Good morning, Yakima.

Several local schools were recognized for excellence by the State Board of Education—Walter Strom Middle School in Cle Elum-Roslyn, Gilbert Elementary along with other Yakima district schools, Toppenish High School from Mount Adams, and two Sunnyside schools received the honor.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown joined two other states in a lawsuit to stop billions in electric vehicle funding and warned that Washington could lose over $71 million.

He stressed that the state will use strict zero-emission rules to support environmental goals (all new passenger cars, light trucks, and medium-duty vehicles must be zero-emission by 2035).

Today, Nob Hill Boulevard will be reduced to two lanes between 16th Avenue & 12th Avenue for sewer repairs with traffic control starting at 9:00 a.m. and work expected to finish by 9:00 p.m.; drivers may face delays and should use alternate routes while access to properties is maintained.

Deputy Brad Klippert said Benton County deputies will patrol the Columbia River and Yakima River this summer with a 27-foot SAFE boat powered by twin 300-horsepower engines and equipped with 360-degree lighting—thermal imaging to ensure boater and swimmer safety.

The vessel, operating out of the Port of Kennewick and holding up to 22 people, will have trained deputies on board day and night to ticket unsafe activities.

School board races are taking shape across Yakima County as 112 candidates filed for 91 seats in districts including Grandview, Selah, Sunnyside, West Valley, Yakima and Zillah.

In Yakima, Juan Romo challenges incumbent director Ryan Beckett—primaries are set for Aug. 5 and the general election for Nov. 4 while filings remain open through Friday afternoon.

The Yakima City Council reviewed a budget that showed a $9M shortfall for next year's general fund and noted community surveys that supported keeping police and the Harman Center open.

The council also approved two zoning changes — one to simplify land-use permits and another to ease the approval process for existing storefronts.

During routine traffic stops, Yakima Police touch the back of cars and check behind the driver's seat to ensure no one is hiding and to leave fingerprints on vehicles as a precaution—actions that help keep both drivers and officers safe.

Officers also instruct drivers to stay in their vehicles because getting out can create extra risk.

A study tracked 37 older adults and found that sleep apnea led to low oxygen levels during REM sleep that were linked to damage in brain areas that support memory — brain scans showed that lower oxygen levels predicted more white matter damage and memory test struggles.

Researchers said the study does not prove sleep apnea causes dementia and urged patients to consult their doctor about treatments.

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.