Daily editionFriday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Kennewick.
The Daily Kennewick Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
Community
A library book overdue for 65 years was returned yesterday at the local library (the item was checked out decades ago), marking an unusual event that has caught community attention.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
Luna (a 2.5-year-old husky) and Lucy (a 10-year-old Shepherd/Retriever mix) are available for adoption through Pet Overpopulation Prevention in Pasco.
Luna needs a home without cats while Lucy, friendly with kids and other dogs, seeks a quiet, loving environment.
The KEYRead more
Pasco officials completed $4 million upgrades at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center to meet fire codes and ADA requirements for young learners.
A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday and further phases will follow as additional funding is secured.
KEPR TVRead more
Economy
Mortgage rates fell 16 basis points to 5.83% APR last week as January's CPI showed inflation easing to 2.4% + experts say buyers with enough home equity might refinance while rates could adjust after tomorrow's PCE release.
FOX 41 YakimaRead more
Education
Kennewick School District has joined a multi-year artificial intelligence program with Microsoft and will receive $75,000 plus $25,000 in consulting support through the Elevate Washington initiative.
Planning meetings to set up training for students and staff are scheduled later this month.
FOX 41 YakimaRead more
Government
Pasco is replacing its 1940s Butterfield Water Treatment Plant with a $250 million facility built on an adjacent site to keep water flowing during construction — the new plant will feature modern tech to combat cyanotoxins as city council approved rate increases and pursues state and federal grants.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
On Feb. 19, BFT added extra security measures to its buses to protect passengers and build trust in local transit.
The change followed growing community calls for safer rides.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
Sports
The Prosser High School girls basketball team won the District 5 title on Wednesday by defeating Ellensburg 67-56 at their home court, breaking a long wait for a championship since 2011.
Apple Valley News NowRead more