📰 What's Making News

Eli Lilly Pours $100M Into Vancouver's Absci

Pharma giant Eli Lilly and Company is leading a massive $100 million investment into Vancouver-based biotech company Absci — a vote of confidence that puts our hometown firm squarely on the national biotech map. Absci, headquartered in East Vancouver, specializes in AI-driven drug and target discovery, and this infusion from one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies signals serious momentum. It's the kind of deal that reminds everyone paying attention: Vancouver isn't just growing — it's producing companies that attract nine-figure checks. Read more from The Columbian.

Thrive2Survive Opens Two Recovery Homes in Central Vancouver

Vancouver-based nonprofit Thrive2Survive cut the ribbon Wednesday on two new recovery homes for men, expanding its network of supportive housing in the community. The ceremony featured an unexpectedly charming centerpiece — industrial refrigerators, freshly unveiled — marking a new chapter for the organization's mission of accountability, safety, and recovery. The homes will provide structured living environments for men working through recovery programs. It's a milestone worth celebrating for an organization that continues to grow its local footprint. Full story here.

Clark County Workers Earned 4% More in 2025

Wages across Clark County grew four percent in 2025 compared to the prior year, according to new data. That uptick reflects steady demand for workers across sectors in a county that continues to add residents and businesses alike. While no single industry was singled out as the driver, the broad-based growth is a positive signal for the local economy heading into the second half of 2026. See the details at The Columbian.

Blair Road Near Washougal Closes for Construction Through August

Heads up if you drive Southeast Blair Road north of Washougal — Clark County Public Works is closing a 1.44-mile stretch starting in early July for road construction, with work expected to last through August. Specific start and end dates haven't been announced yet, but delays and detours are guaranteed once crews get going. Now's the time to map out your alternate route before the orange cones appear. Plan ahead with the full details.

Raptors Drop Back-to-Back Games for First Time This Season

The Ridgefield Raptors hit their first real rough patch of the summer, falling 3-1 to the Bend Elks on Wednesday night in West Coast League action. It marks the first time this season the Raptors have lost consecutive games — a streak that had to end eventually but still stings for the loyal Ridgefield faithful. The team will look to bounce back as the WCL schedule rolls on through the heart of summer. Catch the recap.

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⚡ Quick Bites

The Whole Bowl Lands Downtown at Mill Plain and Main

The popular bowl-based food truck opened yesterday across the street from Brickhouse, serving up lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you've been wishing for more weekday lunch options downtown, this one's worth a walk. Details here.

Southeast Blair Road Closes to Through Traffic Starting in July

Clark County Public Works will fully shut down a 200-foot section of Southeast Blair Road from early July through late August for reconstruction, repaving, and guardrail work along a 1.44-mile segment near the Little Washougal River. Detours will route through Washougal River Road and Southeast Krohn Road. Plan your alternate route.

"Code Red" Blood Shortage Hits the Region — Type O, Platelets Most Needed

The regional blood supply has dropped to emergency levels, with type O and platelets in especially short supply. If you're eligible to donate, now is the time that counts. Find out how to help.

Free Housing, Recovery, Employment Help — All in One Spot Friday

Thrive2Survive hosts a wellness event this Friday, June 27, at River City Church on Fourth Plain Boulevard, with dozens of partner organizations offering free resources for housing, employment, recovery, and youth programs — plus a hot meal from 360Grindz and a Skate Jam at Swift Skatepark. Full details here.

Travis Kavulla Named New CEO of Bonneville Power Administration

The agency headquartered right here in the Portland-Vancouver metro has a new leader — Travis Kavulla was introduced this week as BPA's next CEO by the U.S. energy secretary. BPA supplies roughly a third of the Northwest's electricity. Read more.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, June 25

