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

FC Olympia’s Andre Philibbosian was assisted by a medic after suffering a knock (Photo from C-Sharp Images

FC Olympia bounces back with draw at home after heavy defeat in Ballard

A nother week of USL action in Thurston County . While the USL Artesians women’s team has a week’s break from action after their scintillating win over United PDX FC, FC Olympia’s … more

By Vince Zafra | 6/28/24

Joint Animal Services kennels full: Adopt or foster a dog today!

Joint Animal Services (JAS) is at full capacity , with its kennels filled with lovable dogs in need of homes. JAS is reaching out to the community, urging “furparents” to … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 6/17/24 | 2 comments

An expert panel addresses the growing fentanyl crisis locally and statewide in a TVW-hosted forum following a public screening of the TVW documentary. On-air personality Jennifer Huntley (left) hosts the panel including (left-to-right) State Sen. John Braun, State Rep. Lauren Davis, Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders, and Evergreen Treatment Services' Sean Soth.

Local documentary, forum tackle fentanyl epidemic

It’s no secret that opioids -- fentanyl in particular -- have blazed a path of addiction and death across this nation, and the state of Washington is no exception. As a locally produced … more

By Jeffrey Westbrook | 6/14/24 | 2 comments

Join the Meet the Beach program and get to know the different marine life in the different Puget Sound beaches such as sea stars, snails, crabs, jellyfish, and a myriad of other fascinating marine creatures.

Join Puget Sound Estuarium’s Meet the Beach 2024 and explore marine life

This summer, the Puget Sound Estuarium invites you to discover the rich marine life in Puget Sound with the Meet the Beach program. Offered for free throughout the season, these … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 6/14/24

Your tax dollars at work: Washington State Department of Health routinely tests waters for bacterial contamination. See story for list of locations from which some shellfish are currently unsafe.

Shellfish harvesting reopens in parts of Willapa Bay and some rivers

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has reopened several areas in Willapa Bay for commercial shellfish harvesting. Nahcotta, Cedar River, North River, Nemah River, and … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 6/13/24

Outgoing Superintendent of North Thurston Public Schools Dr. Debra Clemens (center) is honored with a Coast Salish Indian blanketing ceremony. River Ridge student Francheska Helton (left) and Native Student Program paraeducator Laura Bowman (right) bestow the blanket. The event happened as part of the NTPS School Board and Nisqually Tribal Council joint meeting.

Nisqually Tribal Council joins with NTPS to celebrate Native education

The combined North Thurston Public Schools Board of Directors and the Nisqually Tribal Council joint meeting focused on celebrating ways the school district and the tribe work in partnership with new … more

By Jeffrey Westbrook | 6/7/24 | 3 comments

A window in downtown Centralia, Washington on April 24, 2024.

How Western Washington history explains the rise of hate groups

It wasn’t immediately clear who challenged whom to a push-up contest at the Lewis County Pride festival in Centralia last June — the white supremacist or the Pride celebrant. It was a … more

by Leah Sottile, High Country News | 6/7/24 | 8 comments

Special Olympics athletes and local law enforcement officers gathered on June 7, 2024 before the annual Torch Run.

Law Enforcement Torch Run today for Special Olympics Washington

Olympia police officers and Thurston County Sheriff's deputies once again teamed up for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics today. It's a fundraising event for Special Olympics … more

Submitted by Lucy Hannigan-Ewing of Olympia | 6/7/24

FC Olympia’s USL W head coach Ben Willis will be leaving the Artesians to coach a pro team in the upcoming debut season of the USL Super League

Raphael Cox replaces departing Ben Willis as FC Olympia women’s head coach

FC Olympia announced on its website Wednesday afternoon that they are hiring Raphael Cox as the new head coach of the USL Women’s team of FC Olympia, replacing Ben Willis, who will now be a … more

By Vince Zafra | 6/7/24

FC Olympia’s women’s (pictured here) and men’s teams have had contrasting fortunes at the start of their 2024 USL campaigns.

