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Today’s edition · Fri., Nov. 13

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Olympia School Board votes to close three elementary schools

If you have a kid at Madison, McKenny or LP Brown, the Olympia School Board voted Thursday night to close all three elementaries, and they will close next year.

The Daily Olympia team · 1 min read · 2 sources

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$3.1 millionestimated yearly savings from closing three elementaries

Murphy told district families the closures would amount to about $3.1 million in annual savings.

Source: KOMO

Today in OlympiaFri., Nov. 13

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  • Sunset 4:39 p.m.

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From Daily Olympia’s editions this week

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Health CareInsurers propose a 22.2% average hike for Washington individual health plans in 2027If you buy your own health insurance, here's a number to know: carriers have proposed an average 22.2% rate increase for individual plans in Washington next year. It would be the third straight year of double-digit hikes, and The Seattle Times says it's the second-highest on record for the state.Today’s editionRead SchoolsAn Olympia School Board member asks to delay the vote on closing three elementary schools to Dec. 14If you've got a kid in the Olympia School District, today's board meeting is one to watch. Director Renee Fullerton is proposing the board postpone its vote to close three elementary schools to Dec. 14, according to documents for the Nov. 12 meeting.Thursday’s editionRead Public SafetyTumwater Fire Chief Brian Hurley will retire in March after 32 years with the departmentTumwater Fire Chief Brian Hurley is retiring after 32 years. His official retirement date is March 31, 2027, and Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Crimmins will be promoted to chief on April 1, 2027.Thursday’s editionRead Port of OlympiaSeaPort Airlines will fly between Spokane and Olympia for the legislative sessionIf you're headed between Spokane and the Capitol this winter, there's a new option. SeaPort Airlines will run two flights a week during the 105-day session, leaving Spokane's Felts Field Sundays at 3:25 p.m. and returning Fridays at 5:10 p.m. Tickets start at $279 each way. No drive over the mountains required.Wednesday’s editionRead DowntownDeschutes Parkway would close for about three years under updated estuary plansIf you walk, bike or drive around Capitol Lake, here's the big change: the updated Deschutes Estuary plans would close Deschutes Parkway SW between Lakeridge Drive and 5th Avenue for about three years. Ecology planner Lynn Turner called it probably the biggest change in the draft Supplemental EIS. She said it's needed "for worker and public safety during construction of the new roundabout and the new bridge approach."Tuesday’s editionRead Around WashingtonGov. Ferguson picks Jimi Hendrix for Washington's 2029 U.S. Mint dollar coinJimi Hendrix will represent Washington on a U.S. Mint innovation dollar coin, Gov. Bob Ferguson's office announced Monday. The program, launched in 2019, issues four new $1 coins each year through 2032.Tuesday’s editionRead

In brief

The edition’s short notes. Open one to read it, with its sources.

  • Rail surveyIf you have thoughts on high-speed rail, today, Fri., Nov.

    If you have thoughts on high-speed rail, today, Fri., Nov. 13, is the last day to take WSDOT's Cascadia High-Speed Rail survey. The proposed system would stretch from Portland to Seattle to Vancouver, B.C., and its service development plan phase is expected to wrap up in 2028. The survey also helps shape the I-5 master plan the agency is putting together. WSDOT forecasts 3.4 million more people in the Cascadia megaregion by 2050.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSources: The Olympian, The Urbanist, KOMO

  • Spokane flightsSeaPort Airlines will start flying between Spokane and Olympia on Jan.

    SeaPort Airlines will start flying between Spokane and Olympia on Jan. 8, the first direct flight between the two cities since 2004. Flights run Fridays and Sundays during the legislative session and take about an hour, and one-way fares start at $279. At a Monday meeting, two Port of Olympia commissioners shared hopeful feedback, while a third raised concerns about noise and future demand. For The Win also reports on the new route.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSources: The Jolt News, For The Win, Spokane Public Radio

  • Farmers marketCrafted Restorations, a knife maker that had sought reinstatement at the Olympia Farmers Market, has been permanently suspended, owners Kevin and Stacy Box announced on social media.

