Clark County Today News

Washington is facing its worst budget crisis ever, with billions in Medicaid funding at risk due to federal changes and surging state spending. Officials warn of major impacts to coverage and health systems. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/fiscal-fallout-washington-in-the-worst-budget-crisis-weve-ever-had/ #WashingtonBudget #MedicaidCuts #AppleHealth #HR1 #BobFerguson #HealthCareCrisis #WAleg #TaxIncrease

In this opinion column, Nancy Churchill argues that Washington’s shipbuilding industry is being sunk by political neglect, unfair taxes, and out-of-state outsourcing. She calls for reforms in tax policy, procurement, and workforce development. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-going-down-with-the-ship/ #NancyChurchill #Opinion #Shipbuilding #FerryContracts #WashingtonState #MaritimeJobs #WorkforceDevelopment #IndustrialPolicy

In this opinion piece, Charter Review Commission candidate John Jay analyzes the executive structure under the County Charter, arguing the County Manager holds disproportionate power without direct electoral accountability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-charterist-iv-the-real-character-of-the-executive/ #ClarkCounty #CountyCharter #Opinion #ExecutivePower #JohnJay #GovernmentOversight #LocalPolitics #LetterToTheEditor

Clark County Public Health issued a danger advisory for Vancouver Lake due to elevated cyanotoxin levels from harmful algae. Swimming, boating, and fishing are discouraged. The Lacamas Lake advisory has been lifted. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/public-health-issues-danger-advisory-for-vancouver-lake-due-to-harmful-algae/ #VancouverLake #ClarkCounty #WaterSafety #AlgaeBloom #LacamasLake #PublicHealth #RecreationWarning #LakeClosure

Suliaman Abdul-Hadi, a level 3 sex offender, was arrested by Vancouver Police after allegedly raping a 12-year-old. Detectives executed a search warrant with support from multiple units and believe more child victims may be involved. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-arrest-sex-offender-for-rape-of-12-year-old/ #Vancouver #PoliceArrest #ChildProtection #SexOffender #ClarkCounty #CrimeNews #LawEnforcement

Vancouver Fire crews responded to a house fire on NE 51st Street early July 23. One man and his dog were displaced, and a firefighter suffered minor injuries during the response. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-responds-to-house-fire-6/ #VancouverFire #HouseFire #ClarkCounty #FireResponse #FirefighterInjury #AmericanRedCross #ResidentialFire #EmergencyResponse #FireDistrict6 #BreakingNews

In this column, Lars Larson outlines why he believes Donald Trump is keeping his campaign promises — from border enforcement to economic wins and Medicaid reforms. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-donald-trump-keeps-his-word/ #LarsLarson #Opinion #DonaldTrump #AmericaFirst #BorderSecurity #TaxCuts #Medicaid #TrumpAdministration #GasPrices #TrumpPromises

Washington state has issued over 8,700 new concealed pistol licenses in 2025 alone, amid growing concerns over safety and a new law requiring permits to purchase firearms starting in 2027. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ahead-of-permit-to-purchase-wa-experiencing-a-surge-in-concealed-pistol-licenses/ #WashingtonState #CPL #GunRights #PermitToPurchase #ConcealedCarry #GunLaws #SecondAmendment #HB1163 #USCCA #PersonalSafety

Downtown Ridgefield will host a full Day of Festivals on Aug. 2 featuring City Days, a Farmers Market, Dragon Boat Races, Duck Calling Contests, and a kids’ entrepreneur market. Events are free, and a free C-Tran shuttle connects all venues. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/celebrate-the-day-of-festivals-in-downtown-ridgefield-on-saturday-august-2/ #Ridgefield #DayOfFestivals #ClarkCounty #FarmersMarket #DragonBoatRaces #DuckCalling #CTran #FamilyEvents #CommunityCelebration #CityDays

Furry Friends’ fall fundraiser is set for Oct. 18 at Royal Oaks Country Club, with the theme “Nightmeow Before Catmas.” There will be food, raffles, auctions, and a dessert dash. Proceeds go toward medical costs and the shelter’s future clinic. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/save-the-date-for-the-furry-friends-annual-dinner-and-auction-2/ #FurryFriends #VancouverWA #CatRescue #NightmeowBeforeCatmas #PetFundraiser #ClarkCounty #DinnerAuction #DessertDash #AnimalRescue #NoKillShelter