USL 2024: FC Olympia women continue win streak at road while men suffer losing woes

The FC Olympia women’s side is still undefeated in the USL W League Northwest Division after they did light work in beating Oregon-based Capital FC Atletica in a 7-0 battering at their own … more

By Vince Zafra | 6/6/24

Tumwater mayor pauses plan to cut down Davis-Meeker Oak, agrees to a new risk assessment

Tumwater's plan to cut down the Davis-Meeker Oak got delayed further after the public and Tumwater City Council successfully convinced the mayor to take another look at the historic 400-year-old … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/5/24 | 10 comments

Puget Sound Energy to disconnect residents behind on payments, including vulnerable households

On May 28, 2024, Washington state’s largest utility Puget Sound Energy (PSE) announced a new plan to disconnect residential customers who have past-due gas and electricity bills, as stated in a … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/4/24 | 5 comments

Here is the guide of the closure in Boulevard Road with alternate trail access points through Karen Fraser Woodland Trail

Closures on Union Avenue and Wheeler Avenue in Olympia starting this week

Contractors will begin pouring new concrete sidewalks and curbs on Boulevard Road near the Union Avenue Pathway and Wheeler Avenue in Olympia starting this week. The work is related to … more

6/4/24 | 1 comment

Signage advocating saving the tree surrounds the 400-year-old Davis-Meeker Oak Tree on Old Highway 99 in Tumwater.

Judge rules against historic oak

Judge Anne Egeler ruled in Thurston County Superior Court today (Friday, May 31) against a movement to save the historic Davis-Meeker Garry Oak tree that Tumwater mayor Debbie Sullivan has vowed to … more

By Jeffrey Westbrook | 5/31/24 | 19 comments

A bus pulling into the Intercity Transit bus stop in Olympia

Intercity Transit ending rider alerts on social media

Starting Monday, June 17, Intercity Transit will cease posting rider alerts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). This decision comes in response to changes in the algorithms of … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/31/24

This woman, who granted permission for this photograph, contends that the water cannon on the fire truck knocked down her and her tent and destroyed some of her belongings.

Car fire in The Jungle pits homeless residents against firefighters

On April 24 the Olympia Fire Department responded to a car fire in The Jungle, the homeless encampment located near the 3200 block of Martin Way East. As KOMO News reported on May 23, … more

By JM Simpson | 5/29/24 | 16 comments

Estuarium Drag Benefit Show: Walk the Plank: Drag on the Salish Sea

Puget Sound Estuarium to celebrate Pride Month with events for all ages

In celebration of Pride Month, the Puget Sound Estuarium is hosting a series of events to recognize diversity through visibility of LGBTQIA+ individuals in STEM, as well as educate the community … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/28/24 | 3 comments

Detour routes have been established for both southbound and northbound travelers, with clear signage and reader boards to guide motorists because of the temporary closure of Waddell Creek Road SW, from 90th Lane SW to 86th Lane SW, starting June 3 and continuing until June 30, according to Thurston County Public Works.

Temporary Road Closure on Waddell Creek Road SW on June 3 to 30

There will be a temporary closure of Waddell Creek Road SW, from 90th Lane SW to 86th Lane SW, starting June 3 and continuing until June 30, according to Thurston County Public Works. The … more

5/28/24

Annette Sloan, Chantel and Matt Wagner with their service pony Apollo

Music for a Cause on Memorial Day Weekend highlights and photos

Change the Narrative WA hosted the Music For a Cause music festival in Huntamer Park in Lacey WA on May 25, 2024. This was their 2nd event during the Memorial Weekend. There were … more

By Gloria Towne | 5/27/24 | 1 comment

Nervous veteran talking loudly to psychiatrist during therapeutical videoconference via laptop computer

More military veterans and active duty service members are dying by suicide than in battle – understanding why can help with prevention

Although service members know they may lose their lives in combat in service of their country, they may not expect to lose their lives – or those they love – to suicide. April Smith , Auburn University Although service … more

April Smith, Auburn University | 5/27/24 | 3 comments