Daily editionThursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Kennewick.
The Daily Kennewick Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
Community
The 37th annual Mid-Columbia Duck Race will take place on Sept. 20 along the Columbia River where up to 25,000 rubber ducks will race for a 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and other prizes—funding local Rotary clubs' community projects.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
Culture
Pasco School District #1 is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut, with a new Barbie Inspiring Women doll.
The special edition doll—a tribute to her legacy—is expected to inspire girls to pursue STEM careers.
NBC Tri-CitiesRead more
Economy
State workers and community college employees ratified a contract this week — they missed a 3 percent pay bump last July due to delayed approval.
They will press the legislature in January for retroactive raises — with the proposal now under review by the Office of Financial Management.
The KEYRead more
The Washington State Employment Security Department reported that 13,600 jobs were lost in August while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.5%—the same rate as last year—and unemployment benefits were paid to 62,375 people, 1,806 fewer than the previous month.
FOX 41 YakimaRead more
Education
Bergstrom Aircraft will host a free aviation career night on October 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Pasco where Tri-City high school students and parents will tour aircraft and meet pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers.
The event aims to build a pool of young candidates for aircraft maintenance roles and offers hands-on experiences with its flight school and maintenance facilities.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
Government
Workers with contractor Hanford Tank Waste Operations—Closure moved over 430,000 gallons of waste from an old single-shell tank to a new double-shell tank so it can be safely stored before it is sent to the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant for vitrification.
Federal, state and local leaders and tribal representatives have asked the Department of Energy not to delay cleanup efforts as hot commissioning will begin on October 15.
Tri-Cities Business NewsRead more
The Pasco City Council read a proclamation on Sept. 15 to honor Charlie Kirk’s life after his recent passing—Mayor David Milne said the move celebrated Kirk’s free speech and the spirit of open discussion among the community.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
Health
Staff from the Kennewick pediatric clinic are among 154 laid off by Seattle Children’s Hospital due to funding cuts—separations will begin Nov. 15.
The clinic will remain open to serve patients across 15 specialty areas while other locations also adjust staffing.
Tri-Cities Business NewsRead more
The 10th Annual Take Strides Walk will take place on Wednesday, September 24 in Richland as the Richland School District and Tri-Cities Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition host a pre-walk gathering at Fran Rish Stadium from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. and a walk starting at 5:00 p.m. led by the Richland High Band with free t-shirts and glow wristbands available for youth—community activities continue at John Dam Plaza to raise youth awareness and support families.
FOX 41 YakimaRead more
Real Estate
Today, the Tri-Cities Home Consortium announced it has expanded its down payment assistance program for low-income families in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland—raising maximum aid from $10,000 to $50,000.
The program now offers help with up to 20% of a home’s purchase price to make home ownership more affordable.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
Sports
Organizers announced the Tri-Cities Ironman race will take place this Sunday, with the swim starting just before 6:30 a.m. and the 56-mile bike course beginning at 6:50 a.m.—they advise local drivers to avoid key routes like George Washington Way as public safety officials manage traffic and begin shuttle service at 4 a.m.
KEPR TVRead more
Kennewick Events
Old Dominion Concert
Thursday, September 25th, 2025 · 7:00 – 8:30 PM — Toyota Center — Pricing varies — Experience the dynamic sounds of Old Dominion as they continue their musical journey.
15th Annual Three Rivers Tattoo Convention
Saturday, September 27th, 2025 · 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. — Three Rivers Convention Center — Free for ages 5 and under — Experience live tattooing, contests, and entertainment with food and drinks available.
Sunday Funday Music Bingo
Sunday, September 28th, 2025 · 3-6 p.m. — Sports Page Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an all-ages music bingo event filled with classic hits and good vibes to wrap up the weekend.
Tri-City Americans vs. Wenatchee Wild
Saturday, October 4th, 2025 · 6:05-7:35 p.m. — Toyota Center — Check for ticket prices — Experience the excitement of a WHL hockey matchup between local teams.
Sunday Funday Music Bingo
Sunday, October 5th, 2025 · 3-6 p.m. — Sports Page Bar & Grill — Free to play — Enjoy an all-ages Music Bingo event with sing-along hits and good vibes.
Trot for TROT
Saturday, October 11th, 2025 · 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM — TROT Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities — Entry fees vary — Participate in a 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run while enjoying family fun activities including raffles and a petting zoo.
Sunday Funday Music Bingo
Sunday, October 12th, 2025 · 3-6 p.m. — Sports Page Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an all-ages Music Bingo event filled with sing-along hits and good vibes.
Zach Williams Revival Nights Tour
Friday, October 17th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Toyota Center — All ages require a ticket — Experience an uplifting evening of music with Zach Williams at the Toyota Center.
Tri-City Americans vs. Prince George Cougars
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 · 6:05-7:35 p.m. — Toyota Center — Check ticket prices — Watch the Tri-City Americans take on the Prince George Cougars in an exciting hockey matchup.