Latest news with #Pasco
Axios
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Axios
How local journalism is faring in Tampa Bay — and how to help
I'm about a month away from my 10-year anniversary as a professional journalist, reporting on Florida and Tampa Bay from local newsrooms and my home office here in St. Petersburg. It feels weird to acknowledge the milestone this early. I don't want to jinx a career that's already on borrowed time. Why it matters: New data puts in stark terms what I've watched with increasing dread over the years: a collapse in local news so dramatic it feels like a miracle that I'm still here. Stunning stat: The U.S. has 8.2 "local journalist equivalents" per 100,000 people — a 75% drop since 2002, when there were 40, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick reports. That's according to the Local Journalist Index 2025 from technology platform Muck Rack and Rebuild Local News, a local journalism nonprofit. The big picture: The issue plagues big cities, growing communities and rural areas. More than 1,000 counties, or one in three, don't even have one full-time local journalist. That means fewer people watchdogging your local government, fewer trusted sources to turn to during hurricanes and breaking news, and fewer stories by locals for locals that help you connect with your community. As media analyst Brian Stelter put it, "The loss of local news relates to so many other problems plaguing the US: Polarization, radicalization, loneliness, lack of trust in everyone and everything." Zoom in: Tampa Bay is hanging in there. Pinellas County has eight journalists for every 100,000 people, or about 77 total. Hillsborough has 4.5 per 100,000, or 69 total. Sarasota fares the best with 13 per 100,000 while Pasco has two and Polk has one. The latest: Public media outlets including Tampa Bay's WUSF, WMNF and WEDU are working to make up funding cuts after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed more than $5 million in state money and Congress voted to cut $1.1 billion in federal funding. Between the lines: I love my job and feel lucky every day to be here. It's also come with a lot of heartbreak: Round after round of layoffs, tearful goodbyes with long-time editors who had their autonomy to leave on their own terms snatched away from them, and watching my generation of reporters move on to other industries just to pay their bills. Yes, but: There is still so much good.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why a Democrat says he can beat Laurel Lee in Tampa congressional race
Another Democrat is stepping up to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee. Darren McAuley, a former Veterans Affairs doctor with about a quarter century of experience as a military flight surgeon, announced he is entering the race. The married father of three says he's running first and foremost on affordability. 'I can win the district because Republicans have unfortunately made it clear that they are not going to do what's required to take care of people,' McAuley said in an interview. Lee has represented Congressional District 15 — which covers part of Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco counties — since 2023. The area leans Republican and the seat is up for election in 2026. McAuley criticized Lee's vote in support of President Donald Trump's signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which, among other things, made cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs and extended tax cuts from Trump's first administration. The bill is projected to explode the federal deficit. (Republicans have contended the economic growth encouraged by the tax cuts will offset the decrease in federal revenue.) He also said Lee has not done enough to push back on Trump's stance on tariffs, which McAuley argues are going to lead to more expensive consumer goods for Central Floridians. In response to McAuley's criticisms, a spokesperson for Lee defended her record. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act 'delivered real results for Central Florida families by stopping the largest tax increase in American history, eliminating wasteful spending, and protecting essential programs that our seniors and veterans rely on,' the spokesperson, Landon Hoffman, wrote in a text. Later, he added, 'What some call a 'trade war,' we see as a long-overdue defense of U.S. workers.' Lee won reelection in 2024 by 12 points over Democrat and former Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp. But that race was not without turbulence. After she was the only member of Florida's congressional delegation to endorse Gov. Ron DeSantis for president over Trump, Trump briefly and publicly explored endorsing a primary challenger to Lee in 2024. No such major challenger materialized, and Lee endorsed Trump for president after DeSantis dropped out. Lee, who previously served as Florida's top election official, has filed to run again with the state, as have two other Democrats, Robert People and Jose Engell. In a survey published on Ballotpedia, People, an Army veteran, said he's running to protect Social Security, expand access to abortion and increase teacher salaries nationwide. His federal campaign committee has raised about $8,700. In that same survey, Generation Z candidate Engell said he's running on Medicare for All and paid maternity leave. A campaign committee supporting his run has not filed any receipts, federal campaign finance records show. Although Congressional District 15 has long been coveted by Democrats, it's slipped away from them in recent election cycles. McAuley, who lives just outside the district, hopes to reverse the trend by showing voters he believes in common sense above party politics. 'What's bringing me into this race is seeing the caliber of leadership…lacking in Congress,' he said. 'We need to focus on serving the needs of the people.' This story may be updated. Check back at
