Good morning, Yakima.

Yakima Herald-Republic journalists won five awards in the Society of Professional Journalists 2025 Northwest Excellence in Journalism Contest, as announced earlier this week.

They competed against other medium-sized news outlets in the region.

Fire officials in Yakima are urging parents today to secure matches and lighters as new data show children's fire curiosity has led to costly damages statewide.

Yakima Youth Fire Prevention offers fire safety guidance, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office can be reached at (360) 596-3904 for more details.

A fire near Gleed caused a power outage on Friday afternoon that affected thousands of Pacific Power customers, with 3,200 still without power on Highway 12 between Eschbach and Naches as of 2 p.m.

The historic Capitol Theatre will host a free Restoration Sneak Peek open house on June 15 to show project displays (staff will share details on plans to modernize the venue while retaining its heritage).

Treaty Day celebrations began Friday in Toppenish as Yakama Nation community members honored the 1855 treaty and shared a message of unity.

The event, themed Honoring The Spirit Of Our People, brought together families, parade grand marshals, and local elders as they remembered heritage and cared for one another.

Yakima Valley Museum is open on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. through the summer until August, giving families a chance to enjoy local history exhibits and special Soda Fountain treats.

Gas prices have dropped this week across the nation and in Yakima.

Locally, the Wolf Den in Wapato now offers the lowest price at $4.55 per gallon, while the city average is $5.44 — reflecting a recent two-week decline.

Columbia Basin farmers face increased insect pressure this summer due to a mild winter, prompting WSU’s Dr. Tim Waters to advise closer scouting for crops — especially potatoes — and to report early pesticide applications in the lower Columbia Basin.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management crews and local fire agencies contained the Highway 24 Fire that burned about 8,000 acres east of Moxee on Thursday, June 4, with firefighters finishing by midnight and BLM crews taking over on federal land (the cause remains under investigation).

There is no snowpack in the Cascades to help fill Yakima basin water supplies, with extra pulse flows scheduled from reservoirs to aid Chinook migration on the Yakima River (water rights holders will receive only 52% of their allotment as rain remains light).

Fans of the 2026 FIFA World Cup must register for a free Fan Zone at Yakima's Sozo Sports Complex (2200 S 36th Ave) in June, with family-friendly activities, giveaways and a beer garden for watching live match broadcasts.

Los Cuates de Sinaloa & Tite Chavez

7 p.m. — La Forja Event Center — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience the vibrant beats of Latin music with Los Cuates de Sinaloa and Tite Chavez in a lively performance.

Backyard Garden Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Mickey's Pub — Food and drink not included — Create art, sip drinks, and enjoy the local vibe at this fun painting class.

Yakima Fan Zone: Czechia vs Mexico

6-9 p.m. — Sozo Sports Complex — Free admission — Experience the excitement of a World Cup game with food trucks, giveaways, and soccer action.

Princess Unicorn and Daddy Daughter Night

6:35-10:30 p.m. — Yakima Valley Pippins Baseball Club — Enjoy quality time with mini-unicorn rides and baseball excitement.