Clark County Today News

With hours left before midnight, the Senate failed to pass stopgap funding bills, pushing the U.S. toward a federal shutdown. The standoff centers on health care tax credits, budget authority disputes, and looming mass layoffs, with unions filing suit against the Trump administration. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/midnight-federal-shutdown-edges-closer-as-us-senate-fails-to-agree-on-spending-bills/ #GovernmentShutdown #Congress #Senate #Healthcare #FederalWorkers #Budget #WashingtonStateStandard

New taxes take effect in Washington on Oct. 1 under the 2025-27 budget, including sales tax expansion, higher B&O rates, and transportation fee increases. Lawmakers and businesses warn of confusion, compliance burdens, and costs being passed to consumers, while proponents say the changes are needed to close a budget shortfall. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/oct-1-brings-new-taxes-for-washington-businesses-and-consumers/ #Washington #Taxes #SmallBusiness #Comcast #SalesTax #BONewTax #Transportation #TheCenterSquare

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center warns that Senate Bill 5814 will devastate small businesses, expanding sales taxes on services, raising costs, and fueling inflation while leaving entrepreneurs scrambling. He calls for repeal of the law and reform of Washington's tax system. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-new-sales-tax-onslaught-devastates-small-businesses/ #Washington #SmallBusiness #SalesTax #SB5814 #WashingtonPolicyCenter #TaxReform #Opinion #MarkHarmsworth

Clark County and the city of Vancouver are urging residents to dispose of fallen leaves properly this fall to prevent clogged drains and road hazards. Residents can use curbside bins, backyard composting, or the free Fall Leaf Coupon program, available Oct. 1–Dec. 31 at designated drop-off sites. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-residents-encouraged-to-dispose-of-fallen-leaves-properly-2/ #ClarkCounty #Vancouver #FallLeaves #Recycling #Composting #PublicWorks #RoadSafety #LeafCoupon

Ridgefield's Birdfest and Bluegrass Festival returns Oct. 4 with a full day of family-friendly fun. Visitors can enjoy bluegrass music, children's markets, vendors, dragon boat paddles, and wildlife tours at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/entertainment/ridgefield-to-host-annual-birdfest-and-bluegrass-festival-on-saturday-oct-4/ #Ridgefield #Birdfest #Bluegrass #Community #Wildlife #FamilyEvents #SandhillCranes #Ospreys

Let's Go Washington has launched an attack tracker after escalating reports of harassment, theft, and voter suppression targeting signature gatherers statewide. Founder Brian Heywood says officials must act as hundreds of signatures have already been destroyed or stolen. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/lgw-releases-attack-tracker-after-more-cases-against-signature-gatherers/ #Washington #LGW #SignatureGathering #VoterSuppression #Democracy #InitiativeProcess #PetitionRights #BrianHeywood

Clark County will begin accepting applications Oct. 1 for 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds, with nearly $2.9 million expected for housing, public services, and neighborhood improvements. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, developers, and local governments. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/applications-for-2026-clark-county-cdbg-home-funds-available-starting-oct-1/ #ClarkCounty #CDBG #HOMEfunds #AffordableHousing #HUD #CommunityDevelopment #PublicServices #Nonprofits

Clark County's Composter Recycler program is offering free in-person workshops this fall covering composting, recycling, green cleaning, food waste prevention, and sustainable holiday tips. Families are welcome at the weekly sessions in Vancouver. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/free-in-person-workshops-begin-in-october-to-teach-residents-about-composting-and-sustainable-living/ #ClarkCounty #Composting #Recycling #Sustainability #GreenLiving #PublicWorks #Workshops #CommunityEvents

Negotiations at the White House ended without a deal as funding nears expiration, with Democrats citing health care cost concerns and Republicans backing a temporary bill; federal workers face furloughs if no agreement is reached. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/were-headed-to-a-shutdown-white-house-meeting-ends-with-no-deal-as-deadline-nears/ #GovernmentShutdown #Congress #Healthcare #Budget #Medicaid #Senate #House #WashingtonStateStandard

Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center critiques Gov. Bob Ferguson's new “Your Washington” initiative, arguing it must meet deadlines, set meaningful metrics, and enforce accountability to avoid the failures of Results Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-gov-ferguson-promises-to-make-the-state-more-responsive-heres-how-he-can-make-that-happen/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #GovBobFerguson #GovernmentReform #YourWashington #Policy #Accountability #Bureaucracy #Columns

