Good morning, Yakima.

Zillah will open its first agricultural-themed splash park at noon on Friday, August 8—featuring water play areas that celebrate the city’s farming background.

The park will use a new recirculating water system approved by Yakima Public Health for safety and water conservation, and National Night Out will follow with music, games, and a free outdoor movie.

The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office named 29-year-old Miguel Angel Granados-Vargas as the suspect in a deadly Sunnyside homicide that occurred late Monday near Maple Grove Road and Chaffee Road—and a warrant was issued for his arrest on a second-degree murder charge.

On Saturday, law enforcement investigated when a rock was thrown through a window at the Homeland Security building on River Road in Yakima—officials said the incident was not linked to a nearby brush fire that burned a privacy fence and was quickly doused, with no injuries reported.

Today, Yakima County continues its Focus on Fentanyl series—featuring interviews with local officials and experts—to ask if first responders and law enforcement are funded enough to fight the fentanyl crisis.

Locals are invited to share their views, with results set to be shared during the 5 and 6 p.m. news.

Yakima County Auditor Charles Ross reported a 12.57% voter turnout in the primary election after mailing over 133,000 ballots more than two weeks ahead, and he expects the final count to rise slightly—most ballots are following the election night trend.

Local officials note that the low turnout reflects typical off-year engagement as the top candidates advance to the November general election.

Yakima City Council appointed six residents to draft arguments for and against a $6 million tax levy referendum for the Nov.

5 election—three for each side—during a Monday night meeting. The voters' guide will explain how the tax increase could add about $15 to $25 a month on an average property while city staff plans future budget cuts for 2026.

Today, Yakima first responders handled frequent fentanyl overdoses as crews averaged about 12 calls per day.

David Lynde, operations manager at Central Washington AMR, said multiple doses of Narcan are now needed to reverse overdoses (the medication lasts 30 to 90 minutes) and many patients refuse transport (increasing pressure on crews).

Astria Toppenish Hospital held a ribbon cutting to open a new behavioral health unit that increased beds from 14 to 29 (after serving over 80 patients in 2024) to meet growing patient need.

The hospital received 8.6 million dollars for the new unit and 2.4 million dollars to remodel an older unit with 15 beds (located at 502 West 4th Ave in Toppenish) and it now offers care 24/7.

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.

Steps to Recovery Walk

Show your support for those on the path to recovery. Join us for a day of hope, resilience, and community. We invite all friends and family members in recovery to join us at this meaningful event and show your support for those who are walking the path of recovery.