Headline

Latest News in Olympia, WA

Your trusted source for local Olympia, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.

Man threatens 4 teens with a handgun in downtown Olympia Sunday morning

A 28-year-old man was arrested in downtown Olympia after threatening four teenagers with a handgun early Sunday morning. The incident escalated when the suspect fired a shot into the air, prompting the teens to flee. He faces multiple charges, including felony harassment and unlawful possession of a firearm.

WA Gov. Inslee directive freezes nonessential hiring, spending amid projected $10B-$12B budget gap

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has ordered a freeze on nonessential hiring and spending across state agencies due to a projected budget shortfall of $10 to $12 billion. Essential positions and critical expenditures are exempt from this freeze, which aims to promote fiscal responsibility.

Man confronts teens with handgun in downtown Olympia Sunday | The Olympian

A 28-year-old man was arrested in downtown Olympia after threatening four teens with a handgun and firing a shot into the air. The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, was reportedly linked to a confrontation over noise and displaced tents occupied by homeless residents. The suspect faces multiple charges, including felony harassment and unlawful possession of a firearm.

DES secures $1M grant to build berm for Deschutes Estuary

The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services has secured a $1 million federal grant for the Deschutes Estuary restoration project in Olympia, aimed at enhancing flood resilience. This funding will support the design and permitting of a habitat berm along Heritage Park's shoreline, part of a larger initiative funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which seeks to protect local communities from flooding and restore vital natural habitats.

Man arrested after smashing foot, making threats from balcony | The Olympian

A parking incident in west Olympia escalated when a driver accidentally ran over a man's foot, leading to threats of violence. The driver brandished a pellet gun from a balcony, resulting in his arrest for vehicular assault and felony harassment. This incident highlights the dangers of aggressive confrontations over minor disputes.

DES secures $1M grant to build berm for Deschutes Estuary | The Olympian

The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services has secured a $1 million federal grant to support the Deschutes Estuary restoration project in Olympia. This funding will aid in the design and permitting of a habitat berm at Heritage Park, enhancing flood resilience and protecting the shoreline from climate change impacts.

WA Gov. Inslee freezes nonessential hiring, spending amid projected $10B-$12B budget gap

Governor Jay Inslee has announced a hiring freeze on nonessential positions within Washington state agencies due to a projected budget shortfall of $10 billion to $12 billion. This directive also includes a pause on noncritical service contracts and equipment spending, while allowing for the filling of essential vacancies. Inslee has encouraged other state agencies and institutions to adopt similar measures for immediate savings.

Every president has issued pardons — except for these two | The Olympian

President Joe Biden's recent pardon of his son Hunter has sparked bipartisan criticism, highlighting the contentious nature of presidential pardons. Historically, only William Henry Harrison and James Garfield did not issue pardons during their presidencies, primarily due to their brief time in office. This article explores the nuances of presidential clemency and the unique circumstances surrounding these two presidents.

Every president has issued pardons — except for these two | The Olympian

President Biden's recent pardon of his son Hunter has ignited controversy across the political spectrum. The article notes that only two U.S. presidents, William Henry Harrison and James Garfield, never issued pardons due to their short time in office before their deaths.

South Sound Running selling stores to Fleet Feet Puget Sound | The Olympian

South Sound Running, a local retailer in Olympia since 1998, is selling its Olympia and Puyallup stores to Fleet Feet Puget Sound as the owners retire. This transition will allow Fleet Feet to continue supporting the local running community through events and training programs, with the new ownership expected to take over in January 2025.

News Topics