thursday’s Olympic gold‑medal match, a moment with growing significance for Southwest Washington’s hockey community.

The Feed

Feb 18, 2026

Read More →

Environment and Climate

New Southern Resident Orca Calf Documented in L Pod

A newborn Southern Resident orca calf, designated L129, was documented by the Center for Whale Research on Feb. 16 in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The sighting offers cautious hope for the endangered population, which remains at an estimated 74 whales.

The Feed

Feb 18, 2026

Read More →

Public Safety

Battle Ground Police Chief Dennis Flynn Recognized for Steady Leadership Amid Department Rebuilding

Battle Ground Police Chief Dennis Flynn is recognized for guiding the department through a period of transition, emphasizing accountability, modernization, and community trust during his nearly two years in the role.

The Feed

Feb 18, 2026

Read More →

State Government

Legislative Deadlock Leaves Key Child Welfare Proposals Stalled in Olympia

Bipartisan negotiations over how Washington should respond to child endangerment linked to parental drug use have stalled, leaving Cowlitz County caseworkers and families without anticipated policy updates.

The Feed

Feb 18, 2026

Read More →

International Affairs

Gaza’s First Day of Ramadan Under Ceasefire Reverberates in Southwest Washington

As Ramadan begins under a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, the struggles of displaced families echo among Muslim communities in Longview, Kelso, and across Cowlitz County who are observing the holy month while awaiting news from loved ones abroad.

The Feed

Feb 18, 2026

Read More →

Education

Longview Public Library Offers Free “Book Worm” Activity Kits for New Youth Cardholders

The Longview Public Library is offering free Book Worm activity kits—with reading materials and a $10 savings‑account coupon—for children 16 and under who sign up for a new library card.

The Feed

Feb 18, 2026

Read More →

Courts and Justice

Zuckerberg’s Testimony in Social Media Addiction Trial Could Shape Local School District Lawsuits

Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony in a landmark California trial could influence hundreds of similar lawsuits — including cases filed by school districts across the Pacific Northwest. The outcome may shape how communities like Longview and Kelso navigate youth mental health challenges linked to social media use.

The Feed

Feb 18, 2026

Read More →

Courts and Justice

Centralia Resident Pleads Guilty in 2022 Substation Damage Case

A Centralia man has pleaded guilty to damaging a Clackamas County electrical substation, with federal sentencing scheduled for February 2026. The case highlights ongoing infrastructure security concerns affecting Southwest Washington and the broader Pacific Northwest.

The Feed

Feb 18, 2026

Read More →

Columbia Countercurrent

Jefferson County’s Prosecutor Shortage Raises Questions for Rural Justice Systems

Eastside Police Form Regional Task Force Against Street Racing — With Lessons for Southwest Washington

Oregon Lawmakers Revisit Potential Reallocation of Kicker Funds for Education and Wildfire Response

Key Statehouse Deadlines Halt Dozens of Bills With Local Implications for Southwest Washington

Sen. Cantwell Pushes Back on Federal Voting Restrictions During Vancouver Visit

Local Interest Grows as U.S. Women’s Hockey — Featuring Seattle Torrent Talent — Heads to Olympic Gold-Medal Match

New Southern Resident Orca Calf Documented in L Pod

Battle Ground Police Chief Dennis Flynn Recognized for Steady Leadership Amid Department Rebuilding

Legislative Deadlock Leaves Key Child Welfare Proposals Stalled in Olympia

Gaza’s First Day of Ramadan Under Ceasefire Reverberates in Southwest Washington

Longview Public Library Offers Free “Book Worm” Activity Kits for New Youth Cardholders

Zuckerberg’s Testimony in Social Media Addiction Trial Could Shape Local School District Lawsuits

Centralia Resident Pleads Guilty in 2022 Substation Damage Case

Trending Now

Recent Updates

Categories