Good morning, Yakima.

Yakama Nation will host its first Veterans Employment and Resource Fair on Friday, May 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 480 Buster Road in Toppenish.

The event will offer veterans job links, benefits, medical screenings and free haircuts — providing a new resource hub for local veterans.

Toppenish’s 7-Eleven will close on May 6 after a clearance sale offers discounts up to 50 percent, giving local shoppers one last chance to pick up everyday items before it shuts down.

Tactical Tag will transform the old bakery on 4th Ave into an entertainment hub with laser tag, axe throwing, arcade games, and indoor go-karts, opening in phases with minimal attractions in 3 weeks, more arcade and dining mid-June, and a go-kart track by summer's end.

YVC is hosting a new tribute exhibition for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People that features art from local creators, family contributions, and a timeline by War Cry Podcast.

The exhibit runs until May 30 and highlights May 5 (National Day of Remembrance) as a special day for visitors.

The Apple Blossom Festival continues today at Memorial Park with local food and live music (featuring Big Buddha Teriyaki and Ziegler’s Bratwurst Haus) that bring new flavors and community spirit to attendees.

West Valley High School is hosting This Is the Greatest Show festival on Saturday, May 9, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to raise funds for student programs—featuring live performances, carnival games and treats.

Eisenhower High School’s track team and coach Phil English are backing a $200 million Yakima School District bond that will upgrade athletic facilities at Eisenhower and rebuild Hoover + Garfield elementary schools.

The bond, which currently has over a 60% approval rate, will be updated on May 7.

Last Friday, 100 eighth graders from across the valley participated in Color of Justice, a mock trial event that provided a hands-on look at the justice system and criminal justice careers.

Educational Service District 105 organized the event and paired students with courtroom mentors + ensured representation from multiple districts.

El Niño may soon bring warmer weather & less snow to local mountains, raising concerns among Yakima growers over prolonged drought.

Forecasts indicate a 61% chance of change from May to July, which could extend the region's dry spell into next year.

Save Family Farming said that Yakima-based We Are ELLA misused nearly $500,000 in Climate Commitment Act funds to produce misleading videos targeting local farmers (the Department of Health reviewed the footage and asked for its logo to be removed, though it remains visible) amid state debate on funding support.

Yakima Fire Department chief Aaron Markham is retiring after nearly 35 years in fire service; his final day is June 30, and city leaders say his distinguished leadership will be hard to replace.