Friday news roundup: New Olympia apartments, Tumwater school district update

Here’s a digest of top stories from The Olympian on May 1, 2026, covering downtown development, a fatal sheriff’s shooting and a rift between Tumwater officials.

Here are key takeaways:

• A new mixed-use building called the Malt House at Legion Way and Jefferson Street features 57 apartments with nods to Olympia’s brewing history, according to The Olympian. Developed by Urban Olympia, units range from 381 to 970 square feet with rents from $1,275 to $2,200.

• The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations identified the Thurston County deputies involved in the April 28 shooting that killed 44-year-old Lacey resident Todd Bass, according to The Olympian. The shooting followed a high-speed pursuit.

• The Tumwater School District board has formed a work group with the City Council to plan annual joint meetings after conflict between the city and the district, according to The Olympian.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.

This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 5:12 PM with the headline "Friday news roundup: New Olympia apartments, Tumwater school district update."