Good morning, Yakima.

Four kittens, including three from the same litter, are available at the Yakima Humane Society and seek a forever home.

Students at Davis High School are receiving extra support from a volunteer program based on faith started by former NFL player Jake Kupp that connects local churches with schools to greet students and help at events.

The program has run since 2016 and now involves over 30 churches and 23 schools — volunteers provide mentorship and greet students every morning to set a positive tone for the day.

The family of 14-year-old Mercedes is asking Yakima residents for help finding her after she disappeared on March 21 from the 800 block of N.

25th Ave wearing black Nike sweats, a hoodie and white Air Force 1 shoes—police describe the case as runaway and urge anyone with information to call 911.

Cheese Zombies are a local snack created by school cafeteria staff and popularized by Linda Ramos of Shorty's Sweets, Treats, and Cakes; many local restaurants and bakeries now offer them.

The treat is best made with Velveeta and quality bread + served with well-seasoned tomato soup.

The Association of Northwest Weavers Guild is hosting its biannual conference in Yakima, drawing over 400 fiber art enthusiasts from several states and Canada—offering hands-on classes in basic weaving and spinning and a marketplace where local vendors sell their products on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Cherry season is in full swing in Yakima as Northwest Cherry Growers report outstanding quality with 250,000 boxes being shipped daily—a welcome rebound from a rough 2023, and local orchard owner Mark Barrett said the good crop is vital to his business as the season will continue through early to mid July.

Last month, Yakima hosted the Washington State Brownfields Conference where local leaders, including Joe Schmitt of the Yakima County Development Association, discussed turning long-empty sites into useful spaces.

Schmitt highlighted the drive-in on Fruitvale Boulevard—now a food distribution center that serves 65 hunger programs and 17 schools—as a model for boosting the local economy through careful redevelopment.

Local farmers in Yakima said the cherry season was in full swing—orchards were busy harvesting fresh fruit amid rising market demand.

Yakima City Council kept the trolley tracks on a project list as part of a $15.3M plan to improve Sixth Avenue—no final decision was made.

Supporters emphasized the tracks' historical value while council members debated funding options amid concerns over road repairs.

Yakima locals answered an online Reddit question by naming favorite restaurants such as Los Hernandez Tamales and Crafted—places known for authentic dishes and changing menus that highlight both traditional flavors and familiar meals.

Prog Project

7-11 p.m. — Bearded Monkey Music — Ticket info TBA — Experience an all-star lineup recreating the best prog rock hits of the last 50 years.