Good morning, Richland.

Animal shelters in the Tri-Cities urge local residents to adopt pets as they face overwhelming capacity, with Tri-Cities Animal Services at 105% capacity — many shelters note stray cats and dumped dogs may get no home without help.

Adoption fees stay under $100 to keep the process accessible.

Amazon warned Washington shoppers today that phishing emails are tricking customers into entering their login details on fake webpages (including false subscription links) that may expose personal information.

Customers are urged to check their accounts directly on Amazon’s official site.

Families can enjoy New Year's fireworks tonight at local spots including First Night at the Gesa Carousel of Dreams from 4 PM-9 PM, Columbia Park, and Howard Amon Park along the Sacagawea Heritage Trail.

Local guidelines remind viewers to watch safely and avoid personal fireworks.

Washington workers earning minimum wage will have their pay increased to $17.13 an hour on Jan.

1 (a 2.8% rise from $16.66), keeping the state at the top while Seattle will raise pay to $21.30 and Idaho workers remain at $7.25.

STCU offers free FAFSA assistance to local families and students formulating post-secondary plans, with appointments available at its Tri-Cities branches.

The credit union partners with local high school counselors and Launch NW to help improve regional FAFSA completion rates — vital for educational progress.

Proposed data centers in the Tri-Cities are raising local concerns about water use & power grid strain before construction begins, as lessons from Boardman and state lawmakers’ warnings add urgency to the debate.

Heavy rain filled nearly all local reservoirs (four over 60% and one at 46%) as of Dec.

28, but water officials said that with snowpack at 56% of average, more snow is needed to meet summer irrigation demand; local rains cannot replace snowmelt.

Residents in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and Yakima must follow strict fireworks rules tonight — Richland allows legal fireworks from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. while Yakima bans them with penalties, as Kennewick prohibits aerial types and Pasco insists on licensed dealers and no cross-counties transport.

On New Year's Eve, Kennewick bans aerial fireworks and hosts a professional display until 9:00 p.m., Pasco sells fireworks only through licensed dealers while urging careful use, Richland permits legal fireworks from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., and Yakima prohibits all fireworks with fines up to 1,000 dollars.

Mountain West Food Group has recalled 2,855 lb of grass-fed ground beef due to possible E. coli O26, with the packages produced on Dec.

16 and distributed to local retailers; consumers are urged to check refrigerators and dispose of or return any affected product (labeled FORWARD FARMS).

Wrestlers shared creative strategies (including honey use and naps) to stay ready during the Winter Cup at Hanford High School.

The tournament concluded its 2025 competition and highlighted athletes’ unique preparation techniques.

Trivia Night at Barnard Griffin Winery

6:30-8 p.m. — Barnard Griffin Winery — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy wine and food while competing for prizes.

Fondue Making Class at Barnard Griffin

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Barnard Griffin Winery — $50-$55 — Discover the joy of creating and enjoying melty fondue in this interactive class.