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"Crossroads of Connection/Roots and Fruits" by Jennifer Corio and Dave Frei, as seen at Martin Way and Pacific Avenue in Olympia.

Two more projects eyed as part of Olympia Crossings initiative

The City of Olympia plans to advance two public art projects at Harrison Avenue and Division Street and Henderson Boulevard and ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/30/26 | 2 comments

Lacey utility boxes to feature more historical stories

More local history could soon appear in public spaces around the City of Lacey, as it continues the utility box art program this ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/30/26 | 1 comment

Home sales fall, active listings jump in Thurston County

Single-family home sales retreated in the final full month of summer despite a wide range of options for prospective buyers in the ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 9/30/26 | 2 comments

A crime trends summary from Olympia Police Department, which was presented by Chief Shelby Parker at a Community Livability & Public Safety meeting on Sept. 23, 2026.

Olympia Police Department reports drops in some crime categories, staffing shortages

The Olympia Police Department (OPD) reported declines in several crime categories in the first half of 2026, while dealing with staffing challenges ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/29/26 | 1 comment

A slide from Tumwater Finance Director Troy Niemeyer’s presentation to the Tumwater City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, showed proposed rate increases to drinking water, sewer and stormwater fees.

Utility rate increases sought for 2027-28 in Tumwater

Utility rates are poised to climb in Tumwater over the next two years, as the city looks to raise the money needed to pay for capital projects and ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/29/26 | 6 comments

Thurston County Realtors Association representatives presented their Voluntary+ Home Energy Score proposal to the Lacey City Council on Sept. 22, 2026.

Lacey Home Energy Score proposal causes a divide

The City of Lacey is facing competing arguments over Home Energy ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/29/26 | 6 comments

Students and parents weighed in on proposed school closures at an Olympia School District Board of Directors meeting on Sept. 24, 2026.

Students, parents push back on proposed school closures in Olympia

Parents and students sounded off on proposed school closures ahead of a looming decision on the issue by the Olympia School District Board ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/29/26 | 12 comments

The Davis Meeker Garry oak tree in Tumwater, as seen on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.

Large branch falls from Davis Meeker Garry oak tree during windstorm in Tumwater

A storied oak tree near Olympia Regional Airport took a hit when a large branch broke off and fell to the ground during a windstorm on ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 9/28/26 | 12 comments

People are invited to join a walk audit in Olympia on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

O-POP, Walk N Roll to host Capitol Way walk and bike audit

Local residents are invited to join an Olympia walk and bike audit on Saturday, Oct. 3, as local organizations aim to highlight everyday challenges faced ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/28/26

Tumwater City Hall is located at 555 Israel Road in Tumwater.

Tumwater City Council reviews funding requests for utilities, golf course

Funding requests from the Tumwater Water Resources & Sustainability Department and Tumwater Valley Municipal Golf Course have been ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/28/26 | 3 comments

The expanded Joel Pritchard Building on the Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia after a ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.

'Better than before': Historic Washington State Capitol Campus building reopens in Olympia

More than two years of construction and $131 million later, a historic building on the Washington State Capitol Campus is ... more

By Jake Goldstein-Street | Washington State Standard | 9/28/26 | 3 comments

The Tumwater School District Board of Directors adopted three policies on Sept. 24, 2026.

Tumwater School District board adopts revised policies related to students

The Tumwater School District Board of Directors adopted policies related to the welfare of students with disabilities and responsible phone use, along ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/28/26 | 1 comment

Food inspection results in Thurston County — Sept. 28, 2026

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

By Vanessa Casabuena | 9/28/26 | 1 comment

A map showing the different segments that make up the Deschutes Valley Trail. Only Segment 1A has been completed.

Deschutes Valley Trail's longest segment coming into focus

The City of Tumwater is looking to open bidding for the construction contract of Deschutes Valley Trail’s longest segment between late October ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/25/26 | 6 comments

The Lacey City Council Chambers inside of Lacey City Hall at 420 College St. SE.

Lacey City Council to screen 29 applicants for vacant seat

Twenty-nine people applied to fill the Lacey City Council seat vacated by Nicolas Martinez-Dunning, but not all of them are guaranteed an interview ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/25/26

The Esther R. Knox Building is located at 111 Bethel St. NE in Olympia.

Olympia School District proclaims October as Disability Inclusion Month

October is Disability Inclusion Month at Olympia School District, the Board of Directors proclaimed at a ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/25/26 | 1 comment

An election worker in Thurston County processed ballots in Tumwater on Oct. 30, 2025.

Report: Washington voters of color more likely to have ballots challenged

Younger voters and voters of color in Washington state see their ballots challenged for signature issues more often than their older and white ... more

By Jake Goldstein-Street | Washington State Standard | 9/25/26 | 6 comments

Olympia City Council held a study session on workers' affordability and protections on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.

Olympia City Council explores workplace protections for low-wage workers

The Olympia City Council moved away from reviving the failed Workers’ Bill of Rights, instead agreeing to direct staff to focus on low-wage ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/24/26 | 2 comments

Lacey City Council members discussed community partnerships with Joint Base Lewis-McChord Garrison Commander Col. Joseph Handke during a work session on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.

Lacey, JBLM explore new partnerships for military community

The City of Lacey and Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) are looking for new ways to serve military personnel and families living in the ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/24/26

Intercity Transit Authority approved the purchase of up to two tube trailers for the storage and transfer of fuel for the agency’s hydrogen bus fleet.

Intercity Transit Authority approves purchase of tube trailers to support hydrogen bus fleet

Intercity Transit will procure up to two tube trailers to support its hydrogen ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/24/26 | 7 comments