Renewed legal battle ramps up over Columbia Basin dams and salmon

A long-running court battle over how to balance protections for endangered fish with hydropower dams in the Columbia River Basin has resumed after a two-year pause. Conservationists, anglers and clean energy groups, along with the state of Oregon, asked a federal court Tuesday to grant a preliminary injunction that would change how eight dams on the lower Columbia and Snake rivers operate. They argue that these changes would improve the conditions for salmon and steelhead survival.

Second of three suspects arrested in Moses Lake drive-by case

BEAVERTON, Ore. - The Moses Lake Police Department announced the arrest of Mathew Valdez, 18, or Moses Lake in Beaverton, Oregon with the assistance of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Report: Pacific Northwest states some of the worst for military retirees

(The Center Square) – The Pacific Northwest is home to the worst states for military retirees, with Washington state coming in No. 50 and Oregon ranking No. 51, according to a new study by WalletHub, a personal finance platform and app. WalletHub compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across three broad categories: economic environment, quality of life, and health care in its “2025’s Best & Worst States for Military Retirees.” Rankings were also based on several subcategories, including retirement-friendliness toward veterans, job opportunities for veterans, and housing affordability.

Rental affordability debate ramps up in Olympia

OLYMPIA - As many Washingtonians struggle to meet rapidly rising housing costs, companion rent stabilization bills aiming to cap rent and fee increases have sparked significant debate amongst lawmakers, renters, and housing developers. The House version passed the Housing Committee in a 9-8 vote and was heard in Appropriations Monday.

Fees set for Quincy short-term rental permits

QUINCY — Quincy residents who want to convert property into short-term rentals will be required to buy a permit and update it annually. Quincy Public Works Director Carl Worley said the ordinance is something relatively new in Quincy.

Moses Lake teen found after missing for 15 days

MOSES LAKE – Treyson Brooks, 15, went missing from his group home in Vancouver Jan. 24. He was placed in the facility for advanced care for his special needs and medical condition. Brooks was found in Gresham, Oregon on Feb. 8. He has been returned to his mother, Amy Jackson, in Moses Lake. The Columbia Basin Herald will release an update with more information after more information is collected.

Amber Alert leads to arrest near George

GEORGE – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and MLPD assisted the Washington State Patrol and Oregon State Patrol in tracking and arresting two individuals involved in a child abduction case. “Early this morning, we received word from Oregon state police that there was a child abduction and Amber Alert issued for two young children out of the Beaverton area,” said GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

Four Basin students earn honors at Eastern Oregon U.

LA GRANDE, Ore. — Eastern Oregon University named 611 students to the Dean’s List for the 2025 spring term, four of them from the Columbia Basin, according to an announcement from the university. Qualifying students achieve and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale while completing a minimum of 12 hours of graded coursework for the term.

Legals for November, 17 2025

SLPD loses two officers, receiving assistance from GCSO

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Police Department currently has two officers, according to Acting Chief Robert Geates, him and one other officer. SLPD will be getting one lateral officer from Alaska after he completes his training. Geates also said he has one other officer “on background” and one officer in academy.

Legals for May, 30 2025

Port of Ephrata launches car rental services

EPHRATA – The Port of Ephrata has officially launched a rental car service in a move that aims to enhance airport services and stimulate local economic growth. Executive Director Dave Lanman announced that the port has partnered with Hertz to provide rental cars on-site, a service that is expected to attract more traffic to the airport and benefit the surrounding community.

Legals for August, 14 2025

Legals for August, 14 2025

Legals for March, 21 2025

Legals for May, 23 2025

Legals for July, 18 2025

Rental market slowly loosening in Grant County

MOSES LAKE — The rental market in Grant County is slowly thawing as more inventory comes into the market.

Legals for November, 10 2025

Legals for June, 27 2025