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Investigation uncovers what led to brawl at Hanford, Pasco basketball game
High emotions, mass confusion and unfounded accusations of racial slurs were what likely led to a pair of fights at a February varsity basketball game between the Pasco Bulldogs and visiting Hanford Falcons. That's according to an investigation by the Pasco Police Department and its school resource officer obtained by the Tri-City Herald through the state Public Records Act. Several officers interviewed more than a dozen witnesses, parents and students in the days that followed the Feb. 4 incidents. Police also determined that a Hanford assistant coach tried to intervene between two fighting players but that allegations he choked a Pasco player were unsubstantiated. It was a 'split-second decision' to place his arms around a swinging Pasco player and likely 'the best option to de-escalate the situation,' said police. 'There were coaches up and down the court grabbing onto players to stop their aggressive movement toward players on the opposite team,' wrote Officer Joseph Wysock, a school resource officer at Pasco High School. 'Many of the events on Feb. 4, 2025, were unlawful and were against high school sports policies from both schools,' Wysock wrote. 'The game's coaching staff and school administrators handled the situations professionally to de-escalate many problems.' The firstfight occurred in the waning moments of the game, after a Pasco player going for a layup was pushed mid-air by a Hanford opponent. The hard foul led to a scrum between the two teams and the allegations involving Hanford's assistant coach. But a second fight after the game involved mostly enraged fans and parents. Several people walked away with bruises and scratches, and police identified one parent who may have instigated the fight. While Pasco police recommended third-degree assault charges for two parents and one student involved in the second incident, the city attorney chose to not file charges in the case, said Richland attorney Scott Johnson, who represents the assistant coach. The Herald is not naming those involved or the assistant coach since no charges were filed. The Hanford assistant coach remains on administrative leave from his part-time coaching job as the school investigation continues, but he has said he doesn't plan to return next season. Richland said in a statement to families days after the incident that the coach's actions 'do not reflect our commitment to safety' and would not be tolerated. Johnson argues the district should retract those statements in light of the Pasco police report. 'They made a snap judgment critical of their own coach before they knew any of the facts,' he wrote. 'The false statements the Richland School District made caused my client and his family to be subject to numerous threats, including threats of physical harm.' The Tri-City Herald has requested additional records about the Richland School District's internal investigation. A spokesperson for the district said it's standard practice for a staff member to be placed on leave when safety-related concerns are reported. 'This ensures a thorough, impartial review while prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff. The RSD's investigation into any potential violations of district policies is ongoing,' Richland public information officer BJ Sorenson told the Herald. In the days and weeks since the fights, Pasco High School has reviewed and enhanced its safety protocols. That includes more supervision and safety staff at home athletic events. 'At the district level, we have worked closely with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to address broader concerns and reinforce clear expectations for behavior and sportsmanship,' a statement from the Pasco School District reads. 'As part of this effort, QR codes are now posted at home athletic events, providing spectators with a simple and immediate way to report concerns or inappropriate conduct during competitions,' the statement continues. It was alleged by some witnesses that the tussles were preceded by the use of racial slurs against Pasco players on the court, specifically during a foul in the third quarter. Wysock interviewed the game referee and two Pasco coaches. All three denied hearing anything racial, and police were unable to establish any probable cause that slurs had been used. The referee explained in an interview with Wysock that it's WIAA protocol to pause play, speak with coaches and warn the benches if slurs or disparaging remarks are heard during play. Police were unable to discern what was said by players during the third-quarter foul, but one juvenile witness claimed a Hanford player called someone an anti-Black epithet. The Hanford assistant coach and a younger student were accused of calling a Pasco player 'carrot top' and 'carrot cake.' 'Pasco has a red-haired Hispanic player,' Wysock wrote. 'I interviewed him and he was unaware of these comments being made, nor did he feel that they were racial. In fact, he thought about making them a nickname for himself.' The first fight at Pasco High School occurred with less than four seconds left on the clock of the game as the Falcons led the Bulldogs, 62-45, according to police reports. As Hanford was running out the clock, a Pasco player stole the ball and was pushed during a layup. He landed and hit the padded wall. 