Good morning, Richland.

A new discount store called Five Below will soon move into the old Party City building next door to Grocery Outlet in Richland.

Shoppers are excited about the store that will sell items for five dollars or less—official opening details have not been announced.

Kroger announced during its Q1 report that it will close 60 stores over the next 18 months to boost efficiency — a move following failed merger plans — and although no Washington store has been named yet, shoppers may face longer trips for groceries while affected employees will be offered new positions.

Educational Service District 105 received a three-year grant from the Ballmer Group to boost mental health support in South Central Washington schools and will work with the UW SMART Center and Chad’s Legacy Project to train districts and add screening tools.

The grant will help schools use proven methods (aligned with state policy) to catch student needs early.

Finley Schools will begin a four-day week this fall, with classes Monday through Thursday and Friday off, to help reduce costs amid a $1 million budget shortfall—Superintendent Bryan Long said officials will review progress in spring next year and may return to a 180-day schedule if feasible.

Scientists announced yesterday that killer whales in the Salish Sea broke off pieces of bull kelp to groom each other—a behavior recorded in 30 instances over eight days that offers the first evidence of tool use by marine mammals.

Researchers noted that whales with more dead skin groomed more often and typically partnered with family members.

On June 22, Benton County deputies and West Richland Police Department rescued a missing man from the Candy Mountain area using drones with thermal cameras—his truck was found at the trailhead and he was at risk of hypothermia before being safely brought in.

Starting next week on July 1, Washington’s state gas tax will rise by 6 cents from 49.4 to 55.4 cents per gallon, and it will automatically increase by 2% each year to help pay for state transportation projects.

The new revenue package will also add fees—such as higher SR-99 tunnel tolls and increased taxes on car purchases and rentals—to fund repairs and improvements.

Health officials began testing the Columbia River for toxic algae on June 23 that can harm people and pets, as they start their water monitoring program in 12 Tri-Cities locations.

They will collect samples twice a month and post results online — warning signs will be placed when toxin levels become unsafe.

Fused Glass Seed Markers Workshop

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — db Studio — $65.00 — Create beautiful fused glass seed markers for your blooming summer garden.

Live Music by Haywire

7-11 p.m. — Ray's Golden Lion Restaurant — Check venue for cover charge — Enjoy an evening of music from the two bands named Haywire, bringing rock vibes to Richland.

Sip & Silent Reading

2-4 p.m. — Barnard Griffin Winery — Free to attend — Enjoy a calm reading session with wine and fellow book lovers.

Mountain Mist Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Budd's Broiler — Ticket required, food and drinks separately — Enjoy a fun painting experience with music and a three-course sunset menu by the river.

River of Fire Festival

2-10 p.m. — Columbia Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities at the River of Fire Festival.

Righteous Richland Sprint Triathlon

8:30-11 a.m. — Howard Amon Park — Registration fee applicable — Dive into a thrilling sprint triathlon featuring a swim, bike ride, and run through beautiful Columbia landscapes.

Shoreline Run

7:30-10 a.m. — Howard Amon Park — Entry fee required — Participate in a scenic 10K or a fun 2-mile run along the shoreline.

Christmas in July 5K/10K/Half Marathon

8 a.m. — Leslie Groves Park — Registration fee varies — Celebrate the holiday spirit with festive runs under the summer sun.