Good morning, Pasco.

Nominations are open for the 2026 Tri-Citian of the Year Award to honor local heroes for community service — entries close March 15 and the gala will be held on April 30 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick.

Officials say the Pasco Aquatics Center is set to open its first year-round indoor aquatic facility on Memorial Day weekend in May, as voters approved funding in 2022 and conservative budgeting kept construction stable despite fluctuating sales tax revenue—details on naming, hours, and a grand opening celebration will follow.

Visit Tri-Cities awarded tourism honors to Home2 Suites by Hilton—operating near Pasco Airport—and A-1 Hospitality Group with the Excellence in Service and Kris Watkins Tourism Champion of the Year awards in December 2025.

The nods highlight two key local hospitality players in a thriving tourism economy.

Pasco's Ruth Livingston Elementary was named a 2025 National ESEA Distinguished School for its strong academics and improvement, making it one of only two in Washington to earn the honor.

The school will be recognized at the National ESEA Conference in Denver on Feb. 10-12.

Kennewick is starting a $33M project to remove forever chemicals from its water supply that will be operational in 2028 and is funded by local utility rates + a $15M state health award.

SECOMM is testing new artificial intelligence software (designed to answer non-emergency calls during major events) in Benton and Franklin counties.

Testing will continue next week with the system potentially going live late next week.

An article highlights four scenic winter lakes in Washington for outdoor activities, noting that Lake Chelan is near Tri-Cities.

Residents can plan a quick drive to enjoy snowshoeing + winter photography at these locations.

Visit Tri Cities is accepting applications for the 2026 Ironman Triathlon training program (offering two winners free coaching, wellness resources and race entry); submissions are due by Feb.

13 with training starting March 15 and the triathlon set for Sept. 20.

Los Rugar Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — Tropicana — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy live music as Los Rugar performs their hit song 'Arrogante y Tóxica'.