Good morning, Richland.

Isiah Rodriguez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for fatally shooting Michael Perkins at a Richland shopping center in November 2024—he was arrested on a nationwide warrant in Portland—and was sentenced on July 29 to 23 years in prison by the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office.

On Thursday, July 31, a Kennewick Traffic Unit Motorcycle officer stopped a driver for speeding at 52 mph in a 35 mph zone at 10th Avenue and Osborne Street and, after the driver exited his vehicle and ignored commands, officers arrested him following a struggle, took him to a hospital for medical clearance, and booked him into Benton County Jail on charges of obstructing a public servant and resisting arrest.

Kennewick police arrested a 40-year-old man after he exited his car during a traffic stop near 10th Avenue and Osborne Street at 2:40 p.m.—he was stopped for speeding at 52-mph in a 35-mph zone and resisted the officer's orders.

The Port of Kennewick has paused property sales at Vista Field due to PFAS being detected and halted further construction until more soil tests are completed.

About 25 tests are planned for mid-August with results expected by Labor Day before any sales resume.

Benton County will launch a soft opening for its renovated Moderate Risk Waste Facility at 1709 S Ely St to allow residents to dispose of Household Hazardous Waste by appointment only from August 6 through August 9 and again from August 13 to August 16 during 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.—a ribbon-cutting is scheduled for August 19 at 2:00 p.m. with full public access beginning August 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Washington’s Department of Health launched Naloxone Finder to help residents find free naloxone needed to reverse overdoses.

The tool is now available on the DOH website — anyone can use it without special training amid rising overdose deaths.

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.

Plutonium Man Triathlon

9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Washington State University Tri-Cities — $55-$70 — Compete in a thrilling triathlon with Olympic and sprint distance options along the Columbia River.

Tumbleweed Music Festival 2025

3:30-9:30 p.m. — Howard Amon Park — Free entry — Experience live performances from talented musicians including award-winning singer/songwriter Barrie Dempsey.

Zumbathon 2025 - at the Richland Community Center, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Join fellow Zumbies in a Zumbathon that brings our community together in support of Grace Clinic, the only free healthcare clinic in the Tri-Cities. Whether you're a seasoned Zumba enthusiast or a first-timer, this heart healthy event is your chance to dance for a cause, connect with friends, and win a prize - all while support a vital mission.