Daily
Kennewick
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Kennewick. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Families can enjoy today’s fireworks during First Night at Gesa Carousel of Dreams in Kennewick from 4 to 9 p.m. with a display outside the carousel — other local spots like Columbia Park, Sacagawea Heritage Trail and nearby hilltops offer panoramic views for safe celebrations. NewsTalk 870
- ➤ The Gesa Carousel of Dreams event — a family favorite — is on today from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Kennewick and will finish with a fireworks display outside the carousel, while parks and trails across the Tri-Cities offer extra viewing spots. KONA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Residents can enjoy an alternative New Year's Eve celebration today in Uptown that offers a creative twist on traditional festivities. Organizers (details pending) promise a family-friendly event to ring in the new year. Apple Valley News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kennewick businesses and shoppers brace for a new 95% tax on most nicotine products set to take effect tomorrow, Jan. 1. The tax will nearly double vape and nicotine pouch prices, prompting customers to stock up and seek alternatives. NBC Tri-Cities
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ New data centers in the Tri-Cities are raising concerns about water use, air quality, and stressed energy grids amid regional drought, and officials plan to review oversight before construction begins. NewsTalk 870
- ➤ Proposed data centers in the Tri-Cities are raising concerns about heavy water use and extra strain on the local power grid. Local officials warn that increased demand could trigger energy shortages in winter — residents want clearer oversight before construction proceeds. KONA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city reminds residents that for New Year's Eve only legal fireworks are allowed in city limits — smoke devices, mines, shells, cakes, ground spinners, Roman candles, helicopters, and firecrackers are banned under local law. The KEY
- ➤ The City of Kennewick has reminded residents that several fireworks are banned for New Year's Eve, including smoke devices, aerial mines, and Roman candles (which pose a higher risk of injury). Violators may face a $500 fine under local rules. KONA
- ➤ Kennewick officials posted on Facebook reminding residents that illegal fireworks, including smoke devices and aerial devices (mines, shells, cakes), are banned today to help avoid a $500 fine. Residents are urged to use local options that meet safety guidelines. NewsTalk 870
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ An Idaho-based company is recalling nearly 3,000 pounds of ground beef due to possible E. coli contamination; the 16-ounce packages made Dec. 16 and labeled for use or freezing by Jan. 13 were shipped to states including Washington, and the USDA advises customers to discard or return it. Apple Valley News Now
- ➤ An Idaho-based company recalled nearly 3,000 pounds of raw ground beef for potential E. coli contamination; the affected 16-ounce (vacuum-sealed) packages produced Dec. 16 and labeled for use-or-freeze by Jan. 13 were shipped to Washington and other states. USDA advises customers to discard or return any purchased packages. FOX 41 Yakima
- ➤ Washington health officials report 18 lab-confirmed flu deaths amid high respiratory illness activity in nearly two dozen states. Officials said Spokane County noted its first flu death in October and Montana reported three while Idaho recorded three this month — careful monitoring continues. FOX 41 Yakima
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Fox 11 and Fox 41 present 13 winter casseroles — a collection of easy, warming meals for busy locals on cold evenings. The recipes offer a quick way to enjoy hearty dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. FOX 41 Yakima
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Kennewick
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