Daily editionTuesday, September 30th, 2025
Good morning, Kennewick.
The Daily Kennewick Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 30th of September.
Business
Linda Lunde, a Kennewick resident, won the $100,000 grand prize in Banner Bank’s Dream Big Sweepstakes Monday morning at the downtown branch—she first thought the winning notice was a scam.
More than 48,000 people entered the contest 680,000 times, and the sweepstakes will return next year with monthly prizes of $2,500.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
A Starbucks in the Columbia Center shopping district closed its location (6607 W. Canal Drive) on September 27 as it restructured operations to cut costs.
The closure is part of a nationwide plan to shut 100 stores and lay off corporate staff.
Tri-Cities Business NewsRead more
OpenAI introduced new parental controls for ChatGPT—designed for teens aged 13 to 17—that limit responses related to graphic content, viral challenges and extreme beauty ideals.
The controls let parents set usage hours, block image creation and receive alerts if their teen appears at risk for self-harm.
FOX 41 YakimaRead more
Education
The Richland School District is expanding Career and Technical Education programs at Hanford and Richland schools—offering six pathways such as agriculture, business, health science, and manufacturing so students can earn credentials like personal trainer and automotive ASE certificates. The district partners with local businesses like Gesa Credit Union, PNNL, and Kadlec to give students real work experience.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
The Children's Developmental Center in Richland has served Tri-Cities families for nearly 50 years by offering early intervention to help children with developmental delays.
It provides in-home and daycare therapy along with a specialized Pediatric Pelvic Program led by physical therapists—supporting families to build essential skills.
Apple Valley News NowRead more
Gabriela Whitemarsh, a bilingual math teacher at Pasco High, was named the 2026 Washington State Teacher of the Year after winning a regional contest in May — she was surprised during the awards ceremony on September 26 and will serve as a teacher in residence from January to June. This honor recognizes her work launching an advanced multi-lingual program that helps students earn college credit.
KEPR TVRead more
Government
The Port of Pasco planned to purchase 320 acres of land next to its Reimann Industrial Center to meet higher demand for industrial lots.
Port officials directed Executive Director Adam Lincoln to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement with Balcom and Moe at a special meeting on September 29.
Tri-Cities Business NewsRead more
Sheriff Tom Croskrey stepped down after four years of rebuilding trust and enhancing security at the county office, and Lt. Mike Clarke now serves as interim until County Commissioners name a new sheriff within 90 days — marking a new chapter in local law enforcement.
This change comes after a long career in service spanning 30 years.
NewsTalk 870Read more
Only three sitting presidents have visited the Tri-Cities; JFK visited Hanford in 1963 for the N-Reactor groundbreaking, Nixon dedicated the Battelle-Northwest building in Richland in 1971, and George W. Bush stopped at the Ice Harbor Dam in 2003 to discuss salmon recovery — Lyndon Johnson also made a notable visit as Vice President in 1962.
NewsTalk 870Read more
Health
A study published Sept. 29 shows that 41% of clinics refused to schedule an appointment for a 465-pound patient and more than half did not have proper equipment to care for patients with severe obesity—researchers say this may add to the challenges many face in getting medical care.
FOX 41 YakimaRead more
Doctors warn that taping your mouth shut at night is unproven and can worsen sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea) or even cause suffocation.
Experts advise anyone who has mouth breathing issues to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis rather than using this risky method.
FOX 41 YakimaRead more
Kennewick Events
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.
Tri-City Americans vs. Victoria Royals
Friday, October 24th, 2025 · 7:05-8:35 p.m. — Toyota Center — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy an exciting hockey match in Kennewick as the Tri-City Americans face off against the Victoria Royals.
Final Quilt Club Gathering - Kennewick
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Craft Warehouse — Free entry — Celebrate the season with fabric, friends, and creative inspiration at the last Quilt Club of the year.