Germany extends partial shutdown to curb virus spread

BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the country's 16 state governors on Wednesday agreed to extend a partial shutdown well into December in an effort to further reduce the rate of COVID-19 infections ahead of the Christmas period.

With small businesses hurt by pandemic closures, Columbia Basin Herald offers grant program

It isn’t easy for a small business to serve customers and pay the bills even in a strong economy. But now small businesses across the Columbia Basin are hammered by mandated closures and social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Plains kicks off holiday season with parade, shopping deals

The streets of Plains were full of holiday shoppers Saturday taking advantage of discounts being offered by local vendors.

One Place Church annexation in Hayden 'represents so much more than a building'

During a Hayden City Council meeting July 9, a 47.9 acre lot was unanimously approved as an annexation site and a new campus location for One Place Church.

New truck likely to be awarded

In an emergency…Major disaster unlikely, but officials urging precautions

GRANT COUNTY — In the event that Seattle area residents are forced to evacuate, Richard Pearce has concerns about where the displaced citizens would go when making their way inland.

Whitmer, Benson defend election integrity amid Trump attacks

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan's Democratic governor and top elections official on Wednesday defended the integrity of the election amid continued attacks from President Donald Trump, saying results may take longer in close contests because of the surge in absentee voting in the battleground state, but that every valid ballot would be counted.

Whitmer, Benson defend election integrity amid Trump attacks

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan's Democratic governor and top elections official on Wednesday defended the integrity of the election amid continued attacks from President Donald Trump, saying results may take longer in close contests because of the surge in absentee voting in the battleground state, but that every valid ballot would be counted.

Immanuel Lutheran opens new retirement facility

Cliff and Lynda Collins love their home of 38 years. The two-story ranch-style house in Kalispell has nearly four decades of memories.

Virus could weigh on toy shopping starting this summer

NEW YORK (AP) — From Baby Yoda to eco-friendly stacking rings, toymakers displayed an array of goods last week that they hope will be on kids' wish lists for the holiday 2020 season.

Gottschalks open despite bankruptcy

'We will continue business as usual…'

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Gottschalks store will remain open after the business filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the company confirmed Friday.

Katrina to COVID: New Orleans' Black community pounded again

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Levee breaches from Hurricane Katrina dumped six feet of water into the New Orleans home of Mary Duplessis and her husband in 2005. The house was uninhabitable. Rebuilding meant piles of paperwork in a mountain of bureaucracy. She didn't return to the city for a year.

Outbreak mutates retail; automakers set dates for restarting

The outbreak of the coronavirus has dealt a shock to the global economy with unprecedented speed. Following are developments Thursday related to the global economy, the work place and the spread of the virus.

Minnesota hunkers down at home while COVID-19 deaths hit 4

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A stay-at-home order takes effect at midnight Friday as Minnesota tries to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to peak in the coming weeks, from overloading the state's health care system.

Minnesota hunkers down at home while COVID-19 deaths hit 4

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A stay-at-home order takes effect at midnight Friday as Minnesota tries to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to peak in the coming weeks, from overloading the state's health care system.

Great Depression-sized slowdown seen, but some light appears

The outbreak of the coronavirus has dealt a shock to the global economy with unprecedented speed. Following are developments Tuesday related to the global economy, the work place and the spread of the virus.

Soap Lake art show continues this weekend

SOAP LAKE - What does a sculpted clay dog's head have in common with a drawing of a hardware store?

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From the archives of the

The lofty liver

Our liver is one of the most amazing organs. When you look at it, a blob of smooth, consistent, dense material, you just can’t conceive how it can do as much as it does! Science is now saying that the liver is probably directly or immediately indirectly related to every metabolic function in the body. I find that to be simply amazing! So let’s look at this vital organ.

Roots do more than anchor a tree

Remember the incredible wind storms last summer?