Browse | The Daily Chronicle

State Rep. Larry Springer on the House floor on Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Support Services)

Washington Democrat income tax supporter questions 'necessity clause' nixing public vote

A Democratic lawmaker who voted in support of Washington’s new income tax said he didn't see anything scandalous in this week’s revelation of emails showing coordination between the office of … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 4/24/26

PUD workers reconstruct three power-line poles along Gore Road in Ethel in this Chronicle file photo.

‘The need is now’: The role of natural gas and Washington’s energy future

The Pacific Northwest faces a near-term electricity shortfall as demand rises faster than new resources can be built, according to a new regional analysis from San Francisco-based Energy and … more

By Paul W. Taylor / TVW | 4/24/26

The Skagit River in Mount Vernon hits a record high. One Mount Vernon police officer said the water level had climbed almost a foot in an hour. (Photo by Eli Voorhies for Washington State Standard)

Trump administration denies mitigation aid after Washington floods

The Trump administration has denied Washington’s request for federal funding to prepare for future floods after a historic deluge hit the state late last year. The letter Thursday from Federal … more

By Jake Goldstein-Street / The Washington State Standard | 4/24/26

Members of the Thurston County Realtors Association pose with the Tumwater City Council after a proclamation was made during the council's April 21 meeting designating April as Fair Housing Month.

Tumwater City Council roundup: Councilors approve exploratory well-drilling at Tumwater Valley Golf Club, letter of support for Opportunity Zone; Equity Commission members introduced

Contractors from the St. Paul, Oregon-based Schneider Equipment, Inc. construction company will soon begin work drilling wells for the city’s wellfield at theTumwater Valley Golf Club, after … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 4/24/26

Marcus L. Deal, 35, Centralia, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Friday, April 24.

Bail set at $75,000 for Centralia man accused of assaulting child

A Centralia man has been accused of assaulting and threatening a child under the age of 13, according to court documents. Marcus L. Deal, 35, is charged with one count each of felony … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/24/26

WDFW approves final coastal razor clam digs of the spring season

Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers on Friday confirmed that the final coastal razor clam digs of the season can proceed as planned at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, … more

4/24/26

In loving memory of Harrison James Lane: 1929-2026

Harrison James Lane went home to be with the Lord March 31, 2026. He was born April 3, 1929, in Kimball, West Virginia, to Moses Aaron and Lovey Elizabeth Lane. Harrison enlisted in the U.S. … more

4/24/26

Community members gather for a Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees meeting at the Chehalis Timberland Library on Wednesday, April 22.

Since announcing $3.8 million deficit, TRL trustee alleges threats from public

The Timberland Regional Library (TRL) Board of Trustees on Wednesday held its first hybrid meeting since the five-county library district announced a $4.8 million budget deficit in January. In … more

By Emily Fitzgerald / emily@thurstonchronicle.com | 4/24/26

Podcaster Brandi Kruse introduces high school students Frances Staudt, of Tumwater High School, and Ahnaleigh Wilson, of Eastmont High School, at a Let’s Go Washington rally supporting initiatives concerning parental rights and barring transgender athletes from participating in girls’ athletics at the Washington state Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Let’s Go Washington releases statement on WIAA blocking amendment restricting trans athletes

This week, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Representative Assembly voted against two proposed amendments that would have established guidelines for girls’ athletic … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/24/26

Getting paid to fish: Northern pikeminnow sport-reward fishery begins May 1

The 2026 Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery will open May 1, offering anglers the chance to earn cash while helping protect vulnerable salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and Snake rivers. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/24/26

Sirens: Report of juvenile assaulted by 'transients' at park; possible sexual assault reported; arrests for operating vehicles while intoxicated

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Arrests • Randy C. Hendricks, 45, Yakima, was arrested in the 100 block of South Pearl Street at about 1 p.m. April 22 and booked into the Lewis County Jail … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/24/26

Shari Watt talks to Red Cross employee Brianna Buchanan while donating blood at an American Red Cross blood drive in the Lewis County Courthouse in Chehalis on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

Red Cross asks for donors to help keep blood supply strong

The American Red Cross is urging donors to give blood or platelets now to help hospitals and transfusion centers stay prepared to help all patients. Donors of all blood types and those looking to … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/24/26

Sen. Maria Cantwell participates in a livestream with the Artemis crew in a video shared by her office.

Cantwell, Cruz introduce resolution honoring the success of the Artemis II mission

U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduced a resolution to commemorate the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/24/26

Chehalis-Centralia Railroad’s Bingo Train rolls again

The annual Bingo train rolls back into town Saturday, June 6, the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad announced. Rides depart from the Chehalis Depot at 5 p.m. and return at 7 p.m. Fares are $26 to … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/24/26

Death notices: April 24, 2026

• DONNA M. RAGLAND, 88, Napavine, died April 17 at her residence. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. • WILLIAM “KEVIN” COEN, 73, Chehalis, died April 18 at … more

4/24/26

Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, works on his computer during the last day of the legislative session on Thursday, March 12, in Olympia.

John Braun commentary: Democrats fail to protect children, but they’ll go after sheriffs

Olympia’s majority Democrats showed again this year how their priorities are way off when it comes to the safety of the public. The bills they rejected include two I had introduced that are … more

By Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 4/24/26

Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, speaks during a House floor debate on SB 6346 on Tuesday, March 10, in Olympia.

Peter Abbarno commentary: Successful STEP housing should be community-up, not Olympia-down

Washington state is facing a real and urgent housing crisis. Families are struggling, individuals are experiencing homelessness, and communities across our state are searching for solutions that are … more

By Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis | 4/24/26

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Letter to the editor: A big ‘thank you’ to the leaders of this Screen-Free Weekend

If you’re reading this in the printed newspaper, good for you! Sitting down with your local paper is one of the great, timeless delights of life. Add a cup of coffee, a family member (of … more

4/24/26

Letter to the editor: Publisher feigns neutrality while only critiquing Democrats

Chad Taylor has every right to criticize Gov. Bob Ferguson. He is fair game. But he loses me when he tries to frame that criticism as somehow above partisan politics when he is doing the opposite. … more

4/24/26

Maureen Harkcom: Celebrating a well-traveled apple tree and top-quality cider at 3 Dog Cider and Brewstillery

I am seeing apple trees in bloom around the county. Spring is on the way. Or, at least we think and hope it is. There is one particular tree in Lewis County that has quite a history. She … more

Commentary by Maureen Harkcom / For The Chronicle | 4/24/26