📰 What's Making News

Clark County Burn Ban Takes Effect Wednesday

Time to put a pin in those brush piles. The Clark County fire marshal ordered a countywide outdoor burn ban starting Wednesday, canceling all existing burning permits and halting residential land-clearing fires across the region. If you've been chipping away at yard debris, you'll need to find another way to dispose of it until conditions improve. This one's straightforward and worth marking on the calendar — violations can mean fines, and nobody wants to be the reason a crew rolls out in this heat. Full details from The Columbian.

'Find Vancouver' Gives Downtown a Proper Welcome Mat

Ever watched a visitor wander past Esther Short Park looking completely turned around? The city just launched "Find Vancouver," a new wayfinding initiative designed to help residents and visitors orient themselves in the downtown core. Think of it as a friendlier, more intuitive system for navigating a neighborhood that's added a lot of new faces — and new destinations — in recent years. It's a small but telling investment in the idea that downtown Vancouver is a destination in its own right, not just a pass-through. Read more from The Columbian.

11 Teams, One Park: Junior Baseball State Tournament Lands in Salmon Creek

H.B. Fuller Community Park in Salmon Creek is hosting some serious ballgame energy right now. The Little League Junior state tournament kicked off over the weekend with 11 teams converging on the Hazel Dell Little League fields. It's one of those community moments that reminds you summer isn't just about surviving the heat — it's about folding chairs, snow cones, and kids playing their hearts out under the lights. If you're anywhere near Salmon Creek this week, swing by and soak it in. Get the tournament details from The Columbian.

Your Midweek Agenda: Heritage Bike Tour, Brewery Talks, Walking History

Looking for a reason to get out of the house before Friday? A handy roundup of this week's Vancouver events includes a Heritage Tree Bike Tour departing from Esther Short Park, a "Hot Takes for a Cooler Planet" event at Breakside Brewery, a "Leave Your Troubles at the Door" night at Orchards Tap, and a lunchtime walking tour exploring Vancouver's first suburbs downtown. It's a solid mix of outdoors, brews, and local history — plenty to fill an evening or a lunch break. See the full list on Reddit.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Wildfire Season Is Here: How to Harden Your Home Now

Washington's wildfire risk climbs with every dry, hot day, and state experts are urging homeowners to create defensible space, clear gutters of debris, and screen vents before conditions worsen. A solid checklist of practical steps is worth a few minutes this week. Read the full tips.

Overnight Lows Won't Cool You Off This Week

Forecasters say nighttime temperatures are expected to approach record highs in the days ahead, meaning your house may never fully cool down between heat waves. If you've been relying on open windows after dark, it might be time for a different plan. See the forecast.

UW Builds AI Tool That Tracks Your Devices' Carbon Footprint

Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle have developed an AI agent that measures the environmental cost of electronic devices — and they say it does so without burning through massive amounts of energy itself. Learn how it works.

'Michael' Biopic Crosses $1 Billion, a Genre First

The Michael Jackson film "Michael" has become the first biopic ever to hit the billion-dollar box-office mark — a milestone no other real-life story has reached on the big screen. Read more.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, July 14

• Haystack Rock Interpreter Talk about Sea Stars – 8:00 AM at Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, OR. A fun road trip! Join the Haystack Rock Awareness Program for an interpreter talk all about sea stars. Bring binoculars — the Tufted Puffins are back and nesting on the rock. More info
• Science Heroes: Digging It! – 9:30 AM at Three Creeks Community Library (also 11:00 AM session). A hands-on, high-energy STEM show packed with audience interaction, surprising experiments, and enough wow moments to leave kids head-over-heels for science. Free. More info
• Storywalk at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Dorothy Fox Park, Camas. Follow the path to read So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner — a reading adventure for the whole family. Free. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Littlest friends (age 6 and under) enjoy kiddie rides and selected family rides at their own pace, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free. More info
• Sensory Storytime – 10:30 AM at Ridgefield Community Library. An interactive storytime with sensory play, freedom of movement, and visual aids — designed with smaller group sizes for children with sound sensitivity. Ages 3–9. Free. More info
• Kids Axe Academy at Firehouse Axes – 12:00 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. A 90-minute session for ages 10–14, hosted by an expert coach who teaches the ins and outs of axe throwing, ending with a tournament. Limited to 8 kids. $15. More info
• Preschool Imagination Station – 1:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers and their adults enjoy a read-aloud about imagination followed by a related activity. All materials provided; no registration required. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off – 2:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Put your creativity to the test — use provided materials to design, build, and problem-solve your way through a surprise challenge. Free. More info
• Teen & Tween Tabletop RPG: Dungeon Master Workshop – 3:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. Learn the skills to be an effective Game Master from a lead game master with over 40 years of experience. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Cookie Excavation at Camas Public Library – 3:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in grades 1–5 carefully excavate chocolate chips from a cookie using an excavation grid, learning real archaeologist tools and terms along the way. Registration required. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Create a character and take on challenges in Dungeons & Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E. All experience levels welcome. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels featuring dedicated writing time, introductions, and discussion — no readings or critiques. Free parking. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A casual weekly group for beginning Spanish speakers. Geared toward adults; no registration required. Free. More info
• Taco Tuesday Cookie Decorating Workshop – 6:00 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Learn beginner-friendly piping and flooding techniques using royal icing to decorate six themed sugar cookies. No experience needed. $65. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team as they take on opponents from across the Pacific Northwest. More info
• Hilary Duff: The Lucky Me Tour – 7:00 PM at Cascades Amphitheater, Ridgefield. Hilary Duff's first global headline tour in almost two decades, supporting her sixth studio album. $35–$158. More info
• Hell's Kitchen – The Musical – 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The new Broadway musical from 16-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys — a coming-of-age story set in New York City, powered by her greatest hits and new songs. More info

