Daily editionSunday, March 30th, 2025
Good morning, Kennewick.
The Daily Kennewick Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 30th of March.
Community
The Easter Bunny will appear at the Gesa Carousel of Dreams in Kennewick on April 11, 12 and 13 for photo opportunities, carousel rides and petting live bunnies for $5 when visitors pre-register online—those booking a photo time outside normal carousel hours will receive a ride ticket for later use. The bunny will also be available for visits at Columbia Center Mall from March 27 until April 19.
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Education
Washington State University is facing a 3% funding cut as lawmakers work to fix a 12 to 15 billion dollar budget shortfall.
The university will use cost-saving measures starting April 1 to protect key programs — including cost-of-living adjustments and its medicine college accreditation.
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Washington State University will face a 3% state funding cut as lawmakers propose a $12—15 billion shortfall and set temporary cost-saving measures to begin on April 1.
The university said it will adjust funding for core priorities including campus upgrades at Pullman and Tri-Cities and measures to support employee retention.
NBC Tri-CitiesRead more
Government
The Richland City Council is expected to approve a construction contract on April 1 to create an outdoor children’s area at the library—equipped with a small amphitheater, sidewalks, fencing and seating that will expand public amenities as outlined in the library’s strategic plan.
Vincent Brothers LLP submitted the lowest bid of $410,342.75 for the project.
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The Kennewick School District refinanced $37.41 million of its 2015 Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds to save taxpayers $4.3 million over the next nine years—$524,750 of that saving coming next year.
The district said this refinancing supports its effort to manage funds responsibly while addressing school needs.
NBC Tri-CitiesRead more
Sen. Matt Boehnke from Kennewick sponsored Senate Bill 5445 to support renewable energy and agrivoltaics, saying the measure will protect farmland and support rural areas.
The legislation cleared the House Environment and Energy Committee and is expected to reach the House floor for a final vote before April 16.
FOX 41 YakimaRead more
Health
Washington's Department of Health said the CDC funding cut of $118 million ended grants for the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity program on March 24, reducing 150 jobs and its ability to handle outbreaks like mpox, measles and bird flu—while cuts to COVID vaccine efforts, Care Connect and Partnership Evaluation have forced the department to assess further impacts.
NBC Tri-CitiesRead more
Kennewick Events
Mini Golf FUNdraiser
Saturday, May 31st, 2025 · Kick-off summer with one of our community's most spirited events and the most FUN you'll have in FUNdraising. Supporting the Children's Reading Foundation, join us for 18 holes of fun, prizes, awards, and more! (21 and over)