Local News
What is happening in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and West Richland.
Local News
Former Tri-City officials, departing state senator seek Port of Kennewick seat
Former elected officials and a state senator leaving office are among those seeking an open seat on the Port of Kennewick commission.
November 5, 2026
Local News
Kennewick school board sends $107M bond for two middle schools to February ballot
Kennewick School District voters will decide Feb. 9, 2027 on a $107 million bond to rebuild Horse Heaven Hills and Highlands middle schools.
November 5, 2026
Local News
VA to break ground on new $48 million Kennewick clinic
The VA will break ground Nov. 5 on a $48.2 million outpatient clinic in Kennewick's Southridge area, set to open in early 2029.
November 3, 2026
Local News
Pasco approves 1% property tax increase as budget debate grows
Pasco City Council unanimously raised its property tax levy 1% on Nov. 3, adding $152,053 as the city faces a projected $12 million shortfall.
November 3, 2026
Local News
$480,000 federal grant will fund study of 12 troublesome Kennewick rail crossings
A federal grant will let Kennewick study fixes for 12 at-grade railroad crossings downtown, including Edison, Fruitland, Benton and Kellogg streets.
November 2, 2026
Local News
Amazon confirmed as buyer of West Richland land, eyes up to 21 data center buildings
West Richland confirmed Amazon bought land for a possible 21-building data center campus, with a council vote on interim rules set for Nov. 3.
November 2, 2026
Local News
Kennewick warns customers of high PFAS levels in drinking water again
Kennewick found high PFAS levels in one water source again; here's who's affected, the health guidance, and when a $33M fix arrives.
November 1, 2026
Local News
Pasco police investigate homicide at Halloween party near Don Rubio's
One person died and several were hurt in gunfire and stabbings at a Pasco Halloween party early Saturday, the third major shooting in the city this month.
October 31, 2026
Local News
West Richland plan to avoid budget crunch adds car tab fee, sales tax and more
West Richland's 2027-2028 budget plan raises utility taxes, adds a $20 car tab fee and taps a new sales tax to close a growing funding gap.
October 29, 2026
Local News
Man who killed Richland shopper seeks unsupervised hospital outings
A man found not guilty by reason of insanity in a fatal 2022 Richland Fred Meyer shooting is asking to leave a psychiatric hospital unescorted.
October 28, 2026
Local News
Richland to ask voters for $94M to improve Chief Joseph, River's Edge
Richland School Board votes to put a $94 million bond on the Feb. 9 ballot to modernize Chief Joseph Middle School and River's Edge High School.
October 28, 2026
Local News
Kennewick warns customers of high PFAS levels in drinking water again
Kennewick has again told drinking water customers that forever-chemical levels from its Ranney Collector 5 source exceed state limits, as a $33M treatment plant moves toward a 2028 target.
October 26, 2026
Local News
Richland detective identified in fatal Pasco traffic stop shooting
A Richland police detective shot and killed a man during an Oct. 21 traffic stop in Pasco, and new details this week point to federal investigators joining the case.
October 24, 2026
Local News
Pasco council weighs new budget options that spare jobs but gut parks
Pasco council reviewed two new budget options Oct. 22 that restore most police and fire jobs but still cut Memorial Aquatic Park and youth sports.
October 23, 2026
Local News
Richland property taxes may dip slightly despite 8% levy adjustment
Richland plans an 8% property tax levy adjustment for 2027, but a dropping library debt levy means most homeowners will see a small decrease.
October 22, 2026
Local News
Walla Walla Valley police plan to encrypt radios Oct. 30, ending scanner access
Walla Walla Valley law enforcement plans to fully encrypt radio traffic starting Oct. 30, raising questions about whether Tri-Cities agencies could follow suit.
October 19, 2026
Local News
Benton PUD says power line arcing sparked Second Street Fire near Benton City
Benton PUD says arcing on one of its power lines ignited the Second Street Fire near Benton City, which destroyed homes and shut down I-82.
October 18, 2026
Local News
Franklin County Fire District 3 asks voters to raise levy rate on Nov. 3 ballot
Franklin County Fire District 3, which covers 205 square miles outside Pasco, wants voters to restore its levy rate to $1.24 per $1,000 of assessed value.
October 17, 2026
Local News
Kennewick has a plan to keep sex offender homes out of neighborhoods
Kennewick's draft ordinance would confine sex offender transitional housing to industrial zones ahead of its Dec. 19 moratorium deadline.
October 16, 2026
Local News
Fire union head warns proposed Pasco cuts could put public safety at risk
Pasco firefighters and police union leaders warn proposed budget cuts would close a fire station and two police substations ahead of tonight's council workshop.
October 13, 2026
Local News
New 96-gallon recycling carts, every-other-week pickup roll out in Kennewick
Kennewick is rolling out 96-gallon recycling carts and every-other-week pickup under a new 10-year WM contract that raises monthly rates by about $9.
October 13, 2026
Local News
Richland School District reviews teacher's hiring history after murder charge
Richland School District is reviewing special education teacher Xavier Johnson's five-year hiring history after he was charged with murdering his mother, reopening questions about the district's vetting practices.
October 12, 2026
Local News
Why Pasco is asking residents, businesses to share security camera info
Pasco police want residents and businesses to register private security cameras, but city council is pushing for clearer privacy and audit rules first.
October 12, 2026
Local News
Pasco police say 15-year-old boy killed in gang shootout
A 15-year-old boy died and another teen was grazed by gunfire in a Pasco alley shootout Saturday; a 22-year-old faces murder and assault charges.
October 11, 2026