Good morning, Pasco.

Kristin Myers, a 70-year-old Kennewick resident, credited four smoke alarms installed by Red Cross volunteers two years ago with saving her life when a furnace failure sparked a fire on October 21—local businesses Chinook Heating & Air and Reyes Electric are donating a complete heating and cooling system as she prepares to volunteer with the organization.

Verizon announced that it will cut 165 jobs statewide — including three layoffs at the Kennewick store at 1321 N.

Columbia Center Blvd — as part of a restructuring required under the WARN Act. The permanent layoffs will take effect Jan. 23 and also affect positions in Eastern Washington and remote roles.

Superintendent Michelle Whitney—who has led Pasco School District since 2016—was named 2026 Washington State Superintendent of the Year by the Washington Association of School Administrators.

Her award and the naming of Pasco High School’s Gabriela Whitemarsh as Teacher of the Year highlight efforts to support nearly 19,000 students as Whitney becomes eligible for the National award in February.

Joyce McHenry, a fifth grade teacher at Columbia River Elementary School, was awarded November’s Classroom Makeover from WaFd Bank and will use the funds to support her classroom store project — a hands-on financial literacy activity where students learn to earn and spend classroom currency.

Franklin County Emergency Management is finalizing its updated hazard mitigation plan after extensive public outreach and outlines key actions to address wildfires, extreme weather, wind events, landslides, and toxic algae blooms—steps that will help secure grant funding.

The public can submit comments until December 5th.

A Washington state resident died from the rare H5N5 bird flu virus—the first known human case of this strain—after being hospitalized since early November; officials said the patient cared for a backyard flock where birds had died and over 100 close contacts are now being monitored for symptoms.

In Pasco, many veterans and first responders face increased loneliness during the holiday season—mental health advocates warn that memories of loss can spike anxiety, depression, and risk of suicide.

The Columbia Basin Veterans Center and local crisis services advise staying close to family and peers and limiting overwhelming events to help manage these challenges.

Today, community leaders met at a town hall organized by the Benton Franklin Health District to discuss concerns over unlicensed street vendors risking food safety — officials said they will continue working with law enforcement and state partners to educate residents on verifying permits.