News | The Daily Chronicle

Washington DNR introduces prescribed fire notifications

Washington's Department of Natural Resources launched its recently launched its automated prescribed fire notification service to keep people informed about burns near them or anywhere in the state. … more

Yakima Herald-Republic (TNS) | 10/10/25

Federal officers deployed CS gas, flash grenades and less-lethal rounds outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland on June 14, 2025, after protesters formed a shield wall and broke a glass door with a stop sign. The confrontation, declared a riot by police, followed a citywide

Washington state GOP backs Trump troop deployments; some hope Seattle is next

As President Donald Trump escalates military deployments to U.S. cities, some prominent Washington Republicans and conservative activists are praising the moves — and suggesting they’d … more

Jim Brunner / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 10/10/25

Mount Rainier’s reflection appears over Reflection Lake in Mount Rainier National Park on Saturday, Aug. 9.

What makes Washington one of top 10 states for hiking?

From Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier National Park to The Enchantments near Leavenworth, the Evergreen State is home to some stunning trails. And whether you’re a seasoned backpacker hoping … more

Sara Schilling / The Olympian (TNS) | 10/10/25

Max J. Hancock, 49, Winlock, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Winlock man accused of pushing wheelchair-bound wife and dog out of moving car

Winlock man Max J. Hancock, 49, faces multiple felony charges after he allegedly struck his wife in the face and pushed her out of a moving car the morning of July 1. When a Lewis County … more

By The Chronicle staff | 10/9/25

Kenneth R. Sanwald, 35, Morton, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Thursday, Oct. 9.

Morton man accused of child rape

Morton man Kenneth R. Sanwald, 35, faces up to life in prison on charges that he committed child rape over the course of two years, from 2022 to 2024. Sanwald’s alleged crimes … more

By The Chronicle staff | 10/9/25

Attorney General Nick Brown Waves to lawmakers during a joint legislative session in the House chambers at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Press proposal to improve transparency in Washington state advances

Access to public records in Washington, which has become slower in recent years, should improve under new rules introduced by state Attorney General Nick Brown. Prompted by a petition from media … more

Brier Dudley / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 10/9/25

Flags were toppled over and burned during the break-in.

No arson charge for man accused of burning flags in Washington state Capitol break-in

Thurston County prosecutors filed one felony count against the man accused of breaking into the state Capitol building Sunday night, but were awaiting further evidence before deciding whether to … more

Caitlyn Freeman / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 10/9/25

Pickup driver accused of DUI, crashing into Pierce County deputy’s patrol car

The driver of a pickup has been arrested on suspicion of DUI after crashing head-on into a Pierce County sheriff deputy’s patrol car Wednesday afternoon. Traffic deputies were dispatched … more

Puneet Bsanti / The News Tribune (TNS) | 10/9/25

Police discover child porn on 78-year-old’s desk during welfare check, Washington cops say

Police discovered child sexual abuse material on a 78-year-old man’s desk during a welfare check in Washington, authorities said. Authorities responded to his home at about 1:15 p.m. Oct. … more

Helena Wegner / The News Tribune (TNS) | 10/9/25

Kaiser Medicare notices spark panic in Washington state

Last week, people in Washington who get their Medicare Advantage coverage through Kaiser Permanente received a seemingly worrisome letter in the mail. “Your Medicare plan won't be offered … more

Jessica Fu / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 10/9/25

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

What to expect at Mount Rainier National Park during the government shutdown

Were you thinking of one last visit to Mount Rainier before the snow piles up? It’s going to take more planning than usual. The U.S. government shut down on Oct. 1 after Congress failed to … more

Isabela Lund / The News Tribune (TNS) | 10/9/25

ICE arrests U.S. citizen in Oregon; attorney decries ‘illegal abduction’

Francisco Miranda, a U.S. citizen caught up in the Trump administration’s immigration sweep, was able to record his arrest in Portland before ICE agents confiscated his cellphone. While … more

Yesenia Amaro / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 10/9/25

‘Dew’ process lets Oregon suspect resolve case with one Baja Blast soda

The felony case against a woman caught driving a hot-wired car ended late last month — not with the bang of a gavel, but the fizz of a soda. Peter Higginbotham, whose 1996 Toyota Camry … more

Zane Sparling / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 10/9/25

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem surveys South Portland from the roof of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Tues., Oct. 7, 2025.

Kristi Noem calls Oregon leaders liars, says feds will ‘double down’ in Portland

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Thursday that her agency would “double down” in Portland after state and local leaders rebuffed a series of demands she made during a … more

Shane Dixon Kavanaugh / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 10/9/25

Wife of Cowlitz County football coach hands out Charlie Kirk shirts to team

Deirdre Phelps, wife of Kalama head football coach Mike Phelps, handed out shirts with slogans supporting Charlie Kirk to some members of the football team Wednesday. The shirts feature a … more

Minka Atkinson / The Daily News | 10/9/25

How Washington state’s public pension system planning could cost taxpayers down the road

Washington state’s public pension system is among the best funded in the nation, but concerns remain that long-term planning decisions could end up costing taxpayers in more ways than one. … more

By TJ Martinell / The Center Square | 10/9/25

Will Washington state Legislature, governor fund state worker contracts in the 2026 supplemental budget?

The Washington State Office of Financial Management has released cost estimates for the two recently approved Washington Public Employee Association contracts for fiscal year 2026: one for General … more

By Brett Davis / The Center Square | 10/9/25

Florida teens credited for averting school shooting plot in Washington state

Two teenage boys in Florida are being called heroes for their response to a five-second TikTok video last month that may well have averted disaster all the way across the country. The video, … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 10/9/25

Washington State Ferries will need to keep its oldest ferries running for at least five more years before relief arrives. Shown here is the 66-year-old Tillikum being pushed by a tug after a summer breakdown. (Photo by Tom Banse)

Wait for new Washington state ferries grows even longer with selection of Florida shipyard

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson celebrated the state’s award of a $715 million contract for three hybrid electric ferries in July as a milestone in his drive to improve the nation’s largest … more

By Tom Banse and Jerry Cornfield / Washington State Standard | 10/9/25

U.S. President Donald Trump, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on October 9, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Trump threatens ‘permanent’ cuts to Democratic programs on day nine of shutdown gridlock

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Thursday he’s prepared to cancel funding approved by Congress that he believes is going toward programs supported by Democrats, though he … more

By Jennifer Shutt / States Newsroom | 10/9/25