Latest news with #Tri-CityHerald
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Richland Council, leave trans student policy to the schools
The May 6 Richland City Council meeting included discussion of whether the mayor should sign a letter about trans participation in school sports. Although the City Council has absolutely no authority over education policies, they felt that addressing a matter outside the sway of city government was worthy of extended public comment and pontificating from the mayor. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the letter is immaterial; signing it is not good governance. Good governance is about competence, not ideology. Sitting on their platform expressing personal opinions about issues other than those directly impacted by their actions is simply an effort to impose values on our community. This is not a council member's job, and it is not a privilege of their job. But the Richland City Council is not alone; the Kennewick and Pasco councils have also wasted time and energy discussing and signing the letter. I am shocked at how easily our local officials can be manipulated. Watching them so eagerly jump to engage in useless performative governing over a 'dog-whistle' issue outside their control is disappointing and embarrassing. Council members, stick to your job. Marie Noorani, Richland First of all, a huge thank you to Jeff Morrow for acknowledging our Tri-Cities high school golfers. These athletes work so hard, and they love the recognition from the Tri-City Herald! We personally have printed off articles as a keepsake for both of our kids in past years. I noticed Joel Martinez with Chiawana was mentioned in the article, but Beyora King and Moira Laird with Chiawana were not mentioned. Like Joel Martinez, Moira and Beyora also qualified as individuals for the state tournament in DuPont, with Moira Laird shooting an 89 on day one, which qualified her for day two, where she shot a 91. After factoring in all of the tied scores, this placed Moira in a two-way tie for 21st in a field of 116 golfers across the state. Both of these Chiawana Lady Riverhawks have had outstanding seasons, with Beyora King (a senior) making the MCC All-Conference First Team, and Moira Laird (a junior) making MCC All-Conference Second Team. These golfers definitely deserve to be acknowledged along with their peers. Thank you for your time, and thank you again for acknowledging student-athletes. Ashley Laird, Pasco According to Morning Joe analyst Steve Rattner, the 'Big Beautiful Bill' passed by House Republicans will deliver a 3.7% increase in after-tax dollars to the top 10%. The average bottom 10% American will lose $800 because the tax relief is so small and the loss of safety net benefits so large. The 60% in the middle won't feel much difference either way. The cuts to Medicaid and food stamps in the bill are historically large, but it still would increase the deficit by $3.8 trillion. Rattner also says that if the 2017 tax cuts were allowed to expire only on those Americans making over $500,000 annually, it would save $1.1 trillion over 10 years. That would be enough to pay for the Medicaid and food stamps that the 'BBB' cuts. The GOP pretends that tax cuts that exclude the very wealthy are liberal extremism though. The bill was hastily passed in the wee hours without the normal process of evaluation. Rep. Dan Newhouse voted yes and claims to be proud of it, but really? The hot mess will next be considered by the Senate where even the Republicans reportedly think it stinks, but nobody's betting on their integrity. Greg Carl, Richland I was hopeful but not naïve about Rep. Dan Newhouse. But it still hurt when he lied outright to us about not cutting Medicaid. That was a lie. What made it worse than lying was that he exulted and reveled in the lie. He was untruthful with us before, but in a typical misleading way. This was not that. His trumpeting of the lie as something good and great made it so much worse and mean-spirited than anything before. That hurt. His vote was cruel but also wasteful. This budget bill does not reduce the deficit but gives more money to rich Americans by removing an estimated 9 million poorer Americans from insurance. Apparently, in Republican land, this is to be trumpeted as a great accomplishment. Cruelty and incompetence are celebrated. Poorer Americans are kicked to the curb, richer Americans are undertaxed and the deficit grows. To Newhouse, this is great news. In Republican-speak, the deficit is reduced and waste, fraud and abuse are addressed. None of which is true. But Republicans today, and now Newhouse, do not deal in truth. They deal in falsehoods, lies and cruelty. Never again, Newhouse. And shame on you. I am done with you. Chuck Henager, Kennewick
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Richland man sentenced for killing wife while speeding to pass a truck
A Richland man is headed to prison nearly four years after killing his wife in a dramatic south Richland wreck. Investigators believe Melvin D. Williams Jr., 65, was speeding up a hill on Leslie Road trying to get ahead of a merging truck when he lost control of the Saturn he was driving in June 2021. The car spun into the oncoming lane and crashed, killing his wife Victoria Deberry, 61. He was charged with vehicular homicide seven weeks after the crash and a lengthy hospital stay. On Tuesday, Williams entered an Alford plea to the charge. The plea means he doesn't admit to the crime, but believed the prosecutors could prove the charge if it went to trial. Williams faced between a year and three months and a year and eight months in prison.. Both sides agreed to a maximum sentence, and Judge Norma Rodriguez followed the recommendation. Deberry's family also asked for the judge to impose the maximum sentence, according to statements read into the record. William's attorney Deric Orr said his client took responsibility for his role, but the other driver remained free. 'Ultimately, while we firmly believe that (the other driver's) actions did contribute to Ms. Deberry's death, the prosecutor maintains the sole ability to charge someone with a crime. We are happy that Mr. Williams was able to put this behind him,' Orr told the Tri-City Herald. Williams told investigators that he was heading south on Leslie Road from Columbia Park Trail when he first tried to pass a Ford pickup. The two-lane section of Leslie Road goes uphill before narrowing from two lanes to one. Vehicles in the right lane have the right of way, while drivers in the left were instructed to 'merge right' with painted arrows on the road and signs. The pickup moved into the left lane in front of his Saturn and Williams moved into the right, he told investigators. The data recorder in the car showed he was going 76 mph with the gas pedal pushed nearly to the floor when the Saturn struck the right curb, court documents said. The posted speed limit was 40 mph. When he lost control, the car slid sideways in front of the truck. It kept skidding across the road and into oncoming traffic. It slammed into an SUV heading north. Deberry was killed in the crash and Williams was left in the hospital for weeks
