COVID-19 NEWS
Keep up with all the fast-moving novel coronavirus news, particularly as it impacts the Columbia Basin.
Vaccinations ramping up slowly, but surely, in Grant County, surrounding areas
In spite of delays in delivery and some hesitation from potential recipients, distribution of the coronavirus va...
North Central Region high schools work together for athletics
Several high schools will combine in the new North Central Washington Region for athletic competition this season.
Banks to accept next round of PPP loan applications next week
A senior manager with Banner Bank in Moses Lake said most small business owners will be able submit applications for the latest round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans as soon as next week.
Biden unveils $1.9T plan to stem virus and steady economy
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Saying the nation faces “a crisis of deep human suffering,” President-elect Joe Biden unveiled a $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan Thursday to turn the tide on the pandemic, speeding up vacci...
Local senators vote against extending emergency proclamations
State senators adopted a resolution Wednesday to extend all of the governor’s emergency proclamations indefinitely during a virtual floor debate.
Dent, Ybarra, Warnick pinpoint legislative plans
State legislators in District 13 recently shared their goals for this year’s unprecedented legislative session.
MLHS looks at regional scheduling for athletics when they return
High school athletic directors are working to update their planning and processes for the season after new guidelines were announced by Gov. Jay Inslee last ...
Ninth District legislators outline session priorities
Reopening the state, transparency in energy costs and better access to health care are among the issues legislators from Washington’s Ninth District want to address in the Washington Legislature.
Man gets 57 months; lied about COVID-19
A Warden man who stole a vehicle and lied about testing positive for the coronavirus to be released from jail was sentenced last month to nearly five years in prison, according to court records.
Senate approves rules for legislative session
Members of the state Senate on Monday approved the permanent and emergency rules to convene remotely during the first day of the legislative session at the Washington State Capitol Building.
Bill could move state to Phase 2 of ‘Healthy Washington’ plan
Businesses, facilities and institutions in Washington could reopen sooner than the governor plans if a Senate bill passes in this year’s state legislative session.
Dye, Schmick, Schoesler outline legislative priorities
District 9 state legislators plan to solve issues ranging from climate change to health care during this year’s legislative session.
Pandemic-related relief tops state budget priority list
Desperately needed COVID-19 relief is a top priority for this year's state Legislature.
China: WHO experts arriving Thursday for virus origins probe
BEIJING (AP) — Experts from the World Health Organization are due to arrive in China this week for a long-anticipated investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, the government said Monday.
McKay administrator outlines struggle with COVID-19
When COVID-19 hit McKay Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in early November, Administrator Erica Gartner said the both the facility’s staff and residents ha...