Good morning, Yakima.

Five pitmasters will compete Saturday at Famous Dave's in Union Gap to earn a spot at the World Food Championships in Indianapolis this October — the event also offers free samples, games, music, and a people's choice wing competition for local barbecue fans.

A conference showcasing the latest ag robotics technology will be held from Oct.

20-22 at the Yakima County Fairgrounds, where growers and engineers will connect via live demos and discussions. More than 2,500 attendees and 60-80 exhibitors are expected to explore precision farming to help lower labor costs.

Canyon River Ranch — a top fly fishing destination — earned national recognition by ranking #8 in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Fishing Lodge.

The facility offers luxury rooms, fly fishing, and outdoor adventures that invite visitors to experience its renowned hospitality.

Yakima Valley Vintners will host Vino Vida y Sazón at the tasting room on the Grandview campus on Saturday, May 30 from noon to 2.

The event will offer bold Mexican dishes (ceviche, tamales, and carne asada) paired with wines and creative mixers, with tickets priced at $30.

Officials say a 2025 aerial survey revealed over 391,000 acres of Washington forests showing signs of tree distress (mortality, disease and insect damage), and staffing cuts have led to concerns about incomplete coverage and the need for federal support to monitor further spread into 2026.

A local nonprofit’s documentary on health impacts from farms and dairies in the Lower Yakima Valley drew criticism from a farming group after screenings in Sunnyside and Seattle.

The film’s final version will soon release on ELLA’s website after its state Department of Health logos were removed per complaints (Save Family Farming).

Childcare providers met in Yakima at a town hall to address legislative cuts and revised policies that may limit care for vulnerable families.

The WCCA will hold additional town halls beginning May 18 in nearby locations + use feedback to guide its 2027 agenda.

Washington’s Department of Commerce released the full list Wednesday with over 70 daycare providers receiving $57.8 million in state grants under the Early Learning Facilities program; Yakima-based providers include Aventuras Daycare, Jardin De Ninos LLC + Acevedo Daycare.

Straus Creamery is recalling several pints and quarts of ice cream today because of potential metal fragments—Washington residents should check freezers for products matching December best-by dates and return them for a refund.

A recent Wallet Hub study ranked Washington third in the nation for nursing opportunities, with Yakima hospitals offering high-pay salaries and a supportive work environment.

The ranking shows strong local job prospects for nurses.

Yakima recorded 179 home sales in April—a 30.7% jump from last year—with 517 homes sold so far this year.

The average price reached $382,500 (the highest April total in over 25 years) amid rising activity and more options for buyers.