COVID-19 NEWS
Keep up with all the fast-moving novel coronavirus news, particularly as it impacts the Columbia Basin.
COVID-19 update
RITZVILLE — Adams County Health Department administrators have reported another death related to COVID-19, raising…
Zoos, scientists aim to curb people giving virus to animals
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The coughing among the western lowland gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in January was the first warning sign. Soon the fears were confirmed: A troop of gorillas became the first apes know…
Volunteers sought to assist at vaccination clinics
The Grant County Vaccine Task Force is looking for volunteers to assist at COVID-19 vaccination clinics around the county and there is a bonus.
One student at a time: MLSD program gives kids a little extra boost with learning
Kim Morales sits in the cafeteria of Chief Moses Middle School with sixth-grader Leegion Luxner and helps him think through a long division problem.
Othello to keep schools on blended schedule
Othello schools may remain in a hybrid model through the end of the school year, with the goal of returning to complete in-person instruction at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year.
Survivors struggle as scientists race to solve COVID mystery
There was no reason to celebrate on Rachel Van Lear's anniversary.
China approves a fourth COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China has approved a new COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, one that was developed by the head of its Center for Disease Control, adding…
Nurses fight conspiracy theories along with coronavirus
Los Angeles emergency room nurse Sandra Younan spent the last year juggling long hours as she watched many patients struggle with the coronavirus and some die.
Researchers study impact of pandemic cancer screening pause
John Abraham's colonoscopy was postponed for several months because of the pandemic.
1,000 more vaccinations: Fairgrounds event brings county one step closer to beating COVID-19
About 1,000 people filtered through the vaccination clinic Saturday at the Grant County Fairgrounds to receive their first round of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot.
Moses Lake School District plans drive-by graduation for class of 2021
Even as the state is preparing to advance into Phase 3 — with larger public gatherings and restaurants and other venues at 50% capacity — the Moses Lake School…
WIAA releases updates before shift to Phase 3
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) released guidelines for activities and spectators Friday afternoon after Gov. Jay Inslee's announced Thursday the state would move to Phase 3 on March 22.
Phase 3 good news, say local officials
The news Thursday, about the state moving to Phase 3 of Gov. Jay Inslee's reopening plan, was good, officials said.
Grant County Courthouse scheduled to reopen April 5
The Grant County Courthouse and most other county offices are scheduled to reopen to the public April 5.
Going live: Ephrata Drama Club gears up for Monday theater performance
The stage is set, the lights are warmed up, and the masks are on, as Ephrata High School drama students prepare for their first live performance in a year on M…
Virtual nature: Sandhill Crane Festival goes online for 2021
The 2021 Othello Sandhill Crane Festival events will move online, with most of them scheduled for March 20.