Columbia Countercurrent

Public Safety

Cold Weather Advisory returns: what it means for Longview, Kelso, and the Cowlitz River Valley this weekend

A Cold Weather Advisory is again in effect across parts of southwest Washington, including the Lower Columbia and Cowlitz River valleys. Here’s what residents in Longview and Kelso should know about wind chills, safety, and community impacts this weekend.

The Feed

Jan 23, 2026

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Public Safety

Portland police search continues after two officers shot; what Cowlitz County residents should know

Portland police say they are still searching for the suspect accused of shooting two PPB officers on Jan. 19, 2026. Here’s what’s confirmed so far and what regional residents should keep in mind.

The Feed

Jan 23, 2026

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Science and Technology

OHA data: Oregon hospitals still miss national infection-prevention targets—why it matters in Cowlitz County

Oregon Health Authority data show hospitals made some progress reducing healthcare-associated infections in 2024, but still missed national benchmarks across multiple measures—an issue with real consequences for Cowlitz County residents who often cross the river for care.

The Feed

Jan 23, 2026

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Public Safety

WSP identifies rider killed in Jan. 18 motorcycle crash on I-5 near Woodland

Washington State Patrol identified Bradley J. Jespersen, 60, of Mossyrock as the rider killed in a Jan. 18 crash on northbound I-5 near Woodland’s Exit 22.

The Feed

Jan 23, 2026

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Federal Government

Oregon senators warn repayment-plan shakeup could hit local student borrowers—what Cowlitz County residents should know

Oregon Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden are warning about a federal student-loan repayment shakeup. Here’s what the new timeline could mean for Cowlitz County borrowers—especially those using income-driven plans or Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

The Feed

Jan 23, 2026

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Public Safety

Portland extends warming-shelter hours through Jan. 25; Cowlitz County faces its own cold-weather gaps

Portland is extending morning hours at several emergency overnight shelters through Jan. 25 as temperatures drop below freezing. The move highlights a regional reality: when nights turn deadly cold, access to warmth is a public survival issue—one Cowlitz County still addresses through a patchwork system.

The Feed

Jan 23, 2026

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Public Safety

Cold night expected in Longview as lows dip below freezing

Longview is expected to dip below freezing Thursday night, with lows near 28°F and potentially colder temperatures heading into Friday night.

The Feed

Jan 22, 2026

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Local Government

‘Pride & Resistance’: Cascade Forward Project spotlights LGBTQ+ community in latest update

A short update from the Cascade Forward Project connects protest politics with visible celebration of LGBTQ+ community members—an organizing choice that resonates locally even without many event details.

The Feed

Jan 22, 2026

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Local Government

‘Let Them Eat Cake’: Cascade Forward Project says biweekly march collected 475 pounds for local aid groups

Cascade Forward Project says its latest biweekly march collected 475 pounds of food and supplies for Lower Columbia CAP, Oasis Animal Foundation, and Rainbow Community, and drew increased participation from the local Latin community.

The Feed

Jan 22, 2026

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Public Safety

Amtrak train hits, kills pedestrian near downtown Kelso; investigation ongoing

A pedestrian was fatally struck by an Amtrak train near downtown Kelso on Jan. 17, 2026. Here’s what’s known, what’s not, and why the built environment around rail corridors matters locally.

The Feed

Jan 22, 2026

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Columbia Countercurrent

Cowlitz County

Cold Weather Advisory returns: what it means for Longview, Kelso, and the Cowlitz River Valley this weekend

Portland police search continues after two officers shot; what Cowlitz County residents should know

OHA data: Oregon hospitals still miss national infection-prevention targets—why it matters in Cowlitz County

WSP identifies rider killed in Jan. 18 motorcycle crash on I-5 near Woodland

Oregon senators warn repayment-plan shakeup could hit local student borrowers—what Cowlitz County residents should know

Portland extends warming-shelter hours through Jan. 25; Cowlitz County faces its own cold-weather gaps

Cold night expected in Longview as lows dip below freezing

‘Pride & Resistance’: Cascade Forward Project spotlights LGBTQ+ community in latest update

‘Let Them Eat Cake’: Cascade Forward Project says biweekly march collected 475 pounds for local aid groups

Amtrak train hits, kills pedestrian near downtown Kelso; investigation ongoing

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