Good morning, Yakima.

This weekend, community members in Yakima Valley will have many events to choose from—Granger’s 75th Cherry Festival runs from April 18-20 with free admission and a parade from Granger Middle School, Heritage University hosts the All Nations Student Social Powwow on Saturday at 11 a.m., the Sun Country Mustang Club meets in Yakima at 10:30 a.m., a 21+ drag show is held Friday at Tieton Cider Works, and a free Earth Day walk takes place in Cowiche Canyon from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Outlook youth pastor Benjamin Felix Guerra (32) was charged with multiple counts of rape and child molestation after a report detailed he abused a 15-year-old girl from his youth group; he is out of custody after posting $10,000 bail and will be arraigned on April 24.

A Lending Tree study shows that Washington residents pay over $10,200 a year on groceries—25% more than the national average—while Idaho shoppers pay slightly more and Oregon residents spend just under $10,000, signaling steep food costs in the region.

Yakima School District announced that it will cut 43 full-time positions for the 2025-2026 school year to rebuild reserves—essential services will be preserved amid budget strains from declining enrollment and rising costs.

Superintendent Dr. Trevor Greene said many affected positions may be recalled after retirements and staff reassignments following the legislative session.

The Yakima School Board approved a plan on April 15 to cut 48 positions for the next school year as the district works to save $5.6 million due to declining enrollment, inflation, and the end of pandemic-era funding.

The cuts will affect 28 classroom teachers and other specialists and follow union contracts based on retirement, resignations, and seniority.

The Yakima City Council approved a $10 million—$15 million multi-phase renovation for Capitol Theatre set to begin summer with a planned commemorative event marking its 50th anniversary, while a $2.75 million contract was awarded for repairs to the Yakima Airport terminal's roof and HVAC system with further upgrades on the way. The theatre project is funded by county and state economic development support, private donors, and a capital reserve fund rather than city budget dollars.

On Wednesday, the Yakima Chamber of Commerce hosted a discussion on homelessness where Mike Johnson — former director of the Yakima Union Gospel Mission — explained that the public sees tents while policymakers focus on permanent housing; Ricardo De Villa urged local workforce training as a targeted solution. Leaders continue to debate these ideas to address the growing crisis in Yakima.

A new study found that brisk walking at speeds over 4 miles per hour may lower dangerous heart rhythm problems—especially among women and people under 60—by reducing risks from obesity and high blood pressure.

On April 16th, the FDA approved a self-injection version of Vyvgart Hytrulo for adults with generalized myasthenia gravis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy using a 20- to 30-second prefilled syringe.

Studies showed it works as well as the vial form—human factors tests confirmed that patients can safely prepare and inject their dose.

Lili Zetina & Grupo ZL Live Concert

9 p.m. — Los Patitos Sports Bar & Grill — Ticket purchase required — Experience the thrilling energy of live regional music with Lili Zetina and Grupo ZL.

Yakima Enological Society's Annual Platinum Dinner and Auction

5:30-10 p.m. — Yakima Country Club — $175 — Experience a night of exquisite wines featuring new and returning wineries from the Pacific Northwest.

Alpine Bloom Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Mickey's Pub — Ticket required — Unleash your creativity while enjoying food and drinks at this guided painting session.