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

A map of boundary scenario 1 for the Olympia School District.

Study recommends adjusting boundaries across Olympia School District

The Olympia School District Board of Directors is looking at the possibility of boundary realignment to provide elementary students ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/8/26 | 3 comments

Children were seen lining up for the new gaga pit at the Grand Mound Elementary School playground, which was completed on May 27, 2026.

Lumber company donates playground materials to Grand Mound Boosters

Construction of a gaga pit at the playground of Grand Mound Elementary School was completed with donated materials on ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/8/26 | 2 comments

Food inspection results in Thurston County – June 8, 2026

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

By Vanessa Casabuena | 6/8/26

Members of the 2025-26 Lacey Youth Council displayed their certificates of service with the Lacey City Council at a meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Lacey Youth Council wraps 2025-26 term with program firsts

The Lacey Youth Council presented its final report of the 2025-26 term to the Lacey City Council, in turn closing out a year marked by several program ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 6/5/26

Carlos Quiles confirmed as chief of Tumwater Police Department

The Tumwater City Council confirmed the appointment of Carlos Quiles as the new chief of the Tumwater Police ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/5/26 | 1 comment

Thurston County Sheriff's Office deputy shoots man at scene of car fire

A Thurston County Sheriff's Office deputy shot a man multiple times at the scene of a car fire after he failed to obey a directive and ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/5/26 | 1 comment

A vandal broke several windows on the side of the Washington state Capitol in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Man arrested after shattering windows at Washington Capitol

Authorities arrested a man early Thursday, June 4, after he allegedly broke several windows of the Washington state Capitol in an unsuccessful ... more

By Jerry Cornfield | Washington State Standard | 6/5/26 | 3 comments

Hop on public transit to win prizes during Ride Transit Month

Public transit riders in Thurston County could win $50 gift cards just by taking the bus this ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/5/26 | 2 comments

An aerial view of "The Jungle" homeless encampment in Olympia.

City of Olympia extends option to purchase ‘The Jungle’ encampment property

The Olympia City Council endorsed an amendment to an option-to-purchase agreement that expands the city’s access to the ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/4/26 | 25 comments

Olympia City Hall is located at 601 4th Ave. E in downtown Olympia.

Olympia extends affordable housing emergency through June 2028

Citing ongoing housing affordability challenges and growing uncertainty around federal funding, the Olympia City Council agreed to ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/4/26 | 1 comment

Olympia School District educator named Regional Teacher of the Year

Scott Le Duc, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher from Capital High School in Olympia, was named the Educational ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/4/26 | 2 comments

A view of the Lacey City Council chambers during a meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Lacey City Council proclaims June as National Family Reunification Month

The City of Lacey is celebrating families who have been able to reunify, as well as the people involved in the ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 6/4/26 | 1 comment

The facade of the 310 Israel Road building in Tumwater. The city is considering purchasing the property to turn into its new city hall.

Tumwater moves forward with potential purchase of building for new city hall

The Tumwater City Council agreed to make a $100,000 down payment toward the potential purchase of a building that could serve as the new ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/3/26 | 5 comments

Housing Program Senior Specialist Anastasia Everett presented proposed 2026 CDBG funding allocations by subrecipient and program in Olympia at a Olympia Community Livability & Public Safety Committee meeting on May 27, 2026.

Committee recommends 2026 CDBG allocations plan to Olympia City Council

A proposed 2026 Community Development Block Grant funding plan is heading to the Olympia City Council after getting the green light from a local ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/3/26 | 1 comment

Members of the Olympia School District Board of Directors clapped for the new slate of student representatives during their oath of office at a meeting on May 28, 2026.

Olympia School District welcomes new student representatives

The Olympia School District Board of Directors swore in four student representatives for the 2026-27 school year at a meeting on ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/3/26

Gov. Bob Ferguson is rejecting a lead Republican’s proposal to temporarily suspend Washington’s cap-and-trade program to decrease prices at the pump.

Ferguson rebuffs GOP lawmaker’s call to pause state climate law

Gov. Bob Ferguson is rejecting a lead Republican’s proposal to temporarily suspend Washington’s cap-and-trade program to decrease prices at the ... more

By Aspen Ford | Washington State Standard | 6/3/26 | 7 comments

A slide from Port of Olympia Executive Director Alex Smith’s presentation to the Port Commission on May 26 illustrates how much sedimentation is occurring at the north end of the shipping berths at the marine terminal.

Port commission approves $11.25M grant application for second warehouse, dredging

The Port of Olympia Commission voted 3-2 to approve a $11.25 million federal grant application with Maritime Administration ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/2/26 | 12 comments

Committee backs dozens of proposed amendments to Olympia Municipal Code

Dozens of amendments to the Olympia Municipal Code have been recommended by a committee in order to clarify development regulations ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/2/26 | 2 comments

The Olympia School District Board of Directors proclaimed June as Pride Month at a meeting on May 28, 2026.

Olympia School District proclaims June as Pride Month

The Olympia School District Board of Directors proclaimed June as Pride Month to declare support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/2/26 | 3 comments

A side of the Lacey Museum features a colorful "Greetings from Lacey Washington" window display.

Lacey Museum and Cultural Center invites public to grand opening at new location

Lacey has a new place to tell its story. The City of Lacey is now calling the public to be part of the milestone, as the Lacey Museum ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 6/2/26