Clark County Today News

In this opinion column, Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center explains why she supports the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, arguing that repeated extensions hide rising health care costs instead of addressing affordability through transparency, competition, and structural reform. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-i-wont-mourn-the-end-of-enhanced-aca-subsidies/ #Opinion #ACA #HealthCareCosts #WashingtonPolicyCenter #HealthPolicy #Insurance

A new Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement takes effect Jan. 1 for anglers fishing in the Columbia River and many Washington tributaries, with fees dedicated exclusively to supporting recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/columbia-river-salmon-and-steelhead-endorsement-goes-into-effect-jan-1/ #WashingtonState #Fishing #ColumbiaRiver #SalmonFishing #Steelhead #WDFW

The city of Washougal has unveiled a new Strategic Plan Dashboard alongside a year-end update highlighting progress on its 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, including economic indicators, infrastructure projects, community initiatives, and priorities for 2026. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-washougal-launches-strategic-plan-dashboard-and-shares-year-end-update/ #Washougal #StrategicPlan #LocalGovernment #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityPlanning #CityUpdates

In this letter to the editor, Sharon Nasset outlines historical studies, inspections, and unresolved questions related to the I-5 bridges and Columbia River Crossing plans, urging public records requests to clarify inspection findings and replacement decisions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-worried-about-a-replacement-bridge/ #Opinion #I5Bridge #ColumbiaRiver #TransportationPolicy #PacificNorthwest #InfrastructureDebate

Clark County has extended the application deadline for a land developer position on the Development and Engineering Advisory Board, which reviews policy, county code changes, fees, and process improvements for Community Development and Public Works, with recommendations forwarded to the Clark County Council. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-extends-application-deadline-for-development-and-engineering-advisory-board-opening/ #ClarkCounty #DEAB #LandDevelopment #PublicWorks #CommunityDevelopment #LocalGovernment

The Union Titans traveled to Anchorage for a special two-game trip that doubled as a hometown celebration for senior Brooklynn Haywood, giving Alaska fans a chance to watch her play before she heads to the University of Oregon while the team faced new challenges and built chemistry together. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/high-school-girls-basketball-union-titans-give-brooklynn-haywood-a-homecoming-in-alaska/ #UnionTitans #HighSchoolBasketball #GirlsBasketball #BrooklynnHaywood #AlaskaBasketball #ClarkCountySports

Detransitioner Soren Aldaco speaks with The Center Square about her medical transition as a minor and voices support for new HHS actions aimed at restricting federal funding for gender-related drugs and surgeries for children, as Washington officials and advocacy groups respond. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/watch-detransitioner-to-providers-please-just-stop-gender-surgeries-on-minors/ #WashingtonState #HHS #GenderCare #PublicPolicy #HealthcareDebate #TheCenterSquare

With pennies vanishing from circulation, retailers and state lawmakers are debating whether cash transactions should be rounded up or down and how to protect consumers without federal guidance, as states like New York move to set their own rules. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/without-pennies-should-retailers-round-up-or-down/ #CashTransactions #ConsumerProtection #RetailPolicy #Pennies #StateLegislation #UnitedStates

Neighbors for a Better Crossing criticizes the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program for promoting the idea of “giving away” the historic Interstate Bridges while failing to provide lawmakers and the public with updated cost estimates or modern seismic studies, arguing retrofit and preservation remain viable options. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ibr-promotes-giving-away-historic-interstate-bridges-while-withholding-cost-estimate-for-replacement/ #Opinion #InterstateBridge #IBR #TransportationPolicy #PacificNorthwest #HistoricPreservation #Infrastructure

Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center outlines why he believes Washington’s projected budget deficit is the result of historic spending increases rather than a lack of revenue, and explains how the House Republicans’ Affordability First framework proposes limiting spending growth and avoiding new taxes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-solving-washingtons-deficit-without-tax-increases/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #RyanFrost #StateBudget #TaxPolicy #WashingtonState #PublicSpending #Opinion

The Washington State Patrol confirmed the death of Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, who was struck by a vehicle while investigating a collision on State Route 509 in Tacoma, becoming the 34th trooper lost in the line of duty in the agency’s 105-year history. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washington-state-patrol-loses-34th-trooper-in-the-line-of-duty/ #WashingtonStatePatrol #WSP #LineOfDuty #LawEnforcement #Tacoma #PublicSafety #TrafficSafety

Doug Dahl of The Wise Drive examines whether cyclists should walk or ride their bikes through crosswalks, explaining how Washington law treats bicycles differently depending on whether they are on the roadway, sidewalk, or crosswalk, and why predictability matters for safety. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-bikes-in-crosswalks/ #Opinion #DougDahl #TheWiseDrive #BikeSafety #TrafficLaw #WashingtonState

