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While Seattle slows, the region’s fastest growth is on the fringes

Want a snapshot of the region's changing shape? Look at 2026. Seattle, once our undisputed growth engine, posted a meager 0.8% population increase last year, according to the state Office of … more

Gene Balk / FYI Guy / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 8/18/26

A street view of the University District in Seattle, Washington.

Poll shows voters support Seattle surveillance cameras, but not mayor

A new poll released Monday by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Challenge Seattle shows broad support for public safety cameras and a large lack of confidence in Mayor Katie Wilson’s … more

Randy Diamond | The Center Square | 8/18/26

West Nile virus is present each year across Southeast Idaho.

Southwest Idaho resident contracts meningitis from West Nile Virus infection, health officials say

A Canyon County resident over the age of 65 is Idaho’s first reported human case of West Nile virus meningitis this year, public health officials announced Monday. The infected person was … more

Kyle Pfannenstiel / Idaho Capital Sun | 8/18/26

Dr. William Smock, medical director of the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, part of the Alliance for HOPE International, speaks to students about evidence and how to detect staged scenes during a mock crime scene exercise. This year, at least five states have considered “hidden homicide” legislation.

‘Hidden homicides’: Families push states for more scrutiny of domestic violence deaths

Families who believe local officials prematurely ruled their loved ones’ deaths suicides or accidents — rather than investigating whether domestic violence played a role — are pushing lawmakers … more

Amanda Watford / States Newsroom | 8/18/26

Left, Eamonn Collins and, right, Michael Shepard.

Washington state Senate primary separated by 4 votes, set for recount

Two Democratic Washington state Senate hopefuls are headed for a recount as just four votes separate them for second place in the primary and a spot on the November ballot. After examining … more

Jake Goldstein-Street / Washington State Standard | 8/18/26

Tacoma lawyer joins Washington state campaign watchdog commission

A reporter-turned-attorney is the newest member of Washington’s citizen panel that enforces state campaign finance laws. Lisa Kremer, who works with Vandeberg Johnson Gandara PS in Tacoma, was … more

Jerry Cornfield / Washington State Standard | 8/18/26

Cattle graze along the Snake River. Snake River Basin steelhead are among species that conservationists are concerned could be harmed by expanded cattle grazing under a new federal plan.

Conservationists sue feds over plan to allow cattle grazing on 24 million western acres

A nonprofit conservation group is suing the federal government over plans to allow cattle grazing on more than 24 million previously restricted federal acres across the West. The Center for … more

Alex Baumhardt / Oregon Capital Chronicle | 8/18/26

The Chronicle - August 18, 2026

8/18/26

Andrea M. Fish, 21, Onalaska, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026.

Second suspect accused of possession with intent after May arrest in Centralia

In May, a Centralia police officer approached the car of three suspects after he saw them hide their faces as he drove by a gas station. Brody A. Rice, 27, of Toledo, allegedly gave a … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 8/17/26

Podcaster Brandi Kruse shows a video of Sen. Patty Murray speaking about Title IX 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.

Washington parental rights initiative draws national spotlight

The Nov. 3 general election is just 80 days out and in Washington state, much of the attention is centered around three initiatives that will appear on the ballot. One of those is Initiative … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 8/17/26

Political commentator Brandi Kruse speaks to attendees during the Lewis County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner in Chehalis on Saturday, April 11.

Podcaster Brandi Kruse: 'Never taken a dime' in response to campaign investigation

Three months after a Sammamish City councilmember filed a complaint with the Public Disclosure Commission directed at Let’s Go Washington and unDivided podcaster Brandi Kruse, PDC staff have … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 8/17/26

U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, D-Oregon, addresses reporters on her new proposal to establish a grant program that would fund $7.5 million a year in nationwide suicide prevention programs, peer support and counseling for first responders and firefighters on August, 17, 2026 at a Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue station in Lake Oswego. (Courtesy of U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas)

Oregon congresswoman proposes program to support first responder mental health

An Oregon congresswoman is proposing a new grant program to support the mental health needs of firefighters and emergency medical services staff. U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, a Tigard … more

By Mia Maldonado / The Oregon Capital Chronicle | 8/17/26

A family waits in line to apply for asylum at the southern border between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, in 2023. The number of refugees admitted to the United States during the first 10 months of the fiscal year is on pace to hit its lowest level on record. (Photo by Corrie Boudreaux for Source NM)

Refugee admissions on track to hit record low

The number of refugees admitted to the United States during the first 10 months of the fiscal year is on pace to hit its lowest level on record, according to a new analysis. The new numbers … more

By Shalina Chatlani / Stateline.org | 8/17/26

Gather Church pastor Cole Meckle speaks during an overdose awareness event held at George Washington Park in Centralia on Thursday, Aug. 39, 2024.

Hundreds gather to celebrate, mourn pastor Cole Meckle

Noah Meckle opened a eulogy for his dad with this one liner from his father’s favorite movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” “‘It's all part of the experience, honey.’ I … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 8/17/26

Ryan McMenamy, 9, shows off his costume for the America250 costume contest at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in Centralia on Saturday, Aug. 15.

In Focus: Red, white and blue dominates America250 costume contest at fair

8/17/26

Robert M.E. Donyes, 41, Chehalis, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Sirens: Chehalis man sentenced for burglary, assault; woman arrested for DUI, firearm possession; rash of vehicle prowls reported

LEWIS COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT The following list is not comprehensive. Superior Court records can be accessed at the Lewis County Clerk’s Office in Chehalis. Sentencings • Robert … more

By The Chronicle staff | 8/17/26

Missing Thurston County teen found dead in Lake Washington

The body of a 19-year-old man from Yelm, Thurston County, was found in Lake Washington on Thursday, two weeks after he went missing off a boat during Seafair, police say. The man was found 150 … more

By Kai Uyehara / The Seattle Times | 8/17/26

Julie McDonald: Family genealogist unearths criminal record of law officer grandfather

With regard to the past, I’ve always believed we might as well take our skeletons out of the closet and dance with them. But for Centralia’s Shawn Murphy, the bones could yank apart in the … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 8/17/26

Fairgoers wait in line for the Zero Gravity ride at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in Centralia on Saturday, Aug. 15.

In Focus: Rides and attractions light up the midway

8/17/26

Fairgoers ride the “Zero Gravity” at the Southwest Washington Fair in Centralia on Friday, Aug. 14. The fair ended its 6-day run on Sunday evening.

In Focus: Thrill seekers hit the carnival rides at SWW Fair

8/17/26