Washington residents can access hundreds of state parks, recreation sites and wildlife areas on Thursday, Jan. 1, for free — no Discover Pass needed. It’s the first of 12 free days at Washington state parks in 2026. A beautiful fall morning arrives at Millersylvania State Park near Olympia, Wa. on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Steve Bloom The Olympian

Wednesday marked the Early Signing Period for the 2026 recruiting classes and Washington State was as busy as any. 27 prospects signed on to play for the Cougs.

Preliminary data suggest that rates for violent and property crimes in Washington state fell in 2025, continuing the decline that began two years ago. That was the big takeaway in a briefing for state lawmakers Thursday.

Washington state regulators ordered Seattle-based cryptocurrency company Coinme to stop transmitting money for customers in the state,

The McKee administration said Friday that the demolition of the westbound Washington Bridge is complete. The bridge was abruptly shut down two years ago over safety concerns. Gov. Dan McKee later announced it would be demolished and a new span built in its place.

Washington State is bowl-eligible again after smashing Oregon State in the regular-season finale. The sixth victory secured a 2-for-2 record for the Cougars: Two seasons in Pac-12 purgatory, following the demise of the former conference and before the rise of the rebuilt version, and two bowl bids.

A Washington state resident is believed to be the first person to die from a rare strain of bird flu, but state health officials say the risk to the public is low.