Good morning, Yakima.

A national retail chain for tweens and teens will open a Five Below store at 17 E.

Valley Mall Blvd in Union Gap after a June 25 permit was issued for the building that housed Mattress Depot USA — which is holding a going-out-of-business sale and makes the site the first in Washington. Permits were also approved in Yakima for a new storage and office facility at 7508 W. Nob Hill Blvd and for a 1,225-square-foot addition to The Spice restaurant at 1510 Summitview Ave.

Jesus Birrueta-Mendoza, a 27-year-old citizen of Mexico from Pasco, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine—he pleaded guilty on February 18 after agents arrested him on January 18 in Sunnyside when they found 25 pounds during an intended transaction.

On Wednesday, the Yakima Valley wine industry earned national recognition when USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards named it one of the top five wine regions, marking a second year on the list.

The industry, which placed (fourth) this year after a top ranking last year, shows the strength of local growers and winemakers.

The Yakima School Board held a public hearing Tuesday on next year’s budget amid uncertainty from a federal funding freeze and state budget changes that cut staff—officials said the district lost $3.7 million from the freeze.

They said released funds have not yet arrived and further cuts, including staff reductions, may be needed to keep schools running—further adjustments are under review.

A harmful algal bloom has been found in Granger’s Hisey Pond at 505 Main St—microcystin levels exceed limits, making the water unsafe for swimming, drinking or other contact.

Yakima Health District will test the pond weekly and retain warning signs until toxin levels drop for two consecutive weeks and no visible blooms remain.

Residents in Toppenish got free financial education on Thursday when United Way of Central Washington hosted its first Financial Resource Fair at Legends Casino Hotel—over 20 financial organizations, including Yakima Federal Savings and Loan, shared money tips.

A second fair will be held on Aug 20 at Adams Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help more people learn about managing finances.

On Monday, the Sunnyside City Council ended its crime-free rental housing program that had been inactive since a 2019 lawsuit challenged its fairness + removed the program from the city code.

The Council also extended City Manager Mike Gonzalez's paid leave during an ongoing investigation + interim City Manager Jim Bridges is earning the same $13,866 monthly rate.

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.