Tuesday, September 30th, 2025
Good morning, Kennewick. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 30th of September.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Now
- ➤ 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 Yakima
- ➤ 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 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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 Now
- ➤ 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 TV
- ➤ 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 Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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 870
- ➤ 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 870
- ➤ 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 News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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 Yakima
- ➤ 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 Yakima
-
Sunday Funday Music Bingo
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
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
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Most smart people overrate the value of intelligence and underrate the value of consistency.
~ Sam Altman
About Daily Kennewick
Welcome to the Daily Kennewick, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Kennewick, Washington community. If you like the Daily Kennewick, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Kennewick.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Kennewick and across Washington. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Kennewick
A free Kennewick community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailykennewick.com/sitemap