Good morning, Yakima.

Yakima residents can own up to six cats provided the animals are vaccinated against rabies — the rule does not require a license and contrasts with the stricter limit for dogs.

The regulation offers a unique local twist on pet ownership.

Kittitas County deputies used an infrared drone Monday night to locate a missing 51-year-old woman along the Yakima River near SR 970 + officials reminded river users to wear life jackets for safety.

Yakima Valley offers many events this weekend: Yakima Valley College’s 'She Stoops to Conquer' at Kendall Hall, Zillah’s Community Days parade and market, Toppenish’s National Train Day rides, and a cornhole tournament at Sozo Sports Complex to support youth mental health + suicide prevention.

Eight local school districts will offer free summer learning through DiscoverWorks Washington, providing full-day academics + enrichment and meals for qualifying students.

Enrollment closes May 8 while sessions start in June with dates varying by district.

Yakima residents can now create their own public access TV shows on YCTV.

To qualify, they must show ID and proof of residence and complete training with Bonnie (Senior Community Relations Specialist) at the studio on 124 S 2nd St.

Yakima schools will soon get new buildings after a $200 million bond passed, allowing Garfield and Hoover elementary schools to break ground.

Officials say the upgrades (including safety systems and improved classrooms) will benefit local families (providing more space and modern features).

Washington officials launched the state's Water Future initiative on Wednesday to drive long-term water conservation amid drought challenges for local farms in the Yakima Basin (a $4.5 billion agriculture industry); summer roundtables will be scheduled to plan improvements.

Irrigation districts sent a letter on May 1 urging the Department of Ecology to enforce water right priority as the Yakima Basin enters its fourth drought year + Ecology said it is reviewing the concerns and will reach out to the districts soon.

State Fair Park will host the 2026 Sprint Boat Races in Yakima on June 13 to 14 and August 15 to 16, offering fast paced boat racing action and a chance to win tickets (available online) in a contest that ends Tuesday night, May 12 at midnight.