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

Traffic impacts on Legion Way in downtown Olympia

A short stretch of Legion Way will be a little bit more difficult to navigate this week because of a stormwater ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 4/14/26 | 1 comment

Vehicles motored down State Street in downtown Olympia on Monday, April 13, 2026.

Olympia City Council to weigh future of PBIA program

The Olympia City Council is scheduled to consider the future of the city’s Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA), including whether ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/13/26 | 2 comments

The price of regular unleaded gasoline was $5.419 per gallon at Marathon at State and Plum streets in downtown Olympia on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Regular unleaded gas inches higher in Olympia market

The average price of regular unleaded gasoline moved closer to an all-time high in the Olympia market, amid a ceasefire agreement in ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 4/10/26 | 4 comments

Olympia Heritage Review Commission to tackle historic Sandman tugboat’s future

The uncertain future of the Sandman tugboat, a historic vessel that could face demolition after years of deterioration, might ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/10/26 | 11 comments

South Puget Sound Community College welcomed the  first graduates of its Evening & Weekend Nursing Program. Courtesy of South Puget Sound Community College

SPSCC celebrates first graduates of Evening & Weekend Nursing Program

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) celebrated the first graduating class of the Evening & Weekend Nursing ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/9/26 | 3 comments

Olympia Arts Commission to revisit Artist in Residence program

The Olympia Arts Commission will review the city’s Artist in Residence program to assess how to address low participation in its ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/8/26

"Consumed by Fear," which was created by Jeremy Smith, won the 2025 Poster Award.

Leonor R. Fuller Gallery to host SPSCC student art exhibition

The Leonor R. Fuller Gallery is hosting its 21st annual South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Student Art ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 4/7/26

The Yashiro Japanese Garden is located at 1010 Plum St. SE in Olympia.

Yashiro Japanese Garden to close on June 1

The Yashiro Japanese Garden, a symbol of Olympia's sister relationship with the city of Kato, will close on ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/6/26 | 15 comments

Regular unleaded gasoline was priced at $5.799 per gallon at Chevron, 1018 Plum St. SE in Olympia on Friday afternoon, April 3, 2026.

Regular unleaded gas continues to climb in Olympia market

The average price of regular unleaded gasoline moved closer to an all-time high in the Olympia market, as an ongoing conflict in the ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 4/3/26 | 11 comments

The application period for the 2026 Traffic Box Wrap project will close at 11:45 p.m. on April 29, 2026.

Artists sought for 2026 Traffic Box Wrap project in Olympia

The City of Olympia has opened the application window for its 2026 Traffic Box Wrap project, which transforms every box into vibrant ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/3/26 | 3 comments

The VALOR Center in Building 22 at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia.

South Puget Sound Community College designated as Military Friendly School

South Puget Sound Community College has been designated as a 2026-27 top 10 Military Friendly School in the small community college ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/3/26 | 1 comment

An architectural rendering shows the proposed five-story Franz Anderson Permanent Supportive Housing project in Olympia. The Low-Income Housing Institute would develop and manage the 71-unit building.

Thurston Regional Housing Council backs Franz Anderson unit mix change

The Thurston Regional Housing Council (RHC) formally expressed support for a proposed change to the unit mix of a planned Franz Anderson ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/1/26 | 15 comments

Olympia School District could save $3.8 million with initial budget cuts

An initial budget reduction proposal from the Olympia School District contains administration and school-related cuts, as well as cost recovery ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/1/26

A site plan shows the proposed expansion of the Hands On Children’s Museum, which features an 18,000-square-foot addition and a connecting pedestrian bridge. Olympia’s Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission conference on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Committee reviews expansion plan for Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia

The Hands On Children’s Museum is proposing a waterfront expansion that would bring indoor and outdoor exhibits, improved public access ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/31/26 | 8 comments

Several thousand individuals participated in the third "No Kings" rally to protest the policies and actions of President Donald Trump. Olympia’s march began at Percival Landing, proceeded down Capitol Way and ended on the Capitol Campus on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

'No Kings' rally draws thousands of people to Capitol Campus in Olympia

A sea of humanity jump-started the third “No Kings” rally with a march from Percival Landing through the streets of downtown Olympia ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/30/26 | 17 comments

Port of Olympia joins regional partnership for coordination of Olympia-Lacey FIFA World Cup Fan Zone

The Port of Olympia is joining a partnership with local jurisdictions in Thurston County to organize fan events during the 2026 FIFA World ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/30/26 | 9 comments

Local advocate Sam Kellendy spoke at the Olympia City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Kellendy called for stronger protections for transgender community members.

Olympia proclaims March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility, advocates call for stronger protections

The Olympia City Council designated March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility, urging residents to respect and honor the right of ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/30/26 | 6 comments

Jim Burlingame, who served seven years on the Arts Commission, including as chair and vice chair, spoke at the Olympia City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, during a recognition of outgoing advisory board members.

Olympia City Council approves advisory board appointments, honors outgoing members

The Olympia City Council approved a new slate of appointments to advisory boards on Tuesday, March 24, while also recognizing ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/27/26 | 1 comment

Regular unleaded gasoline was priced at $5.699 per gallon at Chevron, 1018 Plum St. SE in Olympia on Friday afternoon, March 27, 2026.

Gas prices continue upward march in Olympia, state of Washington

The average price of regular unleaded gasoline is nearing some rarefied air in the Olympia market, as the per gallon cost continues to climb amid an ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/27/26 | 17 comments

Intercity Transit spending $1.42 million for storage solutions

Intercity Transit is purchasing $1.42 million in storage solutions for the maintenance building at its Pattison Street headquarters in ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/27/26 | 1 comment