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Washington's House Bill 1878 mandates expanded driver's education for individuals up to 21 years old by 2030, starting with 18-year-olds in 2027. The law aims to reduce high crash rates among young drivers by offering financial assistance for driving school and requiring safe driving courses for those with traffic tickets.
Matthew Klifman will succeed Kelly Wilson as board chair of All Kids Win, a nonprofit dedicated to providing food resources for homeless youth in Thurston County. Established in 2006, the organization delivers weekend food bags to students in need, aiming to alleviate hunger and improve their educational experience. Klifman, who has been involved since 2019, emphasizes the importance of these resources in supporting students facing food insecurity.
Saint Martin’s University launched the “Saints Mentor with Heart” program to support first-year students transitioning to college life by pairing them with experienced upperclassmen. The initiative aims to foster community, enhance student retention, and provide essential resources for students, particularly those who are first-generation college attendees.
The Laumua Samoan Dance Group from Thurston County won first place in the academics division at the inaugural La’u Samoa Academic & Samoan Cultural Competition on May 3, 2025. The competition, held at Mount Tahoma High School, featured 40 students showcasing their academic excellence and cultural heritage through dance. Overcoming challenges since COVID, the group nearly doubled in size and included diverse participants from multiple cultural backgrounds.
Maximo Londonio, a father from Thurston County, was arrested by federal immigration agents upon returning to Washington from a family vacation in the Philippines. His arrest has sparked community outrage, with supporters rallying for his release, expressing concerns about the impact on his family and the Filipino community.
A father from Thurston County, Maximo Londonio, was arrested by federal immigration agents at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on May 16 after returning from a family vacation in the Philippines. His family and community rallied outside the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, demanding his release.
Jason Andrew, Financial Advisor at OFS Financial Services, celebrates his 10th anniversary in 2025 and his induction into the Pacific Lutheran University Athletic Hall of Fame. A former standout baseball player, Andrew's career spans professional sports and wealth management, showcasing his commitment to coaching and community service. He emphasizes the importance of helping young athletes grow both on and off the field.
Coffee Pub NW in Tumwater celebrates its first anniversary with a revamped menu featuring gluten-free beers, smoked brisket, and a variety of events. Owners Dawn and Craig Richards emphasize community engagement, listening to customer suggestions, and offering unique culinary experiences. The pub hosts regular activities like trivia, bingo, and live music, fostering a neighborhood atmosphere.
Andrea Kunder, an associate professor at Saint Martin’s University, received the National Science Foundation's Astronomy and Astrophysics Grant for her research on globular clusters. Kunder collaborates with students, helping them co-author research papers, a rare opportunity in undergraduate education. Their work aims to enhance understanding of gravitational forces and will lead to multiple publications in prestigious journals.
Melany Vorass Herrera promotes the nutritional and environmental benefits of urban foraging, highlighting common weeds like dandelions as superfoods. Her workshops and book, “The Front Yard Forager,” educate people on how to identify, cook, and enjoy these often-overlooked plants. Foraging not only provides free food but also encourages sustainable practices and enhances outdoor activity.