A special filing period from Aug. 5–7 will be held for three Clark County offices that received no candidates during the May filing window. There are no filing fees and all qualified voters in the respective districts may apply. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/auditor-to-hold-special-three-day-filing-period-for-three-elected-offices-with-no-candidates/ #ClarkCounty #Elections #FilingPeriod #Yacolt #Hockinson #EastCounty #LocalPolitics #GeneralElection #CandidateFiling #ClarkVotes

Vancouver Police arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with a July 11 drive-by shooting on E Mill Plain Blvd. The suspect faces charges including attempted murder and assault. Police are seeking information about additional suspects. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/arrest-made-in-july-11-drive-by-shooting/ #VancouverPolice #DriveByShooting #JuvenileArrest #AttemptedMurder #ClarkCountyCrime #PublicSafety #MillPlain #PoliceInvestigation

A pedestrian suffered serious injuries in a Vancouver traffic incident on NE St. Johns Rd. The Vancouver Police Department reports the driver stayed at the scene and was not impaired. The investigation is ongoing. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-investigate-serious-injury-collision-3/ #VancouverPolice #PedestrianCollision #TrafficInvestigation #VancouverWA #PublicSafety #SeriousInjury

Washington and 19 other states are suing the Trump administration over new rules that limit access to federal services like Head Start and Title IX based on immigration status. Filed in Rhode Island, the suit argues the policy is illegal and harmful. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-among-states-suing-trump-administration-over-health-care-education/ #TrumpAdministration #WashingtonState #ImmigrationPolicy #NickBrown #RobBonta #HeadStart #SocialServices #HealthCare #TitleIX #Lawsuit

Expect delays on SR 503 near Amboy from July 21–24 as WSDOT crews clear brush and danger trees. Flaggers will alternate traffic in a single lane daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/expect-delays-on-sr-503-in-clark-county-july-21-24/ #AmboyWA #SR503 #WSDOT #ClarkCounty #RoadWork #TrafficDelay #TreeRemoval #JulyRoadwork

Voting is underway in Washington’s Aug. 5 primary. With ballots mailed to voters in 37 counties, races and local measures are on the line. Voters must return ballots by Election Day via drop box, mail, or voting center. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/august-5-primary-voting-begins-in-37-counties/ #WAElections #VoteWA #PrimaryElection #SteveHobbs #WashingtonState #Ballots #Top2Primary #FutureVoter

Expect overnight delays on southbound I-205 near Northeast Fourth Plain Blvd on July 21 as WSDOT crews perform traffic sensor repairs. The work runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. with lane closures and posted detours. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/expect-overnight-delays-on-i-205-in-clark-county-for-utility-work-july-21/ #I205 #VancouverWA #TrafficAlert #WSDOT #Roadwork #ClarkCounty #July21 #TransportationUpdate #UtilityWork

Editor Ken Vance explores the balance between free speech and accountability, especially for public employees like Renee Alsept. His column examines shifting interpretations of the First Amendment and highlights past controversies that show how freedom of speech is often influenced by public and political tides. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-freedom-of-speech-doesnt-mean-freedom-from-consequences-of-that-speech/ #FreeSpeech #FirstAmendment #KenVance #ClarkCounty #PublicEmployees #OpinionColumn #SpeechConsequences #SocialMediaPolicy #GrantNapear #DeMarcusCousins

A 17-year-old girl died after a crash involving a Toyota Prius and Kia SUV near SE 20th St and SE 352nd Ave. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/17-year-old-female-dies-in-fatal-two-vehicle-collision/ #ClarkCountySheriff #VancouverWA #FatalCrash #TeenDriver #TrafficInvestigation #PeaceHealth #CCSO #CarAccident #LocalNews

Anna Miller compares Clark County’s light rail ambitions to California’s high-speed rail debacle, calling it a “debt bomb” and urging residents to resist local expansion. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-light-rail-is-a-debt-bomb-that-just-keeps-going-off/ #Opinion #ClarkCountyTransit #LightRail #DebtCrisis #CamasVoice #AnnaMiller #CTRAN #Boondoggle #CaliforniaRail #PublicSpending