Clark County is seeking applicants to serve on the Railroad Advisory Board, a 15-member group that advises the county on issues involving the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, with experience in rail operations or freight-rail business especially encouraged. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-volunteers-to-serve-on-railroad-advisory-board/ #ClarkCounty #RailroadAdvisoryBoard #ChelatchiePrairieRailroad #PublicWorks #FreightRail #LocalGovernment

Vancouver man Cameron Murray is using a GoFundMe campaign to purchase jackets and socks for people experiencing homelessness, inspired by his late brother Shelby and aiming to provide warmth and dignity during the coldest months of winter. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/gofundme-spotlight-vancouver-man-raising-money-to-buy-warm-clothing-for-the-homeless/ #VancouverWA #CommunitySupport #Homelessness #WinterWeather #GoFundMe

Clark County residents are encouraged to recycle natural Christmas trees after the holidays through curbside pickup, drop-off locations, and a Scouting America collection scheduled for Jan. 4, helping reduce landfill waste and methane emissions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/residents-encouraged-to-reduce-holiday-waste-by-recycling-natural-christmas-trees/ #ClarkCounty #Recycling #HolidayWaste #ChristmasTrees #PublicWorks

The Clark County Elections Office will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 and will reopen Friday, Dec. 26, with regular weekday hours at its Franklin Street location. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-elections-office-closed-dec-24-25/ #ClarkCounty #Elections #PublicServices #LocalGovernment #VancouverWA

This week’s Clark County Today newsletter highlights storm impacts and power restoration across the county, renewed debate over the I-5 Bridge replacement, community tributes, transportation-focused opinions, and Santa’s Posse delivering holiday help to 1,500 families. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_december_19_2025 #ClarkCounty #Transportation #CommunityNews #I5Bridge #PublicSafety #LocalNews

In this opinion column, Rep. John Ley outlines his criticism of the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, arguing that the proposal is unaffordable, widely unpreferred, and unsupported by updated cost estimates while raising concerns about congestion, tolling, light rail, and marine clearance. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-unpreferred-and-unaffordable-interstate-bridge-replacement-proposal/ #I5Bridge #IBRProgram #TransportationPolicy #PublicSpending #Opinion #ClarkCounty #Washington #Oregon

This week’s poll focuses on the future of the I-5 Bridge replacement as lawmakers continue to face rising costs, unresolved design questions, and funding uncertainty tied to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-if-project-costs-continue-to-rise-what-should-lawmakers-do-with-the-i-5-bridge-replacement-plan/ #I5Bridge #IBRProgram #TransportationPolicy #ClarkCounty #Washington #Oregon #Opinion

Clark County reflects on the life and legacy of NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, a Camas High School graduate whose post-racing years were defined by large-scale humanitarian missions and disaster relief efforts before his death in a plane crash with his family. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/clark-county-mourns-loss-of-hometown-hero-and-humanitarian-greg-biffle/ #GregBiffle #NASCAR #ClarkCounty #Camas #Humanitarian #Motorsports

In this opinion column, Joe Cortright details repeated delays, conflicting testimony, and shifting explanations from Interstate Bridge Replacement officials over the project’s long-awaited updated cost estimate, which he argues is being withheld as costs climb toward the $9–$10 billion range. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ibr-still-holding-and-lying-about-coming-billions-in-cost-overruns/ #IBR #I5Bridge #TransportationPolicy #CostOverruns #PacificNorthwest #Infrastructure #Opinion

In this opinion column, Elizabeth New (Hovde) outlines how Senate Bill 5041 could lead to unemployment insurance overpayments for striking workers and added strain on Washington’s UI fund, calling for clear disclosure at the point of application. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-another-problem-with-strike-pay-from-the-ui-fund-potential-double-dipping-overpayments/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #UnemploymentInsurance #SB5041 #WashingtonState #LaborPolicy

Vancouver firefighters wrapped up their second annual toy drive by delivering more than 650 donated toys to students at six elementary schools, highlighting community generosity and partnerships with local fire crews and schools. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-firefighters-spread-christmas-cheer-through-2nd-annual-toy-drive/ #Vancouver #VancouverFire #ToyDrive #CommunitySupport #HolidayGiving #EvergreenSchools

Vancouver fire crews and a Port of Portland rescue boat responded to an emergency on the Columbia River after a man jumped from the I-205 Bridge and was pulled from the water and transported for medical care. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/person-rescued-after-jumping-from-i-205-bridge/ #Vancouver #I205Bridge #WaterRescue #VancouverFire #EmergencyResponse #ColumbiaRiver

Heavy rain and strong winds continue to impact Southwest Washington as officials monitor power restoration, flood risks, and wind advisories through Thursday night. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/weather-update-heavy-rains-and-strong-wind-gusts-expected-for-the-rest-of-thursday/ #ClarkCounty #WeatherUpdate #WindAdvisory #FloodRisk #PublicUtilities #NationalWeatherService

