Clark County Today News

Vancouver Fire Department crews responded to a working fire at 1806 E Fourth Plain Boulevard just after 9 p.m. Tuesday evening. First-arriving units found flames on the first floor and quickly knocked down most of the fire from the exterior before searching the apartment. One female occupant was displaced and is receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Fire District 6 provided mutual aid...

Former Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge joins Rob McKenna and the Citizens Action Defense Fund to mount a challenge to Washington’s new 9.9% income tax law. The legal team argues that the tax may violate state constitutional rules on property and uniformity. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/former-wa-supreme-court-justice-joins-legal-effort-against-income-tax/ #Washington #PhilTalmadge #In...

At least 13% of Congress, including 57 House members and 11 Senators, will leave office, marking the greatest turnover in 30 years. Analysts expect less institutional knowledge and more power for party leaders and lobbyists. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/makeover-in-store-for-congress-with-flood-of-lawmakers-headed-for-the-exits/ #Congress #Politics #Lawmakers #Elections #Leadership #Turno...

Spokane, Pend Oreille, Stevens, and Ferry county sheriffs file suit against SB 5974, a state law letting a board override voters by decertifying elected sheriffs. Nancy Churchill examines the power shift away from communities and the constitutional concerns. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-sheriffs-fight-back/ #Opinion #Washington #Sheriffs #SB5974 #VoterRights #StatePolitics #Oly...

Lucille ‘Erma’ Christenson Madore, World War II worker and devoted mother, touched generations through music, faith, and family in Vancouver. Her story spans nearly 102 years, ending with a legacy of deep community roots and a large extended family. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/obituary-for-lucille-erma-christenson-madore-april-221924-march-13-2026/ #obituary #VancouverWA #ClarkCounty #...

The Center Square reveals Washington state’s diversion of $375 million from a vital infrastructure loan fund to cover the operating budget. Local and statewide groups warn repeated withdrawals risk long-term damage to city and county projects. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/fiscal-fallout-375-million-bond-debt-indirectly-funding-operating-budget/ #Washington #infrastructure #budget #bonds #...

Four sheriffs from Spokane, Pend Oreille, Stevens, and Ferry counties are challenging a new Washington law that allows for the removal of sheriffs who don’t meet tougher eligibility and certification standards. The measure was signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson despite opposition and legal warnings. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/lawsuit-aims-to-block-new-eligibility-requirements-for-wa-sheriffs/...

Protests, online petitions, and legislator outreach rarely shift state policy, says Todd Myers of Washington Policy Center. He argues lasting public impact comes from local, diverse efforts and genuine civic involvement. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-growing-gap-between-public-voice-and-political-power/ #WashingtonState #Politics #PublicEngagement #Opinion #CommunityAction #...

Battle Ground is looking for a resident to fill a spot on its Salary Commission, the board that sets pay and benefits for city elected officials. Applicants must not work for the city or have family ties to staff or council. More details in this update. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-battle-ground-seeks-applicants-for-salary-commission-vacancy/ #BattleGround #LocalGovernment #Salary...

Hydroelectric sources give Washington a 60% baseline, yet policies like the Climate Commitment Act are fueling electricity rate hikes. Policy analyst Sam Cardwell compares Washington’s approach to those of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-who-is-winning-the-race-for-affordable-power/ #energy #washington #opinion #powergrid #hydropower #climatepolicy #ra...

Firefighters from Vancouver, Clark-Cowlitz, and Scappoose coordinated their efforts to contain a challenging vessel and dock fire at Goble Marina on the Columbia River. One boat sank, another partially submerged, but no injuries were reported. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-department-assists-with-columbia-river-marina-fire-response/ #VancouverWA #ClarkCounty #FireDepartment...

Easter in Clark County highlights reflection, hope, and traditions as neighbors and faith communities gather in churches, homes, and shared spaces. The Clark County Today team honors the enduring spirit of renewal and gratitude across the local community. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/he-is-risen-an-easter-message-from-clark-county-today/ #ClarkCounty #Easter #Community #Faith #Reflection...

