Elizabeth New (Hovde) examines mixed research on Medicaid expansion’s effect on ER use, noting that Washington’s rising health care costs stem partly from state policies. She argues that cost control requires lawmakers to address local policy choices, not just federal reforms. https://clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-does-more-medicaid-mean-fewer-er-visits/ #Opinion #Medicaid #EmergencyRoom #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ElizabethNew #HealthCareCosts #AffordableCareAct #StatePolicy #UncompensatedCare #MedicaidExpansion

Anna Miller examines the push for Vancouver’s annexation, outlining potential tax benefits, zoning control, grant opportunities, and political influence. While supporters see strategic growth, she remains wary and prefers Clark County Council oversight. https://clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-ill-take-my-chances-with-the-clark-county-council-over-the-city-of-vancouver/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #ClarkCounty #Annexation #VancouverWA #AnnaMiller #ClarkCountyCouncil #CityExpansion #ZoningControl #GrantFunding

Doug Dahl explores the fine line between lawful and unlawful honking in Washington, blending traffic safety, free speech considerations, and court decisions from across the country. While some horn use is mandatory, not all expressive honks are legally protected. https://clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-freedom-to-honk/ #WashingtonState #Opinion #TrafficSafety #FreeSpeech #HornLaws #TheWiseDrive #DougDahl #FirstAmendment #NoiseOrdinance #DrivingLaws

Clark County Community Services will open applications Aug. 11 for $800,000 in Severe Weather Response funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Projects must boost capacity to protect unsheltered residents during extreme weather. Proposals are due Sept. 17 via Bonfire. https://clarkcountytoday.com/news/applications-for-2025-2027-homeless-crisis-response-system-severe-weather-response-funds-available-aug-11/ #ClarkCounty #HomelessResponse #SevereWeather #CommunityServices #FundingOpportunity #Unsheltered #PublicServices #GrantFunding #ClarkCoWA #LocalNews

Brush Prairie resident Bob Mattila opposes celebrating Colin Kaepernick in Vancouver schools and says role models should emphasize love and unity. https://clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-colin-kaepernick-is-no-one-to-be-celebrated-in-vancouver-schools/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #ColinKaepernick #VancouverSchools #Unity #Disunity #NationalAnthem #RoleModels #ClarkCounty

The Budweiser Clydesdales brought spectacle and purpose to the Clark County Fair. With fans lining up for photos and parades, the horses also helped spotlight Folds of Honor — a scholarship nonprofit for military and first responder families. https://clarkcountytoday.com/people/budweiser-clydesdales-bring-magic-to-clark-county-fair-and-awareness-to-folds-of-honor/ #BudweiserClydesdales #FoldsOfHonor #ClarkCountyFair #RidgefieldWA #BeavertonOR #VancouverWA #FirstResponders #MilitaryFamilies #Scholarships

This week's poll asks Clark County residents to weigh in on Vancouver's proposed annexation plans. With financial strain and community resistance, leaders are urging caution. Share your view now. https://clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-do-you-support-vancouver-expanding-its-city-limits-through-annexation/ #Vancouver #Annexation #ClarkCounty #WeeklyPoll #CityLimits #PublicInput #BudgetCrisis #UrbanPlanning #Opinion

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center critiques the Growth Management Act, saying its land-use restrictions are driving up home prices and making ownership unaffordable for many. https://clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-growth-management-acts-impact-on-house-prices-in-washington/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #MarkHarmsworth #GMA #HousingCrisis #UrbanGrowthAreas #AffordableHousing #Zoning #BIAW #Opinion

U-Haul’s truck-sharing service has expanded to Chadwick’s Mill Plain Shell in Vancouver, bringing essential moving resources like trucks, trailers, and supplies to local residents. https://clarkcountytoday.com/business/u-haul-truck-sharing-comes-to-chadwicks-mill-plain-shell-in-vancouver/ #VancouverWA #UHaul #TruckRental #SmallBusiness #MovingHelp #SelfStorage #ClarkCounty #ChadBudnick

City and county councilors Bart Hansen and Michelle Belkot offer early takes on Vancouver’s proposed annexations of unincorporated Clark County. The smallest proposal could add 1,700 residents; the largest, over 170,000. https://clarkcountytoday.com/news/two-councilors-share-their-initial-views-on-annexation-proposals/ #VancouverWA #Annexation #ClarkCounty #CityCouncil #MichelleBelkot #BartHansen #UrbanGrowthArea #CompleteStreets