📰 What's Making News

Rising Jet Fuel Prices Could Hit Your Summer Travel Budget

If you've been eyeing summer flights, you might want to book sooner rather than later. Disruptions to global oil supplies are driving up jet fuel costs, and airlines are feeling the squeeze heading into the busiest travel season of the year. That added cost pressure could translate to pricier tickets for passengers — something worth factoring into vacation planning. The Columbian has the full breakdown.

Wild Weather Whiplash Hits Most of the Country

Heavy snow, impassable roads in the Upper Midwest, damaging winds across the Plains, and severe flooding in Hawaii — Sunday's weather was all over the map, literally. A broad and erratic patchwork of severe conditions rumbled across the U.S., with threats of thunderstorms and tornadoes adding to the mix later in the day. We're thankful the Pacific Northwest was mostly spared this round. Read more from The Columbian.

March Madness Brackets Are Set: Duke Earns Top Overall Seed

Duke grabbed the No. 1 overall seed for the men's NCAA Tournament on Sunday, with Arizona, Michigan, and Florida rounding out the top line. All four programs would love a repeat of last season, when every No. 1 seed advanced to the Final Four. If you're filling out a bracket at the office this week, now you know who the favorites are. Get the details here.

Unbeaten UConn Leads Women's Tournament Field

On the women's side, UConn enters March Madness without a single loss and earned the No. 1 overall seed. The Huskies need just six more wins to complete the seventh undefeated season in program history — a remarkable feat in a sport that keeps getting more competitive every year. It's appointment television for hoops fans. Read more from The Columbian.

💬 Community Buzz

Vancouver Lightning Becomes Vancouver Storm — Here's Why

Clark County's semiprofessional indoor soccer scene has a fresh identity. The men's WISL team formerly known as Vancouver Lightning has rebranded as Vancouver Storm, with head coach Peter Valdez citing the need to separate from a local nonprofit and expand the team's mission and reach heading into the new year. If you've been following local indoor soccer or want to start, now's the time to get familiar with the new name. Read the full story at Clark County Talk.

Free Razor Clam Festival in Ocean Shores: Worth the Drive?

The 2026 Razor Clam and Seafood Festival in Ocean Shores is offering free admission and fresh whole razor clams just steps from the Pacific — and plenty of Clark County folks are eyeing it for a weekend trip. The festival pairs coastal eats with that classic Washington beach-town vibe, making it an easy sell for seafood lovers willing to make the drive. If you've been craving an excuse to get out to the coast, this one checks a lot of boxes. Get the details at Clark County Talk.

30th Annual Indoor Pro Rodeo Rides Into Elma March 20-22

The Grays Harbor Mounted Posse Indoor Pro Rodeo hits its 30th year this week at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds in Elma, running March 20-22. It's billed as a family-friendly outing with all the classic rodeo events — bull riding, barrel racing, the works. For Vancouver families looking for a memorable day trip that doesn't involve crossing the river into Portland, this could be a fun one to bookmark for next weekend. Find ticket info at Clark County Talk.

⚡ Quick Bites

All-Star Hoops Return to Clark County Tuesday at King's Way Christian

For the first time in seven years, Clark County hosts senior high school basketball all-star games — tip-off is Tuesday at King's Way Christian. If you've got a graduating baller in your life, this is their curtain call. Full details from The Columbian.

Battle Ground Baseball Opens Season With Two Wins

Derek Gunderson delivered a clutch two-run single Saturday while James Gill III and Logan Carsten combined for four hitless innings of relief, powering the Tigers to a doubleheader sweep on opening day. Read the full recap.

Columbia Springs Marks 25 Years Along Vancouver's Waterfront

The environmental education center at Vancouver's former fish hatchery is celebrating a quarter-century of connecting Clark County kids and families to nature. See their milestone story here.

Easter Egg Hunts Across Clark County: Your 2026 Roundup

Easter lands early this year, and ClarkCoTalk has compiled a running list of egg hunts, bunny photo ops, and family-friendly events happening all over Vancouver and the surrounding area. Browse the full list now.

RichlandHUB Coffee Sources Beans Directly From East Africa

Founded by James Mbuya, Vancouver's RichlandHUB is an African specialty coffee shop sourcing coffee, cacao, and cashews straight from East Africa — connecting your morning cup to farming communities in Tanzania. Learn about their story.

Crown Point Country Museum Opens March 21 Near the Gorge

Corbett's new Crown Point Country Museum holds its grand opening Saturday, March 21, featuring Wasco Nation heritage exhibits, art by Charles W. Post, and geological collections tied to the Columbia River Gorge. It's a short drive east and worth the trip. Get the details.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, March 16

Family & Kids

• Early Learners Play to Learn — Fun early literacy activities for ages 0–5. 10–11 a.m. at Battle Ground Community Library. Free.
• Early Learners Music and Movement — Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5. 2:30–3:30 p.m. at Vancouver Community Library. Free.
• Tales with Tails — Kids in grades 1–5 read to a therapy dog in 15-minute sessions. Registration required. 4 p.m. at Camas Public Library. Free.

All Ages

• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — Community members welcome at the weekly gathering. Noon–1 p.m. at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Free.

Tuesday, March 17

Family & Kids

• Paddy Hough Parade — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the Hough Foundation's beloved parade honoring pioneering educator Patrick Hough. 12:30 p.m. starting at Hough Elementary, 1900 Daniels St., Vancouver. Free.

All Ages

• St. Patrick's Day at McMenamins — Irish Stout, food and drink specials all day long. McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge, Kalama. Free.
• Fort Vancouver Pipe Band and The Quiet Man — Rousing pipe band performance at 6:30 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. screening of the Oscar-winning 1952 John Wayne classic. Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. $10–$12.
• Aram Arslanian (Orphan Train) Live Music — Original music at Kascadia Public House, Washougal. 6 p.m. Free.

