📰 What's Making News

Minari Market Opens a DIY Ramen Playground on Main Street

Downtown Vancouver just got a whole lot more delicious — and a whole lot more fun. Minari Market has opened on Main Street, bringing an interactive, high-tech instant ramen bar inspired by Seoul's late-night convenience store culture. The family-run concept lets you customize your own bowl from a curated wall of noodles, broths, and toppings, turning a humble packet of ramen into something genuinely memorable. If you've been looking for a reason to stroll downtown on a weeknight, this is it.

I-5 Right Lane Closes Tuesday for East Fork Lewis River Bridge Inspection

Heads up if your Tuesday commute takes you north on I-5 near Woodland: WSDOT crews will close the right lane between mileposts 17.5 and 18.5 for the annual East Fork Lewis River Bridge inspection. The closure is part of routine bridge maintenance, but expect slowdowns through the work zone. WSDOT recommends checking their real-time travel map or mobile app before you head out so you can plan around the bottleneck.

Why Asking ChatGPT About Fishing Regs Could Land You a Citation

Before you let an AI chatbot plan your next fishing or hunting trip, you might want to double-check its homework. A new report from The Columbian highlights real pitfalls of relying on artificial intelligence to interpret Washington's fishing and hunting regulations. AI tools can serve up outdated seasons, wrong bag limits, or flat-out invented rules — and a game warden won't accept "the chatbot told me" as a defense. The safest bet is still the WDFW website or a printed regulation pamphlet, especially with summer fishing season ramping up.

Hanford Cleanup Site Loses 37% of Oversight Staff

A new Government Accountability Office report reveals that the Department of Energy's Tri-Cities office overseeing environmental cleanup at the Hanford nuclear site has lost 96 employees — 37 percent of its staff. The departures raise questions about the pace and safety of one of the largest environmental remediation projects in U.S. history, a site that sits roughly 200 miles upriver from Clark County along the Columbia. The GAO report flags the staffing gap as a significant risk to ongoing oversight of radioactive waste cleanup.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Clouded Leopard Escapes, Gets Treed, Then Darted at Point Defiance Zoo

A 34-pound clouded leopard slipped past keepers at Tacoma's Point Defiance Zoo on Friday and climbed a tree before trained staff brought her down safely with a sedative dart, nets, and blankets. The cat is back in care and reportedly doing fine. Read more from The Columbian

Low Tides Revealing Octopuses Across Puget Sound Beaches

Seasonal spring tides are pulling water farther out than usual along the Puget Sound shoreline, leaving octopuses exposed on the sea floor during daylight hours. If you spot one on a beach trip, experts say the best move is to leave it alone and let the tide do its thing. Here's what to know

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, May 25

• Federal Public Lands Fee Free Day – Memorial Day – 7:00 AM – Explore federal public lands across the U.S. for free today in honor of Memorial Day. No entrance fees required.
• CMAC Memorial Day Event – 9:30 AM – Flag raising at 9:30 AM, ceremony at 10:00 AM at the Fort Vancouver Parade Grounds. Free and open to all.
• Audiobook Walking Club – 9:30 AM – Camas Public Library's monthly walking group meets at a new outdoor location. Bring your own audiobook for a 60-minute walk plus optional social time. Free.
• Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Fort Vancouver – 9:30 AM – The Community Military Appreciation Committee presents the annual ceremony at the Fort Vancouver Parade Grounds, 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd. Hot dogs and snacks follow. Free.
• Tiny Toppings Storytime and Ice Cream in Ridgefield – 11:00 AM – Enjoy a story at Copperbell Bookstore, then head to Eight Cow Creamery where every scoop purchase gets a free kid scoop. Perfect for pre-K littles.
• Memorial Day – American Legion Smith-Reynolds Family – 11:00 AM – American Legion Smith-Reynolds Post 14, 4607 NE Saint James Road, Vancouver. Music, taps, a wreath-laying, and Scouts from Troop #320. Free and open to the public.
• Ridgefield Art Association Monthly Meeting – 5:00 PM – Meet on the second floor of the TMI Building, 101 Mill St., downtown Ridgefield. Everyone is welcome. Free.

