Olympia eyes Jungle site, WA economy ranking, USPS ballot fight: June 3 roundup

Thurston County news June 3 included the state’s economic ranking, a major local property agreement, and a federal voting rule dispute.

Here are key takeaways:

• Washington has the second-best state economy in the nation, behind only Massachusetts, in WalletHub’s 2026 ranking that evaluated 28 indicators including unemployment, GDP growth and high-tech jobs.
• The Olympia City Council unanimously approved extending an agreement to potentially purchase the Jungle encampment property for $3 million. The 16.40 acres between Martin Way and Pacific Avenue are owned by JJP Group LLC.
• Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is condemning a proposed USPS rule requiring strict barcode requirements for mail-in ballots, calling it unconstitutional federal overreach.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.