Your trusted source for local Olympia, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
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.
Lacey City Council invites residents to participate in the 2025 National Community Survey from May 21 to June 30, 2025. Mayor Andy Ryder emphasizes that community feedback is vital for shaping city priorities and improving services. Residents can take the survey online or request a paper copy, contributing to future city planning.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson will sign the BEAM Act into law on May 12, mandating intelligent speed assistance devices for drivers with suspended licenses due to reckless speeding. The legislation honors victims of a 2024 high-speed crash and aims to prevent future tragedies by holding dangerous drivers accountable.
North Thurston Public Schools offers an integrated preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds, fostering social and academic skills for both typically developing children and those with special needs. The program provides flexible tuition options and prepares students for kindergarten through a play-based model. Applications for the 2025-26 school year will open on May 5.
Saint Martin’s University launches a new cybersecurity degree program to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 35% increase in information security analyst roles over the next decade, with an average salary of $119,860. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills to fill millions of unfilled positions worldwide.
The Justice Department investigates a Washington state law requiring Catholic clergy to report child abuse, raising First Amendment concerns. Critics, including Seattle's Archbishop, view the law as an overreach, while supporters argue it enhances children's safety. Washington joins four other states with similar mandates, igniting debate over religious obligations versus legal requirements.
Washington's House Bill 1293 increases the base fine for littering from $50 to $125, with an additional $93 penalty for littering on state highways. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mark Klicker, is pending Governor Bob Ferguson's signature and would take effect on July 27.
The federal government investigates Washington's Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for allegedly violating laws regarding parental notification of students' gender identity changes. OSPI defends its practices, asserting that federal actions threaten student safety and privacy. The U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice are particularly concerned about policies allowing transgender students to participate in sports and use facilities that align with their gender identity.