Wednesday, July 15

• Impressions of the Pacific Northwest at the Rebecca Anstine Gallery – 8:00 AM–5:00 PM at the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Vancouver. A new exhibit showcasing Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji, celebrating the region's moody landscapes and vibrant spirit. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program helping older adults (age 60+) become more active. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Experience artist Sayaka Ganz's stunning sculptures where discarded plastic objects become soaring animals and rushing waves — 3D impressionism meets environmentalism. On view through September 30. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. The annual Second Story Gallery showcase featuring painting, sculpture, and mixed media from Camas School District high school art students. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books – 10:00 AM at Autumn Leaf Books, Downtown Camas. Pick up a passport and search for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses throughout July — one of only 300 participating bookstores nationwide. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row, featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Walk-in or reserve a tour of this beautiful historic building. Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild – 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6, pairing stories with nature activities in the native plant garden. This week's theme: Fish are "O-fish-ally" Awesome. More info
• Sandsations Sand Sculpture Festival – 10:00 AM at Long Beach, WA. A road trip-worthy tradition! Watch professional sand carvers and enthusiastic amateurs create awe-inspiring sculptures at the iconic Bolstad Approach. More info
• Officers Row Trees Walking Tour – 12:00 PM starting at Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver. Join City of Vancouver Urban Forestry staff and Historic Trust Director Holly Chamberlain for a leafy walking tour highlighting tree species and the history of the former Vancouver Barracks. More info
• Hatchery Tour at Columbia Springs – 3:00 PM at Columbia Springs, 12208 S.E. Evergreen Hwy., Vancouver. Learn how the Vancouver Trout Hatchery operates on a guided tour tracing spring water through the forest. Great for kids and adults. Free; register at columbiasprings.org. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, local vendors, and community vibes every Wednesday. More info
• Recycling 101 and Waste Reduction Charrette – 3:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. A hands-on presentation exploring ways to reduce waste, with local reuse organizations available for Q&A. Free; registration encouraged. More info
• Tummy Time – 3:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A special session for babies under 18 months. Register at CamasPL.org/tummytime. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive projects — stretch your imagination and try a new artistic skill. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Open game play with decks provided, or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog – 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Open game play for ages 13–19 — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• NW Furniture Bank Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM at 14000 S.E. Sixth Ave., Vancouver. Celebrate NW Furniture Bank's new location — more space means more furniture for Clark County families in need. Tour the space and connect with the community. Free. More info
• Introduction to Sewing Machines – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn how to thread a machine, select stitches, and create an apron. Ages 9+; registration opens one week before. Free. More info
• OMSI Wild Weather – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. OMSI explains what causes exciting weather conditions — learn how to track weather and stay safe. Free. More info
• Pokémon Trade Night at Barnes & Noble – 5:00 PM at Barnes & Noble, Vancouver. Bring your binders, show off your collections, and trade with the community. All ages welcome. Cafe purchases earn raffle entries. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try this exciting team sport — no experience needed and equipment is provided. Paddlers must be 14+. Free. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art – 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on leathercraft session for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. $40–$45. More info
• Moroccan Cooking Class at WildSalt Studio – 5:30 PM at Class Cooking, 110 E. 15th St., Vancouver. Make and eat a savory Moroccan meal: braised chicken thighs, saffron rice with pomegranate and toasted almonds, and Moroccan flatbread with garlic butter. $99. More info
• Community Changemakers: Stories Behind Women Making a Difference – 5:30 PM at The Neighborhood Refuge, Ridgefield. A TED-talk style evening featuring five women whose leadership is shaping Southwest Washington, hosted by Meghan Hamilton of YWCA Clark County. Refreshments and appetizers included; give-what-you-can admission. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing – 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. East Coast and Lindy Hop style — intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Educated Guess: Astronomy Trivia at OMSI – 6:30 PM at OMSI's Theory Restaurant, Portland. Multi-round trivia covering science, pop culture, and discovery — this month's theme is astronomy. Teams of up to 4; prizes for the top three. More info
• The Bird Days of Summer: Birds, Bats & Bugs – 8:00 PM in Portland (road trip). Experience the magic of a summer evening as day shifts into night — watch birds settle in, then spot bats with a bat detector and explore nocturnal insects at a UV light sheet. More info

