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

Earlier this year, state staff and contractors viewed potential materials, like glass panels, for the restoration of skylights above the Washington state Capitol legislative chambers in Olympia.

More sunshine coming to state government with Capitol skylight restoration

Let there be light. When Washington state lawmakers return to Olympia for the 2027 legislative session, natural light will again shine on the House and ... more

By Jake Goldstein-Street | Washington State Standard | 5/21/26

An aerial view of "The Jungle" in Olympia, as seen in January 2026.

Olympia sets deadline for by-name list tied to 'The Jungle' closure

A May 28 deadline for a by-name list of individuals living at "The Jungle" has distressed some people, who feel the timetable is too short for equitable ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/20/26 | 16 comments

The marked project location along State Route 510 in Lacey covers four streets slated for new water main installation.

City of Lacey seeks bids for Madrona connection, water main overhaul on four streets

The City of Lacey is calling for contractor bids on a water main project on four city ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/20/26

Cycling advocates and community members celebrated the City of Lacey's Bicycle Month proclamation at a Lacey Ctty Council meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Lacey City Council proclaims Bicycle Month amid rising fuel costs 

With fuel costs climbing and transportation emissions stubbornly undercutting state climate goals, the Lacey City Council proclaimed ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/20/26 | 1 comment

Port Plaza in Olympia is the site of the Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone in June.

Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone opens ticket sales for FIFA World Cup 2026 events

Soccer fans in Thurston County, who don't want to travel this summer to catch the FIFA World Cup 2026, can experience the global event ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/19/26 | 10 comments

The Olympia School District Board of Directors approved renaming two interior spaces at Capitol High School at a meeting on May 14, 2026.

Capital High School names two interior spaces after significant contributors

The Capital High School Performing Arts Center will retain its name, while two interior spaces will bear the names of significant contributors to ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/19/26

FCS principal John Ghilarducci presented a slide outlining the proposed park impact fee methodology at an Olympia Finance Committee meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Olympia Finance Committee recommends home size formula for impact fees

The Olympia Finance Committee recommended a new impact fee structure that would scale charges based on the livable square footage of ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/19/26 | 3 comments

Gov. Bob Ferguson hands over one of the pens he used to sign House Bill 1296, the "students bill of rights" to a child who attended the bill signing.

Judge rejects lawsuit against rewrite of Washington parental rights law

A Washington judge on Friday, May 15, sided with the state as he turned back a lawsuit seeking to block a controversial 2025 law ... more

By Jake Goldstein-Street | Washington State Standard | 5/19/26

Toxic algae bloom reported in Lake Lawrence

The Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department issued an advisory for a toxic algae bloom in Lake ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/19/26

The Yashiro Japanese Garden waterfall in Olympia, as seen on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Olympia allocates $350,000 for Yashiro Japanese Garden relocation

The City of Olympia has set aside $350,000 from the sale of the Lee Creighton Justice Center property to fund planning, design and ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/18/26 | 8 comments

City of Lacey water usage peaks at 15 million gallons per day during summer months, according to a data released by the city on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

City of Lacey to enforce odd-even watering schedule through summer

City of Lacey homeowners and renters with outdoor lawns or gardens will be subject to a mandatory odd-even watering schedule from June 1 through ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/18/26 | 2 comments

Scarlett Skillman, wearing her Girl Scout Cadette sash, presented her battery recycling program to a Lions Club event on May 18, 2026.

Girl Scout to lead battery take-back event at Griffin School

A sixth grade student from Griffin School will lead a school-based battery disposal event, as part of an application process for a scouting leadership ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado and Danny Stusser | 5/18/26 | 2 comments

Olympia Federal Savings officers Casey Kilborn (top left), Sarah Caldwell (top right), Nicole Montoya (bottom left) and Cory Swank (bottom right) were promoted in May 2026.

OlyFed expands banking leadership with four promotions

Four Olympia Federal Savings (OlyFed) officers have been elevated to new ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/18/26 | 2 comments

Two downtown Olympia intersections to close for flag markings

A couple of intersections in downtown Olympia will be closed to thru traffic for two nights this week in order for contractors to apply ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/18/26

Food inspection results in Thurston County – May 18, 2026

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

By Vanessa Casabuena | 5/18/26 | 1 comment

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

Olympia Finance Committee to review new park impact fee formula

The Olympia Finance Committee is set to review a proposed new methodology for calculating park impact fees, as the city works to comply ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/15/26 | 5 comments

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency office, as seen in this undated photo.

ORCAA opens public comment on proposed fee increases in draft 2027 budget

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) wants to hear from the public on its draft Fiscal Year 2027 ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/15/26 | 3 comments

The City of Tumwater and Active Construction Inc., are currently working to build a peanut-shaped roundabout at the intersection of 2nd and Linwood avenues

Tumwater committee recommends additional funding for project at 2nd and Linwood avenues

The peanut-shaped roundabout being constructed at the intersection of 2nd and Linwood avenues in Tumwater requires additional ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/15/26 | 3 comments

The Chevron gas station at 1018 Plum St. SE in Olympia, where regular unleaded gas was priced at $5.999 per gallon Friday, May 15, 2026.

Gas prices at record levels in Olympia and state of Washington

Motorists found no relief at the pump this week, as local and state gas prices remained at historically high levels amid ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 5/15/26 | 1 comment

Hollowing out our schools: Proposed cuts in the Olympia School District budget

Olympia defines itself as a haven for artists, activists, and families. Again and again, people share stories of leaving places where ... more

By Vita Lusty | 5/15/26 | 8 comments