Good morning, Richland.

A group of friends converted an old fire engine into a burger van after 20 months of work and spending £40k—starting their side hustle in May and serving local events like weddings and sports clubs.

They plan to expand the venture and may go full-time if customer interest grows—offering a unique taste of local fun.

The Richland School Board approved its 2025-26 budget Tuesday night — a $239 million general fund that cuts middle school music programs to help eliminate the district's debt.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a five-year construction license to Benton Conservation District for the Amon Creek Habitat Restoration Project near McNary Dam—costing $1.2 million to reroute 1,400 feet of channel and add a low-flow deflector to improve fish habitats and water quality—and construction will begin in winter/spring 2026 and finish by spring 2027.

The City of Richland announced the upcoming launch of MyAccount, a new utility customer service portal scheduled to debut in October that will replace the current E-Care system — officials said the new platform will offer enhanced tools for managing utility accounts — and residents will soon receive instructions to update their email addresses for notifications.

A study of more than 13,000 adults found that a strong sense of purpose was linked to about 28% lower odds of cognitive problems and a delay in decline by 1.4 months over eight years—researchers said that building purpose through work, hobbies, or caring for others can help protect brain health.

An egg recall went into effect on Aug.

27 when Country Eggs, LLC recalled its cage-free eggs after nearly 100 salmonella illnesses were reported across 13 states—three cases are confirmed in Washington; consumers are advised to throw away or return any affected cartons.

Homeowners are turning to gardening as the garden-to-table trend helps them grow fresh produce at home and reduce trips to the store – new tools and techniques support seasonal cooking and minimize waste.

The trend offers an easier, more sustainable way to plan meals and preserve ingredients for a healthier lifestyle.

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.

Taverna Tagaris 20th Anniversary Celebration

Time TBA — Taverna Tagaris — Reservations recommended — Celebrate two decades with live music, drink and food specials, and exciting prizes.

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.

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.