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

Olympia Police Department Chief Shelby Parker presented crime trend data at a Community Livability and Public Safety Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Olympia Police Department reports lower crime rates, staffing shortages persist

The Olympia Police Department (OPD) reported declines in several major crime categories in 2025, while continuing to face staffing ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/8/26 | 1 comment

Olympia Council member Clark Gilman encouraged residents to participate in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive by placing nonperishable food in bags left by mailboxes for collection on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Olympia residents urged to join annual 'Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive'

Olympia City Council member Clark Gilman encouraged residents to participate in the annual "Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive," a nationwide ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/8/26

'Leaders Lead' podcast: Commissioner Emily Clouse on the record

In the latest episode of the "Leaders Lead" podcast, host Tony Taylor dives into the Thurston County political scene with an interview of Commissioner ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/8/26 | 14 comments

Women volunteers participated in the construction of houses at the Tâlíčn development in Tumwater on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Women volunteers build homes at Tâlíčn development in Tumwater

Women volunteers are helping to build several homes at the Tâlíčn, a 28-home affordable housing development in Tumwater by South Puget ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/8/26 | 3 comments

From left, Olympia Federal Savings board member emeritus Kathleen Bauknight, newly appointed board member Heather Burgess and board member emeritus Mary Gentry.

OlyFed announces board appointment and retirements

Olympia Federal Savings (OlyFed) announced sweeping board changes on April 29, including a new appointment, two reelections and ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/8/26

Regular unleaded gas leaps more than 18 cents per gallon to record high in Olympia market

Gas prices rocketed to new highs in Olympia and across the state, amid global supply concerns brought on by continued tensions in the ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 5/8/26 | 6 comments

The faces and stories of Lacey's community figures appear on traffic control boxes citywide through the Utility Wrap Program.

Lacey honors local history through utility box wrap program

Local history is now visible on street corners across Lacey after the city completed the first phase of a public art program featuring original ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/7/26 | 3 comments

The Olympia City Council unanimously approved contributing more than $500,000 from the opioid settlement fund to a regional abatement council at a meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Olympia City Council commits more than $562,000 for opioid response efforts

The Olympia City Council approved contributing $562,714 from the city’s opioid settlement fund to a regional pool to support treatment, prevention and ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/7/26 | 2 comments

A slide from Walk N Roll Program Supervisor Kerri Wilson’s presentation to the Intercity Transit Authority outlines the program’s 2025 achievements at a meeting on April 15, 2026.

Intercity Transit distributed record number of free bicycles in 2025

Intercity Transit distributed more bicycles in 2025 than in any other single year, according to a report for the Walk N Roll ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/7/26 | 3 comments

Washington Supreme Court rejects state’s attempt to unblock sheriff eligibility law

A Washington Supreme Court commissioner on Tuesday, May 5, declined to pause a judge’s ruling that blocked a new law setting stricter qualifications ... more

By Jake Goldstein-Street | Washington State Standard | 5/7/26

State agency investigating use of deadly force incident in Olympia

The three Thurston County Sheriff’s Office deputies involved in the use of deadly force incident last week have been identified, amid an ongoing ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 5/7/26

The Thurston Regional Planning Council approved a $200,000 feasibility study for the Karen Fraser Woodland Trail, as part of its 2026 Call for Projects. The planning council approved the process on Friday, May 1, 2026.

TRPC approves 2026 Call for Projects, includes Karen Fraser Woodland Trail study

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) approved its 2026 Call for Projects process, including a $200,000 funding set-aside for a ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/6/26 | 5 comments

These items from the Lacey Museum and Cultural Center's permanent collection are up for a community vote as part of Washington's America250 commemoration.

Lacey Museum and Cultural Center invites residents to vote on America250 exhibit

The Lacey Museum and Cultural Center is inviting residents to help select artifacts for a summer exhibit ahead of the nation's 250th ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/6/26

Tumwater City Hall, as seen in July 2020.

Tumwater Equity Commission holds first meeting

The first official meeting of Tumwater’s Equity Commission led to the appointment of its first chair and the establishment of early ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/6/26 | 5 comments

The Port of Olympia, as seen on Friday, Jan. 3, 2024.

Port of Olympia adopts policy for standardizing discounts for partners

The Port of Olympia Commission adopted a new policy standardizing a mechanism for providing discounts to monthly fees, including ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/6/26 | 3 comments

The South Sound Opening Day Parade takes place at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

South Sound Opening Day to feature World Cup theme, wooden boat festival

The South Sound Opening Day on Saturday, May 9, will feature the theme “Olympia, Portal to the World,” linking the city’s historic ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/6/26 | 3 comments

The City of Tumwater plans to extend a sewer line west along Trosper Road by around 6,000 feet and into smaller arterial roads.  (The JOLT staff via YouTube)

Committee recommends accepting $5.25M state loan for Trosper Road sewer extension

The Tumwater Public Works Committee has recommended the adoption of a resolution that calls for accepting a $5.25 million loan from the Washington ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/5/26 | 3 comments

The Olympia Police Department is located at 601 4th Ave. E in downtown Olympia.

Olympia police chief to present public safety update

Olympia Police Department (OPD) Chief Shelby Parker is scheduled to brief the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee on the ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/5/26

Mayor Andy Ryder holds the Child Abuse Prevention Month proclamation alongside Family Education and Support Services board member Jill Severn, left, and Executive Director Shelly Willis at a Lacey City Council work session on April 28, 2026.

Lacey City Council marks Child Abuse Prevention Month

In a reminder that healthy communities start with healthy children, the Lacey City Council proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention ... more

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

An alternate driving route around the multimillion-dollar Fones Road Corridor Project in Olympia.

Road demolition, paving work taking place on Fones Road

A street improvement project is going to make navigating Fones Road a bit trickier over the next few ... more

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