• PCTA Trail Work Project @ Mt. Adams — Grand Meadows · 8:00 AM · Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Help the Mount Hood Chapter clear the PCT with crosscut logout, brushing, and drainage work. Registration required; max 12 volunteers. More info
• PCTA Trail Work Project @ Mt. Adams — William's Mine · 8:00 AM · Gifford Pinchot National Forest. A second crew tackles the PCT from the William's Mine Trailhead heading north. Registration required; max 12 volunteers. More info
• On the Road Tour: Plants and Community, Best Friends Forever · 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Starting at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead a bus tour exploring how local nurseries and farms strengthen community — stops include the Heritage Farm, Clark Public Utilities native plant gardens, and more. $35. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market · 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park · 10:00 AM · Vancouver. Join volunteers removing ivy and spreading mulch to beautify the park's natural area. Family-friendly and great for teens. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Free; advance registration required. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding · 10:00 AM – Noon · Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Six-week class for beginning and intermediate players with instructor Michael Walker (Ruby Life Master). $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip in the Big Canoes · 10:00 AM · Vancouver Lake. Free family-friendly paddle in 29-foot, 14-passenger canoes with Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and Vancouver's Water Center educators. Spot shore birds, look for beaver activity, and learn about the Columbia River ecosystem. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club · 11:00 AM (and 6:00 PM) · Craft Warehouse, 9307 NE Fifth Ave, Hazel Dell. Bring a current project and swap inspiration. All skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• St. Francis Circle Annual Luncheon for the Humane Society of Southwest Washington · 11:30 AM · Red Cross Building, Vancouver. Open to current members and anyone considering adding HSSW to their estate plan. RSVP by June 18. More info
• Ribbon-Cutting for Sovereign at ilani · Noon – 1:00 PM · ilani Casino Resort, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield. Celebrate the opening of Sovereign, the new Cowlitz Indian Tribe-owned steak, chops, and seafood restaurant replacing the former Michael Jordan's Steak House. Dishes inspired by native ingredients and regional traditions. Free. More info
• Blueberry Pancake Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill · 1:00 PM · Woodland. Blueberry pancakes smothered in fresh blueberries and drowned in blueberry syrup at the historic mill. More info
• Hike with Pacific Peaks Mountain Top Fitness · 3:30 – 4:30 PM · Lacamas Lake Lodge. An adaptive fitness program for those with neurodevelopmental differences — warm-up, Heritage Trail walk, and stretching. Registration and fee required. More info
• DIY Pet Rocks at Camas Public Library · 4:00 – 5:15 PM · Camas. Decorate a pet rock with paint and accessories — for grades 1–5. Registration required. Free. More info
• Angel Ocasio's Comedy, Magic and Stuff · 4:00 – 5:00 PM · Washougal Community Library (also at other FVRL locations earlier in the week). Silly antics, magic, juggling, and audience participation for the whole family. Free. More info
• Teen Hangout · 4:30 – 6:30 PM · Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 · 5:30 PM · Vancouver. Join ride leader Charla Burke and the Vancouver Bicycling Club for a fun group ride exploring trails, neighborhoods, and bike-friendly roads. 5–10 miles at 10 mph on flat terrain. More info
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting · 6:00 PM · American Legion Post 176, 14011 NE 20th Ave, Vancouver. Monthly meetup — learn about tying flies and fishing. Food available for purchase. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs (Online) · 6:30 PM · Washington Native Plant Society hosts botanical artist Crystal Shin for a colored-pencil drawing series. Learn to draw beautiful summer wildflowers from photos. More info
• Line Dancing Lessons · 7:00 – 9:00 PM · Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Instructor Kat Nichols leads — beginners welcome, all ages. $10. More info
• FIFA World Cup Watch Party at Kalama Harbor Lodge · 7:00 PM · Kalama Harbor Lodge, Cove Bar. Catch the USA match on the big screen with beer, burgers, and tots. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• K-POP Demon Hunters Trivia at Firehouse Axes · 7:00 – 9:00 PM · Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Celebrate the one-year anniversary with trivia, themed drinks, and costumes encouraged. More info
• Jerry Seinfeld Live · 7:00 PM · Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland. America's premier comedian performs his newest stand-up routine. Tickets from $86.55. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County · 7:30 PM · Magenta Theater, Vancouver. The Tony Award-winning musical based on the best-selling novel — a sweeping romance about the roads we travel. Through June 28. $32. More info

