News | The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

The City of Olympia launched a new grant program that will award up to $5,000 for youth-led environmental projects.

Application period opens for youth-led climate action grants in Olympia

The City of Olympia launched a new grant program that will award up to $5,000 for youth-led environmental ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/4/26

Foundations donate to Imagination Library of Washington's free book program

A pair of new grant commitments are going to help restore Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which provides free monthly books to children ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/4/26 | 1 comment

During the Friday, July 31, 2026, canoe journey to Sequalitchew Landing, pullers traveled in 83 degree heat. Support boats contained new pullers to switch with other pullers on canoes every four hours if needed.

'Canoe Journey' gets underway with ceremonial landing

The 2026 Paddle to Nisqually Medicine Creek Potlatch Canoe Journey got underway with a ceremonial landing at the beaches along the ... more

By Keyan Gregoire-James | 8/3/26

Olympia’s Grass Lake Nature Park Trail was recognized with the Washington State Recreation & Park Association’s 2026 Trail Award.

Grass Lake trail project earns statewide recognition

Olympia Parks Planning and Maintenance Director Laura Keehan announced two major achievements for the city’s parks system, including statewide ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/3/26 | 7 comments

Dozens of people attended an event to mark the start of the first phase of turning the Olympia Armory into an arts center. The event was held on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

Construction to impact area around Daley Arts Center in Olympia

Sidewalk and utility work at the Daley Arts Center is going to make it tougher for pedestrians and motorists to navigate the area over the ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 8/3/26 | 3 comments

Food inspection results in Thurston County — Aug. 3, 2026

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

By Vanessa Casabuena | 8/3/26

A tower slide and climbing net are among the play features at Greg J. Cuoio Community Park in Lacey.

Greg J. Cuoio Community Park opens to the public in Lacey

Trails, playgrounds and picnic areas are now open at Greg J. Cuoio Community Park after the City of Lacey unveiled its newest recreation ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 7/31/26 | 4 comments

Ashley Chambers was appointed as the City of Olympia’s Housing Director. Her appointment was announced during a city council meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Olympia names Ashley Chambers as Housing Director

Olympia hired Ashley Chambers as its new housing director, a position that will oversee the city’s housing division and take the lead on its ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/31/26 | 1 comment

Active listings jump, median home price climbs in Thurston County

Active residential and condominium listings surged at the end of the first half of the year, as buyers looked to either trade up, down or out of .. more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 7/31/26 | 2 comments

Nisqually Indian Tribe hosting 'Canoe Journey'

The Nisqually Indian Tribe is hosting the "Paddle to Nisqually Medicine Creek Potlatch Canoe ... more

By Keyan Gregoire-James | 7/31/26 | 2 comments

Renderings of the proposed West Bay Yards development at 1210 West Bay Drive in Olympia.

West Bay waterfront project approved with conditions

A proposed mixed-use development on the West Bay waterfront in Olympia cleared a regulatory hurdle when a hearing examiner approved ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/30/26 | 30 comments

Tumwater Administrative Services Director Michelle Sutherland (top left) briefed the Tumwater City Council about a new memorandum of understanding with Teamsters Local 252 at a meeting on July 21, 2026.

Tumwater City Council backs deal with utility and public works employee union

The Tumwater City Council authorized a memorandum of understanding with a union representing utility and public works ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/30/26

Lacey City Council members and staff discussed the proposed 2026-35 Stormwater Strategic Plan at a work session on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Lacey City Council reviews proposed stormwater strategic plan

An update to the City of Lacey's stormwater plan recommends the expansion of programs, additional staffing and long-term capital ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 7/30/26

The Sandman tugboat, also known as Sand Man, as seen at Swantown Marina & Boatworks in Olympia on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Olympia Heritage Commission recommends delisting Sandman from register

The Olympia Heritage Commission recommended removing the historic wooden tugboat Sandman from the Olympia Heritage Register because ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/29/26 | 6 comments

Two candidates vying for Thurston County Assessor's post

The Thurston County Assessor’s race in the Aug. 4 Primary Election features two candidates who know their way around local ... more

By Keyan Gregoire-James | 7/29/26 | 4 comments

The Tumwater School District Board of Directors held the first reading on four community relations policies at a meeting on July 23, 2026.

Community relations policies formally introduced at Tumwater school board meeting

One new and four revised community relations policies that align with Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA) model policies ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 7/29/26

Eight level 2 electric vehicle charging stations are being sought for multifamily properties in Tumwater.

Tumwater seeks to subsidize installation of EV chargers on multifamily properties

The City of Tumwater is calling on multifamily property owners to apply for grant funding to support installation of level 2 electric ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/29/26 | 4 comments

A bronze Marcus Whitman statue in the Washington State Capitol building weighs over 9,000 pounds with its stone base.

Marcus Whitman statue will soon have a new home in Washington State Capitol

Visitors to the Washington State Capitol won’t be greeted by the towering figure of missionary Marcus Whitman much ... more

By Jerry Cornfield | Washington State Standard | 7/29/26 | 4 comments

Fundraiser underway for Yelm man killed at Bite of Seattle food festival

A fundraiser is ongoing for a 44-year-old Yelm man, who was shot and killed at the Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle event on ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/29/26 | 1 comment

Lacey City Council members discussed and passed Ordinance 1704 at a meeting at City Hall on July 21, 2026.

Lacey City Council adopts state-mandated housing, parking code changes

The Lacey City Council adopted state-required amendments to the Lacey Municipal Code that expand middle housing, revise parking rules and ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 7/28/26 | 1 comment