Will indoor concerts be safe again? Music lovers weigh risks
CDC guidance saying fully vaccinated people can go maskless has spurred a desire to return to normal, and to concerts. So how risky are indoor concerts?
Coronavirus
G-7 nations expected to pledge 1 billion vaccine doses for world; plus more virus news
The Group of Seven nations are set to commit to sharing at least 1 billion coronavirus shots with the world, with half coming from the U.S. and 100 million from the U.K.
Gonzaga University now requiring students to get vaccinated by fall semester
Gonzaga University will now require students to be vaccinated by the fall semester.
Washington State Fair returns in September after 2020 cancellation
PUYALLUP, Wash. — After the fun and games of the Washington State Fair were put on hold during the height of the pandemic, it's set to return this September. Following Governor Jay Inslee's announcement that Washington will fully re-open by…
Work can wait. Your mental health can't. How to make the most of a break
There's a shared sense of optimism in the U.S. as COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted, but experts warn that there's a second wave of mental health challenges to contend with.
Tri-Cities businesses struggle to find new employees
KENNEWICK, Wash. - It's been a busy year for Tri-Cities business TLC Landscape Management, owned by Trent Brown. "We wanna keep taking on work, but sometimes you can…
US to buy 500 million Pfizer coronavirus vaccine doses to donate globally
The U.S. will buy 500 million more doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to share through the global COVAX alliance for donation over the next year.
US increasingly unlikely to meet Biden's July 4 vaccination goal; plus more virus news
With the pace of new vaccinations dropping, the U.S. will likely fall short of President Biden's aim to have 70% of Americans at least partially vaccinated by July 4.
Watch Now: This 'artificial sun' could protect crowds from coronavirus
Daan Roosegaarde created URBAN SUN, a project that can potentially protect crowds against coronavirus and other viruses in the future.
Marijuana stores in Washington state can offer free joints to promote vaccinations
Licensed marijuana stores in Washington state can offer free joints to promote on-site COVID-19 vaccine clinics. The effort is called "Joints for Jabs."
Yakima Valley tourism recovering from pandemic losses
YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. — Tourism declined heavily in Yakima County during the pandemic, but local tourism officials said the industry is starting to recover from those losses. "Of all the business sectors, the tourism and hospitality industries were some of…
Poke and toke: Washington offering free joints as new vaccine incentive
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board announced Monday it will offer free marijuana joints as an incentive for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Why face-to-face gatherings still matter
As it turns out, there are real benefits to meeting face-to-face, according to a new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience.
‘It feels good’: Hundreds paid to get vaccinated while celebrating Pride month
Several hundred people decided to take advantage of some quick money while also celebrating Pride month in an event called Pride, Popsicles and Pokes at the Washington Cracker Building Saturday.
New England's success against COVID-19 could be model for rest of US
New England — the most heavily vaccinated region in the U.S. — is giving the rest of the country a possible glimpse into the future if more Americans get vaccinated.
Is the handshake back? How we're greeting each other as the world reopens
For people still anxious about socializing after more than a year in isolation, greeting someone can be nerve-wracking. Do you go in for a handshake? A fist bump? An awkward little wave?
The slowing Covid-19 vaccination rate is worrying experts. Here's what some states are doing to change the trend
As the US may miss a vaccination goal set by President Joe Biden for July 4, officials are warning against complacency and states are ramping up measures to encourage reluctant residents to get a Covid-19 vaccine. The country was averaging…
Vaccine incentives: Tri-Cities residents weigh in
RICHLAND, Wash. - With money and prizes now up for grabs if you get the COVID-19 vaccine, or have already received it, some Tri-Cities residents had a…
Oregon closing in on vaccination goal and reopening economy
Heart inflammation probed as possible rare side effect of Pfizer vaccine in teens
An article on seven U.S. teen boys, published online in Pediatrics, is among the latest reports of heart inflammation discovered after COVID-19 vaccination. Here's the latest.
Richland parents raise concern over hot school buses
RICHLAND, Wash. - As temperatures rise in the Tri-Cities, some local parents are becoming increasingly concerned about their kids who ride school buses and must wear masks.…
Why and when do COVID-19 vaccines expire? Plus, the latest virus news
How soon vaccines expire is a critical question as the Biden administration prepares to send tens of millions of unused COVID-19 doses abroad to help curb the pandemic.
EWU reverses decision, now requires students and staff to get COVID vaccine
Eastern Washington University has reversed its previous decision, and is now requiring students and staff to get the COVID vaccine by this fall.
Washington incentivizes vaccinations with $2 million in cash, dozens of prizes
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Governor Jay Inslee announced an assortment of prizes, including a total of $2 million in cash, to incentivize Washington residents to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. This is part of the Washington State Lottery's "Shot of a…
