Daily
Kennewick
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Kennewick. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A SmartAsset study ranked over 300 cities and named Richland the safest midsize city in Washington plus the 78th safest nationally. The report measured violent crime, property crime, motor vehicle fatality and natural disaster risk using key safety data. KONA
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Kennewick firefighters responded on May 20 at 1:49 p.m. to a brush fire along the Columbia River (near Oak Street) that briefly threatened farmland; they contained the blaze by 2:30 p.m. with no injuries reported. Apple Valley News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A longtime family-owned restaurant in Richland may close permanently if it cannot secure $100,000 needed for a kitchen hood upgrade required by fire safety codes. Owners have hired a contractor and started a GoFundMe (over $35,000 raised so far) to help cover the cost. KEPR TV
- ➤ Kennewick's Busy Bee Diner launches a half-off certificate deal selling a $25 certificate for $12.50 starting Friday at 6:00 a.m. The local diner, known for its homemade comfort food, joins the Seize The Deal promotion. KONA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ben Franklin Transit is expanding its student art contest by featuring 12 artworks (6 on each bus) from local students. The 'Who is your hero' themed display will run for one year. Apple Valley News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Tri-Cities Airport is using a $2.7 million federal grant to cover new jetways and expand baggage handling for increased passenger demand — the upgrades will support service expansion to Portland starting June 10. KEPR TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Richland School District’s annual Field Day focuses on what students can do and now draws over 500 participants – including kids with disabilities – with 40 contests, vendor booths, and mentorship opportunities to build support networks. NBC Tri-Cities
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Benton County declared a moderate fire risk as recent regional fires raised concerns over dry, windy and hot conditions. Kennewick Fire Department advises residents to clear debris and contact local fire districts before burning — tumbleweed burning is banned in Tri-Cities. KEPR TV
- ➤ Wildfires broke out on May 20 in Yakima, Benton & Franklin counties; firefighters responded immediately and worked through the day to contain the flames. Apple Valley News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will stop accepting cash for license purchases at its offices after June 11 due to a law phasing out pennies + license dealers may still accept cash if they follow the new guidelines. The KEY
- ➤ Residents in older neighborhoods notice some streets lack sidewalks and streetlights because before the 1998 annexation, builders did not include these features. The planning department explained (citing historical building rules) that new developments now comply with updated requirements. KONA
-
43rd Spring Show and Shine
Various hours — Columbia Park — Donations appreciated — Admire classic cars while supporting local veteran organizations.
-
Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Red Lion Hotel Kennewick Columbia Center — All materials included — Unleash creativity by crafting a unique Turkish mosaic lamp over traditional tea and treats.
-
Salsa Night at Café Magnolia
7-10:30 p.m. — Café Magnolia — Free entry — Dance the night away with salsa, bachata, and more in a fun, lively atmosphere.
-
Improve Comedy Show
7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Mystery Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of fast-paced, unscripted improv powered by your suggestions.
-
Coyote Kings Live Performance
6-8 p.m. — Clover Island Inn — Free entry — Enjoy an energetic night of Hot Funky Blues Rock with the amazing Tiphony Dames!
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Kennewick
Welcome to the Daily Kennewick, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Kennewick, Washington community. If you like the Daily Kennewick, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Kennewick.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Kennewick and across Washington. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Kennewick
A free Kennewick community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailykennewick.com/sitemap