Happy Thursday, Vancouver!

Well, you were right. In Monday’s poll, we asked how many of you thought we’d actually see snow this week…and let’s just say we all put on our snow boots for nothing. A full 76% of you thought we wouldn’t see snow this week. We’ve officially been ghosted by the snow!

In other news, we’re saying goodbye to a local restaurant (pour one out), unpacking the passage of a new millionaires tax, and somehow staring down a weekend that is absolutely stacked. Because of course it is.

Anyways, here's what to expect in today's edition of The PNW Report (Vancouver):

📰 Local News
☁️ Weather
🎉 Events & Things To Do
🤔 Lateral Thinking Puzzle

Let’s get started!

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LOCAL NEWS

💸 TAXING THE TOP: WA Senate Passes "Millionaires Tax"

Hold onto your wallets (or your yachts), because Washington just took a massive step toward its first personal income tax in decades. The State Senate officially passed SB 6346, better known as the "Millionaires Tax," in a narrow 27-22 vote. If it makes it through the House, households pulling in over $1 million a year will see a 9.9% tax on every dollar earned above that seven-figure mark.

While the "one-percenters" might be feeling the pinch, the bill comes with some sweet perks for everyone else. We’re talking about eliminating sales tax on hygiene products, major tax cuts for small businesses grossing under $300k, and a boost to the Working Families Tax Credit. Supporters say it’s about making the tax code less "upside down," while critics worry it’s a "slippery slope" toward a universal income tax.

What do you think? Is it time for the wealthy to "pay their fair share," or are you worried this is just the beginning of a statewide income tax coming?

7️⃣ 7 Restaurant on Main Street Has Closed

Downtown Vancouver is losing a bit of its flavor this week. 7 Restaurant, the beloved spot at 905 Main Street known for bringing authentic Bosnian and Balkan soul food to Vancouver, has officially served its last Burek. After a run of sharing family recipes like Cevapi and Shopska salad, the shutters are down, leaving a pita-sized hole in our hearts (and stomachs). No word yet on what’s moving into the space, but those are some big, delicious shoes to fill.

WEATHER [2/20 - 2/22]

Yep. Clearly no snow in sight.

Friday, 2/20: 44/37 ☁️ Cloudy
Saturday, 2/21: 44/43 ☁️ Cloudy
Sunday, 2/22: 48/43 🌧️ Rain

EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO [2/20 - 2/22]

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? You’re in the right place! 🎉

Stay tuned for Monday morning’s newsletter, where we’ll give the lowdown on all the cool upcoming weekday events for next week!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20th

🫐✂️ Blueberry Pruning Workshop @ Heritage Farm | 10AM ($10)
Ready to cut toxicity out of your life? Start with your blueberries. Learn how to prune properly so your bushes don’t just survive…they thrive (and supply your summer cobbler addiction).

🏠 Marshall House Tour @ Officer’s Row | 10AM (FREE)
Step inside the Marshall House, where Queen Anne elegance meets military history. Once home to General George C. Marshall, this turreted treasure features stained glass, intricate woodwork, and a peek into the past with period furnishings and a recreated study. Walk-in tours available Wed–Fri, 10–2, and select Saturdays, 11–3.

⏳ Time Capsule Burial @ Main Street | 11AM (FREE)
The Main Street Promise team is sealing up last year and sending it a century into the future. This low-key, casual gathering is open to the public! Come watch history get literally buried (in a good way).

🖼️ Art Share @ Cascade Park Library | 11AM (FREE)
Are you a starving artist? A full artist? Either way, come to Art Share (hosted by the Society of Washington Artists) for this monthly meet-up where artists can share their art with other artists and talk about their creative process, techniques, and inspirations.

📱 Mobile Device Basics @ Cascade Park Library | 3PM (FREE)
Finally figure out why your phone is doing That Thing in this free mobile device basics workshop. Patient help, zero judgment, and (hopefully) fewer butt dials?!

🍷 Paint & Sip @ Dovetail Cellars | 6PM
Brush up on your artistic skills and wine down at this fun paint and sip event where you’ll paint a gorge-ous picture of the Columbia Gorge. No experience? No problem! your instructor will guide you step by step, and all supplies are included.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21st

🌿 I Like Lichens @ NatureScaping of SW Washington | 10AM ($15)
If you’re ready to really lichen lichens, this one’s for you! Join naturalist Rebecca Lexa for a crash course in the clingiest, most symbiotic little fellas in the forest.

❄️ Winter Wildlife Nature Day @ Columbia Springs | 10AM - 1PM (FREE)
Cold? Yes. Fun? Also yes. Celebrate winter critters with hands-on activities and outdoor exploration. Dress warmly!

🛒 Vancouver Farmers Market @ Esther Short Park | 10AM - 2PM (FREE)
Your weekly reminder that vegetables can be aesthetic and bread is always the answer. Stock up, stroll around, and try not to spend all your money on honey and hot sauce. But, if you do, at least you’re spending local?!

🖨️ 3D Printer Certification @ Vancouver Library | 10AM (FREE)
Get certified on Fort Vancouver Regional Library’s Lulzbot Mini 3D printer and learn how to tinker, troubleshoot, and bring your big (or tiny) ideas to life. Bonus: once you’re certified, you can print independently…because who doesn’t want the power to literally make stuff appear out of thin air (okay, plastic filament, but still).

🎨 Aura Painting Workshop @ Kindred Vancouver | 11AM ($25)
Ever wondered what color your energy is? In this guided, beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn about chakras and aura vibes, then paint your own 5x7 acrylic masterpiece that captures your personal glow (yasss queen, you’re luminous!)

🎬 Family Interactive Movie Day @ Vancouver Library | 2:30PM (FREE)
Get ready to watch a movie…and absolutely not sit quietly through it! Family Interactive Movie Day is 1/3 film, 1/3 craft hour, and 1/3 whimsy…with sing-alongs, themed activities, and a shout-along script that encourages participation (yes, yelling at the screen is strongly encouraged).

📚 Romance Author Panel @ Vancouver Library | 3PM (FREE)
Get ready to swoon! In partnership with The Romance Era Bookshop, this dazzling panel features local romance stars Starla Night and Samantha Saldivara dishing on tropes, craft, and the sacred art of the happily-ever-after.

😂 Comedy Kaleidoscope @ Magenta Theater | 7:30PM ($15)
Why commit to one kind of funny when you can sample the whole buffet? Score! joins Magenta Theater for a family-friendly comedy silent film inspired variety show featuring improv, stand-up, musical comedy, and more.