Franklin County voters said no to a public safety tax that would have helped pay for a jail expansion, a new police station and other needed infrastructure fixes.

It's difficult to figure out who should be blamed in the messy matter involving accusations that a Hall of Fame coach hit an autistic child and at the Richland Public Library.

The Kennewick School Board has been deeply divided since the 2007 elections, and comments during this year's campaign season -- from both sides -- have driven the wedge even further.

Election night came as a disappointment to some veteran Kennewick City Council members, but not as a surprise.

By the Herald editorial staff

By the Herald editorial staff

A proposal to sell the fairgrounds to the Benton-Franklin Fair Association is worth a closer look.

The Tri-Cities Memorial Committee will conduct its eighth annual Veterans Day celebration at the Regional Veterans Memorial in Columbia Park at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

In 1995, the Academy of Children's Theatre staged its first performance at Chief Joseph Auditorium in Richland. A cast of young actors presented Heidi to sell-out audiences of children, parents, grandparents and teachers - hundreds of Tri-Citians with an interest in children and a love of performing arts.

Today you will meet a domestic violence victim.

As a gay citizen of the Tri-Cities who is passionate about our community, I believe we have an enormous opportunity in this upcoming election to show all of Washington that we care about safeguarding the rights of our families.

On November's ballot is Referendum 71, which contains Senate Bill 5688, one of the most hotly contested bills ever. Why? Because, in effect, SB 5688 legalizes homosexual marriage. Legalizing homosexual marriage will be the most profound public policy change in our state's history.

We have a strong tradition of local control in Washington - a tradition Tim Eyman's Initiative 1033 would replace.

I-1033 brings back successful policies passed by the voters previously. In 1993, during tough economic times, voters approved Initiative 601 which put reasonable limits on government's fiscal policies. I-601 established a sustainable rate for government to grow, saying it could grow at the inflation rate plus population growth with faster growth requiring voter approval.

Forget about fall - it's flu season. If you've been on a plane, train, ship or any other form of public transportation recently, there has been someone nearby coughing, sneezing or sniffling.

DENVER - Kyle Orton walked off the field after a befuddled performance.

IRVING, Texas Forget spoils. Expectations go to NFL victors nowadays, a double-edged parting gift for a job well done.

TORONTO As respectful members of the British Commonwealth, the folks who ran Maple Leaf Gardens years ago hung a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II from the rafters. It came down in the late 1960s when Harold Ballard, part-owner of the NHL's Maple Leafs and their arena, wanted to add more seats. "She doesn't pay me; I pay her," he said. "Besides, what the hell position can a queen play?"

The Detroit Lions are at the halfway point of their season, which means if this were a funeral, it would be time for the eulogy. This is where I come in.