Good morning, Pasco.

Over the weekend, community members raised thousands for the Benton-Franklin Humane Society to help care for local animals, sparking support for improved shelter services in the area.

West Richland Animal Control said a dumped dog nicknamed Shadow wandered at least six miles overnight before a citizen picked him up near Ruppert Road (Van Giesen) in Horn Rapids, and officials urge anyone with camera footage along Snively Road to call 509-967-7112.

Framatome’s Richland facility received federal approval to produce higher-enriched nuclear fuel above the traditional five percent limit.

The company began facility upgrades this year and expects production to start in 2027 — a move that will extend reactor operating cycles.

Country singer Brantley Gilbert will perform at the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo on August 25, delivering high-energy tunes at the summer event.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 15 at 8:00 a.m. at the fair office or online (prices range from $30 to $60).

Pasco School District is considering schedule changes to ease a bus driver shortage.

The proposal (cutting 30 bus routes) would shift start times by starting high school 15 minutes earlier and middle school 45 minutes later.

Washington declared a statewide drought emergency for the fourth year as water restrictions lowered streamflows to 50-75% below normal in key wine regions including the Columbia Valley, where nearly 60,000 vineyard acres and over 1,000 wineries depend on water; growers worry shortages may force challenging water use changes.

PNNL in Richland won GeekWire’s Innovation of the Year award for its vitrification technology that turns Hanford waste into stable glass logs+ the award was announced at a Seattle event highlighting decades of cleanup innovation.

Starting May 14, BLM will ban fireworks, exploding or metallic targets, ammunition with steel cores, tracer devices and sky lanterns on its lands in Oregon and Washington to reduce wildfire risk (penalties include fines up to $100,000 and up to 12 months jail) as hot, dry weather continues.

Ben Franklin Transit will add summer service changes starting Sunday, June 14 to serve the Pasco Aquatic Center and Amazon facilities — a pool route will operate Monday to Saturday and an express service will help Amazon workers at 6:30 a.m., with more routes planned for August.

Hospitals urgently need blood donations amid a Code Red shortage of Type O blood & platelets for emergency care; the Red Cross offers a $20 Amazon Gift Card for donations through May 17 and an oversized beach towel from May 18 through May 31.

The Benton-Franklin Health District said unpermitted roadside food vendors have risen.

Seven vendors (six fruit carts and one taco vendor) were shut down so far this year for not meeting health safety rules, and inspectors will continue checking vendors routinely.

43rd Spring Show and Shine

May 25 — Columbia Park — Donations encouraged — Enjoy a day of classic cars while supporting local veteran organizations.

Big River Run

8 AM — Chiawana Park — Registration fees apply — Run along the scenic Columbia River with options for all ages.