Oregon is suing to block President Trump's order deploying 200 National Guard members to Portland. Gov. Tina Kotek, Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and the Oregon DOJ argue the federal move is unconstitutional and unnecessary as protests outside ICE facilities remain mostly peaceful. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/oregon-sues-to-block-trump-from-sending-national-guard-to-portland/ #Oregon #Portland #Trump #NationalGuard #TinaKotek #PeteHegseth #DanRayfield #ICE #Protests #Politics

Joe Cortright contends that the I-5 Bridge replacement is repeating the mistakes of the failed Columbia River Crossing by ignoring Coast Guard clearance rules. With delays mounting and permits not yet filed, he warns the project could lose billions in federal funding if pushed into 2027. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-a-bridge-too-short-again/ #Opinion #I5Bridge #Transportation #ColumbiaRiver #IBR #Infrastructure #CoastGuard #FederalGrants #PacificNorthwest #Politics

Alysha Evelyn Chandra, a career prosecutor and Army National Guard officer, has launched her campaign for Clark County prosecutor. She highlights her experience with tough cases, support for victims, and commitment to accountability, transparency, and rehabilitation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/alysha-evelyn-chandra-launches-campaign-for-clark-county-prosecutor/ #ClarkCounty #Politics #Elections #AlyshaChandra #Prosecutor #PublicSafety #VictimsRights #JusticeSystem #LawEnforcement #Accountability

Lars Larson argues in his column that Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek's refusal of federal help during Portland riots mirrors Orval Faubus's historic defiance of federal law. He blasts her handling of ICE attacks and National Guard deployment. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-tina-kotek-goes-orval-faubus-on-us/ #Opinion #LarsLarson #TinaKotek #Portland #Antifa #ICE #NationalGuard #FederalLaw #PacificNorthwest #Politics

In this letter to the editor, Ridgefield physician R. Myles Dickason calls on Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez to reject foreign lobbying money and reconsider support for funding conflicts overseas. He urges prioritizing Southwest Washington's schools, jobs, and infrastructure. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-our-southwest-washington-tax-dollars-are-being-used-to-fund-the-starvation-of-children/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #ClarkCounty #Ridgefield #GluesenkampPerez #AIPAC #Israel #Gaza #HumanitarianCrisis #SouthwestWashington

Washington's Nuclear Caucus visited Idaho National Laboratory to see firsthand how advanced fuels and small modular reactors could help meet the state's growing energy demand. With pressure from AI data centers, electric vehicles, and heating needs, nuclear power may become a key piece of Washington's clean energy strategy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/nuclear-caucus-visits-idaho-national-lab-to-explore-energy-solutions-for-washington-state/ #Washington #Energy #Politics #Nuclear #CleanEnergy #AI #ElectricVehicles #JohnLey #SmallModularReactors #NetZeroGoals

Camas resident Anna Miller breaks down what a government shutdown actually means, noting which essential workers continue, which benefits keep flowing, and where agencies may pause or delay services. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-henny-penny-the-sky-will-not-fall/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #GovernmentShutdown #FederalEmployees #SocialSecurity #Medicare #SNAP #WIC #Camas #ClarkCounty

Paul Valencia shares his perspective after 211 straight Friday nights of high school football, writing that while scores matter, it's the stories of players, coaches, and fans that define the experience. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-stories-of-the-people-who-experience-the-games-are-the-best-stories/ #Opinion #Sports #Vancouver #HighSchoolFootball #ClarkCounty #PaulValencia #FridayNightLights #StudentAthletes #Coaches #Fans

Economist Joe Cortright argues the I-5 Bridge replacement project is in deep jeopardy as federal approvals stall, Coast Guard objections grow, and billions in grant funding face expiration deadlines. He says rising costs and political roadblocks could derail the project entirely. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-federal-funding-for-i-5-bridge-replacement-project-in-jeopardy/ #Opinion #Transportation #I5Bridge #FederalFunding #JoeCortright #ColumbiaRiverCrossing #TrumpAdministration #CoastGuard #USDOT #MEGAgrant

The Columbia Theater Arts Foundation is bringing Pay What You Will theater to Clark County, launching with The Sound of Music Oct. 16–19 at Washburn Performing Arts Center. Led by Michael McCormic Jr., Dean Waters, and Ellie Tauscher, the nonprofit hopes to make the arts accessible for all ages. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/columbia-theater-arts-foundation-to-produce-productions-at-the-perfect-price/ #ClarkCounty #Vancouver #Washougal #CommunityTheater #ColumbiaTheaterArtsFoundation #TheSoundOfMusic #PayWhatYouWill #NonprofitArts #MichaelMcCormicJr #DeanWaters #EllieTauscher

