Clark County Today News

Gov. Bob Ferguson unveiled a steep $14.4 billion price for the I-5 Bridge replacement, sparking editor Ken Vance’s concern over light rail costs, funding shortfalls, lack of congestion relief, and state transparency. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-this-is-not-the-best-and-most-efficient-use-of-the-taxpayers-funds/ #ClarkCounty #Vancouver #I5Bridge #Transportation #Opinion #KenVan...

Governor Bob Ferguson pledges a new Vancouver-Portland bridge with light rail despite a $14.4 billion full project estimate. He says the first phase will cost $7.65 billion, targeting a 2028 construction start and federal funding. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/cost-for-ibrs-total-project-most-likely-to-be-14-4-billion/ #Vancouver #IBR #Politics #LightRail #Oregon #Portland #Washington #Inf...

Firefighters evacuated about 20 homes near NE 60th Avenue in Vancouver after workers struck a 2-inch natural gas line. Responders isolated the area, monitored air, and coordinated with C-TRAN and Northwest Natural Gas. All residents have returned home. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/natural-gas-leak-forces-evacuation-in-restricted-area-in-vancouver/ #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #EmergencyRespons...

A major industrial project left Longview for the Gulf of America, with energy uncertainty cited as the deciding factor. Mayor Erik Halvorson argues Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act is costing jobs and urges leaders to support natural gas as a critical bridge. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-dont-leave-longview-in-the-dark/ #Longview #CleanEnergy #NaturalGas #WashingtonS...

Lisa White, with over 20 years of finance experience and a background in nonprofit service, joins OnPoint Community Credit Union as its new CFO. She succeeds Jim Hunt, who led the credit union through major expansion and growth. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/onpoint-community-credit-union-welcomes-lisa-white-as-cfo/ #ClarkCounty #OnPointCommunityCreditUnion #Banking #Leadership #Oregon...

Zander Earl, an AP student and athlete at Ridgefield High, will serve as youth ambassador to central Mexico through the Greater Clark County Rotary Club. He’ll study, volunteer, and live with host families, while local clubs seek new applicants for future exchanges. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/ridgefield-student-to-serve-as-rotary-clubs-youth-ambassador-to-central-mexico/ #Ridgefield #R...

Elizabeth New of Washington Policy Center highlights how HB 2355 will force households hiring nannies, cleaners, or gardeners to maintain wage records, provide written contracts, and follow new rules starting in 2027. Key exemptions remain unclear. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-hiring-someone-for-jobs-around-the-house/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #domesticworkers #employmentlaw #Hou...

Joe Kent steps down from leading the National Counterterrorism Center, citing opposition to the U.S. war in Iran and challenging administration claims. Kent, a former Green Beret and congressional candidate, calls for new leadership on foreign intervention policy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/was-joe-kent-leaving-trump-administration-over-war-in-iran/ #JoeKent #IranWar #Trump #ForeignPoli...

Memos and emails surfaced a deeper conflict between Vancouver officials and the DRA, as legal debates preceded city council's move to take hiring control. Records detail how a personnel dispute grew into a governance battle. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-our-way-or-the-highway/ #Vancouver #DRA #Governance #PublicRecords #ClarkCounty #Opinion #CityCouncil #NatashaRamras #Downtown...

TriMet's operating expenses grew 194% while ridership dropped 26%. Bob Pishue argues that rising costs and declining demand make the current I-5 bridge plan unsustainable. He urges officials to avoid repeating past mistakes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-ballooning-cost-of-the-i-5-bridge-between-oregon-and-washington-is-unjustified/ #Opinion #I5Bridge #PublicPolicy #Transit...

Lars Larson confronts Joe Kent’s decision to step down from America’s National Counterterrorism Center citing opposition to Trump’s military action against Iran. Larson questions whether the move and Kent’s stated reasoning reflect a shift on U.S. security. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-americas-newest-anti-war-activist-joe-kent/ #JoeKent #LarsLarson #Counterterrorism #Iran #Opi...

Rep. David Stuebe argues that unchecked state spending, high taxes, and unfunded programs are fueling Washington’s affordability crisis. He details House Republican proposals for spending limits, taxpayer refunds, healthcare improvements, and funding for essential services. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-lets-make-washington-state-affordable-for-everyone/ #Washington #affordabili...