Friday, June 26

• Big Smoke BBQ, Brew & Music Festival · Haydu Park, Kalama. Three days (June 26–28) of BBQ, live music, and craft vendors. Friday's kick-off concert (21+) features The Fretliners and special guest Chris Couch. More info
• PCTA Trail Work Project @ Mt. Adams Grand Meadows · 8:00 AM · Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Day two of crosscut logout, brushing, and drainage work on the PCT. Registration required. More info
• Road Trip: Tigard Festival of Balloons · 8:00 AM · Tigard. Pre-dawn hot air balloon launches, a spectacular Night Glow, live entertainment, and family fun all weekend. More info
• Cascadia Dirt Cup — Mountain Bike Racing · 8:00 AM · Yacolt Burn. Round 3 of the PNW mountain bike racing series on some of the region's most underrated trails. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes · 8:30 – 9:30 AM and 10:00 – 11:00 AM · Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+). More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party · 9:00 AM · SWWA Victory Garden, Vancouver. Join the Friday morning garden shift with Urban Abundance — good people doing good things outdoors. More info
• Road Trip: Beginner Surf Open Surf (Women Only) · 9:00 AM – Noon · Short Sands Beach near Oswald West State Park. Free open surf with Babes on Waves — bring your own board and wetsuit. More info
• Ridgefield Learn to Kayak Tour · 9:00 AM · Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle through the Columbia River Water Trail near Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat · 10:00 AM – Noon · La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tour · 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute guided tours of the historic home. Book a time online. More info
• Summer Craft & Play with Drip Drop Art Studio · 10:00 AM · Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Open-ended art fun with a Maker Station for kids 5+ and sensory-play stations for littles. $18–$24. More info
• Marshall Park CHAMPS Playground Cleanup · 10:00 AM – Noon · Marshall Park, Vancouver. Help care for the inclusive CHAMPS playground — litter cleanup and prep. Free; advance registration required. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal · Noon – 1:00 PM · Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ through the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group · 1:00 – 3:00 PM · NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave, Suite 105, Vancouver. Weekly creative session hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Vancouver Station · 1:00 PM · Vancouver Station Food Carts, 1817 SE 164th Ave. Seniors meet for lunch at the food carts. More info
• Washougal Community Market · 2:00 – 6:00 PM · Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St, Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, bakers, food vendors, live music, and local author appearances. Free. More info
• Teen DIY: Clay Diffuser Discs · 2:00 – 3:30 PM · Camas Public Library. Teens in grades 6–12 create an essential oil diffuser using air-dry clay. All materials provided. Free; register at camaspl.org. More info
• Family Adventure Camp at Mt. St. Helens · 3:00 PM · Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center, Toutle. Explore the volcanic landscape with scenic trails, art, and hands-on experiences for the whole family. $275. More info
• Kids Create · 3:30 – 4:30 PM · Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout · 4:00 – 5:30 PM · Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In · 4:00 – 8:00 PM · Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10. More info
• Free Hollywood Bowl Watch Party at Alderbrook Park · Gates at 4:00 PM; watch party at 7:00 PM · Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Free community screening of The Tabernacle Choir's Songs of Hope Benefit Concert from the Hollywood Bowl. Enjoy park attractions starting at 4 PM. More info
• ZooNights · 5:00 PM · Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, elephant ears, and local beer and wine for adults. Fridays through August. $13–$26. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle · 5:30 PM · Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Historic Trust Summer Concert Series: Michael John · 5:30 – 8:30 PM · O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St, Vancouver. Yacht rock artist Michael John performs on the lawn. Bring chairs or blankets. Food trucks and beer garden on-site. Free. More info
• Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. · 6:00 PM · Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. The Emmy Award-winning cartoon comes to life on stage — a two-week Broadway Jr. intensive production. $10–$18. More info
• English Country Line Dancing · 6:30 PM · Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. All ages and experience levels welcome — dances are walked through first. $5 per person or $10 per family. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball · 6:30 PM · Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown summer collegiate baseball team. More info
• Northwest Personal Training: Active Longevity · 6:45 – 7:45 PM · 1011 Broadway, Vancouver. Doctor of Physical Therapy Trent Corey shares keys to active longevity including heavy lifting and targeted movement. Free. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro · 7:00 PM · 12514 NW 36th Ave, Vancouver. Local live music on the pet-friendly patio with food and cocktails. First come, first served seating. More info
• Sunset Kayak Paddle · 7:00 PM · Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle north to the Columbia River at sunset with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe — snacks on the beach, all skill levels. Three-hour guided tour; reservations required. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert Series: Braveheart · 7:30 PM · Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St, Vancouver. Live music and great drinks to kick off Friday night. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone — FIFA World Cup Watch Party · 8:00 PM · Big Al's, Vancouver. Massive screens and stadium energy at the official SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone. More info

