Three Residents Safely Escape Vancouver House Fire as Crews Contain Blaze Within Minutes

Public Safety

Three Residents Safely Escape Vancouver House Fire as Crews Contain Blaze Within Minutes

Three people escaped a house fire in Vancouver on Sunday afternoon after flames destroyed the home’s roof. Fire crews contained the blaze within minutes, and investigators are working to determine the cause.

Source: KOIN

The Feed

Feb 23, 2026

Read More →

Transportation and Infrastructure

Jackknifed Semi Blocks I‑82 Westbound Near Yakima; State Patrol Urges Drivers to Expect Delays

A jackknifed semi-truck blocked westbound I‑82 near Yakima on Monday morning, according to Washington State Patrol. While the incident occurred outside the region, it may have downstream effects on freight routes serving Southwest Washington.

Source: MyNorthwest

The Feed

Feb 23, 2026

Read More →

Environment and Climate

Injured Harbor Seal Found Shot in Hood Canal Raises Questions About Marine Wildlife Safety

A harbor seal rescued in Hood Canal was found to have been shot in the face, according to wildlife rehabilitation groups. SR3 and CVAR say her survival remains uncertain as federal protections and regional wildlife concerns come into focus.

Source: MyNorthwest

The Feed

Feb 23, 2026

Read More →

Environment and Climate

Washougal Secures Federal Funding to Address PFAS Contamination

Washougal will receive $1.3 million in federal funding to advance efforts to remove PFAS contaminants from its water system, reflecting a growing regional focus on long-term water safety and regulatory compliance.

Source: The Columbian

The Feed

Feb 23, 2026

Read More →

Science and Technology

Total Lunar Eclipse to Bring a Red Moon to the Pacific Northwest on March 3

A rare total lunar eclipse will turn the moon red over Washington and Oregon on March 3, offering Southwest Washington residents a clear early‑morning view without special equipment.

Source: KGW

The Feed

Feb 23, 2026

Read More →

Public Safety

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents of Impersonation Scam

Columbia County officials are warning residents about scammers impersonating Sheriff’s Office personnel and demanding payment. Authorities stress they never request money by phone.

Source: Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG

The Feed

Feb 23, 2026

Read More →

Community

Claws for Paws Event Raises $225,000 for Local Animal Support

The Humane Society of Southwest Washington reports that its Claws for Paws fundraiser brought in $225,000, all of which will stay in Cowlitz County to support local animals in need.

Source: Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG

The Feed

Feb 23, 2026

Read More →

Environment and Climate

U.S. Supreme Court Takes Up Oil Industry Bid to Halt Climate Liability Suits

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments from oil and gas companies seeking to halt climate liability lawsuits—a decision with potential downstream effects for Southwest Washington communities grappling with climate-related costs.

Source: The Columbian

The Feed

Feb 23, 2026

Read More →

State Government

State Budget Plans Unveiled as Lawmakers Face Rising Costs and Federal Cutbacks

Washington lawmakers unveiled updated state budget plans Sunday, outlining approaches to maintain essential services despite rising costs and federal funding cuts, with implications for Southwest Washington communities.

Source: The Columbian

The Feed

Feb 23, 2026

Read More →

State Government

Washington Bill Aiming to Ease Regulatory Stress on Farmers Moves Forward

A Washington bill to ease regulatory pressure on farmers is advancing to a Senate executive session, with potential implications for agricultural producers in Cowlitz County.

Source: The Reflector

The Feed

Feb 23, 2026

Read More →

State Government

Washington Senate Advances Trigger Bill on Private-Sector Labor Disputes, With Potential Local Impacts in Cowlitz County

Washington lawmakers have advanced a bill that would allow the state to assume oversight of private‑sector labor disputes if federal jurisdiction fails, a move with potential implications for workers and employers across Cowlitz County.

Source: The Reflector

The Feed

Feb 23, 2026

Read More →

State Government

Washington Lawmakers Weigh Budget Plans That Pull from Rainy Day Fund, Cut Child Care Support

Washington lawmakers have introduced budget plans that rely on rainy day reserves and reduce funding for child care and other services, with potential impacts for families and local governments in Cowlitz County.

Source: The Reflector

The Feed

Feb 23, 2026

Read More →

Columbia Countercurrent

Systems Upgrade