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

"Crossroads of Connection/Roots and Fruits" by Jennifer Corio and Dave Frei, as seen at Martin Way and Pacific Avenue in Olympia.

Two more projects eyed as part of Olympia Crossings initiative

The City of Olympia plans to advance two public art projects at Harrison Avenue and Division Street and Henderson Boulevard and ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/30/26 | 2 comments

A crime trends summary from Olympia Police Department, which was presented by Chief Shelby Parker at a Community Livability & Public Safety meeting on Sept. 23, 2026.

Olympia Police Department reports drops in some crime categories, staffing shortages

The Olympia Police Department (OPD) reported declines in several crime categories in the first half of 2026, while dealing with staffing challenges ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/29/26 | 1 comment

Students and parents weighed in on proposed school closures at an Olympia School District Board of Directors meeting on Sept. 24, 2026.

Students, parents push back on proposed school closures in Olympia

Parents and students sounded off on proposed school closures ahead of a looming decision on the issue by the Olympia School District Board ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/29/26 | 15 comments

People are invited to join a walk audit in Olympia on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

O-POP, Walk N Roll to host Capitol Way walk and bike audit

Local residents are invited to join an Olympia walk and bike audit on Saturday, Oct. 3, as local organizations aim to highlight everyday challenges faced ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/28/26

The Esther R. Knox Building is located at 111 Bethel St. NE in Olympia.

Olympia School District proclaims October as Disability Inclusion Month

October is Disability Inclusion Month at Olympia School District, the Board of Directors proclaimed at a ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/25/26 | 1 comment

Olympia City Council held a study session on workers' affordability and protections on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.

Olympia City Council explores workplace protections for low-wage workers

The Olympia City Council moved away from reviving the failed Workers’ Bill of Rights, instead agreeing to direct staff to focus on low-wage ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/24/26 | 2 comments

Olympia School District superintendent presents written analysis for school closures

A written analysis has been published to give the Olympia School District (OSD) Board of Directors and residents an overview of the proposed closure ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/22/26 | 6 comments

Land Use & Environment Committee members listened as Olympia Planning Commission Chair Greg Quetin briefly discussed the commission’s position on proposed home-based business regulations during a special meeting on Sept. 18, 2026.

Committee sends proposed home-based business rules back to Olympia Planning Commission

Proposed changes to the home-based business regulations are heading back to the Olympia Planning Commission for further review because of a ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/22/26 | 2 comments

Olympia City Hall is located at 601 4th Ave. E in downtown Olympia.

Olympia City Council to review research on low-wage workers

The Olympia City Council is set to review initial research on low-wage workers and discuss how to move forward on ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/21/26 | 2 comments

A sold-out crowd of approximately 2,800 people packed the 2026 FIFA World Cup Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone at Port Plaza at Port of Olympia on Friday, June 19, 2026.

Report details turnout and impact of Olympia-Lacey FIFA World Cup Fan Zone

A report on the impact of the Olympia-Lacey 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Zone showed 7,700 people from 17 different states and other countries attended ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/21/26 | 10 comments

The Olympia City Council proclaimed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 2026, as Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, recognizing the history and cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.

Olympia proclaims Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month

The Olympia City Council endorsed a proclamation designating Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2026, as Hispanic and Latinx Heritage ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/18/26 | 8 comments

Olympia’s Parks, Arts & Recreation Director Sylvana Niehuser spoke about the future of the Spooner Berry Farms stand at Yelm Highway Community Park at a city council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.

Future of Spooner Berry Farms uncertain as park construction about to start

Community members urged the Olympia City Council to allow Spooner Berry Farms to remain at its current location, as the city prepares to ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/17/26 | 12 comments

Christine Rose’s ‘Liberty Wept,’ the 2026 People’s Choice Award winner of Olympia’s Percival Plinth Project. The city council approved the purchase of the winning sculpture on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.

Percival Plinth Project: ‘Liberty Wept’ wins 2026 People’s Choice Award

"Liberty Wept" by Christine Rose emerged as the 2026 People’s Choice Award winner of the Percival Plinth Project in ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/17/26 | 10 comments

Olympia School District Superintendent Patrick Murphy released a letter addressing the school closure process.

Olympia School District superintendent proposes closure of three schools

Three schools are being considered for closure in the Olympia School District (OSD), as a means to produce roughly $3.1 ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/15/26 | 9 comments

LOTT Finance and Administration Director Justin Long presented the proposed 2027-28 Budget and Capital Improvements Plan during the LOTT Board of Directors meeting on Sept. 9, 2026.

LOTT proposes $146.1 million budget with higher wastewater rates

The LOTT Clean Water Alliance is proposing two consecutive annual wastewater rate increases, as part of a $146.1 million budget weighted ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/15/26

An exposed girder seat on a piece of the Capitol Way pedestrian bridge shows decades of corrosive wear.

Capitol Way pedestrian bridge undergoing $1.2M rehabilitation

One of the most visible features of the Washington State Capitol Campus has been dismantled this ... more

By Jay Fratt | For The JOLT | 9/15/26 | 1 comment

The Olympia School District Board of Directors discussed the Start of School Enrollment Update for school year 2026-27 at a meeting on Sept. 10, 2026.

More than 8,700 students attend beginning of classes in Olympia

The Olympia School District reported that 8,753 students showed up for the beginning of classes in September, down more than 100 students from the ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/14/26 | 4 comments

The Yashiro Garden waterfall in Olympia, as seen on Friday, May 15, 2026. The garden was built to honor the friendship between Olympia and what was then Yashiro, Japan. In 2005, Yashiro merged with neighboring cities to form the City of Kato.

Olympia to unveil Kato Street designation in honor of sister city partnership

The City of Olympia is going to unveil an honorary Kato Street designation outside City Hall in honor of its 45-year friendship with ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/14/26 | 4 comments

Olympia School District board proclaims October as Walk to School Month

To encourage the safety and health of children, the Olympia School District Board of Directors proclaimed October as Walk to School ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/14/26

Olympia Fire Department leaders, top, and Lacey Fire District 3 leaders, bottom, displayed certificates of recognition from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for supporting employees with military service obligations.

Olympia, Lacey fire department leaders honored for support of service members

Fire department leaders in Olympia and Lacey were recognized for their support of employees serving in the National Guard and ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/11/26