Daily editionSaturday, January 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Kennewick.
The Daily Kennewick Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of January.
Community
Kadlec welcomed the first baby of 2026, Cooper, on Jan. 1 at 4:28 a.m. from Pasco, and the parents, Trista and Ryan Lewis, celebrated a full circle moment (they met New Year’s five years ago).
KONARead more
The Big Bro Joe Foundation is launching its 2026 mentorship program to pair youth ages 8—17 with adult mentors, also offering a Big Sis Academy.
Sessions run on Jan. 4, 10 a.m. to noon and Jan. 17, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Big Bro Joe Youth Center in Kennewick.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
Kadlec welcomed the first baby of 2026 on Jan. 1 at 4:28 a.m., as Pasco parents Trista and Ryan Lewis celebrated the birth of Cooper Lewis (8 lbs 7 oz, 21.2 inches) with a gift from the Auxiliary Gift Shop.
NewsTalk 870Read more
Business
Ross Dress for Less will open in East Pasco in 2026 & move into the vacant Rite Aid store on 20th Ave, offering a new retail option for local residents.
Pasco City Councilman Leo Perales announced the planned store, with more details to come.
NewsTalk 870Read more
Pasco will welcome a new Ross Dress for Less later in 2026 at the former Rite Aid store on 20th Avenue, said Councilman Leo Perales — it will join three other Ross locations in the Tri-Cities.
KONARead more
Education
Jeff Wilson, a retired Navy chief, is now a student at WSU Tri-Cities studying two majors (Social Sciences and Digital Technology and Culture) and is set to graduate this spring; he says his school work has helped him move smoothly from military life while he stays active at the Veteran’s Center.
Tri-Cities Business NewsRead more
Environment
The Washington Invasive Species Council has listed 18 invasive animals that threaten the local ecosystem, prompting residents to stay alert for species that do not belong.
The list was compiled by Jaime Skelton (in collaboration with state experts) to protect local wildlife.
The KEYRead more
Family
Kadlec welcomed Cooper Lewis — the first baby born in the Tri-Cities for 2026 — on January 1 at 4:28 a.m. Parents Trista and Ryan Lewis from Pasco celebrated a full circle moment since meeting on New Year’s five years ago.
The KEYRead more
Government
The Columbia Point Marina walkway will have detours starting Monday, Jan. 5 as Richland begins repairs to replace a failing basalt retaining wall.
The project includes demolition, installation of wall drains and a precast concrete block wall (weather permitting) and is expected to last about eight weeks.
The KEYRead more
State officials warned local residents that scammers are misusing an old vaccine help line number (833-VAX-HELP) to collect personal and bank details; they stressed that the state will never ask for such information and urged using the new hotline at 1-866-397-0337.
The KEYRead more
Health
Fire officials warn Pasco homeowners against using indoor blowtorches, space heaters, or heat lamps to thaw frozen pipes on cold nights — advising proper insulation and professional help to avoid fire hazards.
They urge people to maintain heating equipment and follow safety guidelines during winter.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
Kennewick residents are starting new goals for 2026, from gym visits to saving money.
Local coach Linda Mesteth advises beginning with small steps+ like a 10-minute walk to build momentum.
NBC Tri-CitiesRead more