Tuesday, May 26

• Southwest Washington Watercolor Society Spring Exhibit – 10:00 AM – More than 40 regional artists on display at The Arts Centered in Vancouver, judged by award-winning artist Tess Myers.
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Red Robin – 12:00 PM – Join the group for lunch at Red Robin, 8311 NE Vancouver Mall Drive. Call 360-892-8944 for info.
• Shut Up & Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM – Co-working for writers of all experience levels at Vancouver Arts Hub. Focused writing time followed by casual conversation. Free.
• Vancouver Wildlife League Monthly Meeting – 6:00 PM – Last spring meeting at Smith-Reynolds American Legion Post 14, Vancouver. Learn about new volunteer registration for WA Fish and Wildlife, plus last chance to register for the June 5 annual dinner. Free.
• Clark County Genealogical Society Meeting: Finding African Ancestors – 7:00 PM – A presentation offering clues for African American genealogy research, with historical and cultural context. Members and guests welcome at the CCGS Library in Vancouver. Free.

Wednesday, May 27

• TOPS 1056 – 8:15 AM – Weekly wellness meeting at Fourth Plain Nazarene Church, 16807 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Weigh-in 8:15–9:15 AM, meeting 9:30–10:30 AM.
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM – Evidence-based group exercise for adults 60+ at Bethel Lutheran Church in Brush Prairie. Sessions at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM.
• Free Financial Planning Day – 9:00 AM – Complimentary 30-minute one-on-one sessions with a certified financial planner at Johnson Bixby, 275 W. Third St., Suite 600, Vancouver. Zoom or in-person. Free.
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM – Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row, 10 AM–2 PM. Period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study.
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM – Tours from 10 AM–2 PM by reservation or walk-in at Providence Academy in Vancouver. Free.
• Wednesday Wanders – 10:00 AM – Guided nature walk along the Columbia River and adjacent wetlands at the Water Resources Education Center. Great for families with kids 6+. Registration required. Free.
• Community Storytime in the Park – 10:30 AM – Stories, songs, and activities for ages 0–5 at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon. Outside on sunny days, in the gazebo when it rains.
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Makoto Japanese Buffet – 11:30 AM – Lunch at Makoto Japanese Buffet, 1119 SE 163rd Pl., Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for info.
• Sing-alongs with Coyote Moon Band – 12:00 PM – Vocalist Yvonne Mancini and guitarists Jim Moody and Cliff Butler lead sing-alongs from noon to 2 PM at Firstenburg Community Center. Free.
• Contemplative Prayer – 12:20 PM – Quiet music and contemplative prayer at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver, 12:20–12:45 PM. Free.
• Music Therapy Song Circle – 1:00 PM – Licensed music therapist Kelly Aloia leads a song circle at Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Felida. Open to anyone. Free.
• NEW Silver Trails Community Walk – 2:00 PM – Parks Foundation of Clark County launches a new walking program for adults 65+ at Orchards Park. Easy 1–2 mile walks through beautiful parks and trails all summer.
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab – 4:00 PM – Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12 at Washougal Community Library. Free.
• Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop – Part 1 – 4:30 PM – Free workshop for WA State certificated educators. Earn 5 STEM clock hours. Both sessions (May 27 and May 30) required.
• Live Music at The Grant House – 5:00 PM – Willful Wine at the Grant House, 1101 Officers Row, features solo musicians 5–7 PM. Free.
• Fort Vancouver Kiwanis – 5:30 PM – Fourth-Wednesday evening meeting, 5:30–7 PM at Brothers Cascadia Evergreen Pub, 108 W. Evergreen Blvd. Features a local speaker.
• Poetry Street PNW – 6:00 PM – Open mic poetry night at Camas Public Library, 6:15–7:45 PM. Read your original or favorite work and hear featured poets. All ages. Free.
• Swing Dancing at The Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM – 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.

