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

The Cascade Pole site is located at the northern end of the Port of Olympia peninsula. The area is listed under the state’s Model Toxic Control Act due to contamination from past industrial wood treating operations.

Port of Olympia Commission authorizes contract amendments for Cascade Pole site cleanup, new headquarters

Contract amendments with firms involved with the cleanup of the Cascade Pole site, design of a new headquarters and auditing work passed muster ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/2/26

The Olympia City Council and Mayor Dontae Payne. Top row: Robert Vanderpool, left, Clark Gilman, Yến Huỳnh and Kelly Green. Bottom row: Dani Madrone, Payne and Paul Berendt.

Olympia City Council to weigh in on resolutions related to November ballot

The Olympia City Council will consider resolutions related to one regional proposition and two statewide initiatives on the Nov. 3 General Election ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/2/26

A conceptual rendering of the 5th Avenue Bridge, looking toward Budd Inlet.

Port of Olympia Commission raises concerns over Deschutes Estuary communication

Port of Olympia Commission members criticized the lack of communication with the Washington State Department of Ecology ahead of a vote on ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/1/26 | 9 comments

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee held a pre-submission conference on Wednesday Sept. 30, 2026, for the Port of Olympia’s proposed 32,500-square-foot expansion of its Swantown Boatworks yard.

Committee reviews Swantown expansion project from Port of Olympia

The Port of Olympia is proposing a 32,500-square-foot expansion of its Swantown Marina & Boatworks yard to increase capacity and improve ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/1/26 | 1 comment

The entrance to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission offices in Lacey.

PSE new rate hike proposal draws public ire at hearing in Lacey

The room was packed with a line out the door during the public comment hearing for a Puget Sound Energy rate proposal ... more

By Aspen Ford | Washington State Standard | 10/1/26 | 15 comments

What’s happening this weekend in Thurston County

Browse a huge selection of used books, attend a festival or participate in a pinochle tournament this weekend in Thurston ... more

P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/1/26

"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 | 17 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