The Olympian

The Olympian is a 150-year-old news organization primarily covering Thurston County, population 270,000, and state government, since we are the state capital. We have transformed into a digital-first local news operation, feeding our website 12 hours a day—but we also continue to put out a daily print newspaper. We have three sister publications in the state: The News Tribune in the neighboring county, The Bellingham Herald, about 4 hours away, and The Tri-City Herald, about 6 hours away.

Current Position

Location: Olympia, Washington

Beat: Homelessness: causes and solutions

Position:

This reporter covers housing and homeless issues and the factors that contribute to homelessness, such as mental illness and drug addiction. By having someone devoted to the topic, we hope to cultivate sources on both ends of the issue: people who are homeless or struggling to keep a roof over their heads, and people who have work toward innovative and effective solutions. During the half of the year when our legislature is in session, the reporter tracks bills that address housing and homelessness, working side by side with our legislative reporter. They also work in tandem with our staff reporters on bigger enterprise work. State legislature stories and solutions-focused enterprise are framed to be featured in our three sister publications. This reporter is expected to shoot some video and photos to go with their stories, but is also supported by our staff videographers.

Reporter: Brandon Block