Adults

• Composting Field Work at Heritage Farm — Hands-on composting workshop including bokashi bins, worm harvesting, and lasagna gardening. Dress for the weather. 9 a.m. at 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Free.

Teens

• Teen & Adult Japanese Conversation Circle — Practice speaking Japanese in a group led by a volunteer. Ages 13+. 10 a.m. at Ridgefield Community Library. Free.

Wednesday, March 18

Family & Kids

• Family Storytime — Stories, songs, and fun activities for ages 0–5. 10:30–11:30 a.m. at Vancouver Community Library. Free.
• Beaded Shamrocks — Kids in grades K–5 create good luck charms using pipe cleaners and beads. 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Camas Public Library. Registration required at CamasPL.org/shamrocks. Free.
• Tummy Time — For babies under 18 months. 3:30–4:45 p.m. at Camas Public Library. Register at CamasPL.org/tummytime. Free.
• Kids & Tweens Create — Drop-in creative art projects for ages 5–12. 4–5 p.m. at Washougal Community Library. Free.
• Kids Read to a Dog — Build reading confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. 4–5 p.m. at Cascade Park Community Library. Free.
• Pajama Storytime — Wear your PJs and bring a stuffed animal for stories and songs, ages 0–5. 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Three Creeks Community Library. Free.

Teens

• Teen Magic: The Gathering Social Club — Open game play for ages 13–19. Decks provided or bring your own. 4–6 p.m. at Vancouver Community Library. Free.
• Teen & Adult Magic: The Gathering Social Club — Open game play with decks provided. 4–6 p.m. at Cascade Park Community Library. Free.
• Teen Songwriting Workshop — Songwriter Taylor Miranda teaches how to generate ideas and structure songs, referencing her book "The Songwriting Breakdown." 5 p.m. at Camas Public Library. Free.

All Ages

• Flourish Vancouver Networking — 8–9:30 a.m. at Keller Williams Realty, 2211 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Free.
• Marshall House Tours — Explore period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Free.
• Providence Academy Tours — Walk-in or reservation tours. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free.
• Hatchery Tours & Forest Walks at Columbia Springs — Guided tours of the Vancouver Trout Hatchery and nature trails. 3 p.m. at Columbia Springs. Free.
• Live Music at The Grant House — Solo musicians perform at Willful Wine inside the Grant House, 1101 Officers Row, Vancouver. 5–7 p.m. Free.
• Poetry Street PNW Open Mic — Read your own poetry, share a favorite poet, or just listen. Doors at 6:15 p.m., readings 6:30–7:45 p.m. at Camas Public Library. Free.

Adults

• TOPS WA 1056 — Weigh-in 8:15–9:15 a.m., meeting 9:30–10:30 a.m. at Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene, Vancouver.
• C.A.L.M. Crisis De-escalation Training — Free NAMI Southwest Washington session on understanding mental health crises and practical de-escalation. 11 a.m.–noon at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver.
• Contemplative Prayer — Quiet music and reflection. 12:20–12:45 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Free.
• Lenten Services — Soup at 5:30 p.m. followed by the service at 6 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Free.
• Swing Dancing at The Valiant Ballroom — CouveSwing hosts Lindy Hop and East Coast Swing. Beginner lesson 6–7 p.m., social dancing 7–9 p.m. at 109 W. Ninth St., Vancouver. $10.
• Leave Your Troubles at the Door Stand-Up Comedy — Comedians Chris Hudson, Ameerah Sanders, Jaren George, and Elijah Mang riff on audience-submitted problems. Doors 6 p.m., show 6:30 p.m. at Orchards Tap, Vancouver. 21+. Free.
• Native Plant Potting Volunteer Event — Help pot native bare-root trees and shrubs for salmon habitat restoration with the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group. 11 a.m. at Columbia Springs area, Vancouver.

Seniors

• Enhance Fitness Classes — Evidence-based group exercise for adults 60+. Sessions at 8:30–9:30 a.m. and 10–11 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie.
• HOPE Dementia Support: "Meet Me at the Museum" — Explore artifacts, stories, and local heritage. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Two Rivers Heritage Museum, 1 Durgan St., Washougal.

Thursday, March 19

Family & Kids

• Kids & Tweens Build It — LEGO bricks, blocks, and STEM building fun for ages 5–12. 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Vancouver Community Library. Free.

Teens

• Tween & Teen Tabletop RPG Adventure — Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons, ages 9–19. 4:30 p.m. at Cascade Park Community Library. Free.
• Teen & Adult Financial Literacy — IQ Credit Union teaches budgeting and money management. Ages 13+. 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Battle Ground Community Library. Free.

All Ages

• Greater Clark County Service Awards Breakfast — Honoring individuals and groups making an impact in Clark County. Doors 7 a.m., program 7:30–9 a.m. at the Vancouver Hilton Ballroom, 301 W. 6th St. $100.
• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day — No Discover Pass needed to explore Washington's state parks. Celebrating the founding of Washington State Parks.
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab — Monthly session on building permits, land use, and more. 11 a.m.–noon at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. Free.
• Free Info Sessions: Adoption from Foster Care — Northwest Adoption Exchange hosts online sessions at noon and 6 p.m. Register at nwae.org. Free.
• Rotary Club of Three Creeks — Guests and prospective members welcome. 5 p.m. at Columbia Ridge Winery, Ridgefield. Free.

Adults

• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — Michael Walker, Ruby Life Master, leads this class for beginning and intermediate players. 10 a.m.–noon at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10–$50.
• TOPS Meeting (Vancouver 954) — 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at Minnehaha Church of Christ, 3217 NE 54th St., Vancouver. Free.