Good morning, Yakima.

White Pass Winter Carnival will feature a medieval 2.5-story snow castle with tunnels and slides at the ski area on Feb.

28 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and March 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A torchlight parade begins Saturday at 7:00 p.m. followed by fireworks.

Yakima Valley hosts a busy weekend as the Home and Garden Showcase opens at Sozo Sports Complex, La Salle’s STEM Fair is at Union Gap, and Saturday’s Spay-ghetti dinner is at Selah Civic Center — White Pass Winter Carnival and family-friendly 5Ks round out local events.

Portland General Electric announced it will purchase Pacific Power’s Washington service area, affecting 140,000 customers, 140 employees, two wind farms + one natural gas plant.

The process will take about 12 months before the new Washington-based company begins operations, with no immediate changes for customers.

Yakima Valley College will host a Black History Month celebration today at 11:30 a.m. in its new meeting center at Kaminsky Conference Center (1704 W Nob Hill Blvd) with soul food, museum exhibits, and local speakers including national keynote Fred Saffold.

Gas prices statewide have jumped almost 50 cents in a month, reaching about $4.33 per gallon on Feb.

23, 2026 + seasonal refinery shifts and higher taxes are partly to blame, though last year's average stayed nearly unchanged.

Yakima Federal is accepting applications for its Award for Academic Excellence program offering up to $217,500 in scholarships for seniors graduating in 2026 — applicants must rank in the top 10% and submit a one-page letter.

Deadlines are Monday, Apr. 20, with awards issued at fall enrollment.

Washington State University will move its nursing classes in Yakima to Tri-Cities and Spokane at the end of the spring semester to improve fiscal sustainability.

The university will keep clinical rotations in Yakima and provide personalized transition plans for the 28 undergraduate students.

The Bureau of Reclamation declared an emergency for the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation Canal Tuesday, requiring funds to be issued within 30 days for repairs after the Retreat Fire damage.

Manager Travis Okelberry and Congressman Newhouse noted the decision supported local + state + federal efforts to secure the community’s water supply.

A Yakima Valley poll (based on social media and app responses) named Cowiche Creek Brewing Company in Cowiche as the top craft beer destination among nearly 20 local spots, with Varietal Beer Company and Bale Breaker Brewing Company tying for second.

The vote reflects local tastes in craft beer.

Yakima is set to host a Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Fan Zone at the Sozo Sports Complex, offering fans a chance to unite for soccer excitement.

Organizers announced the event Tuesday and it will bring local families together (ideal for sports enthusiasts).

Cold for a Cause 5k

9 AM – 12 PM — Sarg Hubbard Park — Registration Fee Applies — Lace up, bundle up, and run with purpose to help those in need during winter.