Good morning, Pasco.

The B Reactor Museum Association will hold its 2025 year in review meeting on Dec.

8 at 6 p.m. at the Richland Public Library+ the meeting will include board and committee elections where members in good standing can be nominated for new leadership positions.

Washington State grocery stores will charge 12¢ for reusable plastic carry-out bags starting Jan 1, 2026 while paper bags remain at 8¢ until Dec 31, 2025—this fee hike is meant to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags.

Starting Jan 1, 2026, plastic carry-out bags will cost 12 cents, up from 8 cents until December 31 — the fee increase is designed to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags — paper bag fees remain unchanged at 8 cents.

Mortgage rates are expected to rise in December as analysts warn that lingering Fed disagreements and postponed key economic reports may push the 30-year average to 6.3% (with lenders adjusting expectations ahead of the December 9-10 meeting) based on November's rate fluctuations.

Medicare beneficiaries in Pasco must plan for higher costs in 2026 as Part B premiums rise to $202.90 and deductibles to $283 while the number of Part D plans shrinks, limiting drug coverage options; residents can compare plans during Medicare open enrollment from Oct.

15 to Dec. 7 to avoid unexpected charges—contact local SHIP for advice.

A food article highlights 13 winter casseroles to warm up dinners with simple recipes—ranging from leftover roast beef shepherd’s pie to chicken spaghetti—for busy households on cold nights.