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…
Measures aiming to limit executive powers die in legislature
When a regular session of the legislature began in January, Republicans introduced bills to limit executive power in emergencies. All of those bills in Olympia…
Setting the stage: Masquers eager to welcome back patrons after a year without shows
Set pieces still sit on the stage, but the seats have been empty for more than a year at Masquers Theater in Soap Lake.
Quincy coach Greg McMillan ready to kick off his first season
Quincy High School football will kick off the season this weekend under first-year head coach Greg McMillan.
Inslee announces pause, yet to craft next phase
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday none of the state’s regions will revert back to more restrictive COVID-19 requirements under the state’s economic reopening plan, as all regions are paused …
GOP rallies solidly against Democrats' virus relief package
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans rallied solidly against Democrats' proposed $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill as lawmakers awaited a decision by the Senate's pa…
Amid COVID-19 pandemic, flu has disappeared in the US
NEW YORK (AP) — February is usually the peak of flu season, with doctors' offices and hospitals packed with suffering patients. But not this year.
COVID-19: Six more county residents die
Six more Grant County residents died from COVID-19, according to a Grant County Health District release Wednesday evening, bringing the total deaths to 115.
Bakery expands step-by-step in pandemic
Janice Baginski started her business by taking custom orders and, in just more than a year, expanded to a part-time location and hours.
Local musician Alysen Hesselroth excited for chance to return to performing
Navigating the coronavirus pandemic has been challenging for nearly everyone. For local musician Alysen Hesselroth, the past year has meant almost reinventing …
COVID-19 diagnoses prompt sheriff's office closure
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office main administrative office will be closed until March 8 after “office employees” tested positive for COVID-19.
Polar Bear Camp ends youth baseball hiatus
The Moses Lake Youth Baseball Association sold out both sessions Saturday of their 2021 Polar Bear Camp, a pre-season training to teach kids ages 6-14 the fund…
Half a million dead in US, confirming virus's tragic reach
For weeks after Cindy Pollock began planting tiny flags across her yard — one for each of the more than 1,800 Idahoans killed by COVID-19 — the toll was mostly…
Beyond 100M: Biden team aiming for bigger vaccine numbers
WASHINGTON (AP) — It sounded so ambitious at first blush: 100 million vaccination shots in 100 days.
Music's in the air: Musicians await the opportunity to perform again
An exciting sound rang through local musicians ears last week when it was announced the region was moving into Phase 2, opening up the opportunity for some liv…
Back to the boards: MLHS Drama Club prepares for live performance
Moses Lake High School Drama Club will begin auditions for its spring performance in early March, as the region is in Phase 2 and live performances can happen.