Good morning, Richland.

Barracuda Coffee Co. is back in north Richland today—owner Jake Shupe reopens the shop with longtime staff and local partner Kara Vogt to bring back its signature drinks at the historic Van Giesen Street location.

The reopening follows last year's sale and a strong social media response from the community.

Washington State University Tri—Cities in Richland has launched a new non—credit Brewing Certificate Program that teaches participants every step of brewing from ingredient sourcing to hands—on lab practice at local facilities.

The year—long course, developed with community input and expert support, offers a 40% discount that brings enrollment to $3000.

Costco opened Aug.8 in the busy Queensgate area and has brought extra traffic that led the city to plan $5.2 million in road upgrades with new roundabouts—design work is 30% complete and construction is set to finish by late 2026.

Local leaders and veterans groups in TriCities supported a new proposal after Governor Bob Ferguson secured $500,000 to study costs for a veterans cemetery—sites in Richland and West Richland may hold 50 years of interments.

Ben Franklin Transit is offering free rides to the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo starting August 19 from six pickup locations including Richland’s Knight Street Transit Center—riders will see service run from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. with closer departures after 4 p.m. and ambassadors to help guide them.

Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland welcomed many new nurses this summer—yet more than 30 nursing positions remain unfilled as HR uses one-on-one interviews and streamlined hiring to find the best fit.

Other local hospitals are hosting hiring events and using AI to ease paperwork as they work to keep up with a growing health care shortage.

Richland’s ReGenx Wellness Center now offers sound frequency therapy using the VibraGenix Elite machine to help members improve pain relief, lung function and injury recovery in sessions that last up to 20 minutes—membership is available for $199 a month.

CEO Caroline Stites and partner Carl Cadwell built the system locally to provide a holistic approach to healing with FDA-approved technology.

The Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities will hold its annual Parade of Homes in September with nine new homes on display in Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco; events run Sept.

6, 7, 10, 13, and 17 with $10 tickets available at Circle K starting Sept. 1. Chefs on Parade will take place Sept. 11 from 5—9 p.m.—bringing local chefs to serve signature dishes and wine samples at six homes while $40 tickets can be picked up at the HBA office from Sept. 2—11.

Real estate experts say the Tri-Cities market now has over 1,000 listed homes in June—which gives buyers more leverage as homes take longer to sell and prices steadied—and local builders note more resale homes and affordable new construction will help balance the market.

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.

Tomato Tasting and Lecture with Schreiber Farms

6:30-8 p.m. — Barnard Griffin Winery — $30 entry, $25 for wine club members — Experience a unique blend of tomato tasting and wine pairing education.

Fiery Foods Festival

11 AM – 7 PM — Peanuts Park — Varies by vendor — Experience the ultimate celebration of spice with contests, food trucks, and local flavors.

Chavo Guerrero Wrestling Event

6-9 p.m. — Jokers Comedy Club — Free venue parking — Witness WWE and WCW legend Chavo Guerrero alongside Reactivate wrestlers in an all-ages wrestling show.

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.