Lars Larson argues that President Trump has now set his sights on Portland after years of unrest, lawless protests near ICE offices, and shrinking city revenues. The opinion column highlights Trump's warnings and the mayor's defiance. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-president-trump-to-the-rose-city-youre-next/ #Opinion #Columns #PacificNorthwest #LarsLarson #DonaldTrump #Portland #Antifa #SanctuaryCity #ICE #Riots

A major water main break forced the closure of NE 134th Street in Salmon Creek as crews and firefighters worked to stop flooding and redirect traffic. Provided by Clark County Fire District 6. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/major-water-pipe-burst-closes-road-in-clark-county/ #ClarkCounty #News #Traffic #RoadClosure #WaterMainBreak #SalmonCreek #ClarkPublicUtilities #FireDistrict6

Brush Prairie resident Bob Mattila shares a letter to the editor reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan, urging compassion, mercy, and love for neighbors as described in scripture. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-be-a-good-samaritan/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #ClarkCounty #BrushPrairie #Faith #Bible #Scripture #GoodSamaritan #Compassion #Mercy

This week's Clark County Today poll asks if lawmakers should consider ending the I-5 Bridge replacement project. With costs possibly hitting $10 billion and delays stretching construction into the 2030s, some call it a boondoggle while others say replacement is essential for safety. Vote now and share your opinion. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-should-lawmakers-consider-ending-the-i-5-bridge-replacement-project-altogether/ #PacificNorthwest #I5Bridge #IBR #Transportation #Poll #Boondoggle #TaxpayerConcerns #Opinion

Ken Vance draws parallels between the chaos of Animal House and the troubled Interstate Bridge replacement project. With rising costs, delays, and unanswered questions, he argues the program is heading down the same costly path as the failed Columbia River Crossing. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-remain-calm-all-is-well/ #ClarkCounty #IBR #I5Bridge #Transportation #KenVance #ProjectDelays #LightRail #Opinion

Lars Larson raises questions about media silence surrounding a lawsuit against Sen. Ron Wyden, alleging his children harassed a gay employee who later died by suicide. Larson argues the story reflects political double standards in the Pacific Northwest. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-story-about-united-states-senator-ron-wyden/ #PacificNorthwest #RonWyden #LarsLarson #OregonPolitics #MediaCoverage #DoubleStandards #Opinion

The North Clark Historical Museum in Amboy will honor early pioneers with a special exhibit on Sept. 27. The event includes a 2 p.m. presentation, blacksmith demonstrations, antique engine displays, and a quilt raffle to support the museum. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/north-clark-historical-museum-to-hold-exhibit-on-early-pioneers-on-saturday-sept-27/ #Amboy #NorthClarkHistoricalMuseum #PioneerHistory #ChelatchiePrairie #Yacolt #CommunityEvents #Blacksmith #AntiqueEngines #QuiltRaffle

Washington drivers may see some relief at the pump this fall. AAA reports the average gas price is $4.598 per gallon, down from last week, with analysts citing seasonal fuel changes, supply boosts, and potential 30–50 cent declines by Thanksgiving. Taxes and Washington's carbon program remain major cost factors. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washington-state-drivers-could-see-some-relief-at-the-gas-pump-this-fall/ #WashingtonState #GasPrices #AAA #GasBuddy #CarbonTax #FuelCosts #Transportation #ClimateCommitmentAct #PowerTheFuture

Gov. Bob Ferguson and AG Nick Brown are opposing a federal proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule, which protects 2 million acres of Washington forest from logging and roadbuilding. They warn rescission could harm endangered species, recreational economies, and water quality, while timber groups back the change. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-governor-and-ag-oppose-repeal-of-federal-forest-protections/ #WashingtonState #RoadlessRule #ForestProtections #BobFerguson #NickBrown #EnvironmentalPolicy #TimberIndustry #PublicLands

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center says Washington's $903 million revenue shortfall is the result of reckless spending and tax hikes. He calls for reversing course by cutting spending, repealing punitive taxes, and restoring fiscal discipline. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-how-the-legislature-dug-washington-into-a-fiscal-hole/ #Washington #StateBudget #TaxHikes #FiscalPolicy #WashingtonPolicyCenter #MarkHarmsworth #RevenueForecast #Opinion

