Good morning, Yakima.

Yakima Police arrested a 33-year-old man on a hate crime charge after he threatened two Mormon church members near West Pierce Street and South 12th Avenue on August 17 when he drove a red Mustang, threw rocks at them, and told them they should be put to death—he later turned himself in and apologized after admitting he had been drinking.

Galdino Crescenci Cruz-Chavez, a Granger man charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Jorge Vazquez-Gutierrez and Miguel Cruz-Cid on August 13, remains held without bail in Yakima County due to public safety concerns – a hearing on alternative confinement methods is set for the coming weeks.

The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation launched a campaign called Yakama Strong — to honor its people and teach about its rich history, culture, and rights.

The initiative, developed by leaders, elders, and tribal members, will fill gaps in western education on tribal heritage.

On Aug.26, West Valley Middle School welcomed over 1,200 students who boarded yellow buses with big backpacks and felt both excitement & nervousness on their first day.

Teachers prepared classrooms and helped new sixth graders adjust to more teachers, higher expectations, and new routines as the school year began.

The Yakima School District held its first day of school yesterday as students returned to class and parents offered mixed reactions—more details will be shared during the 5 and 6 p.m. news.

Washington state officials said the Army has broken state cleanup law by not sharing full PFAS test data near East Selah—families have waited years for clear results and proper water filtration.

The Army installed 55 filters but tests show unsafe chemical levels in some homes.

A new study published on August 27 shows that children in poor neighborhoods were up to 20 times more likely to be hospitalized for accidental gunshot wounds.

The report analyzed nearly 7,000 cases from four states and found that lower opportunity areas had far more risk — spurring efforts for safer gun storage.

New guidelines from the American College of Cardiology urge heart patients to talk with their doctors about getting vaccines for flu, COVID-19, RSV, shingles, and pneumonia—measures that lower the risk of severe illness from infections.

The guidance shows that receiving multiple vaccines on the same day is safe and may help improve protection.

A Stanford study found that people who took a one-hour class to learn a positive mindset had lower depression and stress levels months after the pandemic.

The research says that seeing chances for growth amid chaos could help people cope with tough times—offering hope for families facing life's challenges.

Researchers developed an experimental sensor that detected diabetes from a person's breath by measuring acetone levels and sorting type 2 diabetes patients from healthy volunteers — they plan to improve the sensor to attach under a nose or in a mask for easier use.

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.

Central Washington State Fair

12-2 p.m. — State Fair Park — Admission details not specified — Explore the vibrant festivities at the Central Washington State Fair.

5k Beer Run at Bale Breaker Brewing Company

12-2 p.m. — Bale Breaker Brewing Company — Registration fee required — Experience a fun 5k run followed by local craft beer and festivities.