Good morning, Pasco.

On August 7, the Port of Kennewick celebrated National Lighthouse Day by honoring its 62-foot lighthouse built in 2010 as a guide for boats along the Columbia River—its 84-step spiral staircase and 3,700-square-foot plaza attracted visitors and marked the Port’s 110th anniversary.

Benton County Deputies responded to a violent crash at E 3rd Ave in east Kennewick around 4:15 a.m. Wednesday when a Honda hit jersey barriers and injured two passengers who said they did not know the driver—using thermal imaging, officers located the suspect driver and another fleeing passenger—and the driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular assault.

Two men were arrested in Kennewick for a robbery that happened in July after police seized firearms and drugs during coordinated searches—detectives are asking anyone with more information to come forward.

A man recovered in stable condition after he was shot during a late-night argument in Kennewick — police reported that Emanuel Naranjo-Hernandez was arrested and charged with first degree assault.

Mortgage rates dropped to 6.75% this week, the lowest since April.

The drop is linked to weak job numbers in July and a possible Fed interest rate cut in September.

Residents have noticed increased barge traffic at the Port of Pasco this summer as companies ship woodchips and heavy machinery.

A new rail facility will soon allow direct cargo transfer from trains to barges—improving the terminal's efficiency and supporting the regional economy.

Camilo Acosta of the Washington State Department of Agriculture said that Japanese beetles in Franklin County grew from 10 in 2023 to 2,000 trapped this year and that teams treated 2,254 turf areas between April and June over eight square miles in Pasco—he noted that planned quarantine measures may soon limit moving yard debris to stop the pests from spreading further.

A Pasco resident — who noticed flames rising over six feet — was honored at the city council meeting on August 6 for stopping a fire sparked by a stray firework that threatened a Montana family's home on Sandifur Parkway at 11:00 p.m. He jumped a wall and used a garden hose—actions that kept the home intact with only minor pool damage—while local officials praised his quick bravery.

Tri-Cities Powerhouse Comic Con 2025

10 AM - 5 PM — Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center — Tickets available — The ultimate multi-genre pop culture and comic convention uniting all fandoms in Tri-Cities.

Benton Franklin County Fair

Aug 18 - Aug 23 — Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo — Entry fee varies — Celebrate agriculture with rides, exhibits, and family-friendly activities at this local fair.

Columbia Crossing Swim

4-6 p.m. — Columbia River — Registration fee required — Compete in a thrilling 1.5 mile open water swim across the scenic Columbia River.