Good morning, Yakima.

State Fair Park is hosting a free 4th of July Celebration with a carnival, live music, kids’ activities, and a fireworks display on July 3rd through July 5th—local families will enjoy free parking, food vendors, and community entertainment throughout the event.

Cities in Yakima Valley face challenges keeping community pools open as rising inflation and the end of federal funds push Sunnyside to raise utility taxes and rely on community donations — in Toppenish, local groups will run the pool as repairs finish and smaller towns turn to more affordable splash pads like the new one in Zillah set to open in July.

On Saturday night, a DUI collision on I-82 near Grandview around 10:30 p.m. sent two drivers to the hospital—one in a white Toyota Camry from Prosser facing vehicular assault and DUI charges and a 34-year-old man from Texas injured while re-securing a trailer next to a parked gray Ford F150, with police still investigating.

AAA projects nearly 72.2 million people will travel over 50 miles from home during the Fourth of July weekend—many planning to take an extended holiday as the day falls on a Friday.

Vice President Stacey Barber said the busy travel season may lead some to take the entire week off.

The western bumble bee is now facing a major decline due to disease and loss of habitat, prompting state officials to take action.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is working with the Xerces Society to monitor bee populations — they are asking volunteers to help track these changes at steady sites.

The City of Yakima Streets Division will begin its chip sealing program on Wednesday, June 25 on Summitview Avenue and Tieton Drive with Nob Hill Boulevard and will finish in early September.

Crews will work Monday through Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and residents must follow no parking signs and 20-mile-per-hour speed limits (details posted before work).

A study of 81 overweight women with type 2 diabetes found that those who drank water instead of diet soda lost about 15 pounds and reached diabetes remission at a higher rate—90% compared to 45% for soda drinkers.

The findings, presented Sunday at the ADA meeting in Chicago, also showed improved blood sugar and insulin levels.

Health experts advised that residents planning outdoor exercise this summer begin with 15-minute walks and gradually increase their activity while stretching their feet and ankles and choosing comfortable shoes.

They recommended wearing bright gear for visibility and telling someone your planned route—steps designed to help prevent injuries.

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.

Summer Kids Art Workshop – Enchanted Creatures

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Creative Yakima — $230 — A magical art camp where children explore the world of dragons, wizards, and fairies through art projects.