Bill Bruch argues that conservative signature gatherers in Washington have been harassed and threatened while collecting signatures for initiatives on parental rights and girls' sports. He says these actions silence voters and violate constitutional rights. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-leftists-again-targeting-conservative-signature-gatherers-in-washington-state/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #Petitions #ParentalRights #GirlsSports #Initiatives #PoliticalHarassment #ElectionIntegrity

DEA agents seized 50,208 counterfeit M30 pills in Centralia that tested positive for carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl. The seizure highlights the deadly threat fueling the opioid epidemic in Washington state and beyond. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/thousands-of-counterfeit-m30-pills-containing-carfentanil-seized-in-centralia/ #WashingtonState #Centralia #DEA #Carfentanil #OpioidEpidemic #OverdoseCrisis #SyntheticOpioids #PublicSafety

The Clark County Board of Health approved a resolution committing to improve access to pregnancy-related care for Medicaid clients. The plan addresses inequities in prenatal care, maternal health outcomes, and support for Medicaid families in Clark County. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/board-of-health-declares-commitment-to-improving-access-to-pregnancy-related-care-for-medicaid-clients/ #ClarkCounty #PrenatalCare #Medicaid #MaternalHealth #BoardofHealth #CommunityHealth #PublicHealth

The Parks Foundation of Clark County has awarded $27,750 to the Police Activities League of SW Washington to support the Teen Late Night program in Vancouver, providing safe recreation, mentorship, and healthy activities for local teens. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/parks-foundation-of-clark-county-awards-27750-to-support-police-activities-league/ #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #YouthPrograms #ParksFoundation #PoliceActivitiesLeague #TeenLateNight #CommunitySupport

The Clark County Council has set an Oct. 14 vote on Michelle Belkot's original resolution condemning political violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Debate continues over amendments and unity. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-council-to-vote-on-belkots-original-resolution-condemning-political-violence/ #ClarkCounty #Politics #ClarkCountyCouncil #MichelleBelkot #CharlieKirk #Resolution #PublicComment #Oct14 #Unity #Violence

A candid episode on high school football's future as programs face rising costs and lower numbers, how appeals work in Washington, the case for officials, Mariners playoff energy, a Raiders story, and the new “Shut Up Paul” nickname. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/the-study-of-sports-podcast-sept-24-2025-a-passionate-discussion-on-the-future-of-high-school-football-for-some-programs-as-the-game-become-more-specialized-more-expensive/ #HighSchoolFootball #PacificNorthwestSports #Mariners #Officials #EvergreenPS #WIAA #Raiders #Podcast #VancouverWA

Washington's latest revenue forecast shows tax collections down more than $500 million, deepening concerns over the state budget. Lawmakers face hard choices on cuts, taxes, and services. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/all-bad-news-wa-tax-receipts-expected-to-slide-further/ #Washington #Politics #Taxes #StateBudget #Legislature #BobFerguson #JuneRobinson #EdOrcutt #Economy #Forecast

North County Community Food Bank is part of this year's Give More 24 on Sept. 25, with $70,500 in matching funds pledged. Events include goat yoga in Battle Ground and health services from the Care A Van team. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/north-county-community-food-bank-among-the-many-organizations-celebrating-give-more-24/ #BattleGround #Vancouver #GiveMore24 #NCCFB #Nonprofits #Fundraiser #CommunityGiving #SouthwestWashington #MatchingFunds #Philanthropy

Derek Thompson is challenging Erik Paulsen for Vancouver City Council Seat 2, emphasizing priorities like ending homelessness with sustainable solutions, supporting public safety, expanding mental health access, backing veterans, promoting educational excellence, managing growth responsibly, and opposing bridge tolling. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/derek-thompson-to-challenge-erik-paulsen-for-vancouver-council-seat-2/ #Vancouver #CityCouncil #DerekThompson #ErikPaulsen #Homelessness #PublicSafety #MentalHealth #Veterans #Education #Growth #NoTolls

A Thurston County judge granted C-TRAN a temporary restraining order against WSDOT, blocking threatened funding cuts tied to board representation, with a hearing set for Oct. 3. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/thurston-county-judge-grants-c-tran-restraining-order-against-wsdot/ #CTRAN #WSDOT #ClarkCounty #Transportation #TransitFunding #CourtRuling #PublicInterest #Vancouver #BoardRepresentation