Thursday, July 16

• Insect Investigators at the Water Resources Education Center – 9:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Young entomologists ages 6–10 explore insect life cycles, go on a garden scavenger hunt, and build a clay insect to take home. Free; registration required. More info
• Tending and Traditional Ecological Knowledge at Sandy River Delta – 9:30 AM at Sandy River Delta (road trip). Join Confluence, the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, and local Indigenous partners for land tending focused on cattail wetland rehabilitation. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. The beloved Tiny Art Show is back for its 6th year — come see what the Camas community has created. Free. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 Mill Plain Blvd. A six-week introductory class starting July 16. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. Call Ellie Hood at 360-433-2409 for details. More info
• Fruit Tree Pruning Education & Volunteer Work Party – 10:00 AM. Join the City of Vancouver's Urban Forestry team for a hands-on session learning summer pruning techniques for fruit trees. All experience levels welcome. More info
• Lewisville Regional Park Picnic Bench Painting – 10:00 AM at Lewisville Regional Park, north of Battle Ground. Volunteer with Clark County Parks to help spruce up picnic tables at this historic park. Tools provided; wear closed-toe shoes. More info
• Mt. Hood Meadows Chairlift Wildlife Ride and Hike – 10:00 AM (road trip). Join the Washington Native Plant Society for a chairlift-assisted hike into high mountain meadows for stunning alpine wildflower displays. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group – 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Join a lively crew of creatives for writing prompts, craft discussion, and workshopping. Submit fiction and nonfiction for beta reads. Free. More info
• TALented Works Studio & Gallery Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM at 1015 Main Street, Vancouver. Welcome one of the newest galleries in Southwest Washington, showcasing local artist Tal W. DeWitt's vibrant work. The gallery also hosts paint classes and workshops. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Hang out with friends, play games, craft, and chat. Snacks provided. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop RPG Adventure – 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons with a team of players. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Heritage Tree Bike Ride – 5:30 PM starting at Esther Short Park (meet at the clock tower). A guided 4-mile bicycle ride visiting 12 of Vancouver's celebrated Heritage Trees with the City's Climate and Urban Forestry teams. Helmets required. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 – 5:30 PM with Vancouver Bicycling Club ride leader Charla Burke. Fun group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks — 5–10 miles at a 10 mph pace on flat terrain. Bring a bike in good working order. More info
• Teen Video Game Night – 6:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Level up your evening with Nintendo Switch games and snacks. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars – 6:00 PM at Dovetail Cellars, 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. A dedicated lineup of songwriters and small groups, hosted by Jeff Keddie and broadcast live on KXRW. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Local Author Panel at Literary Leftovers – 6:00 PM at Literary Leftovers, 813 W. Main St. #105, Battle Ground. Enjoy excerpt readings and book signings with local authors Cindy Goyette, Hollis Oliver, Peggy Lotz, Cameron Paris, and Toni Woodard. Light refreshments. Free. More info
• Picnic & Paddle on the Willamette River – 6:00 PM (road trip). Join People of Color Outdoors for an evening paddle on the Willamette River. More info
• Vancouver Waterfront Concert Series – 6:30 PM at Vancouver Waterfront Park. Enjoy an eclectic mix of live music on the north shore of the Columbia River. Bring a picnic or grab dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Free. More info
• Disney Trivia at Firehouse Axes – 6:30 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Teams of all ages battle it out for the title of Disney Trivia Masters. RSVP online. Free. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs (Online) – 6:30 PM online via the Washington Native Plant Society. Learn to draw beautiful wildflowers with colored pencils, guided by botanical artist Crystal Shin. More info

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