Good morning, Yakima.

Yakima Valley high school students in the Youth Leadership Council awarded $100,000 to six local nonprofits focusing on basic needs, education and mental health.

The program—backed by a $1.25 million endowment—helps teens learn leadership as they review 36 funding applications to support community organizations.

Yakima Valley is ranked ninth in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for best wine region after voters selected it among 20 regions based on local winemaking and outdoor charm (it placed fourth last summer).

Karaoke parties and live music events will light up Yakima Valley, Ellensburg and Prosser this weekend from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2—Selah’s Outskirts and Bill’s Place host karaoke on Friday while McKinley Springs Winery in Prosser kicks off the fun on Saturday.

Washington homeowners have seen their annual home insurance premiums increase 55.4% since 2020 and 3.5% in the last year, reaching an average of $1,560 (34.9% below the national rate).

LendingTree’s report shows a notable cost surge despite the state remaining relatively affordable for coverage.

The Kiona-Benton City School District approved a $22 million budget for next school year in Benton City, cutting eight teaching jobs and three admin roles but keeping middle school sports.

The plan shows the district expects an $818,000 deficit and will ask voters to approve a replacement levy in November.

The bar exam in Yakima was canceled Tuesday due to tech issues at the Convention Center, leaving nearly 650 applicants unable to test.

Law school deans asked Washington Supreme Court to grant diploma privilege while the bar association offered options—a makeup exam in Tacoma on Sept. 1 and 2 + a chance to transfer or get a refund.

Evacuations expanded as the Hagen Fire now occupies nearly 30,000 acres, prompting early morning updates for fires affecting White Swan, Ransier, Paradise and Horse Ridge while firefighters continue efforts on containment.

Yakama Nation reported that two fires near White Swan destroyed 24 structures, including 16 homes—evacuation levels for the Ransier Fire were lowered to Level 1 on Wednesday and for the Signal Peak Fire were reduced Sunday.

The cause remains unknown.

Premera Blue Cross and MultiCare Health Systems reached an agreement in principle today that keeps MultiCare in-network while final contract details are being negotiated (details pending), ensuring members retain access to care across local facilities.

Food lovers have named the top five spots for onion rings after a survey on the Facebook group WTF Yakima, with choices including The Last Frontier Restaurant (inside the Nob Hill Bowl and Casino), Papa Baird’s and Red Horse Diner.

Share your favorite ring spot to update the list.