Bonneville Power Administration is responding to more than 40 transmission outages after extreme weather brought strong winds and saturated soils across the Northwest, impacting lower-voltage lines and multiple communities in Oregon and southwestern Washington as crews work to identify causes and restore service. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/bpa-responding-to-widespread-weather-related-outages/ #BonnevillePowerAdministration #PowerOutages #SevereWeather #ElectricGrid #PacificNorthwest #ClarkCounty

In this letter to the editor, engineer Rick Vermeers outlines why he believes the Interstate Bridge Replacement project is failing under expanding scope, escalating costs, and timeline risks, and urges leaders to remove light rail to salvage a more affordable bridge plan. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-a-call-for-competent-interstate-bridge-project-management/ #Opinion #InterstateBridge #I5Bridge #LightRail #TriMet #ClarkCounty #Transportation

CRESA officials are reminding the public that 911 should be used only for life-threatening emergencies during weather events, as power outages and storm conditions continue to impact the region and emergency call volume increases. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/cresa-officials-ask-public-to-call-911-only-for-emergencies-during-weather-events/ #CRESA #EmergencyServices #WeatherAlert #PowerOutages #ClarkCounty

Rep. John Ley has introduced House Bill 2143, a measure aimed at changing state law governing representation on transportation boards by limiting population-based seat allocation and removing WSDOT’s ability to withhold funding over board composition. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-john-ley-introduces-bill-to-balance-representation-on-washington-transportation-boards/ #WashingtonState #StateLegislature #TransportationPolicy #CTRAN #HouseBill2143

A Woodland man is in custody after Cowlitz County deputies responded to a report of suspicious circumstances and located a deceased man hidden on the suspect’s property, leading to charges of second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of human remains. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/woodland-man-arrested-charged-with-murder/ #Woodland #CowlitzCounty #MurderInvestigation #SheriffsOffice #CrimeNews

A severe windstorm swept across Clark County, knocking out power to tens of thousands of customers, closing roads, and forcing school districts across the region to cancel classes as crews worked to clear debris and restore service. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wild-windstorm-knocks-out-power-closes-roads-and-cancels-school-throughout-clark-county/ #ClarkCounty #Windstorm #PowerOutages #SchoolClosures #DownedTrees #SouthwestWashington #WeatherAlert

Scientists say the Pacific Northwest just recorded its warmest fall on record, with unusually warm storms and rain limiting snowpack that many communities rely on during dry summer months, raising concerns about drought conditions heading into the year ahead. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/northwest-just-finished-warmest-fall-on-record-scientists-report/ #PacificNorthwest #Climate #Snowpack #Drought #NOAA #WeatherTrends

Elizabeth New (Hovde) critiques Washington lawmakers for responding to health care challenges with repeated tax proposals rather than prioritizing spending restraint and cost containment, warning that new payroll and excise taxes could further strain the state’s economy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-more-taxes-sadly-the-washington-way/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WashingtonTaxes #HealthCarePolicy #StateLegislature #FiscalPolicy

C-TRAN will provide free service across its entire system starting at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, with several routes operating extended late-night hours into early Jan. 1, as part of a regional effort to support safe holiday travel. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-offering-free-service-extended-hours-this-new-years-eve-2/ #CTRAN #NewYearsEve #PublicTransit #ClarkCounty #Transportation #SafeTravel

Clark County Public Works is seeking applicants for three live-in volunteer park host positions for the 2026 season, with opportunities at Klineline Pond, Prairie Fields and Curtin Creek Community Park, and Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-public-works-is-seeking-three-new-live-in-volunteer-park-hosts-for-the-2026-season/ #ClarkCounty #Volunteer #CountyParks #PublicWorks #ParkHosts

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance critiques the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program after Administrator Greg Johnson announced his departure amid continued delays in releasing updated cost estimates, unresolved design decisions, and ongoing concerns about light rail funding and project oversight. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ibr-administrator-receives-generous-christmas-gift-on-his-way-out-the-door/ #Opinion #I5Bridge #IBR #Transportation #Infrastructure #ClarkCounty

The Christmas Ships Parade has entered its final week with six remaining nights in its 71st season, as more than 70 illuminated boats continue visiting shoreline locations along the Columbia and Willamette rivers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/entertainment/christmas-ships-parade-enters-final-week-with-six-nights-of-holiday-magic-remaining/ #ChristmasShips #VancouverWA #HolidayEvents #PacificNorthwest #ColumbiaRiver #WillametteRiver

