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Bookmark the ballot: local libraries prepare for levy decisions

Local public libraries are facing the possibility of massive cuts to both staffing and funding in the near future.

By Josiah Foster

June 13, 2025

WATCH: A 'nationwide trend' that could be linked to recent vandalism & other causes

2:40 | 5.14.25

Co-moderator Emmy McGill takes a look at River's recent history of restroom vandalism in connection with a recent nationwide trend, as well as VPS assistant board director Kathy Decker's perspective on the issue at the district level.

LGBTQ+ policy debate in La Center raises questions for local schools

In less than 100 days of the new Trump administration, the country has experienced significant political shifts, and the Vancouver area has been no stranger to the resulting debate.

By Josiah Foster

May 1, 2025

BUDGET CUTS & FALLOUT

The nationwide implications of politics on school funding & equal opportunity.

WATCH: How Pres. Trump's education proposals could impact Vancouver schools

1:56 | 2.24.25

"The Rapids Report" moderator Talan Collins chronicles President Trump's proposed dismantling of the Department of Education, and how a potential loss of $845 million in federal aid to Washington schools could result in local districts like Vancouver facing even more budget cuts, staffing reductions, and larger class sizes.

EDUCATION & POLITICS

On the Chopping Block: How Trump's Education Agenda Could Reshape District Funding

In his first months in office, President Trump has signed 55 executive orders, exceeding the number issued by any president in decades during the same period.

By Josiah Foster

February 24, 2025

WATCH: Talan Collins previews his exclusive conversation with district superintendent

3:01 | 11.24.24

CR News chief correspondent & the moderator of "The Rapids Report," Talan Collins gives an update on the controversial budget cuts which took effect this past summer, including a preview of his exclusive interview with VPS superintendent Dr. Snell.

WATCH: A timeline of district decisions, criticism, & protests on budget cuts

3:57 | 11.22.24

"The Rapids Report" takes a look back at the events and factors which culminated in the budget cuts taking effect and the aftermath in the form of student-led protests.

WATCH: VPS Superintendent addresses district's decision to cut IB exam coverage

2:22 | 11.22.24

VPS Superintendent Dr. Jeff Snell addresses criticism from both students and staff at River over the district's decision to cut IB exam coverage, as well as the timing of its announcement.

EDUCATION & POLITICS

Cuts & consequences: The fallout from the district's budget cuts and the path forward

Months after student-led protests and backlash over staffing cuts, district superintendent Dr. Jeff Snell sits down with CR News' Talan Collins on "The Rapids Report" for an insightful conversation.

By Emmy McGill

November 20, 2024

ACADEMICS

Vancouver Public Schools confirms it will no longer pay for most IB and AP tests, with a notable exception

On Friday afternoon, the district announced it was "committed" to covering exam fees for students "facing financial hardships," including students who qualify for free or reduced lunch

September 6, 2024

WATCH: River ASB leads walkout in protest of district budget cuts

1:54 | 3.29.24

Members of River’s Associated Student Body led over a hundred students to the school’s reader-board alongside 99th Street “in response to budget cuts” that will impact the 2024-25 school year. CR News' Talan Collins reports.

ASB

River ASB students organize walkout in protest of districtwide budget cuts

Superintendent Snell attends in hopes of facilitating a dialogue

By Talan Collins

March 25, 2024

EMERGING OBSTACLES

Vandalism, cell phones, social media & more continue to challenge the education system from within.

WATCH: Vandalism concerns on the rise at River and schools statewide

1:51 | 2.22.25

CR News chief anchor Tyme Sisakvanich reports on recent vandalism incidents at River, part of a larger trend affecting schools across Washington state. Students and staff discuss the impact, while maintenance personnel highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing these issues.

WATCH: Examining social media's "FOMO" impact on students

1:46 | 12.20.24

"The Rapids Report with Talan Collins" takes a look at how students' use of social media on their cellular devices has impacted their social health, learning, and communication.

