Employees, guests forced to take shelter after group tries to take over Olympia hotel

Employees and guests at an Olympia hotel had to take shelter for several hours Sunday after a homeless activist group tried to take over and give beds to people experiencing homelessness. 

Activists try to take over hotel in Olympia
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Dozens of people stormed the Red Lion Inn Sunday in an attempt to take over and give hotel rooms to people experiencing homelessness.

State Senate passes unemployment bill to help Washington workers, businesses

The Washington Senate has passed a measure that would increase the minimum weekly benefit for unemployed workers starting in July and would prevent a dramatic increase in unemployment taxes paid by businesses.

Washington state considers open carry ban at demonstrations

The open carry of guns and other weapons would be banned on the Capitol campus and at or near any public demonstration across Washington under a measure that received a remote public hearing Tuesday, with proponents calling it a common-sense measure amid heightened political divisions and opponents arguing it would infringe on constitutional gun rights.

Lawsuit seeks reopening of Washington state Capitol grounds

The 40-year-old Bremerton resident and U.S. Navy veteran said he filed the lawsuit in Thurston County Superior Court “because keeping the public out of the legislative building while the Legislature is in session is unconstitutional.”

Lawsuit seeks reopening of Washington state Capitol grounds

A Washington man filed a lawsuit demanding the restoration of public access to the state Capitol and surrounding grounds.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee receives COVID-19 vaccine

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi, received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday.

National Guard withdraws from Capitol, other measures remain

Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday while the Washington National Guard will begin to withdraw from the Capitol campus in Olympia, some added long-term security measures will remain in the wake of increased threats that led up to Inauguration Day.

Hurdles persist as Washington state plans for mass vaccination sites

On the anniversary of the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the United States, Washington state health officials said Thursday they are plowing ahead with plans to open four mass vaccination sites next week, despite logistical concerns that include questions about vaccine supply.

At least $1.5 million spent by Washington Patrol on security ahead of Inauguration

The Washington State Patrol has spent at least $1.5 million over the past two weeks in costs related to security at the state Capitol, and that number is expected to climb, officials said Wednesday.

Telephone of the Wind: A chance to say goodbye to lost loved ones

Telephone of the Wind in Priest Point Park in Olympia, Washington is helping give many a chance to say goodbye to lost loved ones. Q13 photojournalist Michael Driver reports.

Gov. Inslee extends Capitol security efforts through Inauguration

Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday night said the Washington National Guard would continue to support security efforts at the Capitol at least through Inauguration Day "due to evolving intelligence on security threats" posed in all 50 state Capitols.

Thurston County residents prepare for risk of flooding the next few days

Residents in Thurston County are on edge, monitoring possible flooding in the area. This after, Thurston County Emergency Services sent out an advisory that Tacoma Power increased the water flow of the LaGrande Dam, putting residents at risk along the Nisqually River.

Washington state Legislature convenes under tight security; 2 arrested

Security fencing at the Washington state Capitol was defended by National Guard members Monday as the Legislature convened amid concerns that armed groups might try to occupy the building, which is closed to the public because of the pandemic. At least two people were arrested.

State beefs up security in Olympia for the start of the 2021 legislative session

A day before state lawmakers convene for the 2021 legislative session, Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the National Guard were called in for watch at the Washington State Capitol Building.