Good morning, Yakima.

Yakima will host its 250th Independence Celebration parade on Friday, July 3, starting at 6th Avenue and moving east to Naches Avenue.

Local businesses+ nonprofit organizations+ community groups can join the free event as part of the 4th of July weekend festivities.

Smashed N Sauced will open this summer in Selah, offering smash burgers and Nashville hot chicken with bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

The new restaurant from Austin brings a fresh concept to the community and is expected to attract local food lovers.

Today, the community can attend the free Juneteenth festival at MLK Jr. Park from 12 to 6 and enjoy sprint boat racing at the Fairgrounds today and Sunday.

Friday’s Pride event in Prosser kicked off at the Princess Theatre.

Briana Durham was appointed to the South Central Workforce Development Council on June 9 — her role links local companies with paid apprenticeship programs that help workers earn while learning new trades in sectors like aerospace, agriculture and manufacturing.

Snow in the Yakima Basin ended three weeks earlier than normal, leaving water reservoirs below average for early June — a trend that may risk severe drought if levels fall below -25%.

Yakima Credit Union warned members about scammers calling to report suspicious card activity and urging them to transfer funds to a 'safe account' (the notice advises using only trusted contact numbers to verify requests).

Local advocates and the Yakama Nation raised concerns about the Horse Heaven wind project during a hearing held Thursday in Olympia, saying project plans overlooked environmental safeguards and cultural protections.

State agency efforts to reduce turbine numbers have not quelled ongoing community debate.

County officials today urge residents and visitors to use extreme caution when swimming, paddling or fishing as winter flooding has reshaped river channels and water depths along local waterways.

Check current conditions before using any access points.

The Yakima Police Department broke ground on a Law Enforcement Memorial Garden dedicated to Sgt. Joe Deccio at 200 South 3rd Street on Wednesday; the project will honor his sacrifice and relies on community support to fund its development.

Officials from Yakima Health District and DOH warn anglers to limit consumption of largemouth bass and rainbow trout from Elton Pond due to elevated PFOS levels ahead of the fishing season starting Nov.

27, with stricter monthly meal limits for East Selah residents with PFAS in their drinking water.

Yakima will host family-friendly FIFA World Cup watch parties at Sozo Sports Complex starting Thursday, June 18 with pre-game entries at 4:30 p.m. for matches including Mexico vs Korea Republic & a Kid Zone with live entertainment and local vendors.

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.

19th Annual Lavender Harvest Days

Varied hours — Selah Ridge Lavender Farm LLC — Free admission, $5 parking — Explore unique vendors, enjoy a scavenger hunt for kids, and experience the beauty of lavender in a charming farm setting.