Sheriff John Horch calls the decertification powers in SB 5974 “overreach,” while the local income tax debate heats up and Clark County highlights community action from town halls to big baseball and food drives. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_april_03_2026 #ClarkCounty #Washington #Sheriff #SB5974 #IncomeTax #Community #Events #BattleGround #Ridgefield #LocalNews

The White House proposes slashing $73 billion from nondefense agencies and hiking defense funds by $350 billion in its 2027 federal budget request. Sen. Patty Murray and other Democrats harshly criticize the plan, calling its vision for America “unacceptable.” https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/white-house-govt-funding-request-for-2027-cuts-73-billion/ #federalbudget #WhiteHouse #DonaldTrump #d...

Brian Heywood of Let's Go Washington seeks urgent Supreme Court action to permit a voter referendum on Washington's new 9.9% tax for earners above $1 million. The state cited a legislative necessity clause to block the process. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/heywood-asks-wa-supreme-court-to-allow-referendum-effort-on-income-tax/ #Washington #IncomeTax #LetsGoWashington #SB6346 #StatePolitic...

Doug Dahl breaks down Washington’s right-of-way law, explaining when drivers must stop for pedestrians—even if they're just one lane away. He addresses why the law’s language matters for roadway safety and clarifies the “half the road” rule. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-half-the-road-full-stop-understanding-pedestrian-right-of-way/ #Washington #PedestrianSafety #RightOfWay #Tra...

Clark County is seeking a mental health provider to join the Law and Justice Council, which develops community corrections plans and coordinates local criminal justice agencies. Monthly meetings shape how the county addresses public safety challenges. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-seeks-volunteer-for-law-and-justice-council-2/ #ClarkCounty #CriminalJustice #MentalHealth #Publi...

Frances Staudt and Ahnaleigh Wilson met with Superintendent Chris Reykdal after raising concerns about Washington's transgender athlete policies. The meeting followed public criticism, an investigation, and calls for changes to student protections. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-families-at-center-of-wa-transgender-sports-debate-face-to-face-with-ospi/ #Washington #transgendersports #...

Principal Zachary Stowell says locking up phones reduced conflict at his Seattle middle school, but lawmakers only ordered a study of campus phone limits as advocates call for a statewide ban. Parental, student, and lawmaker perspectives reveal sharp divides. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/as-washington-lawmakers-punt-on-school-cellphone-ban-some-want-more-action/ #Washington #Schools #Cell...

Elizabeth New analyzes Washington’s HB 2242, a law keeping insurers responsible for no-cost preventive care and immunizations under state rules. The discussion highlights rising premiums from added mandates, regulatory shifts, and the controversial framing against federal oversight. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-states-rfk-proofing-bill-comes-with-a-cost/ #WashingtonPolicyCe...

Kentucky's Brent Spence Bridge offers ten lanes and no tolls for $4.39 billion—while the I-5 Bridge replacement could reach $19 billion. Rep. John Ley argues that extra amenities, not inflation, drive high project costs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-what-is-the-cost-of-a-bridge/ #I5Bridge #Transportation #Opinion #ClarkCounty #PublicSpending #BrentSpenceBridge #Tolls #Oregon #W...

Clark County residents face a major change as a governor-appointed commission can now decertify and remove elected sheriffs. Sheriff John Horch warns this limits voter input. Take our poll and share your view on who should decide. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-do-you-agree-with-giving-a-state-commission-the-power-to-remove-an-elected-sheriff/ #ClarkCounty #Washington #Sheriff #Opin...

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs blocks a public vote on a new income tax, while spending escalates 116% over a decade. Lars Larson critiques Democrats' strategy in denying citizens input on major fiscal decisions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-defending-democracy-by-denying-it/ #Opinion #PacificNorthwest #Washington #Oregon #IncomeTax #GovernmentSpending #LarsLarson #D...

Ryan Scott, associate principal in the Camas School District, is set to become principal at Lacamas Lake Elementary as longtime leader Julie Mueller retires. Scott’s background spans teaching, counseling, and administration across several Camas schools. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/camas-school-district-names-ryan-scott-as-principal-of-lacamas-lake-elementary/ #Camas #Education #SchoolLea...

High school and youth players in uniform can attend a Division I baseball showdown in Ridgefield as the UW Huskies and UP Pilots compete at the RORC. Ticket info and event details for the NWBCA College Classic are covered here. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/ridgefield-to-host-division-i-baseball-game-between-uw-huskies-and-up-pilots-on-april-21/ #Ridgefield #Baseball #UW #Portland #NWBCA...