Tuesday, August 19th, 2025
Good morning, Olympia. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 19th of August.
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office announced $14.6 million in grants to protect and improve Puget Sound estuaries, shorelines and salmon habitat. The grants—backed by bonds and the Climate Commitment Act—will fund projects in 12 counties and support near-shore restoration to help coastal communities adapt to climate change. ThurstonTalk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Bob Ferguson has ordered flags across Washington to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday to honor Sergeant Kenneth Salas, who died on August 9 when a vehicle struck him as he worked to remove a bale of hay from I-90 near the Four Lakes exit—flags will remain lowered until sunset or close of business and a memorial service will be held at the Spokane Convention Center at 1 p.m. FOX13
- ➤ The Olympia City Council approved adjustments to the Inspire Olympia grant funding strategy to boost support for local arts, culture, heritage and science nonprofits—changes that include raising grant caps and gradually spending down a $3.5 million reserve while keeping a target balance by 2029. The modifications will take effect with grants starting in July, and council discussions also addressed concerns about matching funds for smaller organizations. JOLT
- ➤ Intercity Transit announced that on September 7, Route 620 will be replaced by two new routes, 600 and 610, to ease congestion and better serve commuters in Olympia and Thurston County. Route 600 — focused on reducing travel time — will run on weekdays while Route 610 will offer added stops and daily service to improve connections with Pierce County and JBLM. ThurstonTalk
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Artvana Painting Class
6:00-8:30 p.m. — Cup of Swords Tavern — $33-$45 — Unwind and get creative with a fun paint night experience perfect for all skill levels.
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South Sound Block Party 2025
5 PM – 6 AM — Port of Olympia — Ticket required — Celebrate the vibrant musical arts with exciting performances at the South Sound Block Party.
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South Sound Block Party 2025
Aug 22–23 — The Port of Olympia — Get tickets now — Experience a vibrant two-day music festival along the beautiful shores of the Puget Sound with a diverse lineup.
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Wall-E Paint-n-Sip Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Insert Coin Olympia — All materials included — Create art inspired by beloved robots Wall-E and Eve while enjoying your favorite drinks.
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Coyote Island Live Performance
7:30-11 p.m. — Wild Child — $17.06 — Experience the electric sound of Coyote Island blending folk and psychedelic indie vibes.
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End of Summer Dance Party at Nicole's Bar
8 PM - 12 AM — Nicole's Bar — Check for entry fees — Switchback 360 returns for a lively evening of dancing in Olympia's favorite bar.
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ABBA Tribute with ABRA Cadabra
7:30-9 p.m. — Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Dance and sing to ABBA's greatest hits performed live by a renowned tribute band.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The price of greatness is responsibility.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Olympia
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