Clark County Today News

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance argues that downtown Portland’s ongoing decline stems from years of progressive policies and anti-law enforcement attitudes, as business leaders like Andrew Hoan warn the city faces an economic crisis. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-they-are-only-protecting-the-ones-who-have-caused-all-the-damage/ #Portland #Opinion #PublicSafety #Homelessness...

A League of Women Voters of Clark County panel on the county’s charter has drawn criticism from conservative candidates who say the discussion lacked balance. Paul Valencia reports that League leaders defend the event’s nonpartisan intent and say invitations went out to all former commissioners. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/one-sided-panel-discussion-irks-conservative-candidates-for-chart...

The Vancouver Fire Department battled a large metal scrap fire at the Port of Vancouver overnight, with more than 40 firefighters — including crews from Clark County Fire District 6 — working to contain the blaze. Crews continue suppression efforts alongside Pacific Coast Shredding personnel. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vfd-responds-to-metal-scrap-fire-at-vancouver-port/ #Vancouver #VFD...

Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, is drafting legislation in response to more than 30 reported attacks on Let’s Go Washington signature gatherers. The proposal would create “no-protest zones,” make repeated interference a felony, and strengthen protections for citizens engaged in the initiative process. Reporting by Carleen Johnson of The Center Square Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news...

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center criticizes Gov. Bob Ferguson’s new executive order requiring Project Labor Agreements for large state-funded projects. He argues the policy will drive up construction costs, limit opportunities for non-union workers, and burden taxpayers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-gov-ferguson-signed-an-executive-order-that-will-increase-the-co...

Mountain View High School’s Jazz Band I will represent Evergreen School District at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago this December. Led by director Sam Ormson, the 20-member ensemble earned its invitation through blind auditions, joining just a handful of top student bands nationwide. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/mvhs-jazz-band-set-to-perform-at-prestigious-midwest-clinic-in-chi...

Clark County’s Commission on Aging will hold its October 15 meeting to discuss the county’s Tax Exemption Program for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities. Staff from the Assessor’s Office will provide an overview and explain how residents can apply. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/commission-on-aging-to-discuss-countys-tax-exemption-program-at-october-meeting/ #ClarkCounty #Commis...

The Greater Vancouver Chamber has opened registration for the 2026 National Civics Bee®, encouraging middle school students across Southwest Washington to engage in democracy and community problem-solving. Essays are due Feb. 3, with finalists advancing to a live quiz April 20. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/greater-vancouver-chamber-opens-registration-for-the-2026-national-civics-bee/ #Van...

Club America, powered by Turning Point USA, is hosting the “Meet the Moment” event Oct. 14 at the Firmly Planted Family Homeschool Resource Center in Vancouver to honor Charlie Kirk and inspire youth engagement. Organized by Ruby Ruiz, the event will feature food, community reflection, and guidance on starting new student chapters. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/meet-the-moment-to-honor-cha...

Clark County Public Works and Clean Water are launching the Salmon Creek Solutions project to protect the Salmon Creek watershed. The Oct. 8 open house at Ruth Bader Ginsburg Elementary will include family-friendly activities and a chance for residents to shape the county’s stormwater management plan. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-launches-salmon-creek-solutions-project-with-o...

The federal government shutdown entered its sixth day as partisan divisions over health care and spending deepened. Jennifer Shutt of the Washington State Standard reports on President Trump’s shifting stance, the stalled Senate votes, and how the impasse is affecting workers, air travel, and key programs nationwide. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/government-shutdown-entered-day-six-with-ta...

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a challenge to Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, leaving the state’s landmark cap-and-trade program intact. Reporter Brett Davis of The Center Square Washington details the ongoing controversy over CCA spending, carbon allowances, and unmet climate goals. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/supreme-court-refuses-to-hear-challenge-to-was-landmark-cli...

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center breaks down Senate Joint Resolution 8201, which would let the WA Cares Fund invest more broadly for better returns. She explains how this measure could help stabilize the fund, protect workers’ paychecks, and improve fiscal management across Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wa-cares-needs-all-the-help-it-can-get/ #Op...

