New Southern Resident Orca Calf Documented in L Pod

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.

Source: MyNorthwest

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Feb 18, 2026

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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.

Source: The Reflector

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Feb 18, 2026

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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.

Source: The Reflector

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Feb 18, 2026

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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.

Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting

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Feb 18, 2026

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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.

Source: City of Longview News Flash

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Feb 18, 2026

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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.

Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting

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Feb 18, 2026

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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.

Source: KOIN

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Feb 18, 2026

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Arts and Culture

LongCon Returns to Longview Public Library on February 21

Longview Public Library’s community‑led mini fan convention, LongCon, returns February 21 with vendors, workshops, cosplay, crafts, and a full day of family‑friendly fandom activities.

Source: City of Longview News Flash

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Feb 18, 2026

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Local Government

Portland’s $169 Million Budget Gap Raises Cross‑River Questions for Southwest Washington

Portland’s newly announced $169 million budget deficit—driven largely by shelter and public safety costs—could shape regional pressures felt across Southwest Washington.

Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting

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Feb 18, 2026

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Local Government

Portland Reconsiders Housing Funds as Cowlitz County Watches Regional Impacts

Portland is reassessing how to allocate unexpectedly large housing funds, a decision with ripple effects for communities across Southwest Washington.

Source: KGW

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Feb 18, 2026

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Community

Longview Public Library to Host Annual Volunteer Fair on March 7

Longview’s Public Library will host its third annual Volunteer Fair on March 7, offering residents a chance to meet local nonprofits and explore community service opportunities.

Source: City of Longview News Flash

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Feb 18, 2026

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Business and Economy

Portland-Area Latino Businesses Report Sharp Declines Amid ICE Activity

Latino-owned businesses across the Portland area are reporting steep declines in customers as heightened ICE activity fuels widespread fear, with longtime market owners describing conditions unlike anything they have seen in decades.

Source: KGW

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Feb 18, 2026

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Columbia Countercurrent

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