Good morning, Richland.

Over the weekend, 4,000 people used BFT’s special event shuttles at Art in the Park Festival and Tri-City Water Follies — a preview of free shuttles for next month's Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo.

The shuttles will run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. from August 19th to 23rd at six park and ride locations including Knight Street Transit Center and Queensgate Park & Ride.

Police arrested Johnathon Villegas on Saturday outside Pendleton, Oregon—he is suspected of fatally shooting Lupita Ponce-Penaloza in a Pasco home on July 23 as investigators from regional, state, and federal agencies tracked him down.

Released on July 22, June 2025 data show that Benton’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.7% and Franklin’s to 3.9% while overall job growth in the Tri-Cities region increased modestly.

Benton lost 3,008 workers and Franklin lost 73 in the labor force—private sector gains helped offset declines in manufacturing and government jobs.

Two out of every five child care teachers needed public help to support their families because they earned very little money.

A report showed that most teachers made only $13.07 per hour and Black teachers earned about $8,000 less a year — a gap that worsened the problem — while many skilled workers left the field.

Washington State will implement 333 new laws on August 1 that set new employment standards, cap rent increases, limit local parking mandates and adjust transportation funding for inflation—some measures began on July 27.

Residents should note these changes and review the new rules as they come into effect.

Richland Fire & Emergency Services is hiring 9 to 11 firefighters, including entry-level, lateral, and firefighter/paramedics.

Interviews will be held in September (applicants can apply online or by emailing a recruiter) as the department seeks team players for long-term public service.

New Washington state laws took effect July 27 to boost police funding, relax parking requirements, extend special education services, and raise littering fines—religious leaders are not required to report abuse from confessions until courts review the matter.

Additional laws ease liability for developers, require cities to allow housing near transit, and mandate business merger notifications to help protect consumers.

Fourteen-year-old Jaycee Jenkins from Kamiakin High School and sixteen-year-old Asher Downey from Kennewick High School won gold in the 1500-meter races at the National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships in Savannah, Ga+ both athletes set personal records and represent the Tri-City Thunder track club+ marking a top achievement for the Tri-Cities area.

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.

The Selena Experience with Fonozis

7-10 p.m. — Clover Island Inn — Cost TBA — Experience an extraordinary Selena tribute that transports you back to 1995 with every song.

Benton Franklin County Fair

Varies — Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo — Entry fee varies — Enjoy the diverse attractions of a beloved local fair with rides, exhibits, and rodeo fun.

DEAL: Grateful Dead Tribute Performance

9 PM – 12 AM — The Emerald of Siam Thai Restaurant and Lounge — Ticketed event — Experience high-energy psychedelic renditions of Grateful Dead classics from Seattle's vibrant electric quartet.

Three Rivers Saxtette

5-8 p.m. — The Emerald of Siam Thai Restaurant and Lounge — No Cover — Enjoy a delightful dinner show with the popular Saxtette ensemble, a fun twist on traditional music.