The city of Vancouver has opened applications for 2026 federal housing and economic development funds, totaling about $1.9 million through HUD’s CDBG, HOME, and HOME-ARP programs. The city expects $1.6 million for housing and $300,000 for microenterprise support, with pre-applications due Oct. 31. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/applications-open-for-2026-cdbg-home-and-home-arp-funds/ #Vanco...

Nancy Churchill applauds the Department of Energy’s decision to cancel more than 200 clean-energy projects, calling it a win for taxpayers and a pivot toward reliable sources like nuclear and hydropower. She challenges Washington’s leaders to invest in proven infrastructure over subsidized green experiments. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-pulling-the-plug-on-the-green-scam/ #Opin...

Lars Larson examines claims of “lawfare” in Portland after journalist Nick Sortor was arrested while covering Antifa activity. Attorney Angus Lee accuses police of colluding with the group to stifle coverage, prompting legal and federal scrutiny. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-lawfare-comes-to-portland-and-chief-days-chickens-come-home-to-roost/ #Opinion #LarsLarson #Portland #La...

A gas leak in downtown Vancouver forced evacuations and a full block closure as Vancouver Fire Department crews worked with NW Natural and Clark Public Utilities to secure the site. The area reopened within an hour, and no injuries were reported. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/main-street-gas-leak-shuts-down-entire-block-in-vancouver/ #Vancouver #GasLeak #VancouverFireDepartment #EmergencyR...

Dick Rylander looks ahead to the November 2025 school board elections in Southwest Washington, pointing out how few candidates responded to voter questions and emphasizing the importance of informed civic participation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-a-look-at-november-2025-sw-washington-school-board-races/ #Opinion #Politics #Education #ClarkCounty #SchoolBoard #Elections2025 #C...

This letter to the editor from Bob Ortblad calls on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program to solicit bids for an immersed tunnel alternative. Ortblad says a tunnel would be safer, more resilient, and less costly than the current bridge plan. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-interstate-bridge-replacement-program-must-solicit-a-design-build-bid/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #Tr...

Rep. John Ley examines how the Trump administration’s decision to cancel billions in light rail funding could impact Portland’s I-5 Bridge replacement project, citing growing concerns over cost, delays, and design flaws. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-trump-cancels-light-rail-funding-in-chicago-is-portland-far-behind/ #Opinion #Transportation #Portland #IBR #TrumpAdministration #...

Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call in Vancouver’s Minnehaha neighborhood and found a woman dead following a violent attack. A 17-year-old female suspect was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ccso-responds-to-homicide-in-minnehaha-neighborhood/ #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #CCSO #CrimeNews #Breaking #PublicSafety #Investigat...

A Thurston County judge granted C-TRAN a preliminary injunction against WSDOT, ruling the state agency cannot withhold millions in grant funding while the board composition issue is being resolved. The decision ensures transit services continue uninterrupted for Clark County residents. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/judge-grants-c-tran-injunction-against-wsdot/ #Vancouver #Olympia #CTRAN #W...

Paul Valencia shares a heartfelt reflection on reuniting with his former high school football coach, George Rallis. Alongside Union coach Steve Pyne and Vancouver Public Schools’ Mark Wreath, Valencia recalls the lessons, mentorship, and lifelong gratitude inspired by their coach. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/opinion-saying-thank-you-to-a-football-coach-for-a-lifetime-of-lessons/ #Opini...

Pumpkin Patch Season 2025 has arrived in Clark County, with local farms opening for fall festivities like hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking. From Bi-Zi Farms to Pomeroy Farm’s Pumpkin Lane, families can enjoy Halloween fun throughout October. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/entertainment/pumpkin-patch-season-2025-has-arrived/ #ClarkCounty #PumpkinPatch #Halloween #FamilyFun #FallFe...

🎙️ Podcast DescriptionGive More 24! returned with major impact, raising $2.3 million for 180 nonprofits across Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties. Powered by the Greater Vancouver Chamber, the 24-hour giving event drew thousands of donors supporting causes from housing to healthcare. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/give-more-24-returns-with-powerful-impact/ #Vancouver #ClarkCou...