Good morning, Yakima.

Yakima Union Gospel Mission said it will adjust its shelter services during summer to better address homelessness by closing the day space from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except for medically vulnerable clients and those with appointments and reducing North 1st Street outreach.

The mission is also adding a tiered shelter model with low-barrier and higher-barrier options—aimed at supporting long-term stability after years of frontline experience.

Yakima police arrested 38-year-old Lorenzo Medina-Mejia on murder charges for fatally shooting Rogelio Rodriguez on June 14 along Pleasent Avenue—he was found with a .22 handgun and is held with bail set at $500,000—while investigators continue their work.

Today the Yakima County District Court warned residents about fraudulent text messages that claim unpaid traffic tickets and ask for payment or personal details — officials say these messages are not from the DMV and advise ignoring them.

Officials from Yakima Valley Tourism ask locals to vote online in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards to help the region win again, with voting open until July 21—over 90 wineries are competing.

CEO John Cooper said the region is known for its ideal climate and vibrant community that has helped produce award-winning wines—residents are invited to vote on any device.

The Yakima Art Festival will take place on Saturday at the Rotary Pavilion in Downtown Yakima from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Local artists will sell handmade pottery, paintings, and jewelry while visitors enjoy free art activities (including a mobile tattoo truck, beer and wine garden, and food trucks) as the Larson Art Gallery supports local creativity (a mission since 1949).

A study found that children who experienced one traumatic event were 2.4 times more likely to miss school due to health reasons, and each extra event raised their risk by 25%.

Researchers from UCLA Health said that educators and doctors will work together to support these students early—parents should talk with schools and pediatricians about help options.

Moxee will enforce tighter fireworks rules on July 4 by requiring a $50 permit that shows address and insurance—officials aim to cut traffic, injuries and wildfire risks seen in past celebrations.

The new rules will hold property owners accountable for all fireworks used on their property and follow a trend in nearby cities.

Router, the Yakima Police electronic detection dog who helps find phones and computers at crime scenes, received a bullet and stab protective vest from Vested Interest in K9's, Inc—an organization that has donated more than 6,000 vests nationwide valued at $6.9 million.

The new vest may save Router's life as he works with his team on evidence collection.

Cornerstone Ranches owner Graham Gamache released a statement on Tuesday disputing state attorney general Nick Brown’s claims that the company displaced local workers by hiring foreign guest workers under the H-2A program — saying it has always followed federal and state guidelines and looks forward to clarifying the facts. The company said it remains committed to providing a fair and safe workplace for all employees.

A study found that updated COVID vaccines reduced severe illness during the recent Omicron waves by lowering emergency visits, hospitalizations and ICU admissions, with maximum protection seen within two months after vaccination.

The vaccine's effectiveness waned after six months—indicating the need for timely booster shots for high-risk groups.

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.