Peter Bracchi writes that Vancouver’s mayor has allowed city laws and environmental protections to be ignored, calling for voters to elect Justin Forsman instead. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-we-dont-need-four-more-years-of-lawlessness/ #Opinion #VancouverElections #HomelessnessCrisis #EnvironmentalNeglect #ADAviolations #MayorMcEnernyOgle #JustinForsman #CityAccountability #PublicSafety

Rep. John Ley visited the idle Brockmann Campus in Vancouver, a $42 million mental health facility the state legislature refused to fund. He questioned the decision to let it sit vacant while budgets and taxes hit record highs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-john-ley-visits-empty-brockmann-mental-health-facility-calls-for-state-to-fund-its-operation/ #JohnLey #MentalHealthFunding #WashingtonStatePolitics #DSHS #VancouverNews #BudgetDecisions #InpatientCare #BrockmannCampus #TaxpayerDollars #WAleg

Washougal MX Park gears up for a massive crowd during the FLY Racing Washougal National, which also honors veterans through racing and special tributes. From pro riders like Levi Kitchen to Marine veterans in the Warrior Class, it’s a weekend of speed and gratitude. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/washougal-mx-park-welcomes-national-and-salutes-military-veterans-as-well/ #WashougalMX #MilitaryAppreciation #ProMotocross #VeteranMX #ClarkCountyEvents #MotocrossRacing #LeviKitchen #FlyRacing #WarriorClass #FamilyEvent

John Braun and Jim Walsh may challenge U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District — a critical seat Republicans hope to flip. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/two-gop-state-lawmakers-consider-running-against-gluesenkamp-perez/ #WA03 #MariePerez #JohnBraun #JimWalsh #JoeKent #2026Election #BlueDogCoalition #TrumpDistrict #SAVEAct

Mark Harmsworth warns that Vancouver’s new $30 rental fee could drive up rent and worsen affordability. He calls for repealing the fee and embracing market-based housing solutions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-vancouvers-new-30-rental-fee-will-increase-rents-in-the-city/ #VancouverWA #RentalPolicy #HousingCosts #RegulatoryFees #Opinion #MarkHarmsworth #WashingtonPolicyCenter #RentIncrease #AffordableHousing

Clark College is launching a new Advanced Manufacturing program this fall in Ridgefield. The two-year degree offers students practical training and career pathways in high-demand technical fields. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-college-launches-advanced-manufacturing-program-fall-2025/ #ClarkCollege #AdvancedManufacturing #RidgefieldWA #STEMeducation #ManufacturingJobs #BoschmaFarms #WorkforceTraining #TechnicalDegrees #SouthwestWashington

Doug Dahl with Target Zero tackles a reader’s question about exit lane speed limits. He explains how Washington law requires drivers to reduce speed when conditions demand it, even before offramps. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-right-speed-to-exit/ #TargetZero #TheWiseDrive #DougDahl #TrafficLaw #FreewayExit #SpeedLimits #WashingtonState #ExitLaneSafety #AdvisorySpeeds

Clark County is recruiting volunteers for four open seats on the Clean Water Commission. The group advises on local water quality and watershed health. Applications are due Aug. 25. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-seeks-volunteers-for-four-positions-on-the-clean-water-commission/ #ClarkCounty #CleanWaterCommission #VolunteerOpportunity #WatershedHealth #Stormwater #WaterQuality #EnvironmentalStewardship #PublicWorks

Michael Jelino voices support for Justin Forsman in Vancouver’s mayoral race, calling for change and opposing current leadership. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-its-time-for-vancouver-to-choose-change/ #Opinion #VancouverWA #LetterToTheEditor #JustinForsman #HomelessnessCrisis #LightRail #Tolling #CCRP #CityPolitics

This week’s Clark County Today poll asks whether the county should update its Human Resources policy to include personal social media accounts of employees in sensitive or public-facing roles. The question comes after public concern about online behavior by a county public defender. Vote now. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-should-the-county-update-its-human-resources-policy-to-include-personal-social-media-accounts-of-employees-in-sensitive-roles/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #WeeklyPoll #SocialMediaPolicy #EmployeeConduct #PublicTrust #Privacy #PublicService #ReneeAlsept #OnlineBehavior

