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

A Thurston County Sheriff’s Office patrol SUV.

TCSO patrol deputy fired after internal investigation

A Thurston County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy was terminated for allegedly failing to investigate a domestic violence incident and ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 9/23/26 | 8 comments

Lacey City Hall is located at 420 College St. in Lacey.

City of Lacey seeks members for historical, civil service commissions

The City of Lacey is looking to add new members to a couple of advisory ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/23/26

Toxic algae health advisories issued for Clear Lake and Offutt Lake

Health advisories have been issued for Clear Lake and Offutt Lake in Thurston County because of toxic algae ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 9/23/26 | 1 comment

Ballot envelopes sit in the Thurston County elections center.

Trump administration’s voter roll lawsuit dismissed in Washington

SEATTLE — A federal judge in Seattle on Tuesday, Sept. 22, tossed the Trump administration’s lawsuit against Washington seeking the state’s voter ... more

By Jake Goldstein-Street | Washington State Standard | 9/23/26 | 10 comments

Elections workers are shown processing ballots at the Ballot Processing Center in Tumwater on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 5, 2026.

Ballots mailed to military, overseas voters for Nov. 3 General Election in Thurston County

The Thurston County Auditor’s Office Elections Division said it has mailed more than 10,000 ballots out to military and overseas voters for the ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 9/23/26 | 5 comments

Lacey City Council members discussed the Franz Anderson regional housing agreement before members of the public during a meeting on Sept. 15, 2026.

Lacey City Council approves $3 million for Franz Anderson amid LIHI concerns

The City of Lacey is proceeding with a $3 million contribution to the Franz Anderson housing project despite concerns over spending and ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/22/26 | 4 comments

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

Olympia School District superintendent presents written analysis for school closures

A written analysis has been published to give the Olympia School District (OSD) Board of Directors and residents an overview of the proposed closure ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/22/26 | 6 comments

Land Use & Environment Committee members listened as Olympia Planning Commission Chair Greg Quetin briefly discussed the commission’s position on proposed home-based business regulations during a special meeting on Sept. 18, 2026.

Committee sends proposed home-based business rules back to Olympia Planning Commission

Proposed changes to the home-based business regulations are heading back to the Olympia Planning Commission for further review because of a ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/22/26 | 2 comments

CARES Program agreement renewed in Tumwater

The Tumwater City Council authorized the renewal of a grant agreement to continue funding a referral program that connects individuals to ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/22/26 | 1 comment

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

Olympia City Council to review research on low-wage workers

The Olympia City Council is set to review initial research on low-wage workers and discuss how to move forward on ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/21/26 | 2 comments

Lacey Detective Josh Dumont, center, held his Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award alongside City Manager Rick Walk, left, and Lacey Police Department Chief Robert Almada.

American Legion honors Lacey Detective Josh Dumont for service

Lacey Police Department Detective Josh Dumont was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by American Legion Post ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/21/26

A sold-out crowd of approximately 2,800 people packed the 2026 FIFA World Cup Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone at Port Plaza at Port of Olympia on Friday, June 19, 2026.

Report details turnout and impact of Olympia-Lacey FIFA World Cup Fan Zone

A report on the impact of the Olympia-Lacey 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Zone showed 7,700 people from 17 different states and other countries attended ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/21/26 | 10 comments

A sleek new Amtrak Cascades train passed through the Willamette Valley in July on a test run. Regular service with this next-generation train model begins in Washington and Oregon on Sept. 30, 2026.

Pacific Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet

A date that Pacific Northwest train riders and advocates have long awaited is finally nigh. Amtrak’s sleek, amenity-packed new trains will debut on ... more

By Tom Banse | Washington State Standard | 9/21/26 | 5 comments

Food inspection results in Thurston County — Sept. 21, 2026

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

By Vanessa Casabuena | 9/21/26 | 5 comments

A van pool at Timberland Regional Library in Tumwater.

Tumwater City Council backs TRL levy lid lift

The Tumwater City Council approved a resolution supporting the Timberland Regional Library's ballot measure for a levy lid ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/18/26 | 7 comments

The Olympia City Council proclaimed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 2026, as Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, recognizing the history and cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.

Olympia proclaims Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month

The Olympia City Council endorsed a proclamation designating Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2026, as Hispanic and Latinx Heritage ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/18/26 | 8 comments

Visitors participated in activities at a previous Thurston County Emergency Preparedness Expo.

Emergency preparedness expo returns on Sept. 26 in Lacey

Thurston County residents can prepare themselves for emergencies before something happens at an upcoming community event in ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/18/26

Olympia’s Parks, Arts & Recreation Director Sylvana Niehuser spoke about the future of the Spooner Berry Farms stand at Yelm Highway Community Park at a city council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.

Future of Spooner Berry Farms uncertain as park construction about to start

Community members urged the Olympia City Council to allow Spooner Berry Farms to remain at its current location, as the city prepares to ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/17/26 | 12 comments

The Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month proclamation was presented at a Lacey City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.

Lacey City Council proclaims Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month

Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month is being recognized in the City of ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/17/26 | 3 comments

Christine Rose’s ‘Liberty Wept,’ the 2026 People’s Choice Award winner of Olympia’s Percival Plinth Project. The city council approved the purchase of the winning sculpture on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.

Percival Plinth Project: ‘Liberty Wept’ wins 2026 People’s Choice Award

"Liberty Wept" by Christine Rose emerged as the 2026 People’s Choice Award winner of the Percival Plinth Project in ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/17/26 | 10 comments