Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of May.
Good morning, Yakima.
🏘️ Community
Yakima Health District is partnering with 1997 Café and Cocina to host a free bilingual workshop for temporary food vendors on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon at 1997 Café N Cocina in Yakima.
Sabores de la Comunidad will help vendors learn permitting requirements and food safety regulations—food safety inspectors will present lessons and vendors will practice mock setups while they also have a chance to win a free handwashing station.
🎓 Education
The Yakima school board reviewed a staffing plan that cuts 48 positions—including six certified librarian jobs—as part of budget adjustments made after enrollment declines and funding cuts.
Educators expressed concern for the 7,407 secondary students—citing the need for trained librarians to guide research and book selection—as district officials plan to implement the changes next year.
🏛️ Government
In the April 22 election, Yakima County voters approved a special sales tax that will add one cent to every $5 purchase to pay for a digital upgrade of the emergency radio system.
The tax, which will last for seven years, aims to replace the old analog system—improving communication for first responders.
The Washington Department of Ecology awarded nearly $10 million to 13 landfills statewide, including two in Yakima, to cut methane from decomposing waste and help communities meet state reduction laws—supporting more sustainable waste management.
The funds will assist local areas in transitioning toward cleaner practices to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
🏥 Health
A study found that nirsevimab treatment lowered the chance of babies being hospitalized from RSV by 83% and reduced intensive care use by 81%.
Researchers used data from 27 studies covering five countries — with U.S. hospitals prioritizing high-risk infants — to show that the treatment helps protect newborns.
Researchers say the test to check for primary aldosteronism in patients with high-blood-pressure is not accurate and may miss people who could benefit from treatment.
They noted that skipping this test might help doctors diagnose and treat patients faster even though the condition affects up to 30% of those with high blood pressure.
A new study shows that using marijuana while pregnant increases the risk of early delivery, low birth weight, and infant death - experts urge pregnant women to avoid marijuana use.
Researchers noted that rising recreational use may put more babies at risk.
🎉 Yakima Events
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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.
Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Yakima
3 PM – 12 AM — Uptown Yakima — Ticket purchase required — Explore historic landmarks and engage in fun challenges with friends during a thrilling scavenger hunt.
Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Yakima
3 PM – 12 AM — 27 N Front St, Yakima, WA — Ticket purchase required — Explore Yakima's historic sites in a fun-filled self-guided scavenger hunt.
🏠 Yakima Real Estate
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