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

The Joint Animal Services Commission reviewed year-end operations and animal intake figures at a meeting at Lacey City Hall on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.

Joint Animal Services reports surge in intake and calls in 2025

It was a busy year for Joint Animal Services in Olympia, as animal intake and field calls jumped in ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 2/10/26 | 12 comments

This map shows an alternate driving route around the Fones Road Corridor Project in Olympia.

Stormwater facilities project underway on Fones Road

A flood prevention and water quality protection project is underway, as part of the multimillion-dollar Fones Road ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 2/10/26

A flag of resistance was on display at the Resist, Persist, Repeat! rally at Heritage Park in downtown Olympia on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

Demonstrators undeterred by rain at 'Resist, Persist, Repeat!' rally

A wet and windy Saturday could not dampen the spirits of a boisterous crowd, who turned out at Heritage Park in downtown Olympia to mark .. more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 2/9/26 | 16 comments

Equity Commission members and officials from Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater participated in a group discussion at the Lacey Human Services Commission meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026.

Lacey Human Services Commission hosts discussion on challenges faced by DEIB programs

Representatives from Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater are working on a regional response to challenges faced by diversity, equity, inclusion ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 2/9/26 | 3 comments

Olympia Mayor Pro Tem Yen Huynh said city governments must be creative and strategic in dealing with ICE activity. She made her remarks at a city council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.

Olympia City Council explores possible ban on ICE activity at city-owned facilities

The Olympia City Council has directed City Manager Jay Burney to explore a potential policy prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/6/26 | 13 comments

The Olympia City Council approved an emergency resolution waiving competitive bidding requirements for the Public Works Department to address flooding on 28th Avenue. The council made the decision at a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.

Olympia City Council approves emergency resolution to address 28th Avenue flooding

The Olympia City Council approved an emergency resolution to address ongoing flooding on 28th Avenue, west of Cooper Point Road, at a meeting ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/5/26 | 1 comment

Army veteran Danny Burkett, founder and CEO of Our Ark, sits at her kitchen table on Jan. 10, 2026, just before beginning a 45-day walk in order to raise awareness about youth and young adult homelessness.

Walking to help homeless youths and young adults

Danny Burkett walks her talk when advocating for homeless youths and ... more

By JM Simpson | 2/5/26 | 2 comments

Javoen Byrd, Executive Director of the Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture, spoke at the Olympia City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, as part of recognizing Black History Month.

Heated exchange disrupts recognition of Black History Month at Olympia City Council meeting

The Olympia City Council’s recognition of Black History Month was disrupted when a guest speaker’s remarks escalated into a heated ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/4/26 | 20 comments

At a meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, the Olympia City Council voted unanimously to support the Olympia School District’s Proposition 1, a replacement levy that would support technology and capital projects.

Olympia City Council supports school district’s Proposition 1

The Olympia City Council approved a resolution in support of Olympia School District’s Proposition 1, a four-year technology and capital ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/3/26 | 4 comments

SPSCC Theatre Collective to present 'Single Black Female'

The South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Theatre Collective is bringing "Single Black Female" by playwright Lisa B. Thompson to the ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 2/3/26

The Lee Creighton Justice Center sign outside the Olympia Municipal Courthouse, as seen on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.

Olympia Municipal Court to close Feb. 4, services transition to Thurston County District Court

All court services handled by Olympia Municipal Court will be provided by Thurston County District Court beginning Feb. 5, signaling official closure ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/2/26 | 6 comments

An aerial view of "The Jungle" homeless encampment in Olympia.

No immediate closure for ‘The Jungle’ in Olympia, advocates want residents involved in planning

Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne attempted to quell chatter tied to a remark he made earlier this month about plans for the potential closure of a large ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/30/26 | 31 comments

Bill Daley, a former Olympia mayor, is remembered as a visionary civic leader who championed the arts. The Olympia Armory was officially renamed the Daley Art Center in his honor.

Olympia City Council names three public spaces after former civic leaders

With strong backing from community members, the Olympia City Council unanimously approved the official naming of three public ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/29/26 | 2 comments

A map shows Port of Olympia’s sampling area for Sub-area 3 of Budd Inlet, which the port has been studying to determine the extent of its contamination.

Port of Olympia to resume sediment sampling in Budd Inlet

The Port of Olympia plans to resume sediment sampling in Budd Inlet by late February or early March, as part of its effort to determine the extent ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 1/29/26 | 4 comments

At least 200 people lined 4th Avenue in downtown Olympia in protest of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.

Olympia, Thurston County to coordinate response to potential federal enforcement

Citing recent federal immigration enforcement efforts in other cities, Mayor Dontae Payne said Olympia is coordinating with ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/28/26 | 33 comments

Intercity Transit is going to buy 18 new hybrid buses in a deal valued at $31.4 million.

Intercity Transit to spend $31.4 million on 18 hybrid buses

It's going to be out with the old and in with the new for buses at Intercity ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 1/28/26 | 9 comments

Renderings of the proposed West Bay Yards development at 1210 West Bay Drive in Olympia.

Olympia issues SEPA determination for West Bay Yards project, seeks public input

Olympia has approved the environmental review for the West Bay Yards development, clearing a key hurdle for the waterfront ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/27/26 | 21 comments

An early concept proposal from Kalyan Hospitality for a Port of Olympia property on Marine Drive envisions a 120-room hotel with a restaurant, rooftop bar and event space. The company also proposes including public-facing amenities, such as a plaza, promenade connections and retail space.

Hotel company expresses interest in developing waterfront property at port peninsula

A hotel company has submitted a proposal to the Port of Olympia to develop a waterfront site at the port ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 1/27/26 | 14 comments

Voter registration deadlines loom for Feb. 10 Special Election in Thurston County

A couple of key voter registration deadlines are approaching ahead of the Feb. 10 Special Election in Thurston ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 1/27/26

The Olympia City Council is going to consider a resolution in support of Olympia School District No. 111 Proposition 1, a technology and capital projects replacement levy, at a meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.

Olympia City Council to consider resolution backing school district replacement levy

The Olympia City Council is going to consider a resolution expressing support for Olympia School District No. 111 Proposition 1, a technology and ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/26/26 | 7 comments