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This photo shows damage to the State Reception Room at the Washington state Capitol after an intruder broke in on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Department of Enterprise Services)

$1M restoration from Washington Capitol vandalism recommended

Washington could spend $1 million repairing damage from vandalism at the state Capitol last year. Restoring a historic wool rug in the state Reception Room as close as possible to its … more

By Jake Goldstein-Street / The Washington State Standard | 7/23/26

Bodhi N. Shue, a 7-month-old baby boy, died in a vehicle fire in the Tumwater area on Tuesday, July 21.

Community raises over $30,000 for family of infant who died in Thurston County vehicle fire

Community members are raising funds to support the family of the infant who died in a vehicle fire on Tuesday. The crowdfunding campaign had raised over $30,000 as of Thursday … more

By Emily Fitzgerald / emily@thurstonchronicle.com | 7/23/26

Adna’s Beau Miller runs the ball during a game against Toledo at Toledo High School on Friday, Sept. 5.

Ten area football games to jot down as appointment viewing

It’s almost here. There’s nothing quite like a fall Friday night in Lewis, Thurston and Grays Harbor Counties. From stands – and even the track – filled to the brim with fans, to the … more

By Zach Martin / zach@chronline.com | 7/23/26

In loving memory of Jack Woods: 1938-2026

Jack Woods, a lifelong resident of Mossyrock, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, at the age of 87. Born to Leonard and Wanda Woods, Jack spent his entire life building deep roots in the … more

7/23/26

In loving memory of Cory Stajduhar: 1975-2026

Cory Nicolas Stajduhar, 51, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away on June 4, 2026. Born April 17, 1975, in Chehalis, Cory was the son of John and Lydia Stajduhar. A 1993 graduate of W.F. West … more

7/23/26

In loving memory of Lydia Stajduhar: 1954-2026

Lydia Anne Stajduhar, 71, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away peacefully at her home on June 2, 2026. Born June 6, 1954, in Chehalis, she was the daughter of Jack Greisen and Marie Antoinette Rice. … more

7/23/26

An outdoor showing of “The Sandlot” is projected on an inflatable screen as the sun sets during the Northwest Futures Fastpitch League movie night at Wheeler Field in Centralia on Tuesday, July 29.

NW Fastpitch Foundation, NW Futures Fastpitch League hosting annual Movie Night August 21

The Northwest Fastpitch Foundation and Northwest Futures Fastpitch League, associated with Lewis County-based softball organization The Yard PNW, will host their annual Community Movie Night on … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/23/26

Unvaccinated child diagnosed with measles in Washington state

Clark County health officials are investigating a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated child, officials said Wednesday. It’s not yet known when or where the child was exposed to the … more

Mary Mooney / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 7/23/26

Pilot, 76, crashes plane into Southwest Washington lake, escapes with minor injuries

The pilot of a single-engine airplane experienced mechanical difficulties Wednesday and crashed into Yale Lake in northeastern Clark County, officials said. The pilot, a 76-year-old man, was the … more

Mary Mooney / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 7/23/26

Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez smiles while touring the proposed site of the Southwest Washington Agricultural & Innovation Park in Tenino in February 2023.

MGP breaks from Democrats on $1.15 trillion defense bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez on Wednesday joined Republicans to pass a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill, diverging from House Democrats who overwhelmingly rejected the … more

By Anumita Kaur / The Seattle Times | 7/23/26

The Washington Capitol building is lit up against the night sky in Olympia.

Washington state budget spending increased by 230% since 2001

The Washington state operating budget has increased by 230% since 2001, according to a presentation to the Joint Legislative-Executive Committee on Budget Transparency and Fiscal Sustainability. … more

By TJ Martinell / The Center Square | 7/23/26

Wind turbines in southwest Minnesota in 2024. The Trump administration has halted Department of Defense reviews for onshore wind turbines, freezing scores of projects. (Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer)

State AGs join legal fight against Trump’s wind farm freeze

A coalition of Democratic state attorneys general has joined a lawsuit seeking to end the Trump administration’s halt of onshore wind projects in the United States. Last week, 18 states and … more

By Alex Brown / Stateline.org | 7/23/26

The Chronicle - July 23, 2026

7/23/26

Gas prices start at $5.859 a gallon at a Union 76 station.

Opinion: No surprise! West Coast climate policies drive the high cost of gas

New research reveals that gas prices are significantly higher in Democrat-controlled states than in Republican states. That’s not much of a surprise, however, until the researchers dive into what … more

By Bob Pishue / Mountain States Policy Center | 7/22/26

Employment Security Department Commissioner Cami Feek joins Gov. Bob Ferguson at a press conference in May. On Wednesday, Ferguson named Feek as the interim leader of the Department of Enterprise Services. (Photo courtesy of Employment Security Department)

Washington agency director out as Ferguson installs an interim leader

The director of Washington’s Department of Enterprise Services is out and the leader of another agency is in charge temporarily, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Wednesday. Director Matt Jones, a … more

By Jerry Cornfield / The Washington State Standard | 7/22/26

The sun sets at Mount Rainier National Park as seen from the Skyline Loop Trail on Monday, Sept. 22.

Mount Rainier climber killed, three injured after rockfall

One person has been killed and three injured on Mount Rainier’s most popular summit route. Six climbers in two separate parties were caught in a rockfall at 11,600 feet on the Disappointment … more

By Paige Cornwell / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/22/26

Centralia city councilors listen to public comment during the special Centralia City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 21.

Centralia moves to end warehouse moratorium pending final details

Centralia is poised to welcome a series of proposed warehouses at Centralia port properties after a nearly year-long moratorium, but limits on warehouses in other parts of the city are likely to … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 7/22/26

Tenino teen, 15, injured in single-car collision off U.S. 12 in Lewis County

A 15-year-old Tenino boy was injured Tuesday in a single-car collision off U.S. Highway 12 east of Mary’s Corner, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol (WSP). The teenager … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/22/26

Sirens: Shoplifters hit with felony charges; DUI arrest after vehicle hits building; driver eludes officers, faces charges

LEWIS COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT Preliminary appearances • Jason J. Benka, 42, Rochester, made a preliminary appearance July 20 for one count each of second-degree burglary, first-degree … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/22/26

A firefighter sprays a vehicle with water during a fire on the 6500 block of 198th Avenue Southwest in Rochester on Wednesday, July 22.

Vehicles damaged, one injured, in Thurston County fire

A civilian sustained minor injuries in a fire that damaged three RVs and four vehicles near Rochester on Wednesday. The fire was reported at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July … more

By Thurston Chronicle staff | 7/22/26