Thursday, May 28

• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM – Class for beginning and intermediate players at the Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50.
• Vancouver Quilt Club – 11:00 AM – Meet at Craft Warehouse in Hazel Dell at 11 AM or 6 PM. See new fabrics and notions, share projects, and get inspired. All skill levels welcome. Free.
• General Federation of Women's Clubs Meeting – 2:00 PM – At Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Battle Ground. Social time plus a presentation by Dustin Waliezer from Fire District 3.
• Preschool Flower Shop – 3:00 PM – Dramatic play at Camas Public Library where preschoolers sort flowers, take orders, and arrange bouquets. Great for social skills and early math. Free.
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 3:30 PM – Spark your imagination with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more for ages 5–12 at Vancouver Community Library. Free.
• National Burger Day Celebration – 4:00 PM – Bless Your Heart Burgers gives away a free classic single burger to everyone at their Vancouver location (7910 E. Mill Plain Blvd.) from 4–9 PM. Plus an on-site DJ, merch giveaways, and raffles. Free.
• Library Trivia Nights – 5:00 PM – Play solo or with a team at Vancouver Community Library's Columbia Room, 5–6:30 PM. Refreshments and fun for the whole family. Free.
• Oak Gall Ink Making Workshop – 5:00 PM – Road trip to White Salmon for a hands-on workshop with artist Molly Holmlund. Make ink from oak galls and local natural ingredients. $50, ages 12+.
• Understory: NW Film Festival – 5:30 PM – Cascade Forest Conservancy hosts a night of adventure and conservation films at the historic Kiggins Theatre in downtown Vancouver. Doors at 5:30 PM, films at 6:30 PM.
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting – 6:00 PM – Monthly meeting at American Legion Post 176, 14011 NE 20th Ave. Learn about fly tying and fishing. Food available for purchase.
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM – Cheer on Clark County's hometown team at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex.
• The Understory Northwest Film Fest – 6:30 PM – Four conservation films at the Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St. Featuring The Grand Salmon, Speaking Eep!, The Lost Fish, and Living Legacies. $22–$30.
• Line Dancing Lessons – 7:00 PM – Line dancing with Kat Nichols at Ashwood Taps and Trucks in Washougal, 7–9 PM. All ages, beginners welcome. $10.

Friday, May 29

• Homeschool Open House at Pomeroy Farm – 9:00 AM – Arrive between 9 AM and noon for a hands-on program about children's work and play on a pre-electric farm. Grades 2–5. $8.
• Ridgefield – Learn to Kayak Tour – 9:00 AM – Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. No experience needed.
• Volunteer Clean-Up at Countryside Park – 10:00 AM – Help pick up litter and remove invasive plants at Countryside Park, 15204 NE Seventh St., Vancouver, 10 AM–noon. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Free.
• Flora & Fauna Friday at Countryside Park – 10:00 AM – Work party and educational event with the City of Vancouver's Volunteer Programs and Naturespaces. Hands-on service supporting local ecosystems.
• 2026 Columbia Credit Union Tour of Homes: New & Remodeled – 11:00 AM – Tour beautifully finished projects from Clark County's top builders and remodelers. See the latest trends and ask the pros your questions.
• Paint, Sip and Celebrate the Stars and Stripes – 11:00 AM – Watercolor painting at Founders Coffee and Mercantile, 317 E. Main St., Battle Ground. Includes Emily Lex's Americana watercolor book, picnic boxes, and Firecracker Fizz lemonade. $60.
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM – Free lunch for low-income seniors 60+ at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, noon–1 PM.
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Cameo Cafe – 12:00 PM – Lunch at Cameo Cafe, 7703 NE 72nd Ave., Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for info.
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM – Drop in for art every Friday, 1–3 PM, at the NAMI office, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Free.
• Friday Night Cruise-in at Alderbrook Park – 4:00 PM – Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, and more at 24414 NE Westerholm Road, Brush Prairie, 4–8 PM. $5–$10 admission.
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30 PM – Play Pathfinder 1E at Ridgefield Community Library, 4:30–6 PM. Ages 9–19, all experience levels. Free.
• Family and Friends Friday Climb – 5:00 PM – Unlimited climbing for ages 4+ at Firstenburg Community Center. Multiple difficulty levels for kids, teens, and parents. $3–$41.
• Collaborative Art at Rebecca Anstine Gallery – 5:00 PM – Artist reception for Vancouver School of Arts and Academics students, 5–7 PM, at the Rebecca Anstine Gallery, 1300 Franklin St. (6th floor), Vancouver. Free.
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield – 5:30 PM – Try dragon boat paddling at no cost at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided.
• Journey Theater Presents Seussical – 7:00 PM – The Cat in the Hat, Horton, and the whole Seuss gang come to life at Manor Church in Battle Ground. $16–$18.
• God of Carnage by Starbird Theatre – 7:30 PM – Tony Award-winning dark comedy by Yasmina Reza, directed by Jay Hash, at The Sherman Auditorium, 2289 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver.

