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Washington’s new rent cap set just below 10% for 2026

Washington’s statewide cap on annual residential rent increases will be just shy of 10% next year, down slightly from its current level. The limit, which takes effect Jan. 1, will be set … more

By Jake Goldstein-Street / The Washington State Standard | 7/18/25

First responders at Horseshoe Lake, where a body was recovered on Monday, June 30 in Woodland.

Coroner IDs two people who died recently at Cowlitz County lake

The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has identified the remains of two men who died on different days in the past month at Woodland’s Horseshoe Lake. The Cowlitz County Coroner office … more

Matt Esnayra / The Daily News | 7/18/25

Report: 140 Californians a day flee to the land of no income tax — Washington state

Californians are trading wildfires and income tax for rain and $154,000 tech salaries, according to a new report. StorageCafe’s report found that approximately 140 Californians move to … more

By Spencer Pauley / The Center Square | 7/18/25

Washington lawmaker plans legislation to require OSPI to retain complaint records

The ranking Republican on the Washington state Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee calls it “crazy and stupid” that the state Office of Superintendent of Public … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 7/18/25

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said 250,000 people from her home state could lose Medicaid coverage under new work and eligibility requirements in the "Big Beautiful Bill;" though much of those people would still qualify under certain exemptions. A representative from Murray's office told The Center Square that individuals included in that number with disabilities or other challenges may have a hard time navigating the system to verify their exemption and eligibility status. Without verification, they risk noncompliance and losing healthcare coverage.

250,000 Washingtonians may lose Medicaid coverage despite meeting new requirements

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray warned Friday that 14 hospitals in her home state of Washington may close due to Medicaid cuts in the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. President … more

Tim Clouser / The Center Square | 7/18/25

From the left, Nick Henrikson, Jack Wight, Richard and John Henrikson pose for a photo at Wild Thyme Farm in Oakville on Tuesday, July 15. Wild Thyme Farm won the Lewis County 2025 Tree Farm of the Year.

Oakville resident named Lewis County Tree Farmer of the Year

The Lewis County Tree Farm of the Year is a beautiful site to behold. It's soaked in sun and covered in trees, it's historical and it's — in Grays Harbor County? Washington tree farmer … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 7/18/25

Johnson Peak is seen beyond Packwood Lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Fire restrictions take effect in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Due to increased risk of wildfires, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest fire managers have issued restrictions on campfires, smoking and other activities within the forest. The restrictions went … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

Poppy Moseley smiles as fake snow flurries at the Centralia Downtown Association’s Christmas In July Block Party on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Christmas comes early to downtown Centralia July 23

Christmas in July is coming to downtown Centralia from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, according to a news release from the Centralia Downtown Association (CDA). Hosted by the CDA, this … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

Apiary and garden tour offered at Bee Inspired Garden in Onalaska

Bee Inspired Garden, a local nonprofit demonstration pollinator sanctuary in the Onalaska area, will hold tours on Saturday, Aug. 2, to promote the understanding of how individuals and communities … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

Sirens: Physical control of vehicle while intoxicated arrest; hit-and-run reported; items missing after burglary; scam reported

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Arrests • Kevin M. Olney, 41, of Lacey, was arrested and booked into the Chehalis Tribal Jail at about 11:54 a.m. July 17 on the charge of physical control … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

Death notices: July 18, 2025

• GEORGE H. TERRY JR., 69, Rochester, died July 10 at his residence. Arrangements are under the care of Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary. • RONALD L. BURGER, 78, Chehalis, died July 15 … more

7/18/25

‘Fallen Animals’: Winlock artist honors creatures killed on the road

The photographs of a Winlock artist stand as testament to the beauty of life around us — and of the inherent value of life itself. The framed photos taken by Linda Shepherd, a … more

By Lyn Craig / For The Chronicle | 7/18/25

FILE PHOTO — A cast of characters poses for a photo on stage during dress rehearsals for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” presented by Tenino Young-At-Heart Theatre.

Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre to perform Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’

Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre invites audiences of all ages to dive under the sea this summer with its production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” running July 24 through Aug. 2 at … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, stands in the wings of the Senate floor at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia on Friday, April 25.

John Braun: A big step toward restoring public safety: Auto thefts fall to historic low

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs has kept a record of the auto thefts reported across our state for each month since 2002. In those 23-plus years, the statewide number never … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun | 7/18/25

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

Letter to the editor: How much more of this will the Republicans in Congress permit?

Judging by some recent commentary in The Chronicle, there appears to be some confusion about the military parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14. This date was, in fact, the 250th anniversary of … more

7/18/25

Letter to the editor: City of Toledo thanks City of Winlock

Dear Mayor Brandon Svenson, council and staff, On behalf of the City of Toledo, we want to extend our sincere appreciation for the ongoing support and partnership you and your team have … more

7/18/25

Letter to the editor: MGP warned us, the party ignored her, and we’re all paying the price

Now that Donald Trump is deep into his second term, it’s time for the Democratic Party to face some uncomfortable truth. One of the only people who tried to stop this disaster before it … more

7/18/25

Claquato Cemetery Board Member Angie Vlach reads a poem hanging on the wall of the historic Claquato Church on Thursday, July 17. Behind her are Claquato Cemetery Board President Brett Mitchell, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Board Member Edna Fund, and Claquato Cemetery Manager Lacie Jendryka. (Photo: Brian Mittge)

Brian Mittge: New life in our oldest church

Walking through the doors of the Claquato Church really is like stepping back in time. The room is empty save for a dozen white wooden pews, a pair of organs and a modest platform at the front … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 7/18/25

Former Morton Mayor Dan Mortensen watches attendees at a “Blue Lives Matter” rally wave guns and flags in downtown Morton in 2020.

Morton, former mayor face new lawsuit over firing of officer after claims against former chief

A former Morton Police Department officer has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and its former mayor for his termination in 2023, alleging that he was fired for bringing up concerns related to … more

By Eric Schwartz / eschwartz@chronline.com | 7/18/25

Washington state gubernatorial candidate Ethan Brunton gives a speech during his rally at the Chehalis Timberland Library on Wednesday, July 16.

Chehalis teen officially announces candidacy for governor

In American politics, being older and more experienced is often an advantage, with older politicians often edging out the younger competition. One young man from Chehalis sees things differently. … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 7/18/25