Good morning, Richland.

A 13-year-old from Kennewick named Rhylinn Simmons has started making Dignity Duffel Bags to help foster children pack important items when they move between homes — the bags include hairbrushes, toothpaste, and socks.

She plans to keep giving out these bags so kids feel safe and cared for — a promise born from her own foster experiences.

Kennewick firefighters quickly controlled a brush fire near E 10th Ave and E Chemical Dr. on Tuesday during a Red Flag Warning.

Later, crews responded to light smoke on W Clearwater Ave, upgraded the issue to a commercial structure fire, and put out the flames—halting any further spread.

Kennewick Police captured two wanted Oregonians on Thursday in the 300 block of North Ely — officers found drugs and a handgun on one suspect and extra narcotics during a hotel search before booking both into Benton County Jail on outstanding warrants.

Chefs and market vendors now view heirloom tomatoes as cultural icons that show taste and access, with varieties like Cherokee Purple and Green Zebra fueling a shift away from mass-produced produce (including options such as Cherokee Chocolate and Black Cherry).

On June 24, the Richland School District Board voted not to renew Superintendent Shelley Redinger's contract amid funding uncertainty and concerns over community trust—the board will work with her until her current contract ends and may reconsider the decision if cost-saving measures prove effective.

Construction at the Vista Fields project near Port of Kennewick paused on July 11th after PFAS was discovered in the soil, and officials plan additional tests to decide when work will resume.

A new federal law will cut SNAP benefits by about $56 a month for Washington households—lowering the maximum allotment for a family of four—and add work rules for over 130,000 recipients.

Nearly 1 million SNAP users in the state will see these changes as the program undergoes major adjustments.

Starting Monday, July 14, Columbia Park West’s western parking lot will close for marina work—this project will last about two months and include detour routes on an adjacent trail for pedestrians and cyclists.

The City of Richland asks visitors to follow posted signs for safe access during the work.

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.

Fused Glass Seed Markers Workshop

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — db Studio — $65 — Create beautiful fused glass seed markers for your garden this summer.

Paper Making Workshop at Barnard Griffin

2-4 p.m. — Barnard Griffin Winery — $40 — Transform upcycled materials into your own unique sheets of handmade paper in a whimsical workshop.

Noah Johnston - Piano Jazz

6-8 p.m. — The Emerald of Siam Thai Restaurant and Lounge — Free show — Experience the musical talent of a young pianist and vocalist with a background in jazz.

Boredom Busters: Summer Edition

1-3 p.m. — REACH Museum — Free with admission or membership — Engage in fun, hands-on activities inspired by museum exhibits during summer break.

Summer Splash 5K

8-10 a.m. — Badger Mountain Community Park — Entry fee not specified — Enjoy a lively 5k race and a kids dash followed by splashes in the park's water features.

Fair Food & Wine Pairing

12-7 p.m. — Barnard Griffin Winery — Ticket purchase required — Explore delightful wine pairings with popular fair food as the kitchen prepares festival favorites.