WATCH: CR News takes a look at other school's new cell phone policies

1:47 | 12.20.24

Co-moderator Elijah Garon examines a few other policies being implemented by schools in Washington in response to concerns over students' cell phone use.

EDUCATION & POLITICS

From FOMO to Focus

How schools are responding and adapting to phones in the classroom

By Emmy McGill

December 18, 2024

STUDENT IMPACT

Students at River and across Washington making their voices heard on key political issues that matter to them.

WATCH: Washington students attend legislative Action Day in Olympia

4:00 | 2.22.25

In a preview of an upcoming full episode, CR News chief correspondent and the moderator of "The Rapids Report" Talan Collins reports on Washington State students’ participation in the Legislative Youth Advisory Council’s annual Action Day event in Olympia. Students engaged with state leaders, including Governor Bob Ferguson and Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, on topics such as education funding, financial literacy, and civic engagement.

EDUCATION & POLITICS

Kicking down the door: Washington's youth refuse to be shut out of the conversation

Ten days after a frigid transition of power in the nation's capital, Vancouver students and community members assembled for a town hall event at the Three Creeks Community Library to voice feedback and frustration over the federal government's new direction.

By Talan Collins

February 12, 2025

WATCH: Politically active students on motivations for getting involved

2:04 | 11.1.24

Politically engaged students Abbie Pacuska and Ashlye Triebs join this week's "Rapid Roundtable" to discuss their motivations for getting involved in the political process and what sparked their interest.

WATCH: Ukrainian refugee & River art student Andrii Hulevatyi's "Politiks" exhibit

7:06 | 11.1.24

CR News chief anchor Tyme Sisakvanich sits down with Andrii Hulevatyi, a River student and Ukrainian refugee whose artwork — displayed in Downtown Vancouver’s “Art at the Cave” gallery for their “Politiks” exhibit — is helping him heal and share his story. River art teacher Jason Phelps also speaks about his experience as Andrii’s teacher exclusively on "The Rapids Report."

CLUBS

Juniors present on Israel-Palestine conflict in River ISA event

In-depth presentation explores historical context, recent developments, and university activism

By Conner Orr

June 6, 2024

ARTS & CULTURE

This year's 'Banned Book Week' raises awareness about censorship

October 1-7 is Banned Book Week, a week sponsored by the American Library Association to raise awareness about censorship and the freedom to read.

By Julia Delgadillo

October 4, 2023

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

National, state, and local leaders weigh in on or partake in civic engagement with young voters.

WATCH: U.S. Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez attends Vancouver town hall

1:56 | 1.31.25

On Thursday, Jan. 30, U.S. Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (D-WA03) attended a town hall with Vancouver residents who shared their thoughts and concerns about her leadership; CR News Chief Correspondent Talan Collins reports.

WATCH: Archives: Lt. Gov. Heck on bridging the political divide

2:17 | 11.1.24

Talan Collins looks back at his interview in May with Washington State Lt. Gov. Denny Heck -- a River alumni -- and reflects on how we can bridge the political divide and overcome our differences or disagreements.

WATCH: How can our leaders compromise while staying true to their values?

1:18 | 11.1.24

Talan Collins discusses a recent visit by Washington Gov. Inslee to a group of local student advocates -- part of his article "Tea, Cider, & Tomorrow" on the CR News Instagram page -- and questions how leaders like Inslee can maintain their positions while seeking compromise.

WATCH: History teachers analyze the role of education on civic engagement

2:01 | 11.1.24

River world themes history teachers share their thoughts and perspective on their roles as teachers and of education more broadly on fostering civic engagement amongst young people.

EDUCATION & POLITICS

Tea, cider, & tomorrow

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee visits Vancouver student advocates, addressing opposition to Initiative 2117

By Talan Collins

October 17, 2024

WATCH: WA State Lt. Gov. Denny Heck comes to River for civics forum

2:16 | 5.31.24

CR News Correspondent Talan Collins reports on Tuesday's civics and political ethics forum with Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, organized by junior Abbie Pacuska for her CAS project. Watch the full interview on the May 31 edition of "The Rapids Report."

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