Good morning, Pasco.

Amazon, X-energy and Energy Northwest have planned the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility near the Columbia Generating Station to build small modular reactors that will generate from 320 to 960 megawatts of power — the project will create over 1,000 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs. Local partners including Columbia Basin College and Washington State University Tri-Cities will train the future workforce while construction is expected to start by the end of this decade.

Pasco's Country Mercantile Harvest Festival runs through October 31 offering tractor rides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking—other Tri-Cities fall events include Middleton Farms Fall Festival, Field of Screams near Richland, a Water Lantern Festival along the Columbia River, Rocktober in Kennewick, and a Whiskey & BBQ Festival at the Benton County Fairgrounds.

Vintage Halloween decor is the leading eco-friendly trend this year as households in Pasco choose secondhand pieces from thrift stores, flea markets, and online swaps to lower plastic waste and cut mass production.

Many residents enjoy unique finds that add charm to their spooky displays (which save items from landfills) while keeping a bit of history alive (as old items find new life).

At the Hanford site, workers began solidifying radioactive waste into glass at the new Low-Activity Waste Facility on October 15th—meeting a legal commitment to treat 56 million gallons stored in 177 underground tanks—marking a key step in cleanup efforts and paving the way for safer plant operation.

Conservationists and the state of Oregon asked a federal court on October 15 to change dam operations on the lower Snake and Columbia Rivers to help restore endangered salmon populations.

The motion, filed by groups such as the National Wildlife Federation, requested lower reservoir water levels and increased spill over eight dams (Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, Lower Granite, Bonneville, The Dalles, John Day and McNary) to allow juvenile fish a safer passage.

After the first frost appeared last Tuesday, WSDOT official Summer Derrey said drivers should check tire treads using the penny test and buy new tires if needed.

She added that starting November 1 drivers must carry chains on mountain passes (drivers are advised to practice using chains beforehand) and heavy snow is forecast between October 23 to 27 in the cascades.

After 36 years of planning and 23 years since the first concrete was poured, the Hanford Vitrification Plant began operation on October 15th — a milestone in the cleanup effort.

The facility, operated by Bechtel, will process over 5,300 gallons of tank waste daily into glass for safer long-term storage.

Kennewick Fire Department welcomes Michael Heffner as its new fire chief today—he brings nearly 30 years of firefighting experience and will focus on addressing staffing issues and enhancing open communication with the community.

Michael Salgado 30th Anniversary Concert

7-11:59 p.m. — High Point Concert & Event Center — VIP Tables $925, General Admission $55 — Experience an unforgettable night with Michael Salgado and special guests in a stunning outdoor setting.

Annual Makeup Blowout Sale in Pasco

10 AM – 5 PM — Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pasco-Tricities — Free entry — Enjoy discounts up to 75% on makeup, skincare, and hair care products this weekend.