Good morning, Olympia.

The City of Olympia and the Council of Neighborhood Associations are hosting a forum on housing affordability.

The meeting will be held on May 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Olympia City Hall Council Chambers (601 4th Ave. E) to gather community input for future actions.

Jeffrey Zizz pleaded not guilty to murder, kidnapping and unlawful disposal of remains via Zoom on Tuesday for his suspected role in the death of 82-year-old Marcia Norman and is set for another hearing at the end of May with a trial planned for June 30.

Saint Martin’s University is offering a new cybersecurity bachelor’s degree today to train students for critical IT roles that protect digital networks.

The program meets national standards—its curriculum focuses on skills like intrusion detection and risk assessment— and welcomes recent graduates, career changers, and veterans.

North Thurston Public Schools runs a preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds where children with special education needs learn alongside their peers at four early learning centers.

Families can choose a 2-day or 4-day half-day session with tuition for typically developing children while children with special needs attend tuition-free—applications for the 2025-26 school year opened May 5.

South Puget Sound Community College was named a finalist with distinction for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence by the Aspen Institute and was given a ($100,000) cash prize for its high graduation and transfer rates.

The award, part of a two-year review, honors its success (42% three-year graduation and 37% six-year transfer) and its innovative programs designed to prepare students for future opportunities.

The Justice Department is investigating a new Washington law that requires Catholic clergy to report child abuse even when disclosed during confession — the measure, similar to requirements for doctors and teachers, has raised concerns that it forces clergy to choose between church confidentiality and state mandates.

The Olympia Planning Commission approved changes to urban agriculture rules that ease restrictions in most commercial and downtown districts and allow building conversions for farming—this revision also sets new beekeeping guidelines that require state registration and limit small lots to four hives with setbacks adjusted by mitigation plans. Staff will clarify honeybee registration details and address nuisance issues before the recommendation moves to the Land Use and Environment Committee.

Prairie Appreciation Day

7 AM – 12 PM — Glacial Heritage Preserve — Free entry — Explore the prairie ecosystem through engaging activities and expert-led bird walks.

Solarize Thurston Workshop

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Olympia Timberland Library — Free entry — Discover solar energy options and get answers from local experts.

Caitlin Jemma Live

7-11 p.m. — Cryptatropa Bar — $10 cover — Experience heartfelt country music from a small-town girl with a big sound.

Ethan Tucker Live Performance

8 PM – 12 AM — Airport Tavern Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience soulful acoustic roots and bluesy vocals from Ethan Tucker.

Cameron Carpenter Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the artistry of the world's most visible organist, a trailblazer in the classical music scene.

Jen Howard Live Performance

7 PM - 1 AM — Rhythms Coffee — Check online for ticket prices — Experience the soulful sounds of multi-instrumentalist Jen Howard in a cozy coffee venue.

Green Spring Cleaning

10 AM - 4 PM — WET Science Center — Free event — Create eco-friendly cleaning products for a healthier home and planet.