Subscribe | Get featured

Hi Tri Cities, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Festival of colors, speed puzzling, and an airport passenger record + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Backing for active school life: Pasco’s Kingspoint Christian School was awarded a $2,500 American Heart Association and NFL grant to boost student health, funding new physical activity equipment and resources for inclusive PE and recess — see the new grant structure.

Ripple effects on emergency care: West Richland EMS says response times are faster since Station 410 reopened in June, often more than a minute quicker. Staffing shortages remain a concern as leaders weigh adding positions — read the full story.

Regional travel momentum builds: Tri-Cities Airport at PSC wrapped its busiest year in 2025, serving 975,372 passengers, more than 25,000 above 2024, crediting strong community support and growing airline confidence — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Compete in speed puzzling at Solar Spirits
• Sip award-winning wines, read together
• Help keep our shower trailer moving
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Craving a real burger? Foodies slings stacked, flavor-forward burgers that land between comfort and creativity, from All-American classics to black-and-blue vibes and gloriously messy add-ons. Perfect with a pile of fries and midweek plans that need a little win.

Roll into the week: Whether you’re rusty or still busting 90s moves, Rollarena Skating Center delivers Tri-Cities nostalgia with a punchy sound-and-light show, classic games, and the upbeat chaos that makes time fly. A few laps later, you remember cardio can be fun.

History that hits home: Whether you’re into Ice Age floods, Hanford-era science, or just want a breezy indoor wander, REACH Museum turns Richland’s big stories into hands-on exhibits and community events that spark the “ohhh, that’s why” moment, connecting local history, landscape, and innovation in ways that stick.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Tri Cities for grown ups

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎨 Chinook Middle School I Love Art Night @ Chinook Middle School | Thursday (3/5) at 6:00 PM – Chinook’s I Heart Art Night serves up student and community art, hands-on workshops, a live 8th grade poetry contest, and the book fair. Free pizza for all, and childcare for the potty-trained, so you can feel cultured, keep the kids happy, and still make bedtime.

🐝 Beginner Beekeeping Class @ Richland Church of Christ | Saturday (3/7) at 8:30 AM – Thinking about backyard honey without becoming that neighbor? The Washington State Beekeepers Association’s beginner class covers the buzz from hive setup to not getting stung, and if you register early it’s $75, you save $20, and you actually get the book.

🌱 Seed Swap @ Anything Grows | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – The annual Seed Swap is back, and no, you don’t need to bring seeds, there’s plenty to share, as usual. If you’re contributing, label packets in clear bags or originals, drop extras at the shop, bring a coat, and park across the street.

🌈 Holi: Festival of Colors @ Richland Public Library | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Your overdue excuse to get messy at the library, and not get shushed. Richland Library and the Hindu Society host Holi with colorful crafts, classic and folk dances, treats, photo ops, and, if weather cooperates, a color toss. Wear clothes you do not mind staining.

🐱 Mrs. Roper Romp @ Cedars at Pier One | Sunday (3/8) at 3:00 PM – Channel your inner Mrs. Roper, throw on a caftan, and join a romp for the kittens, all to benefit Jenny’s Hope. Expect wigs, jewelry, and no landlords judging. Snag tickets early for $15 before they jump to $20 via Venmo @Carrie-Lundgren-3, or Cash App $CarrieLundgren.

🍷 Read Between the Vines @ Tagaris | Thursday (3/12) at 5:00 PM – Trade the couch for the courtyard and read between the vines at Tagaris in Richland. Sip award-winning wine, soak up Mediterranean vibes, and enjoy a book hang where talking is optional, guilt nonexistent, and all formats welcome. Show up, settle in, disappear into your pages.

🦆 Duck Duck…Spring! Paint @ Kindred Spirits | Thursday (3/12) at 6:30 PM – Round up your lady or gent crew for a spring paint night with Aubrey at Kindred Spirits, where all the supplies, instruction, and aprons are handled. Show up early, sip a zero-proof something, snag a bite, and let your duck come out delightfully wonky.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/5 The Browning @ Rays Golden Lion – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 Dan Myers @ The Emerald of Siam Thai Restaurant and Lounge – 5:00 PM
• 3/6 Zac Burrell @ Iconic Brewing – 7:00 PM
• 3/6 Eva and more @ Ray’s Golden Lion – 7:30 PM
• 3/7 Jamie Buckley @ Sports Page Bar & Grill – 8:30 PM
• 3/8 Gutenberg! The Musical @ The Richland Players – 2:00 PM
• 3/11 Karaoke Wednesday @ Out And About – 7:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Tri Cities report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 57°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 7%

Mostly sunny. High near 57, with temperatures falling to around 55 in the afternoon. West wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain between 10pm and 4am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Southwest wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

—

Tomorrow – High: 59°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 15%

A slight chance of rain after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 59. Southwest wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This full-view Mediterranean in Canyon Lakes Golf Community pairs classic elegance with fresh updates across 4,464 sq ft. The 3-bed plus office layout offers 2 full and 2 half baths, a main-floor primary, and a walk-out lower level with a second suite and kitchenette. Highlights include Cambria Quartz Gold kitchen, oak floors, twin fireplaces, Tri-Cities views, and a Tesla charger.

Take a peek inside →