Local updates desk
What changed, and where to read the source
Useful two-county updates organized by urgency and city. We explain and link — every item names its primary source. This is a utility, not investigative reporting.
Results: 10
Nov. 3 general election: key dates for Benton and Franklin county voters
Ballots go out by mid-October. Register or update online or by mail by Oct. 26, or in person through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Washington minimum wage will rise to $17.73 an hour on Jan. 1
L&I announced a 3.5% increase from today’s $17.13. The overtime-exempt salary threshold for large employers rises to $1,773 a week.
Burn bans remain in effect at Washington state parks
State Parks lists all parks under Level 2 or Level 3 burn bans. Check park alerts before lighting any fire, including at Sacajawea and Palouse Falls.
Last Saturdays of the 2026 Pasco Farmers Market
The covered market at Peanuts Park runs Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon through October.
B Reactor is closed to visitors during roof replacement; Hanford history tours still run
The National Park Service says the Department of Energy is replacing B Reactor’s roof. The free Pre-WWII Historic Facilities tour stops outside the work zone so you can see the…
Bateman Island is no longer reachable on foot after causeway removal
The 86-year-old earthen causeway at the Yakima River delta has been cut to restore river flow for salmon. Plan to reach the island by boat, or explore Chamna and Columbia…
Mid-Columbia Symphony opens a season-long search for its next conductor
Three guest-conductor candidates lead concerts this season, starting Oct. 17 at Richland High School.
Kennewick’s 1941 grain elevator on West Clearwater goes to auction Oct. 22
The landmark “General Mills Sperry Division” elevator at 6500 W. Clearwater Ave. — now home to cell tower arrays — will be sold in an online auction.
Horn Rapids townhome lawsuit settles without costs to homeowners
The HOA board approved a settlement Aug. 21; the developer can build its golf-course townhomes under 2023 plans.
New this summer: Angel’s Family Restaurant, Metztli Cocina Bar and Biscuit
A two-story family restaurant near the HAPO Center, Puebla-style Mexican food in the former Fat Olives space, and a 5 a.m. biscuit spot for the Hanford commute.
Emergencies: call 911. For weather warnings, watch the National Weather Service (shown on our homepage). Civic and safety items are reviewed by a person in both languages before they publish.