Daily editionWednesday, July 1st, 2026
Good morning, Kennewick.
The Daily Kennewick Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of July.
Community
West Richland Animal Control reminds pet owners to update collar tags + microchip records before Fourth of July fireworks to help keep pets calm and safe during the celebrations.
The KEYRead more
Business
Kuki Izakaya celebrated its grand opening today at Vista Field when community leaders joined founder Isabelle Na to cut the ribbon and sample a Korean-inspired menu (3,500 sqft at 697 Crosswind Blvd).
The new restaurant is ready to welcome guests.
KONARead more
Culture
This week, local groups offer free events including a waterfront concert at Clover Island Wednesday and Live @ Five Concert series on Thursday, along with a Tri-Cities Dust Devils game at Gesa Stadium this weekend (4th of July celebrations will bring fireworks and family fun across the region).
KONARead more
A new study using (NUFORC) data shows Washington ranks second nationwide for UFO sightings per capita, with most reports occurring at 9:16 p.m. on Aug. 2 and a recent sighting from West Richland reported on May 31 at 10:04 a.m.
NewsTalk 870Read more
The Cool Desert Nights Committee and Richland Chamber of Commerce apologized after a spreadsheet error misprinted award winners at the car show awards ceremony — organizers are now verifying records by hand and will deliver corrected plaques plus free 2027 Show and Shine registration to affected participants.
KONARead more
Economy
Oil prices edged up slightly after tensions near the Strait of Hormuz, while gas prices in Washington fell 21 cents to $5.13 per gallon on Tuesday, continuing a seven-week decline.
Diesel prices also dropped nearly 15 cents, according to reports (Gasbuddy).
NewsTalk 870Read more
Government
The Kennewick Irrigation District board approved a 275-acre property purchase off McCall Road in Benton County for a future electric pumping station as part of the Chandler Electrification Project (modernizing water delivery and increasing Yakima River flows); the district now works with the Bureau of Reclamation and partners on design.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
Firefighters have battled the Lambdin Fire in steep, swampy terrain since Monday, coordinating from Columbia High School in Wallula Junction (a central hub for managing crew locations and resources) as level 3 evacuations remain in effect.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
Real Estate
Planning is underway for a five-story mixed-use building on Lot 25 at Vista Field, led by a private development team from Camas; the project will include commercial space on the ground floor, apartments in the middle levels and condominiums above after PFAS concerns have been cleared.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
Kennewick Events
The Shades Live Concert
Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 · 6 PM — Clover Island Inn — Free entry — Experience a vibrant night of classic rock and pop with seasoned performers.
Health Fair: Kennewick
Friday, July 17th, 2026 · 2-6 p.m. — Miramar Health Center — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly health fair with screenings, activities, and community resources.
Queen's Gate Concert
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Clover Island Inn — Free entry — Experience good vibes and great tunes at the Queens Gate concert series by the water.