Good morning, Yakima.

This weekend, Yakima Valley offers a mix of events: a student art show at YVC Grandview open until March 13, new plays at YVC Kendall Hall from Thursday to Saturday, a metalcore concert Friday at Bearded Monkey Music, a charity 5K/10K Saturday by PNWU, and local dance socials.

On March 7, author Christopher Brooks will sign books at Inklings Bookshop on Summitview Ave where he will detail his nonfiction work on Mary Jo Estep’s family and the 1911 Nevada massacre.

On Wednesday morning, a USA Today Readers' Poll ranked Yakima as America’s third-best beer city, and Adam Stewart from Yakima Valley Tourism highlighted local brewers and nearby hops production as key reasons behind the accolade. +He said the ranking reflects a strong local craft beer scene+.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will hold its annual Big Game Banquet on Saturday, Mar.

21 at Central Washington State Fairgrounds in Yakima, where doors open at 4:30 p.m. for dinner + auctions and prizes that fund elk conservation and enhance hunting access.

Work on I-90 Vantage Bridge has resumed after a winter pause—and traffic is now limited to one lane each way except on Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Labor Day weekends.

The project began in spring 2024 to keep the highway safe and the bridge in good condition.

Washington state launched a new litter campaign featuring a puppet marmot as a 'guilty conscience' to remind residents to keep communities clean+ Ads will be displayed in public spaces statewide to promote proper trash disposal.

Yakima Airport earned a rare perfect score in its FAA inspection on Wednesday, March 4 — even while facing staffing shortages and temporary leadership changes.

Airport officials said the baggage claim system is being rebuilt to improve traveler service.

Community members will join an information session on the flood control project for Shaw and Wide Hollow creeks on Monday, March 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at *West Valley High School Auditorium*, where planners will review plans to shift Shaw Creek and reduce flood risks.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 6.12% on March 2, boosting buyer confidence even as median home prices dipped 4.4% to $349,000 and February home sales fell 8.3% — prompting forecasts of more listings and open houses this spring.

State basketball championships are underway at the Yakima Valley Sundome as about 8,000 visitors boost local tourism during a 4+ day event with an estimated $7 million impact.

Teams from Selah and Wapato are competing for state titles in closely contested matchups.