Good morning, Yakima.

A West Valley man pleaded guilty to felony harassment and animal cruelty for shooting at a driver and hitting a dog during a 2021 road rage incident—he received time served and will serve 12 months of community custody while seeking help through Veterans Affairs.

Yakima is hosting its first EmployAbility Career Fair at the Yakima Convention Center on September 4 from 11 am to 2 pm, with a special hour for people with disabilities from 10 am to 11 am.

The event, supported by local agencies such as the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind, will connect job seekers with businesses—helping to boost local employment opportunities.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted a five-year construction license to Benton Conservation District for a $1.2 million project that will reroute 1,400 feet of lower Amon Creek to connect with a deeper pool in the Yakima River.

Construction will begin winter/spring 2026 and finish by spring 2027 — the project, in collaboration with Mid-Columbia Fisheries and Yakama Nation Fisheries, will enhance fish habitats and water quality.

Starting September 2, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Yakama Nation Fisheries will remove water stargrass near Prosser and Benton City—using excavators to clear the plant and protect fall Chinook salmon.

The work will last most of September as the removed stargrass is laid on the riverbank to dry before being composted.

A new support group for people who lost loved ones to overdose and substance use disorder will begin on Sept.

9 at the Wellness House on Summitview Ave. The sessions run from 6—7 p.m. on select dates through Feb. 10 and are free thanks to a grant from Yakima County Human Services with Heartlinks.

A study reported on August 28 found that fatty foods with stearic acid may cause a severe form of asthma in children who are not obese—researchers discovered that this fat increases lung inflammation by triggering a buildup of white blood cells.

The study also noted that unsaturated oleic acid might reduce the inflammation and that certain drugs could help protect against these effects.

A study found that middle-aged adults with low fitness levels had a 52% higher risk of arrhythmias—risks increased by 4% to 9% each year after age 50, prompting experts to advise early screening and more exercise.

A study published on August 28 shows that teens who feel connected at school are less likely to suffer depression when bullied, and bullying in adolescence is linked with higher anxiety and depression—researchers analyzed data from 2,175 teens, with nearly 12% reporting bullying at both ages 9 and 15, to highlight the importance of a supportive school environment.

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.

Seattle Credit Union Invites Yakima Community to Mobile Branch Launch Celebration

Seattle Credit Union is proud to invite the Yakima community to the grand unveiling of its brand-new Mobile Banking Branch, a bold step toward making financial services more accessible to everyone. This special event will feature free lunch for all guests, music provided by Radio KDNA, raffle prizes and giveaways throughout the event, and a photo booth for fun memories with friends and family.

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.