Ken Vance reacts to Renee Alsept’s social posts and shares a conversation with attorney Brad Andersen about legal ethics, political contempt, and the decline of civil discourse. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-vilifying-broad-swaths-of-americans/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #ReneeAlsept #KenVance #Trump #BradAndersen #LegalEthics #PublicDefenders #PoliticalDiscourse #SocialMediaConduct

Public Defender Renee Alsept’s profane social posts targeting Trump and law enforcement have raised questions about bias and accountability. County leadership says personal accounts fall outside current policy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/social-media-activity-of-clark-county-public-defender-questioned/ #ClarkCounty #ReneeAlsept #PublicDefender #SocialMediaPolicy #CountyGovernment #KathleenOtto #GaryMedvigy #FreeSpeech #HRInquiry #EmployeeConduct

Project 42 has expanded into Clark County with Leslie Lewallen as director, bringing advocacy, scorecards, and local engagement under the Future 42 brand. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/project-42-launches-its-third-county-project-in-clark-county-with-leslie-lewallen-as-director/ #ClarkCounty #Project42 #Future42 #LeslieLewallen #LocalGovernment #CivicEngagement #Accountability #TaxpayerIssues #CamasWA #Leadership

From life jackets to float plans, Paddle Safe Week (July 22–28) aims to boost paddlesport safety awareness across Washington. Learn tips that could save lives. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/paddle-safe-week-begins-july-22-teaches-importance-of-water-safety/ #PaddleSafeWeek #BoatingSafety #ClarkCounty #WaterSafety #LifeJacketsSaveLives #Paddlesports #OutdoorRecreation #Canoeing #Kayaking #SUP

Council for the Homeless released Clark County’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count, showing increased shelter use, rising senior homelessness, and an overrepresentation of BIPOC individuals. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/council-for-the-homeless-releases-2025-point-in-time-count-for-clark-county/ #Homelessness #ClarkCounty #CFTH #AffordableHousing #PITCount #HousingCrisis #EmergencyShelter #BIPOC #PointInTime

Camas C-TRAN board member Tim Hein says he was misled into supporting language that may obligate Clark County to pay TriMet’s light rail costs. He’s now calling for the board to undo the vote. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-board-member-regrets-vote-that-could-leave-clark-county-taxpayers-on-the-hook-for-light-rail/ #CTRAN #TimHein #ClarkCounty #LightRail #TriMet #TaxpayerMoney #IBR #TransitFunding #JohnLey #PublicTransit

Dick Rylander explores the FVRL levy lid lift proposal through a Q&A with Director Jennifer Giltrop, breaking down finances, service projections, and the impact of a YES or NO vote. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-fort-vancouver-regional-libraries-levy-lid-lift/ #ClarkCounty #FVRL #LibraryFunding #LevyLidLift #PropertyTaxes #PublicServices #DickRylander #VoterInfo #AugustBallot #Opinion

Vancouver resident Wynn Grcich urges voters to support Justin Forsman and Rob Anderson in upcoming local elections, calling out city leadership and redevelopment plans. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-public-has-allowed-this-to-happen/ #LetterToTheEditor #VancouverWA #JustinForsman #RobAnderson #ElectionIntegrity #MedicalFreedom #MainStreet #CivicEngagement #SmallBusiness #Opinion

Paul Valencia, Tony Liberatore, and Cale Piland dive into baseball changes coming to high schools, Teddy Bridgewater’s suspension as a coach, and Mariners fandom gone wild. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/the-study-of-sports-podcast-july-16-2025-two-first-bases-coming-to-high-school-baseball-a-discussion-on-teddy-bridgewater-the-high-school-coach-and-trolling-mariners-fans/ #HighSchoolSports #Baseball #TeddyBridgewater #MLB #EvergreenPublicSchools #Coaching #Mariners #SportsPodcast

WSDOT crews will close lanes on southbound I-5 in Vancouver July 17–19 to repair two electronic message boards. Expect daytime and overnight delays. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/plan-ahead-for-lane-closures-on-i-5-in-vancouver-july-17-18/ #VancouverWA #I5 #RoadWork #WSDOT #TravelAlert #TransportationNews #LaneClosures #MessageBoards #WSDOT

