Good morning, Vancouver! In today’s edition: D.B. Cooper Con, spooky leatherwork, an all-access community center membership, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Deal valuation and cap rate: A 47-unit Vancouver, Washington, apartment complex sold for $8.61 million. The buyer, tied to Newmark executive David Squire, plans unit upgrades and a long-term hold — get all the deal details.

Legal clash over public space: The City of Vancouver has sued BNSF Railway, alleging it put boulders in a right of way to deter homeless camping, and is asking a judge to order their removal — read what the lawsuit alleges.

Citywide fitness made simpler: Vancouver’s new Community Center Membership is now live, giving residents all-access to Firstenburg and Marshall. Enjoy pools, a lazy river, more than 60 classes, fitness centers, and drop-in sports. Resident rates run $22 to $41 monthly, with family plans available. Current members already have access. Get all the details.

Who benefits and what’s changing: Four Western Washington counties were awarded $6.58 million for road safety, Sen. Maria Cantwell said, funding planning and pilot work and a push to improve post-crash emergency care — see which communities benefit.

Neighbors urge forest route: Clark County residents say a proposed PacifiCorp line from Swift Reservoir to Camas would bring burdens without benefits, as PacifiCorp touts future savings. Construction is slated to begin in 2028 — see what’s planned and why.

Craving-worthy burritos: The pork tinga-packed Mesa Burrito at Nuestra Mesa nails cozy, saucy comfort with rice and beans without the post-meal slump. Craving flair? The fajita burrito brings sizzle and char. A relaxed midweek win when you want dinner that tastes like someone actually cared.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🧘 Beginning Mindfulness for the Care Partner of our Friends Living with Dementia @ Bridgeview Resource Center | Monday (1/12) at 11:00 AM – Take a breather, literally, with a beginner mindfulness class for care partners at Bridgeview Resource Center. Second Mondays, you’ll get calm instruction from Jeanette Sagar on breathing, mindful awareness, self care, reflection, and gentle chair yoga. Because the caregiver needs care, too.

🐾 Tales with Tails @ Camas Public Library | Monday (1/12) at 4:00 PM – At Tales with Tails, your kid practices reading to the only audience that never interrupts, chews shoes occasionally, and still thinks every story’s a bestseller. Fifteen-minute therapy-dog sessions at the library build confidence, calm nerves, and earn tail wags. Registration required, CamasPL.org/TalesWTails.

🐦 Winter 2026 EcoTeam: Skybound Stewardship @ Cranes’ Landing | Monday (1/12) at 6:00 PM – Out at Cranes’ Landing in Vancouver, Columbia Land Trust is rallying the winter EcoTeam to spruce up habitat for our feathered neighbors. Think hands-on stewardship, smart tips on managing land for birds, and a crash course in cranes. Bring boots, curiosity, and your bird gossip.

🪂 D.B. Cooper Con @ Kiggins Theatre | Wednesday (1/14) at 10:00 AM – Consider this the perfect excuse to obsess over the D.B. Cooper mystery at Kiggins Theatre, with entertainment, presentations, panel discussions, and Q&A. Swap theories, enjoy some quirky history, and decide if Uncle Larry was acting suspicious back in the day, coffee in hand.

🧠 Brain Health & Aging @ Cascade Park Community Library | Wednesday (1/14) at 2:00 PM – If you’re tired of losing your readers while they’re still on your head, this one’s for you. An easygoing primer on brain health, healthy aging, and dodging the stuff that messes with memory, presented by Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities.

👻 Spooky Leatherwork @ Vampire Unicorns | Thursday (1/15) at 6:00 PM – Consider this adult shop class, but spooky. Learn patterning, cutting, marking, and proper stitching, then make a belt pouch and a chapstick or lighter keychain in real cow leather. No experience needed, just your inner goth, and yes, they hand you the good scissors.

📚 Book Swap! @ Kindred | Friday (1/16) at 11:00 AM – A free community book swap is rolling in with novels, nonfiction, and kids’ picks ready for new homes. Trim that teetering nightstand stack, bring a few or just show up, and leave with fresh finds; leftovers support libraries, schools, and Little Free Libraries.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Vancouver report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 51°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 15%

A slight chance of rain showers after 4pm. Mostly cloudy. High near 51, with temperatures falling to around 48 in the afternoon. South southeast wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Southeast wind around 2 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 34%

A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Southeast wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. South southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Most popular house this week

Craftsman character on a cul-de-sac corner lot with sweeping Columbia River views. Floor-to-ceiling windows span the living room, family room, and primary suite, filling each space with daylight. The updated kitchen has slab granite, elegant cabinetry, an island with Jenn-Air cooktop, stainless appliances, hardwoods, and a built-in desk. Two fireplaces warm the formal living and the spacious family room. A main-level bedroom and full bath add flexible options. Upstairs, a generous primary plus three more bedrooms.

An expansive Ironwood deck frames river and backyard views. Extras include a tile roof, central vac plumbing, a gated RV or boat pad, sprinklers, mature landscaping, and a 3-car tandem garage.

Take a peek inside →