Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 10th of April.
Good morning, Richland.
🏘️ Community
A new Urban Air Adventure Park will open this fall at 1220 N.
Columbia Center Blvd. in Kennewick, repurposing the former Bed Bath & Beyond store; the indoor playground will feature trampolines, climbing walls, slides & a range of fun activities while creating over 100 local jobs.
💼 Business
An idle Amazon warehouse at 1202 S.
Road 40 E. in Pasco will get a $30M upgrade to boost automation + reduce staffing, with Ryan Companies US Inc. handling improvements under city-issued permits as local officials praise the move.
Tri-City Lumber, a family-owned business for over 35 years, is expanding with a new showroom in Horn Rapids near White Bluffs Brewing at 4202 Henderson Loop and will open it in mid-May with a grand opening in June.
The store will provide lumber and hardware options for local contractors and homeowners.
Rockwool will break ground for its $175M manufacturing plant (a new project) on Apr.
29 at 11:00 a.m. The project will create 600 construction jobs and begin hiring management by late 2026 as local colleges partner to train workers for operations starting in early 2028.
Richland’s CHEF’STORE at 1939 Fowler St. now welcomes both restaurant professionals and home cooks with warehouse shopping that requires no membership.
The store (formerly Cash & Carry Smart Foodservice) updated its facilities in 2022 to offer quality ingredients and equipment daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📰 Economy
Mid-Columbia farmers face a fourth straight drought that is forcing cuts to irrigation and workforce reductions as the planting season begins this spring in local orchards and vineyards.
Reduced water allotments and rising input costs make it hard for growers to cover production expenses.
🌲 Environment
Hanford received a record $3.35 billion funding for its cleanup in fiscal 2026, including nearly $1 billion for the DFLAW project and funds to prepare waste shipments.
Officials say more billions and decades of work remain—challenges persist as the complex cleanup effort moves forward.
Hanford cleanup advanced when low-activity waste was turned to glass and cesium moved to safe storage, but new funding cuts could slow progress.
Leaders plan to use Hanford land for nuclear work — a move that ties cleaning up to future jobs and growth.
🏛️ Government
Richland Police are warning drivers not to text, scroll, or eat while driving as they boost patrols during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
The department reminds motorists that even brief inattention at high speeds can be dangerous.
Richland Police are reminding drivers this April that distracted driving—stemming from texting, scrolling, or adjusting music—can lead to serious risks.
Law enforcement will patrol to enforce the law against using phones and electronic devices while driving, with fines beginning at $48 for a first offense.
The DOE has leased the Fuels and Materials Examination Facility to General Matter to support new nuclear projects in the Tri-Cities.
Local officials stress that new initiatives will proceed while cleanup remains a top priority.
Richland Police are urging residents to avoid texting, scrolling & eating while driving during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Focused enforcement patrols will occur throughout April to reduce risks and keep roads safe.
🏥 Health
Kadlec completed its new Candy Mountain Primary Care facility in West Richland at 4100 Keene Road.
The 14,765 sqft building by Bouten Construction plus TGB Architects is set to begin seeing patients the second week of June.
Benton County completed the 56,000 sqft Columbia Valley Center for Recovery at the former Kennewick General Hospital site at 216 W.
10th Ave. in Kennewick in February. The facility provides behavioral health services (mental health care, sobering, detox, and residential treatment) for up to 68 individuals.
🏈 Sports
Tri-City Dust Devils mark 25 years with plans to boost tourism by hosting free World Cup fan zones this summer at Gesa Stadium and offering extra giveaways + drone shows along with revamped facilities.
New ownership aims to make the ballpark a year-round hub for sports and local events.
🎉 Richland Events
Submit an event →
J. Valentino Live at Jokers
7-10 p.m. — Jokers Comedy Club — Full food & drink menu available — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian J. Valentino and friends from Los Angeles.
Trivia Night at Barnard Griffin Winery
6-8 p.m. — Barnard Griffin Winery — No fee — Compete in trivia rounds while enjoying wine and food in a lively atmosphere.
K is for Kindness 5K and 1K Fun Run
4-7 p.m. — 1776 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA — Registration fee required — Participate in a fun run benefiting local autism support nonprofits.
🏠 Richland Real Estate
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💼 Richland Job Board
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📣 Richland Announcements
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