Daily editionThursday, May 15th, 2025
Good morning, Kennewick.
The Daily Kennewick Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of May.
Community
Local neighbors are transforming porches and small outdoor spaces into informal gathering spots—known as DIY third places—to boost everyday connection and conversation.
This trend shows how simple changes in public spaces can create new opportunities for community bonding.
FOX 41 YakimaRead more
Business
Mimi’s Playhouse is a new indoor playroom in Kennewick for children ages zero to six that offers open play hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $15 and birthday parties with a rentable room—owner Martinique Haworth started the business after researching similar playrooms on social media and set up a parent area with complimentary coffee, tea, and water.
FOX 41 YakimaRead more
Education
Teacher Jana Valdez from Legacy High School in Kennewick was selected for the Auschwitz Legacy Fellowship from the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation, joining a group of 44 educators nationwide.
She will start with six months of online training and then travel to Poland for a week-long visit that includes Auschwitz—her program is designed to equip her with new classroom tools for teaching about the Holocaust for at least five years.
NewsTalk 870Read more
Math teacher Samantha Shulins-Briggs at McLoughlin Middle School was awarded May’s Classroom Makeover from WaFd Bank—she was recognized for her work bonding with students through after-school sports and a Dungeons and Dragons club.
This honor highlights her commitment to making math accessible and building strong teacher-student relationships.
NBC Tri-CitiesRead more
Government
Over 500 parks and recreation professionals will gather in Kennewick this week for the WRPA Conference to discuss park design and planning.
Local leaders, including Parks and Recreation Director Nick Farline at Lawrence Scott Park (recently upgraded with a fully fenced playground), will share insights on modern park improvements.
FOX 41 YakimaRead more
Sports
Kennewick coach Randy Affholter was inducted into the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame, marking a high point in his 37-year coaching career.
He has led the football team for six years with a 57-12 record and an 86 percent winning percentage, after coaching in Toppenish and Ellensburg and taking his team to a state title game in 2021.
The KEYRead more
Accidents
Kennewick police reported that emergency crews responded quickly when a vehicle collided with a school bus turning at the intersection of West 10th Avenue and West Clearwater Avenue yesterday afternoon — the students were uninjured while the pickup truck driver was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center with injuries.
NewsTalk 870Read more
Kennewick Events
Safari Themed Photoshoot at JCPenney Portraits
Saturday, May 17th, 2025 · 4 PM — Santiago Sunset Estates — Special pricing — Capture the wild spirit with a fun safari-themed photoshoot featuring lions, tigers, and giggles.
Sunday Funday Music Bingo
Sunday, May 18th, 2025 · 3-6 p.m. — Sports Page Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an all-ages music bingo event filled with hits and good vibes.
Sunday Funday Music Bingo
Sunday, May 25th, 2025 · 3-6 p.m. — Sports Page Bar & Grill — Free to play — Enjoy an all-ages music bingo event filled with fun, laughter, and sing-along hits.
Mini Golf FUNdraiser
Saturday, May 31st, 2025 · Kick-off summer with one of our community's most spirited events and the most FUN you'll have in FUNdraising. Supporting the Children's Reading Foundation, join us for 18 holes of fun, prizes, awards, and more! (21 and over)
Sunday Funday Music Bingo
Sunday, June 1st, 2025 · 3-6 p.m. — Sports Page Bar & Grill — Free to play — Enjoy an all-ages Music Bingo event filled with sing-along hits and good vibes.
Sunday Funday Music Bingo
Sunday, June 8th, 2025 · 3-6 p.m. — Sports Page Bar & Grill — Free to play — Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with music bingo and sing-along hits to end your weekend on a high note.
Midsommer Festival
Saturday, June 14th, 2025 · 10 AM – 9 PM — Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo — Cost info not provided — A family-friendly celebration filled with various attractions and activities.