Good morning, Yakima.

The historic Lions Pool in Yakima is scheduled to remain open until the end of February amid steep budget cuts — a measure following a failed tax levy — as local high school swim teams and community groups urge donations to help offset maintenance costs.

Members of Future Farmers of America joined the Washington State Fruit Tree Association to pack boxes of locally grown fruit for Legislative Day; the boxes will be presented in Olympia on Wednesday — the activity continues a 25-year tradition.

A rural home on Fort Road southwest of Wapato was declared a total loss after a fire partially collapsed the structure on Jan.

25, with firefighters evacuating the sole resident and containing the blaze while the Red Cross assisted the owner + damage is estimated at $100,000.

Yakima has been nominated for USA Today's 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards as Best Beer City, recognizing its deep hop heritage and vibrant craft beer scene.

Residents, friends and visitors can vote daily until Monday, Feb. 23 at 9:00 a.m. PT and see the top winners revealed on Wednesday, March 4.

According to GasBuddy's survey (from 91 stations), Yakima's average gasoline price fell by 4.3 cents per gallon to $3.45 as of January 26.

Prices dropped 11.7 cents from a month ago and 11.8 cents from a year ago.

A study of over 3,000 wells finds groundwater levels in the Yakima Basin are falling fast as heavy water use outpaces natural recharge.

City and tribal projects with CWU research are testing storage and recovery methods, with pilot tests planned for later this year (and possibly in 2026).

Inspirations, a remodeled women’s recovery center, reopens tomorrow at 3300 Roosevelt Ave with 34 beds, medical, psychiatric and substance abuse services.

Triumph Treatment Services will begin staffing in early February to offer full care by March (CEO Jolene Seda said the new facility provides a safe, supportive space for recovery).

Washington State Department of Health is offering free PFAS testing for home-raised eggs and meat in East Selah.

Residents using water above safe PFAS levels must sign up by Feb. 27 for sample collection, testing, and a health consultation.

Yakima still has 12 historic restaurants serving guests, including The Sports Center—built in 1912—that remains popular for its blend of tradition and good food, while other venues like The Dutch and Bill’s Place highlight the city’s long culinary heritage.