Saturday, May 30

• Our Time to Shine Family Festival – 8:00 AM – Seedling Psychological Services hosts a 5K fun run, 1K kids trot, resource fair, bounce house, face painting, and more at WSU Vancouver.
• Veterans' Trail Work Party at Whistle Punk – 8:30 AM – WTA hosts a trail work party tailored for veterans and service members. Build camaraderie and maintain hiking trails in the great outdoors.
• Hockinson Fun Days – 9:00 AM – Hometown parade, carnival, vendor bazaar, and a pancake breakfast from Fire District 3 at the Hockinson Community Center, 9 AM–3:30 PM. Free.
• Downtown Vancouver Market – 9:00 AM – The flagship farmers market at Esther Short Park, 9 AM–3 PM. Local produce, artisan goods, and community vibes.
• Move With MADD Vancouver – 9:00 AM – Signature walk event at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park raising awareness for safer roads. $35 registration.
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs – 9:00 AM – Volunteer 9 AM–noon removing invasive species and maintaining trails at Columbia Springs. Tools and gloves provided.
• Secret Spaces Tour: Post Hospital – 9:00 AM – Step inside the 1903 Post Hospital at Fort Vancouver and see original structural features, including one of the nation's first purpose-built X-ray rooms. $35.
• Road Trip – Portland Rose Festival – 9:00 AM – Head south for one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved festivals.
• Weave a Willow Market Basket – 9:00 AM – Two-day class with Ridgefield artist Robin Brady using cultivated and wild willows grown locally. Traditional European stake-and-strand style.
• Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop – Part 2 – 9:00 AM – Second session (9 AM–noon) for WA State certificated educators. Attendance at both Part 1 and Part 2 required for clock hours.
• Birds and Blooms of Burnt Bridge Creek – 9:30 AM – Springtime walk identifying native wildflowers and migratory songbirds. Great for adults and families with kids 8+. Registration required.
• Bookmark Contest Celebration – 10:00 AM – Celebrate branch winners and snag new bookmarks at Three Creeks Community Library, 10–11 AM (and again at 3 PM at Cascade Park). Refreshments provided. Free.
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM – Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes, 10 AM–3 PM. Perfect for curious kids of all ages. Free.
• Mural Dedication in Washougal – 10:00 AM – A stunning 24x8-foot mural by local artist Travis London is officially dedicated at Two Rivers Heritage Museum, featuring historic images of Camas and Washougal. Free.
• 2026 Multicultural Resource Fair – 10:00 AM – Music, dance, cultural demonstrations, and connections with community organizations and nonprofits.
• Northwest Children's Theater Presents: You'll See – 11:00 AM – James Joyce's epic story reimagined for ages 8+ with live performance, paper design, and an original score. At NW Children's Theater in Portland. $15–$20.
• NAMIWalks – 12:00 PM – The community's most important mental health fundraising walk at Marine Park in Vancouver.
• Hiking Clinic – NW Association of Blind Athletes – 12:00 PM – Open to athletes of all ages and ability levels who are blind or visually impaired. Equipment and guidance provided.
• Fort Vancouver Rose Society's 71st Annual Rose Show – 1:00 PM – "A Rosy Affair" at the Clark County Event Center in Ridgefield, 1–4 PM. Stunning rose displays, photography entries, a Garden Market, and expert tips. Free.
• Bread Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill – 1:00 PM – Taste fresh bread made from flour milled on-site at this historic water-powered grist mill in Woodland.
• Sidewalk Chalk Day with British Swim School – 1:00 PM – Chalk provided, creativity required at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park in Vancouver. Free.
• NPS Book Launch: "Ellie May and the Midnight Search" – 1:00 PM – Meet search-and-rescue hound Ellie May and handler JW Jones at Fort Vancouver for the launch of their illustrated children's book.
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Broadway Mini's Showcase – 1:30 PM – Watch 3-to-6-year-olds sing, dance, and act their way through this beloved story at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Free.
• Blueprint Arts Presents: Dreamers of Dreams – 2:00 PM – Sapphire Wind Symphony performs at Rose City Park United Methodist Church in Portland. Pay what you want (including free!).
• Pop-Up Mini Golf – 3:00 PM – Putt through a mini golf course designed and built by the Teen Library Council at Camas Public Library, 3–5 PM. Free.

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