Camas Plein Air returns Sept. 27 with live painting 8 a.m.–3 p.m. across downtown, a 4–6 p.m. reception at RedDoor Gallery with 5 p.m. awards, and a tribute to founder Marquita Call; exhibit continues through Oct. 25. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/mother-nature-to-shine-on-camas-plein-air-event-and-competition-saturday-honoring-the-life-of-marquita-call/ #Camas #PleinAir #RedDoorGallery #MarquitaCall #CommunityArts #LivePainting #ArtExhibit #ClarkCounty #DowntownCamas

Vancouver City Council adopted a Cultural Access Plan Policy to launch a Cultural Access Program, which will provide $7 million annually beginning in 2026 for grants supporting arts, culture, heritage, and science nonprofits. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-sets-the-stage-for-7-million-annual-investment-in-arts-culture-heritage-and-science/ #Vancouver #Arts #Culture #Heritage #Science #Nonprofits #CulturalAccess #Equity #Education #CommunityGrants

Wisdom Ridge Academy in Ridgefield has introduced Ridge Connect, a homeschool support program for K–8 families, providing curriculum, resources, and weekly meetings with licensed teachers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/wisdom-ridge-academy-expands-with-new-ridge-connect-program/ #Ridgefield #WisdomRidgeAcademy #RidgeConnect #Homeschool #Education #Youth #ClarkCounty #ParentPartnership #AlternativeLearning

Southbound I-5 near Ridgefield will have a lane closed Sept. 25 while WSDOT repairs damaged guardrail near Exit 14. Travelers should expect delays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/plan-ahead-for-lane-closures-and-guardrail-repairs-on-i-5-near-ridgefield-sept-25/ #I5 #Ridgefield #ClarkCounty #Transportation #WSDOT #GuardrailRepairs #TrafficDelays #WorkZoneSafety #CrashPrevention #RoadSafety

The I-5 Bridge replacement project faces escalating costs that could reach $10 billion, delays in environmental reviews, and tense debates over design, tolls, and federal funding as Washington and Oregon lawmakers push for answers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/i-5-bridge-replacement-slogs-through-permitting-as-costs-rise/ #I5Bridge #Vancouver #WashingtonState #Portland #Transportation #Infrastructure #ColumbiaRiver #FederalFunding #Tolls #LightRail #Megaproject

Lars Larson argues President Trump's Supreme Court winning streak demonstrates his strength, with 19 wins since January and polls showing rising approval, comparing it to a “Rocky” run up the steps. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/opinion-trump-extends-win-streak-with-scotus/ #Opinion #LarsLarson #DonaldTrump #SCOTUS #SupremeCourt #Lawsuits #RasmussenPoll #PacificNorthwest

Six finalists were chosen from 138 submissions in Vancouver's city flag design competition, with community feedback open until Oct. 9 and a flag-raising event scheduled for Oct. 4 at City Hall. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/six-designs-advance-in-vancouver-flag-design-competition/ #Vancouver #FlagDesign #CommunityFeedback #CityFlag #PublicEngagement #Vexillology #AnneMcEnernyOgle #CivicIdentity

Barry Wells of La Center says Washington's rising gas taxes and hidden carbon costs from the Climate Commitment Act are unfairly straining drivers, small businesses, and rural communities, calling for transparency and reform. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-washingtons-gas-tax-burden-is-out-of-control/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #BarryWells #WashingtonGasTax #ClimateCommitmentAct #EnergyPolicy #Transparency #ClarkCounty #LaCenter

Washington Parents Network filed a complaint with the FTC against Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho, alleging harmful use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones in minors, while citing taxpayer expense. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-parents-org-files-complaint-against-planned-parenthood-over-gender-transition-drug/ #WashingtonState #PlannedParenthood #FTC #PubertyBlockers #CrossSexHormones #GenderAffirmingCare #DavidSpring #WPN #TaxpayerExpense #SupremeCourt

Nancy Churchill warns in her column that marijuana, SSRIs, ADHD stimulants, and sex hormones form a dangerous mix harming young people, pointing to tragic cases and urging parents and policymakers to demand real help. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-a-deadly-brew-stimulants-mary-jane-ssris-and-sex-hormones/ #Opinion #NancyChurchill #YouthMentalHealth #SSRIs #ADHD #Marijuana #SexHormones #PoliticalViolence #Detransitioners #WashingtonState