Opinion | The Daily Chronicle

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

In Centralia, the Friends of the Seminary Hill Natural Area are holding their monthly “Stroll With Friends” hike this Saturday. The hike begins at 10 a.m. or show up early at 9:30 for free coffee and conversation. This is a great, easy hike with stops to enjoy nature. This monthly event normally happens on the third Saturday of every month, so mark your calendar for May 16, June 20 and every third Saturday in the months ahead.

Brian Mittge: More screenless fun for your weekend

Are you ready to put down your phone this weekend and open your eyes to a crazy, imperfect, wonderful real-life world? I'm pumped and very grateful to the creative school board directors in … more

4/22/26

Wayne Fournier is a Thurston County commissioner and former mayor who has spent more than three decades working in public safety. His column appears in The Chronicle twice each month.

Wayne Fournier commentary: Compassion, reality and the path forward on homelessness

In my last column, I wrote about how Thurston County has built a compassionate and admirable system to respond to homelessness and how that system now faces the challenge of long-term sustainability. … more

By Wayne Fournier | 4/22/26

Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro Woolley, answers a question from the press following the State of the State address in Olympia on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Commentary: Fixing the hidden clogs in Washington state’s justice system

When we talk about public safety in Washington, the conversation rightly begins with the men and women in blue. The crisis in recruitment and retention of law-enforcement officers remains a paramount … more

By Sen. Keith Wagoner | 4/22/26

A grocery store produce section with apples, peaches and other fresh items.

Commentary: They block grocery stores, then build their own at four times the cost

Across the country, politicians are sounding the alarm about rising food prices and lack of access to grocery stores. Their solution? Government-run supermarkets. There’s just one problem: in … more

By Chris Cargill / Mountain States Policy Center | 4/22/26

Commentary: Olympia knew Washington farming is in crisis, but did nothing

As the 2026 Washington state legislative session came to a close, there was at least one thing worth noting: some of the worst anti-farm ideas introduced this year did not make it across the finish … more

By Ben Tindall | 4/22/26

Julie McDonald: Saying farewell to Centralia College’s most enthusiastic cheerleader

Few young people today realize how much they benefit from the enthusiasm and hard work of a man from Pasadena, California, who arrived in Centralia during a turbulent time in the mid-1980s. High … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 4/20/26

Gov. Bob Ferguson answers questions from the press during a legislative session preview in a Senate Hearing room in Olympia on Friday, Jan. 9.

Chad Taylor commentary: Ferguson isn’t here to reform out-of-control state government — he’s here to protect and expand it

The honeymoon period is long over and the verdict is in: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is, without question, the most disappointing governor in our state’s recent history. No, this isn’t … more

By Chad Taylor / chad@chronline.com | 4/20/26

Letter to the editor: Thank seniors for their leadership

Since arriving in Lewis County, I’ve enjoyed taking part in several rallies and sign-waving events to defend democracy in our country. Part of the fun is reading the coverage of the events … more

4/20/26

Letter to the editor: Did our lawmakers violate their oaths with illegal income tax?

Each of our legislators and other elected officials avow an “oath of office” before filling their elected position. Senators and representatives endorse their oath in accordance with SB … more

4/20/26

Letter to the editor: MGP still has the best chance to defeat Republicans

As a Democrat, I was very interested in the article concerning Mr. Brent Hennrich’s campaign kickoff. And as a Democrat, I am even more interested in keeping Washington’s Third Congressional … more

4/20/26

Letter to the editor: I hope police are following the law on drones

Your recent “Eye in the Sky” article seems to imply, according to Centralia Police Department Commander David Clary, that the use of drones is being conducted under FAA part 107. I hope the … more

4/20/26

Letter to the editor: TACO Tuesday strikes again in Iran

Recently, the NCAA playoffs were on TV and teams were playing in the Final Four to see who would make it to the finals. I can imagine the pressure on all four teams was tremendous; the reward … more

4/20/26

Letter to the editor: Trump shouldn’t be in office with criminal past

Calls for a gas tax holiday avoid the real problem. This isn’t about the state government making the best of chaos from D.C. What is the real problem? Mr. Trump attacked Iran without … more

4/20/26

Brian Mittge sings a song during the opening ceremonies of the fair at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.

Brian Mittge: Let’s emerge from a digital winter as spring bursts forth

The world is too much with us; late and soon... We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon! — William Wordsworth, c. 1802 Last night, my phone didn’t go to bed with me. I plugged … more

4/17/26

John Braun: Look no further than Olympia for the true cause of high energy costs

Who’s most responsible for the high cost of filling your fuel tank and paying for the energy your home needs? Jay Inslee wants you to put the blame solely on the White House. In recent … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 4/17/26