'This caused the Pasco players to get upset and act with instant retaliation,' Officer Wysock wrote. Then, coaches, parents and fans from both teams came onto the court from the bleachers. 'Pasco High School administrators and coaches from both teams were clearing the court and addressing concerns as best as they could. They established command and control of the incident for the time being. Parents grew concerned over the events that just took place, such as the hard foul and the Hanford coach grabbing a Pasco player. Parents started pointing fingers as possible instigators,' he continued. A frustrated Pasco mother was identified as a 'component of what instigated' later fights. She and her husband initially thought it was their son who had been grabbed by the coach. After the game, as parents were waiting for their kids to come out of the locker rooms, she pointed out to the district athletic director a 20-year-old Hanford fan whom she believed was involved in the altercation, and that was 'saying racial slurs throughout the game.' That fan reportedly got into an argument earlier that evening with a few of the Pasco fans in the locker room tunnels, and was asked to leave the tunnel. A Pasco student there to watch the game overheard the mother's discussion with the athletic director, and he confronted the Hanford fan. After the game, words were exchanged between the Hanford fan and Pasco student, according to the police report, and shortly after the fan was surrounded by three men. '(The fan) crosses his arms in a manner that portrays he is not going to leave or listen to the crowd yelling and pointing for him to leave,' the report reads. The Hanford fan's father tried to intervene and the Hanford fan gets into a wrestling match with one of the Pasco aggressors and punches began flying. Several spectators, parents and students rushed to try to break up the cluster, but others who rushed in tried joining in on the fight, the police report said. Reports said the fan was beat by 'around 5-6 adults,' and was even knocked unconscious by an aggravated Pasco student who rushed into the scrum to land a 'haymaker' punch that also knocked down another person. The school's vice principal, the athletic director, Hanford coaches and several 'good Samaritans' broke up the fight. Wysock's report was based on 'hours of video footage' — both closed circuit and submissions from the public — and several written statements and interviews. It led him to the conclusion that reactions from players, fans, parents and students resulted in 'multiple people breaking the law.' 'It is not uncommon for players' emotions to be elevated during games, and retaliation for a hard foul has become common in college and professional sports,' the school resource officer wrote. 'In the events of the game between Pasco High School and Hanford High School, the actions taken by some reached the criminal level.' In addition to the three individuals recommended on third-degree assault charges, Pasco police also listed the names of nine individuals who likely broke state law by disturbing a school activity. The misdemeanor comes with a simple penalty of up to $50.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Openings: Waterside event center in Pasco + Kennewick's Slurpee King reimagined
An intriguing building perched above the Columbia River at the Port of Pasco's barge dock is now available for private gatherings. Wheelhouse Event Center, a partnership between Corina Manzano and Joey Jordan, renovated the vacant restaurant at 1350 S.E. Road 20 E., off Dock Street. Wheelhouse offers about 1,700-square feet and deck space next to the Columbia River for groups of up to 70 people. Manzano said it's already hosted a memorial service, small quinceanera celebration and has booked birthday parties, retirement gatherings and other groups. Manzano and Jordan will celebrate their new business with the Pasco Chamber of Commerce, which will hold a ribbon cutting and opening celebration from 3-6 pm., June 19. Manzano and Jordan both are Pasco natives and had long been intrigued by the deteriorating building that's practically over the water. It once housed a restaurant serving the marina area, but had fallen into disrepair. In it, they spied an opportunity to bring something fun to Pasco's east side that would complement the eventual development of homes and businesses at Osprey Pointe, which is nearby. They contacted the Port of Pasco, which owns it, about doing something. In time, the port advertised for contractors to repair the vacant structure. Manzano and Jordan both are general contractors. They submitted the lowest bid and jumped into the project. The building needed everything but a roof, Manzano said. They replaced floors, rebuilt walls, replaced the electrical and HVAC systems. The tore out the old restaurant kitchen, including walk-in refrigerator. They rebuilt bathrooms, constructed a kitchenette and repainted everything. They hope to eventually replace the aging docks. For now, they're in precarious condition and are off limits to guests. Follow Wheelhouse on Facebook @ A long-closed 7-Eleven once crowned the 'Slurpee King of the World' is reopening as Slushee King . The new business is owned by Gurjeet Bimal, a Walla Walla vape and convenience store operator. Bimal acquired the 2,500-square-foot former convenience at 3606 W. Clearwater Ave., under the name Bimal13 LLC. Property records indicate the $765,000 sale closed in 2023, about two years after 7-Eleven closed Building permits indicate Slushee King is giving the property