Gov. Bob Ferguson and legislative Democrats scored a victory with the new income tax on millionaire earners, while education programs like Transition to Kindergarten and Running Start face cuts. Free school lunches for all students are promised by 2029. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/winners-losers-and-takeaways-from-was-legislative-session/ #WashingtonState #Politics #Education #Legislatur...

Washington’s gas prices climb to third highest nationally, fueled by Middle East conflict and stricter state taxes. Petroleum analyst Matt McClain warns the situation could worsen, affecting everything from groceries to agriculture. Learn why costs are surging and no relief is in sight. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/an-upward-trajectory-petroleum-expert-on-iran-conflicts-impact-on-gas-pric...

Ryan Frost analyzes the $80.2 billion supplemental budget passed by the Washington legislature, highlighting new spending, major fund shifts, and reserve draws. The plan depends on an income tax whose legal status and future voter support remain in doubt. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-legislature-agrees-to-increased-spending-in-supplemental-budget/ #WashingtonState #Budget #Poli...

Washington’s lowest-income residents pay over three times more, by percentage, than the top 1%, Anthony Teso writes. His letter highlights polling on millionaire taxes and a B&O tax exemption for 65% of small businesses in 2029. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-only-florida-has-a-more-regressive-tax-structure-than-washington/ #Washington #Taxes #Opinion #Camas #RegressiveTax #SmallB...

Johanna Hyatt was named Battle Ground Citizen of the Year for 2025 while volunteering with GFWC. Her years of leadership include library projects, community fundraisers, and work for several local nonprofits. Learn about the April 29 and July 18 recognitions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/battle-ground-citizen-of-the-year-for-2025-announced-celebration-planned/ #BattleGround #CitizenOfTh...

Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards highlighted a 32% enrollment jump, $1.8 million in scholarships, and expanded academic offerings in this year’s State of the College. The college’s reaccreditation and new workforce programs emphasize its regional economic impact. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-college-state-of-the-college-address-highlights-achievements-challenges-and-regiona...

Kevin Peterson, a transportation architect with global experience, details why the current I-5 Bridge plan falls short on mobility, neighborhood impact, and transit. He breaks down outdated traffic projections, options like BRT versus LRT, and practical urban design solutions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-i-5-bridge-replacement-project-does-not-accomplish-the-needs-of-the-proje...

Vancouver Police responded to an armed robbery at ARCO AM/PM on E Mill Plain Blvd where two males, armed with a firearm, stole cash and merchandise. The clerk was not hurt. The Major Crimes Unit is handling the investigation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-investigate-convenience-store-robbery/ #Vancouver #Crime #Police #Robbery #ClarkCounty #LawEnforcement #ArmedRobbery #M...

Mutual aid from the Camas Fire Department joined Vancouver Fire crews Saturday night after a house fire in Cascade Park Estates spread quickly. Responders faced severe conditions, forcing a defensive exterior attack. Cause remains under investigation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/second-alarm-fire-damages-two-homes-in-east-vancouvers-cascade-park-estates/ #Vancouver #HouseFire #PublicSafe...

A Pontiac G8 collided with a school bus carrying elementary students at NE 99th and NE 23rd Ave in Vancouver. Authorities confirmed no injuries or hospital transports. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/school-bus-involved-in-crash-in-vancouver-on-friday/ #Vancouver #SchoolBus #ClarkCounty #Youth #PublicSafety #NoInjuries #BreakingN...

Hundreds are expected at the grand opening of the Crown Point Country Museum in Corbett, Oregon, where exhibits include artifacts from local settlements, Wasco Nation history, and original art. Discover how volunteers built this local hub for heritage. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/crown-point-country-museum-grand-opening-set-for-sat-march-21/ #museum #Corbett #Oregon #history #CrownPoint...

Doug Dahl breaks down how Washington’s “keep right” law works on different road types, detailing critical exceptions in two-way left turn lanes and multilane roads. Learn what rules apply and how to avoid common mistakes while driving. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-two-ways-to-keep-right/ #TargetZero #WashingtonState #TrafficSafety #KeepRight #DougDahl #TheWiseDrive #Opinion #Tr...

Green Mountain School in Woodland will see $6 million in improvements under Senate Bill 6003, part of significant 20th District investments highlighted by Reps. Abbarno and Orcutt. The plan addresses facility upgrades, public health, and flood safety. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/reps-peter-abbarno-and-ed-orcutt-supplemental-capital-budget-includes-key-investments-for-the-20th-district/ #...