Clark County Today News

Bre Smedley, four-time state volleyball champion with Columbia River, co-founded The Elite Competitor to equip student athletes with tools to manage athletic pressure, stay engaged in sports, and develop off-the-court leadership. The program includes monthly live calls, digital clinics, and training for parents and coaches. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/business-profile-columbia-river-...

Councilor Michelle Belkot’s blocked C-TRAN seat, an independent investigation into a fatal incident in Ridgefield, and a new outreach format in Vancouver underline a week rich in conflict and public engagement. Newsletter covers court rulings, sports, and community events. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_march_27_2026 #ClarkCounty #LocalNews #Council #PublicSafety #Newslett...

A new Clark County poll highlights controversy over whether C-TRAN board representatives should be bound by council decisions or vote independently. Councilor Michelle Belkot’s refusal to commit has intensified the debate on representation and accountability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-do-you-agree-with-requiring-board-members-to-follow-council-direction/ #ClarkCounty #CTTRAN #C...

Listings of $2 million-plus homes in Washington shot up 65% after the state enacted a new income tax on high earners. Economist Jeff Tucker urges caution in reading too much into day-to-day jumps, but confirms higher luxury listings overall. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/high-value-wa-home-listings-increase-by-65-after-income-tax-passage/ #WashingtonState #RealEstate #IncomeTax #HousingMar...

John Ley and Stephanie McClintock will take questions from residents at Battle Ground City Hall, covering the 18th District session recap, new state income tax, and the $80 billion operating budget. Town hall is set for March 28, 10 a.m. Learn what's next for Clark County and Washington state. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/18th-district-lawmakers-to-host-town-hall-meeting-on-saturday-march...

Washington traffic data shows pedestrians comprise 20 percent of fatalities, even though they occupy little road space. Doug Dahl explains inattentional blindness and urges drivers to actively look for vulnerable road users at intersections. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-in-plain-sight-yielding-to-pedestrians/ #Washington #TargetZero #roadsafety #pedestrians #transportation #Opi...

The NBA Board of Governors voted to open expansion talks for Seattle and Las Vegas, ending years of speculation. Governor Bob Ferguson and the Seattle Kraken ownership could play key roles as ownership bids may reach $7 billion. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/nba-vote-clears-way-for-expansion-to-seattle/ #NBA #Seattle #Sonics #LasVegas #Basketball #Washington #Expansion #Kraken #SportsNew...

SSB 5862 gives another 3% pension boost to Plan 1 retirees, adding $338 million in new employer costs and pushing unfunded liabilities higher. Ryan Frost details how six COLAs since 2018 have increased taxpayer burden as lawmakers delay debt payments. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-legislature-has-committed-2-4-billion-to-recurring-pension-increases-since-2018/ #Washington #P...

Michelle Belkot’s removal from the C-TRAN Board sparked legal challenges, county rule violations, and a Skamania County deputy’s report citing misconduct. Editor Ken Vance examines why prosecutors declined further action, and the broader impact on local government trust. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-just-because-they-got-away-with-it-doesnt-mean-they-werent-wrong/ #ClarkCounty...

Glen Yung refused a C-TRAN board nomination while urging the council not to reappoint Michelle Belkot, who insisted her votes should reflect her district, not group directives. The council remains split, with council rules under review and a judge’s ruling in the background. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/more-drama-at-clark-county-council-in-regard-to-its-representatives-on-the-c-tran-boar...

The defeat of Senate Bill 5973 kept signature rules accessible for Washington voters. Nancy Churchill explores how citizen-led initiatives now target girls’ sports, restore parents’ rights, and aim for election integrity. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-small-things-grow-great-by-concord/ #Washington #Initiatives #Elections #ParentalRights #Legislature #Opinion #GirlsSports #Paren...

A University of California, Santa Cruz study finds fast food workers now face lost hours, reduced hiring, and widespread automation after the $20 wage mandate—all as predicted by Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center. Full details and policy analysis. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-californias-20-fast-food-minimum-wage-creates-less-jobs-and-lower-income/ #minimumwage #c...

