Daily editionTuesday, May 20th, 2025
Good morning, Kennewick.
The Daily Kennewick Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 20th of May.
Community
Four splash pads will open for summer use on Friday in Kennewick.
The pads at Columbia Park, Grange Park, Southridge Sports and Civic Park will operate from 9 a.m.—7 p.m. daily until Labor Day, with Civic Park featuring limited hours as posted on the city's website.
NBC Tri-CitiesRead more
Business
Rite Aid has entered an agreement with CVS Pharmacy to purchase and operate its stores in Washington, Oregon and Idaho as it sells assets under its second bankruptcy in three years.
The deal includes Bartell Drugs stores and will keep the Kennewick branch at 101 N. Ely St.—which offers near 24-hour pharmacy services—open pending bankruptcy court approval.
Tri-Cities Business NewsRead more
Education
The Intelligent Mavericks, a team of seven students from Richland School District, placed in the top five of 160 teams at the FIRST LEGO Championship in Houston after their robot experienced motor failures and was fixed with help from a nearby team— a historic win for a Washington team— demonstrating strong problem-solving skills.
NBC Tri-CitiesRead more
Government
On Monday, Benton County Sheriff’s Office K9 Sir Edward 'Eddy' and K9 Riff were sworn in and received personalized badges—both have already proven valuable with their handlers.
NBC Tri-CitiesRead more
Gov. Ferguson signed a law in Kennewick during a Thursday ceremony that exempted farmers from fuel taxes on gasoline, diesel, natural gas and propane under the Climate Commitment Act until 2029, easing financial burdens from a complicated rebate system.
The law also directs the Department of Ecology to map fuel sellers so that roughly 32,000 farmers know where to purchase qualifying fuel.
KONARead more
Washington's Ecology Department is proposing new rules to reduce semitruck emissions by eventually requiring zero-emission trucks—public hearings will be held on June 24 at 9 a.m. and June 25 at 5 p.m. with written comments accepted until July 3 while dealers warn that high costs and limited EV infrastructure may drive buyers to purchase diesel trucks interstate when the changes take effect in October.
KONARead more
Brian Harkins has been named acting manager for the DOE Hanford Field Office and now leads cleanup work with oversight of contractors, over 13,000 workers, and a $3 billion annual budget—DOE is reviewing candidates for a permanent appointment.
He has worked at the site for over 20 years—he said his team will work to stabilize tank waste in glass later this year.
Tri-Cities Business NewsRead more
Kennewick Events
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.