a modest makeover with new kitchen, fire and other systems. A sign was posted at the store this spring. The former 7-Eleven was crowned 'Slurpee King of the World' in 2007 after beating out competitors in Detroit, Mich., and Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, for the title, according to a report citing an industry publication. In addition to icy drinks, Slushee King will sell beer, deli items and tobacco and vape products. There is no business by that name listed in state corporation databases 'Slurpee' is a trademark owned by 7-Eleven Inc. Cafe Magnolia, the European style cafe, will leave its prominent spot at the Cynergy Centre in Kennewick for a newly-built space around the corner. Cafe Magnolia will move to 2403 S. Quillan St., it said on a Facebook post. Owner Nena Cosic aid they were planning to expand their current spot, 4309 W. 27th Place, Kennewick. They were concerned Cafe Magnolia would outgrow it. The new space will have almost 5,000 square feet, which will accommodate both a cafe and an event venue and catering. it is expected to open this fall.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Unmatched' passion. Tri-Cities Crystal Apple winner named ESD 123 Teacher of the Year
A proud product of the Pasco community, who has dedicated her teaching career to expanding access and opportunities for the region's multi-lingual learners, has been recognized as the 2026 Educational Service District 123 Teacher of the Year. The accolade also automatically puts Gabriela Whitemarsh, a bilingual mathematics teacher at Pasco High School, in the running for Washington Teacher of the Year. The state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, OSPI, selects that winner in late summer. Whitemarsh said she was 'surprised' with the recognition last week at a staff meeting. Superintendent Michelle Whitney and executive staff from ESD 123 presented her a certificate. 'I was humbled, very honored,' Whitemarsh told the Tri-City Herald. But teaching isn't conducted in a silo, she says, paying credit to her colleagues, administrators, students and families for the honor. 'There are so many people who have helped me along the way,' Whitemarsh said. 'That's not just my own merit, it comes from a whole group of people — both in my personal and professional life — and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of them.' She was also among nine educators earlier this year who took home the 2025 Tri-City Crystal Apple Awards for Excellence in Education. Whitemarsh called teaching the 'greatest career ever,' and says it's a privilege to play a role in building up the next generation of leaders. 'It's very personal, and I don't take it for granted at all,' she said. Pasco High Principal Veronica Machado in a letter of recommendation described Whitemarsh as an individual who cares about 'innovation, equity, collaboration and excellence in education for every student.' 'Her passion and dedication are unmatched, and she has left an indelible impact on her students, her colleagues, and Pasco High School,' Machado wrote. ESD 123 Superintendent Steve McCullough said in a statement that Whitemarsh's passion, creativity and dedication to educational equity embodied what it means to be a leader in the profession. 'We are honored to have Gabriela represent our region and know she will continue to make an extraordinary impact,' he said. Whitemarsh is completing her ninth year as a public school teacher. Prior to coming to Pasco High, she worked nine years at Columbia Basin College as a program director, most notably for the Math Engineering Science Achievement. She also taught mathematics as an adjunct professor. She is founder the Advanced Multilingual Mathematics Program (HiCap L1 Math) at Pasco High School, an initiative that opens the door to college-level mathematics for newcomer students who previously lacked access. Whitemarsh says she saw the need herself back when she was attending the school. She was often one of only a handful of Hispanic students who were in advanced courses. 'There are so many who are capable, why aren't there more of us who are taking these courses and being rigorously prepared for college?' she said. Since the program took off in 2018, about 92 students have completed advanced math courses, and 41 have earned between 5 and 20 college math credits — all while they continued to build a foundation in the English language arts. Whitemarsh says it's her students and the stories of their families who drive her to continue teaching. Many come to her with varying backgrounds, education levels and at different ages — but each strives to learn and help one another. 'Education is at the heart of what we do. It opens doors and opportunities — and there's a ripple effect,' she said. Learning is also at the heart of her family. Her husband also works as a math teacher, but at Stevens Middle School. Her parents, who immigrated from Mexico, constantly instilled in her the value of education. In addition to her teaching duties, Whitemarsh also chairs Pasco High's multilingual department, serves as a bilingual facilitator, and regularly provides professional development to her colleagues on culturally responsive teaching and equitable practices. She's also been previously recognized for dedicating countless hours toward tutoring students one-on-one during the COVID pandemic and for being a mentor to her colleagues. Whitemarsh has also previously been involved in leadership positions with the regional Hispanic Academic Achievers Program — a program she benefited from — which has awarded scholarships to youth in the Hispanic community since 1991.