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a new law repealing last year’s estate tax hike, returning Washington’s top rate to 20%. The reversal follows concerns about wealthy residents relocating and leads to a projected $340 million revenue dip for education. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/gov-ferguson-signs-law-to-undo-wa-estate-tax-increase-enacted-last-year/ #WashingtonState #BobFerguson #estateTax #pub...

Vancouver Fire Department crews quickly stopped a fire in the living room of a two-story home, but five residents were displaced due to thick smoke. No injuries were reported. Officials urge public to check smoke detectors regularly. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-house-fire-displaces-residents/ #Vancouver #FireDepartment #ClarkCounty #PublicSafety #SmokeDetectors #News

More than 127,000 Washington ballots were postmarked by Election Day yet counted after. A pending Supreme Court decision could end this practice, with party leaders and state officials clashing over election law, security, and voter access. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-vote-by-mail-rules-in-wa-at-risk-in-scotus-election-law-case/ #Washington #SCOTUS #ElectionLaw #VoteByMail #Politic...

The federal halt to penny production left retailers in search of solutions. Washington's new law allows cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel, while card payments remain unaffected. Rep. April Berg led this policy response. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rounding-out-debate-gov-ferguson-signs-bill-addressing-retailers-penny-problem/ #Washington #penny #legislation #retail #B...

Sheri Sawyer from OFM supports a law ensuring state job applicants aren't denied opportunities over lacking postgraduate degrees unless legally required. Elizabeth New breaks down how this reform aids workforce mobility and retention in Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-state-is-rightly-emphasizing-experience-and-skills-not-degrees/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Publ...

Idaho gained more than $1 billion and Washington lost $500 million in wealth as IRS data reveals Americans are relocating income. Chris Cargill of Mountain States Policy Center analyzes the policy factors driving these trends. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-wealth-migration-is-real-which-states-are-benefiting/ #Washington #Idaho #Montana #Wyoming #WealthMigration #Policy #Tax...

WSDOT will close two eastbound lanes of SR 14 in Vancouver to repair guardrails, affecting traffic between mileposts 6.0 and 7.0. Morning travelers should expect delays and use real-time updates for planning. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/expect-delays-on-sr-14-in-vancouver-for-guardrail-repairs-wednesday/ #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #Transportation #WSDOT #TrafficDelays #GuardrailRepair #SR14...

Clark County Fire District 10 and multiple agencies responded to a deadly structure fire on NE Fargher Drive near Amboy. Two residents were rescued, but both succumbed to their injuries. This response was supported by new staffing enabled by the district’s 2023 levy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/clark-county-fire-district-10-responds-to-fatal-structure-fire-on-ne-fargher-drive/ #...

Lars Larson revisits election history and critiques vote by mail policies now debated before the Supreme Court, highlighting concerns over counting ballots after Election Day and partisan divisions. Supreme Court signals doubt over late ballot acceptance. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-voting-with-the-democrat-party-back-to-the-future/ #PacificNorthwest #LarsLarson #SupremeCourt...

Applicants from Districts 2 and 4 can join Clark County's Community Action Advisory Board, which guides funding for basic needs, housing, and self-sufficiency programs. The county encourages applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-applicants-for-two-positions-on-community-action-advisory-board/ #ClarkCounty #CommunityAction #LocalGove...

U.S. District Judge Tiffany Cartwright ruled that the Clark County Council acted within its authority when it removed Michelle Belkot from the C-TRAN board, rejecting claims of OPMA violations and rights infringements. The ruling centers on agenda language and council powers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/michelle-belkot-fired-up-over-judges-decision-to-dismiss-her-case-against-clark-count...

More than a dozen teens from The Foundation joined residents at Vancouver’s city hall for a forum where pre-planned questions encouraged candid discussions with councilors. Topics included civic engagement, city events, transportation barriers, and ways to build deeper connections. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-leaders-appreciate-the-feedback-at-mondays-community-forum/ #Van...

Anna Miller of Clark County Republican Women discusses the upcoming April 23 dinner, where members and guests will hear about setting clear boundaries in government. The event will focus on how unity and calm resilience can guide the community forward. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-stay-close-stay-informed-stay-the-course/ #ClarkCounty #RepublicanWomen #AnnaMiller #Community #Po...