Your trusted source for local Olympia, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Two men, Christopher Snyder and Kevin Hinzpeter, are facing felony charges for allegedly setting Zebediah Schoening on fire at a homeless encampment in Olympia, Washington. The incident occurred on October 8, 2024, and Schoening died from his injuries on October 25, leading to serious legal consequences for the accused.
Enrollment in the Olympia School District is on the rise, according to Superintendent Patrick Murphy, marking the first increase since 2019. October, a peak registration month, has shown higher-than-expected figures. The article questions whether this growth can be sustained in the coming years.
The article explores the rich history of the property at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and Custer Way in Tumwater, known by various names over the decades, including the South Pacific Restaurant. It highlights its transformation from a community café during the Great Depression to a music venue and political meeting spot, reflecting the social and political evolution of the region. The piece underscores the building's significance within Tumwater's local culture and its uncertain future following a recent fire.
Closing arguments have been presented in the trial concerning the $24.6 billion merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons in Washington. The Federal Trade Commission and state officials argue that the merger could harm competition, leading to higher prices and lower quality for consumers. Kroger defends the merger as necessary to compete with larger retailers like Walmart.
Starting in April 2025, the Mega Millions lottery will implement significant changes, including a ticket price increase to $5, larger jackpots, and improved odds. These updates aim to enhance player excitement and support various charitable causes through lottery contributions.
Washington State Superintendent Chris Reykdal has urgently requested a $3.7 billion funding increase to address critical shortfalls in public school financing, particularly in special education and basic operations. This appeal comes as schools face rising costs and declining student enrollment, straining budgets statewide.
Democrat Nick Brown and Republican Peter Serrano will debate for the Attorney General position on September 19, 2024, at Seattle Central College. The event, hosted by the Washington State Debate Coalition, will be broadcast live on FOX 13 and streamed on FOX LOCAL, providing voters with insights into the candidates' positions.
Firefighters are battling a fire on the TARKA II vessel, carrying 9,800 gallons of fuel, off the Olympic Coast near Tatoosh Island, WA. The United States Coast Guard is responding to the incident, which poses significant environmental risks. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges of maritime safety in the region.
Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse has been suspended from her advisory roles due to safety concerns following her admission of purchasing a firearm for personal protection. A memo from County Manager Leonard Hernandez sparked discussions about workplace safety and staff morale. Clouse defends her stance on firearm safety and intends to continue her role as a commissioner.
In 2024, South Sound residents encountered extreme weather events, including a rare 'cannibal' solar storm that created stunning aurora borealis displays and a bomb cyclone that caused severe storm conditions. These events underscored the critical need for community preparedness as weather extremes become more frequent.