Commentary | The Daily Chronicle

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

Commentary: Washington poll shows voters want economic focus, spending restraint, and ed transparency

Mountain States Policy Center on January 13 released results from the first annual Washington Poll , a new statewide research effort designed to help lawmakers, community leaders, and citizens better … more

By Chris Cargill | Mountain States Policy Center | 1/14/26

Julie McDonald: J. Vander Stoep discusses the importance of the Declaration of Independence

When President Abraham Lincoln recited the Gettysburg Address on Nov. 19, 1863, in a Pennsylvania cemetery where many of the 7,000 fallen soldiers still awaited burial four months after the infamous … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 1/12/26

Chad Taylor is publisher and co-owner of The Chronicle. He can be reached at chad@chronline.com.

Chad Taylor commentary: When the law becomes optional, escalation isn’t an accident

A free society runs on two things most of us claim to value, no matter what yard sign we put out every two years: the consistent enforcement of the law and leaders who don’t pour gasoline on public … more

By Chad Taylor / For The Chronicle | 1/12/26

Zac Eckstein is chair of the Lewis County Democratic Party.

Zac Eckstein commentary: In the absence of solutions, Republican legislators reach for outrage

The Washington state Legislature gavels in for a short, 60-day session this week. Before the first bill is even read, we’ve already been flooded with warnings from our local legislators: … more

By Zac Eckstein | 1/12/26

Richard Stride is the current CEO of Cascade Community Healthcare.

Richard Stride commentary: Centralia’s January doesn’t demand toughness — it encourages thoughtfulness

In January, winter has a way of sorting things out — including what really matters and what only looks like it does. I remember trying to wear my unlined Levi jacket to school in Grand … more

1/12/26

Commentary: Fairness is not a ‘bait-and-switch’ — the case for modernizing Washington’s tax code

For decades, Washington has held an unfortunate title: having one of the most unfair tax systems in the country. Despite being home to some of the world’s richest people, our tax rules are … more

By Rob Richards / For Thurston Chronicle | 1/12/26

Commentary: Washington needs a pro-growth economic agenda

As the 2026 legislative session begins, lawmakers are once again facing a multibillion-dollar budget gap. They were in the same spot last year — and they responded by passing the largest tax … more

By Kris Johnson / Association of Washington Business | 1/12/26

Sen. John Braun commentary: Refusing to take fraud concerns seriously will add to public’s distrust

Allegations of fraud involving childcare funding and other government-subsidized programs elsewhere have people here concerned that something similar could be happening in Washington. I know … more

By Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 1/9/26

Brian Mittge talks to Chris Thomas during a Business After Hours at The Chronicle in Centralia on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Brian Mittge: As we enter the new year, be it so resolved ...

OK, a week into the new year, how are your resolutions doing? The habit changes that I’m starting with in 2026 aren’t exactly strict new rules that started with the ball dropping on Jan. 1, but … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 1/9/26

Letter to the editor: As simple as to free or not to free? A Seattleite’s take on the Skookumchuck

I’ve always found academic conversations surrounding dam removal to be rather cut-and-dry. Wrapping up my environmental studies degree at the University of Washington, I can comfortably make the … more

1/9/26

Wayne Fournier is a Thurston County commissioner, former Tenino mayor, firefighter and lifelong community advocate.

Wayne Fournier commentary: When the campaign ends, the noise quiets and the responsibilities begin

January is a strange month in government. The campaign signs come down. The inbox fills back up. The adrenaline of election season fades, replaced by calendars, budgets, staff briefings and … more

By Wayne Fournier | 1/7/26

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: In this photo illustration, ZYN nicotine cases and pouches are seen on a table on January 29, 2024 in New York City. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is calling for federal action on ZYN, a popular nicotine pouch in the United States. The senator is asking the FTC and FDA to investigate the companies marketing and the health effects of the nicotine pouch. (Photo Illustration by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Commentary: Washington state’s ‘Zyn tax’ destroys health and worsens lives

You stumble out of bed, eyes barely open. Make your way to your favorite chair, going slowly so as to not fall over in your half asleep condition. Open the little box on the table next to you, your … more

By Cameron M. Bailey | 1/6/26

Chad Taylor is co-owner and publisher of The Chronicle. He can be reached at chd@chronline.com.

Chad Taylor commentary: Hypocrisy on parade — when a dictator is bad until he isn’t

For years, Nicolás Maduro has been an easily vilified figure. While Maduro's critics easily described him as an authoritarian, brutal and illegitimate leader who destroyed his country's economy and … more

By Chad Taylor / For The Chronicle | 1/6/26

Peter Abbarno commentary: Normalizing dangerous drugs is creating a new prison system in Washington

Fentanyl and other deadly drugs continue to ravage neighborhoods across Seattle and Washington state. A recent decision by newly elected Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson to allow open use of … more

By Rep. Peter Abbarno | 1/5/26

From left, Paul Zander, Chase Conaway, Larry Zander, Nora Zander and Julie McDonald Zander pose for a photo.

Julie McDonald: Holidays leave glow after spending time in my happy place

It’s another year, and the warm glow of the holidays is fading once again. Surrounded by my grown children, I kept reflecting on how I’ve morphed into one of those people I often met in … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 1/5/26

In Valerie Buck’s class at Maywood Middle School, reading and writing skills are woven into lessons on other topics. There’s also an emphasis on hands-on learning in the class, part of Issaquah School District’s experimental microschool. (Photo by Donna Gordon Blankinship)

Commentary: How microschools and other innovative K-12 programs are catching on in Washington state

Educators are exploring new and creative approaches to meeting students where they are academically; for some options, regulatory and funding frameworks are still evolving When Cadence was … more

By Donna Gordon Blankinship / The Washington State Standard | 1/5/26

Rob Richards is a Navy veteran and former congressional staffer who has been an active community member in Thurston County for over two decades

Commentary: Fairness is not a ‘bait-and-switch’ — the case for modernizing Washington’s tax code

For decades, Washington has held an unfortunate title: having one of the most unfair tax systems in the country. Despite being home to some of the world’s richest people, our tax rules … more

By Rob Richards | 1/2/26

The 2026 White Pass Country Historical Society Pioneer Calendar. Pick up your own from these fine history-minded folks at www.whitepasscountrymuseum.org, 360-494-4422.

Brian Mittge: Inspired by High Country history as the USA turns 250

A new year has arrived, and I’m celebrating with a fine gift from my friend, noted “history sleuth” Edna Fund. During a delightful New Year’s Day visit, Edna gave our family a … more

1/2/26

A recent hydrological model of the Chehalis Basin shows the changes in flood water depths after the construction of a flow-through dam and other flood infrastructure. The map was provided by the Chehalis Basin Flood Control Zone District.

Our Views: Make your voice heard on flow-through dam, a basinwide solution for flooding and fish in the Chehalis River Basin

For the last century, as Chehalis River Basin fish runs declined and flooding got worse, people argued and fought while no progress was made on either flooding or fish recovery. In the … more

By The Chronicle Editorial Board | 1/2/26

Peter Abbarno commentary: Child care deserts in Washington — families lose twice to scarcity and to fraud

Across urban, suburban and rural communities, families are living in child care deserts — places where there are far more children in need of care than licensed, affordable options available. … more

By Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis | 12/31/25