Good morning, Yakima.

The Moxee Hop Fest Beer Garden will feature live music at Moxee City Park on Friday, August 8th and Saturday, August 9th, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and attendees must be 21+.

The Yakima Domestic Violence Coalition celebrated four years today—marking its commitment to improved domestic violence responses since forming in April 2021 with a direct police-to-YWCA advocate phone line.

Community leaders including police, judges and county officials discussed follow-up strategies and programs like Handle With Care that now alert schools during domestic violence calls.

Today in Toppenish, local, tribal and federal agencies announced 13 arrests in a drug trafficking bust in the Yakima Valley—seizing over 7,100 pounds of marijuana, more than 300 pounds of meth, 25 pounds of cocaine, 7 pounds of fentanyl and over 4,700 fentanyl-laced pills along with a dozen firearms as part of Operation Overdrive aimed at protecting the community.

A 52-year-old man was arrested by Yakima police and the DEA on July 9 after a traffic stop led to the discovery of over three pounds of methamphetamine, 100 grams of fentanyl, and related items in his home, and at his Thursday preliminary hearing, Judge Jeffery Swan set his bail at $10,000 due to his prior firearm conviction and court appearance issues—he remains in Yakima County jail.

Average gasoline prices in Yakima dropped by 5.5 cents per gallon after the July 4 holiday, now averaging $4.03 per gallon as of July 14 while still remaining 7.6 cents above last month and 15.1 cents higher than last year.

GasBuddy's survey of 91 stations shows prices ranged from $3.33 to $4.59 per gallon + diesel prices nationally increased to $3.676 per gallon.

Yakima Valley Community College is offering a new scholarship of up to $1,750 for students entering the Vineyard and Winery Technology program this fall or winter 2026 with an August 12 deadline—awardees will be notified in early September.

The Department of Natural Resources and Pano AI have made 21 wildfire detection cameras accessible for public viewing, showing 360-degree live footage from high-risk sites—monitored 24/7 with alerts sent to dispatch at the first sign of fire.

The cameras, funded by a 2021 bill and part of a five-year pilot project begun in 2023, aim to improve wildfire response statewide.

Yakima County’s election office will mail ballots this week for the Aug 5 primary—voters must return signed envelopes by 8 p.m. on Aug 5 for them to be counted.

In eight of the nine races, the top two finishers will advance to November while the coroner race features two candidates following the resignation of former Coroner Curtice amid drug-related misconduct.

The Yakima City Council is mulling over cuts that would include the police gang unit — a move that police Chief Boyle warns could lead to more shootings and gang violence if gangs like the Sureños and Norteños grow bolder.

The council has also paused a 50-cent property levy proposal that would have raised $6 million to help close a $9 million budget gap for 2026.

Police reported that on July 14, contaminated vapes laced with the drug spice were found in schools, sending several children to the hospital with symptoms such as breathing problems and vomiting—officials urged parents to discuss the dangers with their children.

Authorities are using a new testing device to check vapes and plan further steps to protect students.

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.

Vintiques Northwest Nationals

8 a.m. — State Fair Park — Admission cost varies — Experience a showcase of vintage vehicles in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Summer Battle Wrestling in Yakima

6 PM — La Rumba Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night of live wrestling action and excitement with top stars in the ring.

Paint and Sip Night

6-8 p.m. — Hoops — Ticket required — Enjoy food and drinks while painting to your favorite 80’s & 90’s music.