Good morning, Pasco.

Pasco’s longtime queer bar is reopening as Azúcar at Out and About on June 21 with new dance and social spaces for Latino patrons—new gay Latino owners renovated the historic venue to keep its inclusive spirit alive for nearly 30 years.

The bar now features modern improvements such as an open dance floor and updated décor to support local Pride events.

Since Thursday just after 12:30 a.m., firefighters have been working to contain a haystack fire on Glade North Road and Alder Road in Franklin County—no structures are threatened and no injuries have been reported.

Firefighters contained a large wildfire in West Richland that triggered LEVEL 2 GET SET evacuations on Wednesday.

The fire, which started just before 8 p.m. on Northlake Drive and Clark Court, was held at about 10 p.m. — no injuries have been reported.

Corina Manzano and Joey Jordan reopened a renovated over-the-water building at 1350 SE Road 20 E in the Big Pasco Industrial Park as the Wheelhouse Event Center; it now holds up to 69 guests for meetings, small weddings, and other events under a five-year lease with the Port of Pasco — priced at $800 per month. The remodeling was finished in June 2024 and bookings began on March 1, while the partners plan a public event soon and are discussing repairs for the adjacent docks — a move to enhance this local venue.

The Tri-Cities Airport defies national travel trends by steadily increasing passenger traffic and is set to break its annual record later this year—expansion projects including a $13 million contract for baggage and gate improvements are underway while plans to secure a nonstop flight to Dallas-Ft. Worth remain a priority.

Local economists say the Tri-Cities labor force is plateauing as a shortage of skilled workers and rising housing costs add strain even though new jobs from Pasco’s Darigold plant + Amazon warehouses keep unemployment low at 4.3%.

Experts warn that these trends may widen the skill gap if demographic shifts continue.

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted the 4th Annual Career Signing Day to celebrate high school graduates and connect the Class of 2025 with local employers—Workforce and Education Coordinator Lisa Arneson said the event highlights technical and trade job opportunities that encourage students to work locally.

On May 21, Energy Secretary Chris Wright released funds for a Hanford subcontractor after Senator Patty Murray's criticism helped avert planned layoffs that would impact work from a $1 million to a $25 million contract.

Murray warned that deeper funding cuts could affect cleanup efforts and raise safety and environmental risks on the site — prompting concerns for the local community.

Pasco officials announced two park planning meetings for residents and businesses: one about the northern part of Peanuts Park on June 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. and another on overall park standards on June 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.—both held at City Council chambers with online options and Spanish translation.

Northwest Kickboxing League 10

5-10 p.m. — HAPO Center — $35-$75 — Experience the excitement of amateur Muay Thai and Kickboxing featuring top fighters from the PNW.

Tri-City Dust Devils vs. Hillsboro Hops

7:05-11:05 p.m. — Gesa Stadium — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night of minor league baseball action in Pasco.

Tri-City Dust Devils vs. Hillsboro Hops

1–4 p.m. — Gesa Stadium — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game featuring local teams.

BBQ & Marinades Culinary Journey Cooking Class

4-7 p.m. — Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center — Additional charge for libations — Discover grilling techniques and flavorful marinades for your summer cookouts.

Tri-City Dust Devils vs. Spokane Indians

7:05-11:05 p.m. — Gesa Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling baseball matchup as the Dust Devils take on the Indians under the clear skies of Kennewick.

Tri-City Dust Devils vs. Spokane Indians

1-4 p.m. — Gesa Stadium — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup between local teams in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Tri-City Dust Devils vs. Everett AquaSox

1-4 p.m. — Gesa Stadium — Check the local minor league teams in action as the Dust Devils take on the AquaSox.

Tri-City Dust Devils vs. Everett AquaSox

1-4 p.m. — Gesa Stadium — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy a thrilling Minor League Baseball matchup between local teams.

Tri-City Dust Devils vs. Everett AquaSox

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Gesa Stadium — Check website for ticket prices — Catch the thrilling Minor League Baseball matchup between the Dust Devils and AquaSox.