Good morning, Richland.

Richland Park and Recreation will host the annual Fall Carnival tomorrow from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at John Dam Plaza—families can ride tractors, trick-or-treat, and play classic games while a vintage arcade bus offers throwback video games and the first 1000 children receive mini pumpkins.

McCurley Subaru in Pasco is holding a pet adoption event today where dogs and cats are available with half off adoption fees and extras such as a pet costume contest and local food vendors.

ASPCA, eXp Realty and McCurley Subaru support the event to help link pets with new families in the community.

On October 17, Benton County firefighters responded at 8:18 a.m. to a brush fire near State Route 397 and south PR SE 1924 in the Highland area and contained the blaze by 8:33 a.m.—they then stayed for about an hour to mop up hot spots.

Hubby's Pizza in Kennewick reopened after a stolen car crashed into the building early yesterday at 3 a.m.—police reported that suspects attempted to steal cash from an ATM, left one car abandoned in the parking lot, and fled in another car that later burned three blocks away while the pizzeria remains open with part of its lobby blocked, serving customers until 9 p.m.

Hubby’s Pizza in Kennewick reopened today after a stolen car crashed into the restaurant early yesterday around 3 a.m.—police said suspects attempted to steal ATM cash and then fled in one vehicle later found burning three blocks away—with part of the lobby still blocked off.

Since the federal government shutdown began, many Washingtonians have filed for unemployment benefits; state records show federal worker claims reached 1,184 by Oct.

15 and weekly claims climbed to nearly 6,287 by Oct. 10. State officials warned that over 700 federal contractor workers may be laid off on Oct. 20—adding to the difficulty of finding new jobs.

Columbia Basin College hosted the Stem Like Me!® Student Summit with the STEM Foundation on October 17th to give local students a chance to meet experts in health science, agriculture, and nuclear science (now in its 12th year).

This event helped students learn about career paths in STEM and expanded access to education in the region.

Seventeen-year-old Marjorie Bunch from Richland High School won the Congressional Award Gold Medal and is the second from the Tri-Cities to earn the honor—she spent two years meeting goals in community service, fitness, personal growth, and exploration.

She will go to Washington, D.C. next summer to meet Congress and tour the Capitol.

Christ the King Catholic School in Richland has focused on community service for nearly 70 years by involving students from preschool through eighth grade in projects like a diaper drive for Catholic Charities and an annual canned food drive that collects over 10,000 cans, helping families in need. School officials say these activities build both personal and academic growth while teaching the next generation to be community leaders (a tradition that dates back to the school’s early days).

A recent study found that pickleball players are increasingly suffering eye injuries, with reports showing a sharp rise from about 200 cases a year a decade ago to over 1,200 cases in 2024 — older players face a 39% higher risk from falls and impacts.

Experts advise using proper eye protection to prevent serious injuries during play.

A recent survey of 2,000 parents found that children held phones 52% of the time during conversations and 78% of parents were worried about missing real talk—82% have put in place no-phone rules at meals and outings.

The study also showed that busy schedules and other distractions add to the struggle for genuine family connection.

Today, a peaceful protest organized by Indivisible Tri-Cities will march from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Columbia Center Boulevard in Kennewick to oppose attacks on democracy and to collect coats, gloves and hats at Jersey Mike's near Canal Drive for local families.

Families in Richland are turning to local farms and markets as nature-based dining shifts from restaurant trends to home kitchens—supporting small producers and bringing seasonal meals to daily life.

This trend deepens the connection between cooking and the outdoors by encouraging simple recipes that highlight fresh, local ingredients.

Halloween Candy & Wine Pairing

12-7 p.m. — Barnard Griffin Winery — Ticketed event — Discover which wines soften the fright of your favorite Halloween candies.

Treeus Performance

5-8 p.m. — The Emerald of Siam Thai Restaurant and Lounge — Free entry — Experience Treeus in a dinner show featuring three part vocal harmony.

Tri-Cities Marathon

8 AM – 2 PM — Riverfront Hotel, Surestay Collection By Best Western — Registration required — Experience the thrill of racing in the scenic Tri-Cities Marathon.

Trivia Night at Barnard Griffin Winery

6:30-8 p.m. — Barnard Griffin Winery — No fee — Test your trivia knowledge while enjoying wine and food in a friendly competition.

Book Exchange at Barnard Griffin

2-4 p.m. — Barnard Griffin Winery — Free to attend — Swap your favorite reads and discover new stories over drinks and snacks.

Kadabra Concert at Ray's Golden Lion

Time TBA — Ray's Golden Lion Restaurant — Tickets available now — Enjoy an entertaining night with Kadabra returning to the stage in Richland.

Columbia River Classic Run

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — USS Triton Park — Registration fees apply — Celebrate community fitness at the 50th Annual Columbia River Classic with fun runs for all ages.

Thanksgiving Pie and Wine Pairing Event

12 PM – 6 PM — Barnard Griffin Winery — $25.00 per tasting ($20.00 for Club members) — Savor delicious holiday pies expertly paired with exquisite wines for a festive treat.