Eugene’s Rejection of Traffic‑Donation Ban Highlights Ongoing Regional Tensions Over Public Space and Poverty

Local Government

Eugene’s Rejection of Traffic‑Donation Ban Highlights Ongoing Regional Tensions Over Public Space and Poverty

Eugene’s council has again rejected a proposal to fine drivers for giving money to panhandlers — a debate echoing similar tensions across the Northwest over traffic safety, free speech, and how communities respond to visible poverty.

Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting

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Feb 19, 2026

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State Government

Key State Bills Miss Deadline as Olympia’s Cutoff Ripples Into Southwest Washington

Several statewide policy proposals — including bills on homelessness, child welfare, gun safety, and juvenile detention — failed to meet a key legislative deadline this week, with direct implications for communities in Southwest Washington.

Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting

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Feb 19, 2026

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Arts and Culture

Hood River’s ‘Black Infinity House’ Offers Regional Lens on Black Identity Through Immersive Art

Hood River’s “Black Infinity House” exhibit, curated by August Oaks and featuring more than 30 Black Oregon artists, offers a regional cultural opportunity for Southwest Washington residents during Black History Month.

Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting

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Feb 19, 2026

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Transportation and Infrastructure

State Proposal to Expand Passenger‑Only Ferry Authority Could Affect Southwest Washington

A bill expanding local authority to launch passenger‑only ferry service has passed the Washington House, opening the door for possible future proposals along the Columbia River, including in Cowlitz County.

Source: MyNorthwest

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Feb 19, 2026

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Transportation and Infrastructure

WSDOT Schedules Nighttime Closures on US 101 Near Forks for Emergency Slide Repairs

WSDOT has announced nighttime closures on US 101 south of Forks beginning Feb. 19 as crews work to stabilize a slope damaged by December rains. The project may affect Southwest Washington travelers headed to the Olympic Peninsula.

Source: Washington State Department of Transportation

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Feb 19, 2026

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Environment and Climate

Washington and Oregon Join Multistate Challenge Over Terminated Clean Energy Funding

Washington and Oregon have joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the federal government’s termination of clean‑energy funding, a move that may affect upcoming renewable‑energy efforts across Southwest Washington.

Source: KGW

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Feb 19, 2026

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Federal Government

Texas Case of Infant Deportation Raises Questions About Federal Custody Practices

A Texas lawmaker says a 2‑month‑old with bronchitis was deported with his family, while DHS officials maintain the infant was medically cleared—raising broader questions about medical care and due‑process protections in federal custody.

Source: KGW

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Feb 19, 2026

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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.

Source: MyNorthwest

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Feb 19, 2026

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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.

Source: KOIN

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Feb 19, 2026

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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.

Source: The Reflector

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Feb 19, 2026

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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.

Source: KOIN

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Feb 19, 2026

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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.

Source: KGW

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Feb 18, 2026

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Columbia Countercurrent

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