The Clark County Treasurer’s Office is responding to a nationwide penny shortage after the U.S. Treasury Department stopped minting new pennies, encouraging customers to pay with exact change while the issue affects public offices that accept cash. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-treasurer-addresses-penny-shortage-encourages-customers-to-pay-with-exact-change/ #ClarkCounty #PennyShortage #CountyTreasurer #PublicServices #ExactChange

Michelle Belkot’s legal case seeking reinstatement to the C-TRAN Board moved forward after a court allowed a Skamania County Sheriff’s Office report into evidence, raising new questions about board actions, voting authority, and future decisions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/update-belkots-legal-team-submits-sheriffs-report-to-its-case-against-clark-county-council/ #CTRAN #ClarkCounty #LocalGovernment #PublicTransit #LegalUpdate #Politics

Lars Larson argues that continued refusal by Interstate Bridge Replacement Program leaders to provide updated cost estimates reflects a broader lack of government accountability and transparency surrounding the I-5 Bridge project. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-if-you-tolerate-lies-and-dishonesty-from-the-government-youre-guaranteed-more/ #Opinion #I5Bridge #GovernmentAccountability #Infrastructure #PacificNorthwest

Washington lawmakers are debating whether to undo a planned sales tax transfer meant to bolster the state’s transportation budget as declining gas tax revenue and rising construction costs strain long-term funding plans. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/maneuver-to-shore-up-was-transportation-budget-could-be-reversed/ #WashingtonState #TransportationBudget #StateLegislature #Infrastructure #PublicFinance

Clark County has opened sales for 2026 annual parking passes at its regional parks, with daily parking fees set to increase to $5 beginning Jan. 1 and multiple purchase options available to residents. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-regional-parks-annual-parking-passes-now-available-for-purchase/ #ClarkCounty #RegionalParks #ParkingPass #PublicWorks #VancouverWA

Nancy Churchill outlines her view that Washington state lawmakers have turned taxation into a governing philosophy, using repeated tax proposals to expand government power while avoiding spending restraint and accountability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/opinion-tax-slave-to-washington-state/ #Opinion #WashingtonTaxes #StateGovernment #FiscalPolicy #Olympia #TaxPolicy

The Clark County Law Library will extend its weekday operating hours starting Jan. 2, 2026, offering expanded public access to legal materials and on-site librarian assistance at the Clark County Courthouse. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-law-library-increases-hours-of-operation-in-january-2026/ #ClarkCounty #LawLibrary #PublicAccess #LegalResources #VancouverWA

Rep. John Ley issued a statement criticizing the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program after lawmakers received no updated cost estimates and remained without key design decisions following a recent oversight committee meeting. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-john-ley-issues-statement-after-i-5-bridge-replacement-meeting-yields-few-answers/ #I5Bridge #IBRProgram #Transportation #WashingtonLegislature #ClarkCounty #Infrastructure

Law enforcement officers and community leaders gathered to recognize efforts to reduce impaired driving, honor those lost to DUI crashes, and highlight the Target Zero goal of eliminating preventable roadway fatalities by 2030. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/target-zero-honoring-law-enforcements-battle-against-impaired-driving-at-night-of-1000-stars/ #TargetZero #NightOf1000Stars #ImpairedDriving #LawEnforcement #RoadSafety #ClarkCounty

In this letter to the editor, Camas resident Anna Miller responds to a recent immigration debate by examining due process for undocumented immigrants, court backlogs, border enforcement, and screening limits, arguing that President Donald Trump has taken necessary steps to stop illegal crossings and restore order to a broken system. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/letter-president-trump-has-stopped-the-flooding/ #Opinion #Immigration #BorderSecurity #DueProcess #ClarkCounty #Camas

Washington officials are beginning damage assessments after record flooding inundated communities across Snohomish and Skagit counties, triggering rescues, evacuation orders, highway closures, and an emergency declaration as crews brace for additional rain and wind. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washington-begins-to-assess-damage-from-record-flooding/ #WashingtonFloods #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety #InfrastructureDamage #WAState #Weather

Youth Efforts Against Hunger has delivered 10,500 pounds of high-quality protein to the Clark County Food Bank, showcasing how local youth projects from the Clark County Fair are strengthening the regional food system while helping address food insecurity across the county. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/youth-efforts-against-hunger-delivers-10500-pounds-of-high-quality-protein-to-clark-county-food-bank/ #ClarkCounty #YouthPrograms #FoodInsecurity #CommunitySupport #AgricultureEducation #FoodBank

In this letter to the editor, Vancouver resident John Ford warns that dehumanizing rhetoric and social media harassment are undermining public safety and productive immigration policy debate, urging leaders and media outlets to restore basic human dignity to the discussion. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-if-we-want-workable-immigration-reform-we-must-first-restore-basic-human-dignity-to-the-debate/ #Opinion #ImmigrationReform #HumanDignity #PublicDiscourse #MediaResponsibility #Vancouver