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

Washington gained more than 10,000 jobs in May, according to the state Employment Security Department. But the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.2%.

Washington employers added jobs in May, but unemployment rate stays stuck at 5.2%

Washington’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% in May even as the economy added roughly 10,000 jobs, its highest one-month gain ... “A strong month of growth is welcome … more

By Jerry Cornfield | Washington State Standard | 6/19/26

Free summer lunch program starts on June 22 for Olympia School District

The Olympia School District announced the opening of its free summer lunch program for children 18 and ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/19/26

'The three ring circus'

It was 2016 and Tumwater had a problem: too many vehicles were trying to pass through the intersection at Capitol Boulevard SE and ... more

By Ted Wham | For The JOLT | 6/18/26 | 2 comments

After a lengthy debate over the city’s grant process, the Olympia City Council approved more than $3 million in Inspire Olympia Program funding for 85 local organizations at a meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Olympia City Council approves over $3M in Inspire Olympia grants after lengthy debate

The Olympia City Council approved more than $3 million in cultural grants after a lengthy debate over transparency, oversight and ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/18/26 | 1 comment

Lacey Community Academy participants met with Lacey City Council members in small group rotations during the program's final session at the Lacey City Hall on May 28, 2026.

Lacey Community Academy graduates second cohort

The City of Lacey marked another milestone in its push to make local government more accessible to the public with the graduation of ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 6/18/26 | 1 comment

The Olympia City Council endorsed a proclamation designating June 19 as Juneteenth.

Olympia marks Juneteenth with call for unity, continued support for Black community

The Olympia City Council proclaimed Friday, June 19, as Juneteenth, while emphasizing its significance as both a celebration of freedom and a ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/18/26 | 7 comments

Pedestrian refuge at a three ring circus roundabout in Tumwater.

'The three ring circus'

In yesterday’s segment, the reality of how local government planning activities are dominated by adherence to the requirements of the state’s Growth Management Act was described. In today’s … more

By Ted Wham | For The JOLT | 6/17/26 | 6 comments

The Port of Olympia's Port Plaza is the site of Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone kicks off on Friday

The Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone will open at Port of Olympia’s Port Plaza on Friday, June 19, giving the public a unique experience for watching 2026 ... more

By Keyan Gregoire-James | 6/17/26 | 9 comments

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

Olympia School District to present 2026-27 budget

The recommended budget for the 2026-27 school year is going before the Olympia School District Board of Directors amid a backdrop of ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/17/26

The state of Washington is being sued because of millions of dollars of cuts in state funding for assisted living facilities that care for patients on Medicaid.

State sued over assisted living spending cuts

Faced with a budget shortfall this year, Washington Democratic lawmakers relied on spending cuts and other maneuvers to ... more

By Jake Goldstein-Street | Washington State Standard | 6/17/26

Website page for the City of Tumwater's Comprehensive Plan

'The three ring circus'

A strict state law passed three decades ago was designed to contain high density growth in Washington state, altering the fabric of our ... more

By Ted Wham | For The JOLT | 6/16/26 | 11 comments

Olympia Finance Director Mike Githens presented a slide outlining the potential impact of a levy lid lift during an Olympia Finance Committee meeting on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Levy lid lift could help Olympia deal with rising costs, budget issues

A levy lid lift may be needed in the years ahead in order to help the City of Olympia deal with rising costs, constrained revenue growth ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/16/26 | 4 comments

The Olympia Union Gospel Mission is wrapping up work on the addition of 10 new tiny houses in order to broaden its mission to help the homeless. The houses are seen here on June 3, 2026.

Building on a prayer

Camp Mercy is a five-unit tiny house village in a part of Olympia Union Gospel Mission (OUGM), which began its outreach to the homeless in ... more

By JM Simpson | 6/16/26 | 2 comments

A visitor paid tribute at The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, in this undated photo.

Lacey to host traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is coming to Lacey ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 6/16/26 | 3 comments

Olympia School District Superintendent Patrick Murphy, bottom middle, discussed the possibility of creating a family engagement position at a work session on June 8, 2026.

Olympia School District mulls adding family engagement role

A family engagement position is being weighed at Olympia School District, about two months after five family liaison positions were eliminated amid ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/16/26 | 2 comments

The roundabout at the intersection of Capitol Boulevard and Troper Road in the City of Tumwater.

'The three ring circus'

In 2024, Tumwater officially opened three closely linked roundabouts at and near the intersection of Capitol Boulevard SE and ... more

By Ted Wham | For The JOLT | 6/15/26 | 11 comments

Design Review Board to consider Briggs Professional Suites proposal in Olympia

A proposal for a new two-story commercial building in the Briggs Village area is going to be reviewed by the Olympia Design ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/15/26

Board of Health proclaims June as Gun Violence Awareness Month

The Thurston County Board of Health proclaimed June 2026 as Gun Violence Awareness Month in Thurston ... more

By Keyan Gregoire-James | 6/15/26 | 5 comments

South Puget Sound Community College is a finalist for the 2027 Aspen Prize.

SPSCC named Aspen Prize finalist for third time

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) has been named as one of 10 finalists for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/15/26

Infant formula recalled due to link to botulism case

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Washington State Department of Health ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/15/26