Good morning, Tri Cities! In today’s edition: Nuclear projects with Microsoft and Amazon, a major data center plan, the first baby of 2026, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

New energy era unfolds: Nuclear ventures in Washington gain momentum with fusion and small modular reactor projects from Wenatchee to Richland. A fusion plant is under construction, and deals involve Microsoft and Amazon — get all the project details.

Plants, pillows, espresso: Need a quick home refresh? Market North Co. stocks houseplants, furnishings, linens, and kitchen upgrades from local makers, plus a cozy coffee and tea bar so you can sip as you browse. A simple way to make your place feel like you again.

Major footprint under consideration: Trammell Crow has expressed interest in a data center at West Richland’s Lewis and Clark Ranch, starting on 500 acres and potentially expanding to 1,000, with a land deal underway — get all the details.

Neighborhood retail gets a boost: A new Ross Dress for Less is set to open in Pasco at former Rite Aid on 20th Avenue, adding a shopping option on the east side — get all the details.

A heartwarming community moment: Trios Health in Kennewick welcomed the first baby of 2026. Mia Marie arrived on Thursday, weighing 5 pounds 12 ounces and measuring 18 inches, to parents Margarita and Sergio — read the full story.

Your winter rally fix: Whether easing into dinks or chasing spicy drives, Bella’s Pickleball brings eight cushioned indoor courts, a friendly membership vibe, and regular events that make games easy to find. Winter gloom turns to endorphins, with play for beginners and diehards alike under one warm roof.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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💘 Valentine Door Décor Craft Night @ Sage Brewing Company | Monday (1/12) at 6:00 PM – Whether you’re a romantic or just here for the glue gun fumes, this Valentine craft night lets you design chic door décor while you sip. Raise a glass, wield a ribbon, and leave with a front door that says you tried, and succeeded.

🌙 Midnight Reflections @ Budd’s Broiler | Monday (1/12) at 6:00 PM – Think your creativity retired with your skinny jeans? Come early, snag a seat, and raise a cheerful toast before a no-stress, step-by-step paint session, supplies, fancy apron, and all. Teen-friendly at 12 and up, adult-friendly drinks, and zero judgment, just surprisingly good masterpieces.

🦎 Axolotl Love @ Rocco’s Pizza | Tuesday (1/13) at 6:00 PM – Whether your teen is in their moody era or just loves weird-cute wildlife, Axolotl Love is an easy win for ages 14 and up. A relaxed painting night with all supplies, aprons, and instruction included, plus food and drinks. You make memories, they make art.

💃 Gravity Teen Dance Troupe @ Vibe Music Center | Wednesday (1/14) at 5:00 PM – Whether your kid’s been pirouetting since preschool or just discovered rhythm on TikTok, Gravity’s teen troupe gives ages 13-17 a legit stage to sweat, learn, and shine. Expect serious choreography, new friends, and the kind of confidence boost that outlasts the applause.

💃 Ladies Night @ Magnolia Studios | Thursday (1/15) at 4:00 PM – Call the group chat, Downtown Kennewick is throwing a free ladies night with shopping, sips, and a guilt-free excuse to support downtown. Blend a scent, get a massage, test-drive permanent jewelry, even pop-up Botox. Magnolia Studios, Blossom Coffee, Blackthorne, plus photo booth, giveaways, and vendors.

📖 Children’s Story-time @ Columbia Center | Friday (1/16) – Whether your kid’s already a bookworm or just here for the train table, Kennewick’s Barnes & Noble story time is a weekly win. Friday at 2, they’ll listen and make little friends, you’ll browse in peace, maybe snag a grown-up read, too.

🌍 2026 Tri-City Family Expo @ HAPO Center | Friday (1/16) at 11:00 AM – Load up the kids and travel the world, no TSA required. Grab your free passport, collect stamps at vendor booths, and maybe snag Disneyland tickets. Reptile Man, bubbles, face paint, characters, and food keep the littles busy, and Friday is five bucks.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Tri Cities report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 45°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 1%

Mostly cloudy. High near 45, with temperatures falling to around 42 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 2 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy. Low around 32, with temperatures rising to around 34 overnight. Southeast wind around 2 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 46°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 4%

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Southeast wind around 2 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South wind 2 to 6 mph.

Most popular house this week

An updated 1960 midcentury with 3,148 square feet, 5 bedrooms, and 4 baths, it pairs Pella windows and recessed lighting with three heating options including heat pump HVAC and two fireplaces for easy comfort. The kitchen adds pull-out shelving, and the large laundry room brings a utility sink, folding counter, and understairs storage. Patio doors on both levels simplify furniture moves, and the recreation room adds a built-in bar.

Out back, a premium in-ground pool brings a diving board, automatic safety cover, and stay-cool decking. A robotic cleaner and in-ground spa keep things easy. A changing room, RV hook-up, and a garage with 50-amp EV charging round it out.

Take a peek inside →