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The Thurston Regional Planning Council unveiled a draft update to its Public Participation Plan. TRPC Engagement Specialist Chelsea Embree briefed members of the Transportation Policy Board at a meeting on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

TRPC unveils update to Public Participation Plan, 45-day comment period to open

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) rolled out a draft update to its Public Participation Plan, which outlines new strategies to ensure ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/9/26 | 4 comments

These are items contributed to the congressional time capsule by members of Washington state’s delegation. The capsule, to be buried beneath the U.S. Capitol visitor’s center, will be opened in 2276.

Here’s what Washington's federal representatives want residents in 2276 to know about the state

An apple carved from Tenino stone. A photo of the Nisqually Glacier on Mount Rainier. A commemorative FIFA World Cup ORCA card. And a snapshot ... more

By Jerry Cornfield | Washington State Standard | 7/9/26

Lacey City Council members and residents attended a meeting on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Lacey City Council approves telecommunications franchise for Lightcurve network

Residents and businesses in Lacey will have another option for high-speed internet service in the years ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 7/8/26 | 2 comments

Franz Anderson Village is located at 528 Franz Anderson Road in Olympia.

Funding approved for Franz Anderson Village in Olympia

The Olympia City Council approved two resolutions in support of continued operations at a low-barrier shelter and a services program for ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/8/26 | 4 comments

Olympia murder suspect dies after suffering medical emergency in custody

A 26-year-old man wanted in connection with an alleged homicide in Olympia died after suffering a medical emergency shortly after being arrested ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 7/8/26

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon arrived for a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 29, 2025.

DOJ threatens Washington state election officials with prosecution if noncitizens vote

Federal authorities on Tuesday, July 7, threatened Washington state election officials with criminal prosecution if they fail to prevent noncitizens ... more

By Jerry Cornfield and Jake Goldstein-Street | Washington State Standard | 7/8/26 | 18 comments

Lacey Fire District 3 Chief Jennifer Schmidt discusses the district's $98.3 million bond measure in Part 2 of a video series released on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Lacey Fire District 3 cites growth, rising call volume in push for $98.3M bond

Rising population, a jump in emergency calls and rapid growth near Hawks Prairie are behind Lacey Fire District 3's proposed $98.3 million bond ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 7/7/26 | 8 comments

The Thurston Regional Planning Council is developing a freight mobility strategy to better understand freight movement in the region.

Thurston Regional Planning Council pursuing freight mobility strategy

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) is launching the development of a freight mobility strategy in order to better understand freight ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/7/26 | 1 comment

Lacey City Hall is located at 420 College St. in Lacey.

City of Lacey opens bidding for Source 27 well rehabilitation project

The City of Lacey is preparing to rehabilitate its Source 27 well, a project that includes installing a 200-horsepower pump, and is now looking for ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 7/7/26

An aerial view of "The Jungle" homeless encampment in Olympia, as seen in January 2026.

Olympia mayor addresses 'The Jungle' encampment transition plan

As a regional transition team moves forward with a phased approach to close “The Jungle” encampment in Olympia, Mayor Dontae ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 7/7/26 | 10 comments

Suspect wanted for alleged assault arrested after putting deputy in headlock

A suspect was arrested after allegedly roughing up a woman and getting into a scrap with a Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) deputy in ... The incident happened … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/7/26 | 1 comment

Representatives of Thomas Architecture Studios present a rendering of the proposed Via Susina mixed-use development at the Casa Mia restaurant site in downtown Olympia. The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee held a pre-submission conference on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Casa Mia site eyed for mixed-use development in Olympia

A proposed mixed-use development at the Casa Mia restaurant site could bring up to 56 apartments and commercial ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/6/26 | 6 comments

Longtime Thurston County Superior Court Judge Murphy retires, Wood named as replacement

A new judge is going to take a seat on Thurston County Superior Court in ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/6/26

Burn ban issued for Thurston County

A temporary burn ban on residential yard waste and all land clearing burns in unincorporated areas of Thurston County begins on ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/6/26 | 4 comments

Food inspection results in Thurston County – July 6, 2026

Restaurant inspection reports focus on two types of violations: red and ... more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 7/6/26 | 2 comments

An aerial view of the Regional Athletic Complex.

City of Lacey launches sponsorship program with High Level Promotions

The City of Lacey has launched a new sponsorship program aimed at connecting local businesses with a variety of community ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 7/3/26 | 1 comment

A van pool at Timberland Regional Library in Tumwater.

Timberland Regional Library board ramps up search for executive director

The Timberland Regional Library (TRL) Board of Trustees is seeking outside assistance, as the group ramps up its search for a permanent executive ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 7/3/26 | 3 comments

Flags sit atop Olympia City Hall on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

Olympia looking to bring EV charging stations to multifamily, affordable housing properties

The City of Olympia is seeking applications from multifamily property owners interested in installing electric vehicle charging ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/3/26 | 3 comments

Fourth of July fireworks spark wildfire worries for Washington

State and local fire officials are urging Washingtonians to use caution lighting fireworks this weekend, especially as a statewide drought raises wildfire ... more

By Aspen Ford | Washington State Standard | 7/3/26 | 5 comments

Cerberus in his enclosure at Wolf Haven International in Tenino.

Gray wolves take up residence at Wolf Haven International in Tenino

Wolf Haven International welcomed the arrival of gray wolf brothers, Nicky and Cerberus, to its sanctuary in Tenino on Tuesday afternoon ... more

By Keyan Gregoire-James | 7/2/26 | 3 comments