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Commentary: How the Democratic Party’s divide over Israel has reached Washington state

When the House of Representatives voted this week on a proposal to cut $3.3 billion in U.S. military assistance for Israel, the amendment failed but gathered some surprising Democratic “yes” … more

By Donna Gordon Blankinship / The Washington State Standard | 7/20/26

Green Hill School juvenile detention facility in Chehalis is pictured here by drone photo on Friday, July 10.

Audit paints troubling picture of Washington’s overcrowded youth prison system

Nearly half of front-line staff at Washington’s overcrowded juvenile detention facilities leave within a year. Many report feeling unsafe, unprepared and unsupported. That’s according … more

By Jake Goldstein-Street / The Washington State Standard | 7/20/26

Thousands of trucks haul Iraq’s oil through Syria in sign of Hormuz legacy

Iraq is using a vast fleet of trucks to carry fuel oil through Syria and reroute flows away from the Strait of Hormuz, rapidly transforming its neighbor into the Middle East’s top export hub. … more

Archie Hunter, Anthony Di Paola, Khalid Al-Ansary and Nicholas Lua / Bloomberg News (TNS) | 7/19/26

US strikes Iran to ‘punish’ it for attack that killed 2 troops

The U.S. launched fresh strikes on Iran Saturday, a day after two American service members were killed in Jordan by Iranian missile and drone attacks. U.S. Central Command said in a social media … more

María Paula Mijares Torres and Patrick Sykes / Bloomberg News (TNS) | 7/19/26

Teenagers arrested in connection to Portland convenience store shooting, robbery

Four teenagers have been arrested in connection with a violent robbery at a Northeast Portland gas station or other armed crimes reported in the area. At a Saturday afternoon press conference, … more

Anusha Fathepure / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 7/19/26

Cyclist suffers brain damage after crashing into one of Portland’s ‘safety improvements,’ sues city for $28M

A Portland cyclist who crashed her electric bicycle into one of the city’s “pedestrian safety improvements” has filed a $28 million lawsuit against the city and the road construction company … more

Aimee Green / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 7/19/26

Oregon’s outdoor industry is a smaller part of the economy than in other western states

Oregon’s mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches and trails are major draws for the state’s residents and for travelers from all over the world. They’re also a big part of Oregon’s economy, … more

Mike Rogoway / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 7/19/26

Rabid bat found in Seattle near University of Washington

A bat found on a sidewalk near the University of Washington tested positive for rabies, Public Health - Seattle & King County officials said. The bat was found Wednesday, July 15, on … more

Grace Blethen / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/19/26

Longview millworkers get paid, but suppliers struggle in disaster’s wake

Hundreds of workers at the Longview paper mill that was closed by a deadly accident in May will continue to receive full wages, the company announced Friday. “We will be paying staff through … more

Paul Roberts / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/19/26

Lynnwood teacher accused of inappropriate touching kept in classroom for 20 months

Editor’s note: This story contains descriptions of sexual assault and mentions suicide and other topics related to psychiatric distress. If you or a loved one is in crisis, call 988. Sarah … more

Claire Bryan / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/19/26

Washington state wildfire explodes to 72 square miles, threatens town of Nespelem

The fast-spreading Kaiser Canyon wildfire in northeast Washington forced about 1,000 people to evacuate Saturday, as a small army of firefighters prepared to defend the town of Nespelem, Okanogan … more

Mike Lindblom / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/19/26

Senators and Representatives work on bills Monday, March 16, 2026, at the State Capitol Building in Boise.

After ‘tight budget year,’ Idaho ends fiscal year with positive cash balance

Idaho ended the 2026 fiscal year this summer with a positive ending cash balance that allows the state to transfer about $250 million into next year’s fiscal year 2027 state budget, Gov. Brad … more

Clark Corbin and Kyle Pfannenstiel / Idaho Capital Sun | 7/19/26

Framed as an anti-animal cruelty petition, Initiative Petition 28 is an effort led by Portland-based vegan advocates to expand the state’s animal cruelty laws to include hunting, fishing, breeding, farming and research. Essentially, it would ban killing or injuring animals in all cases except for self-defense or veterinary care.

Controversial Oregon animal rights petition might not have enough valid signatures to make ballot

A controversial initiative petition to ban killing or harming animals in Oregon with almost no exceptions may not qualify for the November ballot. The petition failed the first round of the … more

Mia Maldonado / Oregon Capital Chronicle | 7/19/26

Graham Platner, then the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine, unveils an anti-corruption policy plan outside the Portland office of incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Collins on June 25, 2026.

Political parties boast new clout and cash in midterms thanks to US Supreme Court

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision makes it easier for political parties to put their stamp on the most important campaigns, just as the struggle heats up for control of Congress in the midterm … more

David Lightman / Maine Morning Star | 7/19/26

Voting in the Aug. 4 primary has started. Ballots can be put in a designated drop box up until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted.

Washington voters begin casting primary election ballots

Voting is underway in Washington’s Aug. 4 primary. Across the state, voters are winnowing the field — in some races, a large field — of candidates for seats in the Legislature and Congress … more

Jerry Cornfield / Washington State Standard | 7/19/26

The 47th annual Lakefair Volleyball Tournament kicked off at the Regional Athletic Complex in Lacey on Saturday, July 18.

In focus: 47th Annual Lakefair Volleyball Tournament begins at RAC

The 47th annual Lakefair Volleyball Tournament kicked off at the Regional Athletic Complex in Lacey Saturday, July 18 and continues Sunday, July 19. more

Photos by Dylan Reubenking / dylan@thurstonchronicle.com | 7/18/26

The Chronicle - July 18, 2026

7/18/26

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

Kraken CEO warns that Washington state business leaders are eyeing exits

Tod Leiweke, CEO of the Kraken NHL team and one of the key figures pushing to return the SuperSonics NBA franchise to Seattle, dished some economic words of warning for state lawmakers on Thursday. … more

By Bill Lucia / The Washington State Standard | 7/17/26

Former Gov. Gary Locke criticizes Washington's 'out of control' spending

Former Washington Governor Gary Locke had some harsh words for the Democrat-controlled state Legislature Thursday during an economic conference that included business and policy leaders from across … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 7/17/26

In loving memory of Gilbert Niemi: 1954-2026

Gilbert “Gib” Niemi passed away peacefully at his home in Glenoma, Washington, on July 13, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Gib was born Jan. 8, 1954, to Myrtle Hunt (Scalf) and Gilbert … more

7/17/26