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers stunned by signs of elusive species returning to unexpected forest habitat: 'More important ... than previously thought'
Wolverines, once hunted to local extinction in Finland's southern regions, are returning to their historic habitats after decades of absence, reports the Tri-City Herald. Researchers at Aalto University used satellite imagery combined with footprint tracking in snow to document wolverines moving back into southern Finnish forests. This tracking method created small land sections using transects that form triangles, which were then checked for wolverine footprints during winter months. The comeback demonstrates how protecting endangered species can restore balance to natural ecosystems. About 13% of the tracked areas showed wolverine presence, with many tracks appearing in mixed-tree forests in the southern part of the country. The study revealed these areas were typically away from human development and had less forest density with a more continuous landscape. For local communities, the return of wolverines helps maintain healthy forest ecosystems. These weasel family members play an important role in controlling prey populations, which can benefit the entire food web. When predators return to their native ranges, they create more stable and resilient environments that support human needs like clean water and healthy forests. You might never spot one of these elusive creatures yourself. Wolverines are known for being highly secretive, and even finding their tracks can be considered lucky. Their return demonstrates that even species pushed to the brink can recover with proper protection. "Research confirms that wolverines are returning to their old habitats further south," researchers noted in a statement from Aalto University. "The study also suggests that the typical deciduous mixed forests of the south may be a more important habitat for wolverines than previously thought." "In expanding wolf populations, individuals settle first in the highest-quality habitats. As population density increases, later dispersers are pushed into progressively lower-quality areas," explained the research team in their published study. "If wolverines follow a similar pattern ... our findings may reflect characteristics of those habitats." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tri-Cities Burger King worker trapped in freezer calls 911 after man breaks in
A 34-year-old man was arrested early Tuesday when he reportedly freaked out and began running into traffic at a busy Kennewick intersection and then broke into a closed Burger King. His alarming behavior scared a female employee who was alone inside the restaurant, forcing her to flee into a freezer to call 911, said police. The suspect, Stephen Zimmerle, however, already had called 911 himself. Kennewick Officer Zachary Cain told the Tri-City Herald that Zimmerle called for help about 6 a.m., telling emergency dispatchers that someone was trying to kill him and he was being chased near the Fairchild Cinemas at Southgate. He reportedly ran into traffic at the corner of 27th Avenue and South Quillan Street near the Wal-Mart, jumped on the back of a pickup truck and took off his shoes before climbing out. Witnesses told police Zimmerle allegedly ran in front of other passing cars and tried opening their doors. When he couldn't get inside one, he went to the nearby Burger King and smashed the window next to the front entrance and climbed in, said Cain. The restaurant hadn't opened for the day, but an employee was working inside. When the woman saw Zimmerle coming into the store, she ran into the walk-in freezer inside a refrigerator and called for help. When officers arrived they found Zimmerle inside the refrigerator trying to disassemble a ventilation fan by pulling out wires, said Cain. Officers used a Taser to shock him when he wouldn't follow their orders to surrender. As he was being arrested, he allegedly kicked an officer. Zimmerle was checked at Trios Southridge Hospital before being booked into the Benton County jail on suspicion of commercial burglary, felony harassment, unlawful imprisonment, malicious mischief, third-degree assault, obstruction, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and vehicle prowling. Cain said there is no sign of anyone actually chasing Zimmerle.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Diversity group drops Tri-Cities event over ‘threats to safety, identity, well-being'
The souring climate around diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, has forced a Tri-Cities group to halt an annual event labeled a 'critical community cornerstone.' But Naima Chambers, founder and CEO of the Tri-Cities Diversity and Inclusion Council, promises the Celebration of Community, Culture and Diversity event will eventually return in full force. 'While this pause is necessary, it is not a step back — it's a strategic step forward,' she said in an email to supporters obtained by the Tri-City Herald. 'We plan to bring this celebration back in 2026, stronger and more impactful than ever.' Chambers could not be reached Friday afternoon about the decision. The Diversity and Inclusion Council is a local nonprofit dedicated to 'fostering a unified community, embracing cultures, and celebrating diversity through education, advocacy and the promotion of cultural competence and compassion.' Incorporated in 2019, the organization works to uplift the diverse voices of the region and create a climate where all community members feel valued and respected. It has held regular events, paid for student scholarships and collaborated to hold training on workplace diversity and conflict resolution. The group planned to hold its sixth-annual Celebration of Community, Culture and Diversity event this September. The family-friendly event last year at Howard Amon Par reportedly drew thousands of attendees, artists, musicians, food trucks, vendors and community leaders in an effort to 'uplift cultural pride, share diverse traditions and foster joy, healing and a sense of belonging in the Tri-Cities,' Chambers wrote. The decision to cancel this year's event was not made lightly. 'The growing climate of anti-DEI, anti-immigrant, and anti-nonprofit sentiment has created real and painful challenges. It has impacted our funding, strained our staffing and volunteer capacity, and reminded us of our responsibility to protect the safety and dignity of the communities we serve,' Chambers said. 'Many of our community members are navigating threats to their safety, identity, and well-being. We refuse to compromise your trust or your safety by hosting an event we cannot fully support with the care and resources it deserves,' she continued. Chambers says in order to create a better event next year, they're inviting Tri-Cities residents to start planning early by 'laying the groundwork for meaningful partnerships, pursuing aligned funding opportunities and building the infrastructure this event deserves.' 'We're inviting funders and partners to join us in shaping the next chapter — one rooted in purpose, cultural pride and the vibrant diversity of the Tri-Cities region,' she wrote.