    Crafted Restorations, a knife maker that had sought reinstatement at the Olympia Farmers Market, has been permanently suspended, owners Kevin and Stacy Box announced on social media. They cite a Nov. 7 letter from the market director.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The Olympian

  • Lacey campsLacey Parks, Culture & Recreation plans to add transportation and program sessions for teens in summer 2027 after strong 2026 enrollment.

    Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation plans to add transportation and program sessions for teens in summer 2027 after strong 2026 enrollment. Teen Adventure Camp enrolled 94 teens and left a waiting list.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The Jolt News

  • Volleyball signingTimberline setter Leia Dela Cruz signed with Centralia College on Sun., Nov.

    Timberline setter Leia Dela Cruz signed with Centralia College on Sun., Nov. 8 to continue her volleyball career. She's in a dominant senior season with the unbeaten Blazers.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The Daily Chronicle

  • Wildfire summitNearly 200 people gathered Thursday in Cle Elum for a statewide wildfire summit hosted by the State Wildfire Caucus.

    Nearly 200 people gathered Thursday in Cle Elum for a statewide wildfire summit hosted by the State Wildfire Caucus. It came after one of Washington's worst fire seasons, when more than 900 homes were lost.

    Around Washington · Today’s editionSource: Nonstop Local News

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Around Olympia

From KOMO, The Daily Chronicle and 6 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service.

More local news

  1. KOMO26 minutes ago

    Olympia families file appeal, fight school closure vote

    Olympia families are suing the school district over its decision to close three schools.The school board voted Thursday night to shutter Madison, McKenny, and LP Brown elementary schools.

  2. The Daily Chronicle1 hour ago

    Tenino approves long-term police contract with Thurston County Sheriff’s Office

    Members of the Tenino City Council approved a new two-and-a-half-year contract for police services with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) during the council’s regular meeting on …

  3. The Daily Chronicle1 hour ago

    Abbarno invites students to apply for the 2027 House Page Program

    Washington state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, is encouraging students throughout the 20th Legislative District to apply for the 2027 Washington State House of Representatives Page Program. …

  4. The Daily Chronicle1 hour ago

    Applications open for Rainier City Council vacancy

    Applications are now being accepted at Rainier City Hall for those interested in being appointed to a city council vacancy, Mayor Bob Shaw announced during the council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, …

  5. The Olympian3 hours ago

    Parents sue Olympia School District after decision to close three schools

    Five parents filed an appeal after the Olympia School Board voted to close Madison, McKenny and LP Brown, alleging insufficient public engagement.

  6. Tacoma News Tribune3 hours ago

    State Round 1: TNT’s Game of Week, predictions for every South Sound matchup

    High school football: State tournament first round Game of the Week is Federal Way vs. Snohomish, plus predictions for every South Sound matchup

  7. The Seattle Times3 hours ago

    First-round schedule, scores for WA high school football state playoffs

    The 2026 WIAA high school football playoffs get started this weekend with 40 games across six classes. Here's the full first-round schedule.

  8. KOMO5 hours ago

    Outside law firm to defend Washington girls’ sports initiative in court

    A new legal team will defend Washington’s girls’ sports initiative as court challenges mount. Attorney General Nick Brown announced that his office had appointed the law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.

    Also reported bySource ONE News

  9. My Ballard5 hours ago

    Seattle City Council upholds Mayor’s RV legislation veto

    Seattle City Council has voted to uphold Mayor Katie Wilson's RV permit program veto.

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Daily Olympiato me · Fri., Nov. 136:00 a.m.

Olympia school board votes to close 3 elementary schools

Plus, carriers propose a 22.2% rate hike for 2027 individual health plans in Washington.

The TLDR

  1. Olympia school board votes to close three elementaries
  2. Individual health plans could cost 22.2% more in 2027
  3. Last day for WSDOT's high-speed rail survey
Read this edition