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Hi Olympia, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: A wildfire insurance transparency bill, a rare 35mm thriller screening, a dance festival with 18 companies, and more.

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

State eyes stronger school oversight: SB 6247, requiring school directors to be trained in district finances, has passed the Senate. It expands ESD roles and adds penalties to prevent issues like Prescott School District’s situation — see what’s in the bill.

Spotlight on standout leaders: Earlier this month, Leadership Thurston County celebrated three Distinguished Leader Award honorees for extraordinary initiative and community impact, with short tribute videos now available to watch online — meet this year’s honorees.

Inside insurers’ wildfire risk models: Washington’s Senate approved Sen. Judy Warnick’s bill 48-1 to require transparency in wildfire insurance risk scores, helping homeowners understand cancellations or rate hikes, and it now awaits consideration in the House — get details on disclosure requirements.

Rethinking regional transit priorities: The Port of Olympia Commission is weighing a ferry between Olympia and Des Moines after Feb. 9 public comments, eyeing economic benefits and steadier travel for those frustrated by I-5 — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!

Highlights this week:

• See 18 dance companies perform
• Compete in Well 80 cribbage tournament
• Celebrate local artists and live music
• Craft a pine-needle hand broom
• Enjoy pancakes to support preschool
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🫶 We got your back

Classic look and smart savings: New Keep Washington Evergreen license plates are now available statewide to support charging stations, with a retro 1970s look in green on white. Plates cost about $10 to $12, depending on your vehicle. If your tabs expire within six months, renewing early can save you money. Get costs and renewal info.

Help guide Washington salmon fisheries: WDFW is opening its North of Falcon salmon season-setting process with a hybrid statewide forecast meeting in Olympia on Feb. 27. Additional in-person, hybrid, and virtual meetings over the next two months will shape the 2026 to 2027 salmon seasons. Public input is welcome throughout. See how to get involved.

Fresh from the tides: Built by local shellfish farmers, Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar keeps Olympia’s plates honest, with briny-fresh oysters, seasonal shareables, and chill vibes for a midweek treat or a low-key celebration. The shucker can point you to whatever just came in.

Upgrade your kitchen stash: From sturdy Le Creuset and Opinel to smart gadgets, Compass Rose stocks good-looking, hardworking kitchen gear and small pantry upgrades you’ll actually use. Perfect for the “I should cook more” mood, with tools that earn their keep and make weekday cooking feel easier.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

😂 Laugh All Night: Family Fun Night @ Westwood Baptist Church | Friday (2/27) at 7:00 PM – Craving a night where the kids laugh, you actually relax, and it all does some good? KACS is bringing back its Laugh All Night Family Fun Night, two locations and two nights, no tickets, benefitting New Missions. Free chuckles, real community, zero hassle.

🎭 Single Black Female @ Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Performing Arts | Friday (2/27) at 7:30 PM – Nothing beats smart, intimate theater at SPSCC’s Black Box, and Single Black Female delivers. Two successful, single Black women tackle love, identity, and everyone’s opinions with rapid character flips, razor wit, and well-earned side-eye, directed by alum Raessa Patterson. Suggested $12 donation, SPSCC folks free.

♓ Community Pisces Birthday Party, Potluck and Food Bank Benefit @ Prosperity Grange | Saturday (2/28) at 12:00 PM – Pisces season calls for a community birthday bash, potluck, and food bank boost at Prosperity Grange. Open mic warms the room, Mamazon stirs the soul, then the Stone Jack Ballers go full Deadhead, so bring a casserole, non-perishables, a sliding-scale donation, and your all-ages crew.

🍗 Medieval Food @ Cup of Swords Tavern | Saturday (2/28) at 5:00 PM – Craving a little Ren Faire energy without the parking nightmare? Medium AEvum pops up on the Cup of Swords patio with medieval bites, from meat pies and turkey legs to legit vegetarian and gluten free options. Come hungry, bring friends, and leave gloriously full.

💃 Olympia Dance Festival @ Washington Center for the Performing Arts | Saturday (2/28) at 7:00 PM – Eighteen regional dance companies pack the stage for a one-night sampler of ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, musical theater, ballroom, belly dance, Irish, Chinese, and Flamenco, from Ballet Northwest to Sabor Flamenco. You sit, they sweat, your cultural cred skyrockets, and your knees thank you later.

🎵 SOGO Winter Concert @ The Washington Center for the Performing Arts | Sunday (3/1) at 4:00 PM – SOGO’s concert is spotlighting Olympia Symphony principal cellist Holly Reeves in Bacewicz’s Concerto No. 1, plus Bizet’s Carmen, Karina Bone’s Allegro in Waltz, and Balmages’ (UP)LIFTED. Philharmonic, Academy Orchestras, and Brass Choir keep rolling with classics and new works, because talent grows like blackberries here.

🎬 Rare Prints: Chase a Crooked Shadow on 35mm @ Capitol Theater | Sunday (3/1) at 7:00 PM – Catch a rare 35mm print of Chase a Crooked Shadow, a 1958 gothic where Anne Baxter’s poise tangles with a not-so-dead brother, because who needs CGI. OFS’s Rob Patrick opens the first show, then it is clomping shoes, crumbling villas, and a slow, satisfying shiver.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Olympia report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 50°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 60%

Rain likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. South southwest wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Southwest wind 12 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 37°F – Precip: 51%

A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Southwest wind around 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A slight chance of rain before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

This house is wild

Set on 2.81 acres of flat, usable land in East Olympia, this 2314 SF home delivers 3 bedrooms including a main-level primary, 2.25 baths, and vaulted ceilings. Abundant storage pairs with covered front and back porches. A large deck surveys a park-like yard with Japanese maples, plus a 24’x36′ shop, tons of parking, and wiffle ball at Swede Field.

Take a peek inside →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• Regrow thicker hair in 3-6 months + get 20% off for life
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• See how to save up to 58% on GLP-1s with Fridays
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%