Vancouver resident Jim McConnell expresses concern over repeated sign thefts related to opposition against lane reductions on McGillivray Boulevard, raising questions about free speech and neighborhood sentiment. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-i-am-a-law-abiding-citizen-who-believes-in-the-free-speech-of-others/ #VancouverWA #JimMcConnell #FreeSpeech #McGillivrayBoulevard #CascadePark #SignTheft #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor

Washougal’s new Community Market kicks off July 18 and runs weekly through the summer, bringing local vendors, food, music, and kids activities to Reflection Plaza. The pilot program supports revitalization efforts and community connection. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washougal-community-market-kicks-off-friday-at-reflection-plaza/ #Washougal #CommunityMarket #FarmersMarket #ReflectionPlaza #DowntownWashougal #LocalVendors #JordanBolt #RoseJewell #SummerEvents #ClarkCountyWA

The Greater Vancouver Chamber has opened nominations for its 2025 First Citizen Award, celebrating long-term civic and business leadership in Southwest Washington. Nominations are due by August 14, and the winner will be honored this fall at the Chamber’s Business & Leadership Awards. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/greater-vancouver-chamber-opens-nominations-for-the-2025-first-citizen-award/ #FirstCitizenAward #VancouverWA #CommunityLeadership #GreaterVancouverChamber #ClarkCounty #CivicEngagement #JohnMcDonagh #BusinessAwards #Philanthropy #Leadership

The Vancouver and Clark County councils approved a $2.1 million interlocal agreement to help fund the Bridge Shelter, a 24/7 facility for unhoused residents with wraparound services. Opening in 2026, the shelter will also reserve beds for county residents outside Vancouver. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-and-county-funding-agreement-advances-bridge-shelter-project/ #HomelessnessResponse #BridgeShelter #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #SupportiveHousing #MentalHealth #KathleenOtto #LonPluckhahn #CityCouncil

Sen. John Braun says Gov. Ferguson’s attacks on Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill are exaggerated and partisan. He defends the law’s work rules and cost controls as necessary reforms to protect programs like SNAP and Medicaid. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/watch-sen-braun-urges-ferguson-to-get-past-fearmongering-on-big-beautiful-bill/ #JohnBraun #BobFerguson #BigBeautifulBill #SNAPReform #Medicaid #WorkRequirements #WAleg #BudgetPolicy #GOPVoices

Lorri Sibley, a longtime Battle Ground educator, is running for District 1 on the School Board. Her platform focuses on academic success, community trust, and school safety, backed by decades of classroom and union leadership experience. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/veteran-educator-lorri-sibley-announces-campaign-for-battle-ground-school-board/ #LorriSibley #BattleGroundSchools #SchoolBoardElection #EducationLeadership #ClarkCounty #AcademicSuccess #SchoolSafety #CommunityTrust

Clark County Fire District 3 is now hiring firefighter and paramedic candidates, with applications due August 15. Entry-level and lateral applicants are encouraged. Job offers expected in October. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-fire-district-3-hiring-firefighters-and-paramedics/ #ClarkCountyFire #FirefighterJobs #PublicSafety #FireDistrict3 #Paramedics #BattleGroundWA #BrushPrairie #EmergencyServices

The American Red Cross is urging people across Clark County to stay safe as extreme heat moves in. Their tips include staying hydrated, checking on others, and knowing the signs of heat illness. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/red-cross-issues-advice-to-stay-safe-during-extreme-heat/ #ExtremeHeat #RedCross #ClarkCounty #HeatSafety #Hydration #CoolingCenters #PriscillaFuentes #EmergencyPreparedness

Vancouver’s new Rental Registration Program, approved by the City Council, will require landlords to register units annually starting January 2026. The program aims to improve safety, offer support for tenants, and shape future housing policy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouvers-rental-registration-program-to-improve-quality-safety-of-rental-housing/ #VancouverWA #RentalRegistration #HousingPolicy #TenantSafety #MayorMcEnernyOgle #RentalInspections #PropertyManagement

Former County Councilor Dick Rylander helps Clark County residents understand how tax proposals affect them based on assessed property values — and why knowing your own valuation matters. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-taxes-and-assessed-values/ #Opinion #ClarkCountyTaxes #AssessedValue #PropertyTaxes #DickRylander #TaxPolicy #HomeValues