Your trusted source for local Olympia, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Lacey City Council invites residents to participate in the 2025 National Community Survey from May 21 to June 30, 2025. Mayor Andy Ryder emphasizes that community feedback is vital for shaping city priorities and improving services. Residents can take the survey online or request a paper copy, contributing to future city planning.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson will sign the BEAM Act into law on May 12, mandating intelligent speed assistance devices for drivers with suspended licenses due to reckless speeding. The legislation honors victims of a 2024 high-speed crash and aims to prevent future tragedies by holding dangerous drivers accountable.
North Thurston Public Schools offers an integrated preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds, fostering social and academic skills for both typically developing children and those with special needs. The program provides flexible tuition options and prepares students for kindergarten through a play-based model. Applications for the 2025-26 school year will open on May 5.
Saint Martin’s University launches a new cybersecurity degree program to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 35% increase in information security analyst roles over the next decade, with an average salary of $119,860. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills to fill millions of unfilled positions worldwide.
The Justice Department investigates a Washington state law requiring Catholic clergy to report child abuse, raising First Amendment concerns. Critics, including Seattle's Archbishop, view the law as an overreach, while supporters argue it enhances children's safety. Washington joins four other states with similar mandates, igniting debate over religious obligations versus legal requirements.
Washington's House Bill 1293 increases the base fine for littering from $50 to $125, with an additional $93 penalty for littering on state highways. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mark Klicker, is pending Governor Bob Ferguson's signature and would take effect on July 27.
The federal government investigates Washington's Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for allegedly violating laws regarding parental notification of students' gender identity changes. OSPI defends its practices, asserting that federal actions threaten student safety and privacy. The U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice are particularly concerned about policies allowing transgender students to participate in sports and use facilities that align with their gender identity.
Brewery City Pizza in Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey offers a unique menu featuring inventive pizzas, such as The Big Dill and Buffalo Fajita Chicken. The restaurant emphasizes customer feedback and has a dedicated staff, including long-term employees who have grown with the business. The family-friendly atmosphere and diverse menu appeal to both loyal patrons and newcomers.
Brewery City Pizza in Thurston County reopened after renovations, inviting families to create new memories over its iconic menu. The restaurant, a local favorite since 1982, has adapted to community feedback and improved its offerings. With updated interiors and a focus on local ingredients, it aims to remain a beloved destination into the future.
The 2025 Washington legislative session concluded after 105 days, with lawmakers passing a $77.9 billion budget and a bill limiting annual rent increases. Democrats supported these measures, while Republicans criticized them as burdensome for residents and detrimental to the economy. Governor Bob Ferguson indicated he would review the budget carefully.