7 Kennewick stories you may have missed: Classroom flags, new mall restaurant, more

From a murder trial and crypto scam crackdowns to new stores at the mall and summer concert lineups, it’s been a busy week of news in and around Kennewick.

Here are key takeaways:

• A Kennewick jury is weighing whether a fatal stabbing outside Dollar Tree was murder or self-defense after former classmates clashed in the parking lot on Feb. 2. Story by Cameron Probert.

• The Kennewick School Board voted 3-2 to restrict non-U.S. flag displays in classrooms, a policy opponents called “political theater” and a “thinly veiled anti-LGBTQ agenda.” Story by Eric Rosane.

• Kennewick is considering banning cryptocurrency ATM kiosks after Tri-Citians reported losing $2.4 million to crypto scams in three years — and police say actual losses are far higher. Story by Eric Rosane.

• Columbia Center mall is adding Five Below, Dave & Buster’s and more to its tenant lineup in central Kennewick. Story by Wendy Culverwell.

• A $100,000 investment from Gesa Credit Union launched the Kadlec Health Care Academy, offering paid internships to 36 Tri-Cities high school students with a path to full-time jobs after graduation. Story by Annette Cary.

• Thousands of elementary students from 55 schools gathered at Columbia Park to release tiny salmon into the Columbia River as part of the 28th annual Salmon Summit. Story by Bob Brawdy.

• Tickets are on sale for the 2026 Clover Island Concert Series, which returns May 27 with free Wednesday shows and ticketed Sunday performances through mid-August. Story by Karlee Van De Venter

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by Cory McCoy. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.