Saturday, June 27

• Harper's Playground Day of Play · Marshall Park (CHAMPS Playground), 1069 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver. Celebrate community and inclusion with activities, music, food carts, and games for all. Free. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI · 6:00 AM · Mount St. Helens. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional guides — designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• 2026 Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest · 9:00 AM (main fair 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM) · Clark College Gaiser Hall, Vancouver. Free, family-friendly festival with 100+ Pacific Northwest authors, indie publishers, live readings, workshops, panels, live music, food, and artisan vendors. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship market, running since 1990, with local farm, food, and artisan vendors. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective · 9:00 AM · OMSI, Portland. Ages 3–5 work with families on playful hands-on challenges. $22.50–$30.50. More info
• Free Play at Family Festival · 9:00 AM · Topaz Farm, Portland. Music, activities, and community fun for 2,000+ kids and grown-ups. Free admission; some activities have a fee. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Downtown Vancouver Walking Tour · 9:00 AM (early) and 11:00 AM (late) · Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Discover the stories behind Main Street landmarks — the Evergreen Hotel, Kiggins Theatre, and more. $10; CCHM members free with RSVP. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail parkrun · 9:00 AM · 800 NE 117th St, Vancouver. Free weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. Register online before your first visit. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs · 9:00 AM – Noon · 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Remove invasive species, maintain trails, and help beautify the natural area. Tools and gloves provided. Free. More info
• Great American Campout · 9:00 AM · Various locations. The National Wildlife Federation's annual celebration of camping and nature — whether at a park or your own backyard. More info
• LeRoy Haagen Adopt-A-Park Event · 9:00 AM · LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park, Vancouver. Family-friendly stewardship activities with City of Vancouver staff. More info
• Blandford Canyon Beginner-Friendly Trail Work Party with WTA · 9:00 AM · Blandford Drive Greenway, Vancouver. Help maintain trails and restore native plants in this forested urban oasis. Great for first-timers. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play · 9:15 – 10:30 AM · Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lesson followed by play with assistance available. More info
• Road Trip: Fairy Fest at Hoyt Arboretum · 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM · Steven's Pavilion, Hoyt Arboretum, Portland. Free family celebration with nature play, face painting, and imagination-driven exploration. More info
• Fourth Plain Festival Day · 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · River City Church, Vancouver (then Skate Jam at Swift Skate Park, 2:00 – 4:00 PM). Resources, activities, and community connections from nonprofits, agencies, and small businesses. Free. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center · 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes on display — hands-on STEAM education through aviation. Free. More info
• Craft Day at the Artillery Barracks · 10:00 AM · Artillery Barracks, Vancouver. Free, family-friendly crafts including basketry with the Columbia Basin Basketry Guild, origami with Holly Williams, and puppet making with Dragon Theater. Presented by The Historic Trust. More info
• 78th St. Heritage Farm Walking Tours · 10:00 AM · 1919 NE 78th St, Vancouver. Free guided tours of the 79-acre historic property with WSU Extension Master Gardener docents. More info
• Berry Bowls Workshop · 10:00 – 11:30 AM · Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St, Vancouver. Make a ceramic berry bowl — beginner-friendly, ages 8+. $55. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Stewardship Days with MSHI · 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Mount St. Helens. Invasive species removal followed by a free optional guided Hummocks Trail hike. Ages 10+. Free; registration required. More info
• Learn to Granny Square Crochet · 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Kindred Vancouver, 2213 Main St. Beginner-friendly — learn to chain, double crochet, work in the round, and change colors. All materials included. $45–$60. More info
• Summer Native Art Market · 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St, Vancouver. 20+ local Indigenous artists and vendors offering handcrafted jewelry, art, and more. Free admission. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) · 11:00 AM · Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Korean War Veterans Remembrance Ceremony · 11:00 AM – Noon · Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver. A community opportunity to reflect and pay tribute. Free. More info
• Intro to Bokashi Composting · 11:00 AM · Nature's Haven Nursery, 6403 NE 277th Ave, Camas. Hands-on class with Jennifer "Bokashi Jen" Posivak — learn to compost food scraps (including meat and dairy) in the smallest of yards. More info
• Strawberry Shortcake Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill · Noon – 4:00 PM · 43907 NE Grist Mill Road, Woodland. Free strawberry shortcake and tours of the historic water-powered mill. More info
• William Scofield Gallery Celebrates One Year with "Fiber Plus" · 1:00 PM · William Scofield Gallery, Vancouver. Opening of a juried group exhibition exploring fiber art with metal, paper, wax, wood, and more. Through Aug. 30. Free. More info
• Summer Promenade at Fort Vancouver · 1:00 PM · Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Evergreen Blvd. Watch 100 years of historic fashion (1845–1945) come alive on a stroll through the Parade Ground. Free. More info
• Camas Car Show · 2:00 – 7:00 PM · Downtown Camas. Classic, custom, and specialty vehicles. Vote for your favorites, buy raffle tickets, enjoy kids' activities, and free C-Tran shuttle service. Free for spectators; $20 vehicle registration benefits Treasure House Food Bank. More info
• OMSI Wild Weather at FVRL · 2:00 PM · Fort Vancouver Regional Library. OMSI explains what causes exciting weather conditions — learn how to track weather and stay safe. Free. More info
• As You Like It (Outdoor Shakespeare) · 6:00 PM (pre-show music at 5:30 PM) · Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Metropolitan Performing Arts presents a free outdoor production. Also showing June 28 and at other Clark County locations through July 19. More info
• VanCity Ballroom Saturday Social Dance · 7:00 PM · VanCity Ballroom, 9212 NE Hwy 99, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute beginner lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Karaoke: 80's Rock Night · 8:30 PM · Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St, Vancouver. Belt out arena anthems and power ballads — big hair and leather encouraged. More info

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