Good morning, Yakima.

Yakima Parks and Recreation will host the annual Paws in the Pool event on Sunday, August 24 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Franklin Pool — dogs swim free while owners pay admission and must keep pets leashed until inside.

The event marks the pool’s final operating day before it closes in 2026 as part of a cost-cutting plan, and donations will be accepted for the Yakima Humane Society — a last chance to celebrate the pool.

Authorities investigated whether the fatal stabbings of two unidentified men in Granger and Toppenish were connected and urged anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers—while detectives also reviewed a separate fatal shooting in Sunnyside that led to a warrant for suspect Miguel Angel Granados-Vargas on 2nd Degree Murder charges.

Farms in the Lower Valley have experienced thefts of wind machine radiators since the end of May — the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office has taken a 35-year-old suspect into custody facing charges including counts of first, second and third-degree theft and trafficking stolen property — with total damages estimated at over $50,000.

Toppenish police arrested a 48 year old Granger man on suspicion of first degree murder in the death of his 22 year old bandmate Jorge Vazquez Gutierrez—he appeared in Yakima County Superior Court on Friday and is being linked to a killing in Granger.

Farms in Yakima County's Lower Valley have suffered thefts of wind machine radiators since late May, and a 35-year-old suspect is now in custody facing charges of first-, second-, and third-degree theft along with an additional charge for trafficking stolen property—estimated losses exceed $50K.

Director Casey Sixkiller of Ecology will host a community listening session at 5:30 p.m. on Aug.

25 at the Selah Civic Center to gather feedback on the government response to PFAS contamination in East Selah — where chemicals have been found in private wells and the Yakima River. The event follows ongoing community concerns, as the Army and other officials have provided water filters and bottled water to affected residents.

Yakima Airport’s renovation, which began in May, may add a new baggage claim and improved restrooms when city council reviews the design plans on August 19 for final grant approval.

If approved, work will begin by mid-September and temporary facilities will be set up in the rental car lot on the east side of the terminal—modernizing the airport for current travel needs.

A new traffic signal will be activated Tuesday, August 19 at South 3rd Avenue and Division Street to improve safety for pedestrians and Yakima Chief Hops employees.

The signal will begin flashing red as a four-way stop until full operation — officials say the change may slow traffic.

Yakima airport will begin a $1 million renovation next month that includes a new baggage claim area, updated restrooms, and a kid-friendly family lounge — contracts have been awarded to MWA Architects and Cliff Thorn Construction and work will continue through January or February.

Airplanners LLC is also working with Alaska Airlines to add new flight destinations in 2026.

The Yakama Nation Legends Casino will host the 2025 Trauma Informed Care Conference from Monday through Thursday—this event focuses on historical trauma healing and wellness.

A youth track is scheduled for August 22 and organizers urge early registration as spots tend to fill quickly.

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