Good morning, Yakima.

Yakama Nation Farms in the Lower Yakima Valley partnered with Second Harvest—donating nearly a million pounds of produce—to help food insecure rural communities.

Imperial's Garden in Wapato also supports local efforts by donating over one million pounds of produce annually—addressing increasing food needs amid rising grocery prices.

This weekend, the Yakima Valley hosts community events including the Hop Country Music Festival at Sozo Sports Complex in Yakima, free food Fridays at Yakima Central Library, and El Grito de Independencia in Toppenish with live music, while Sunnyside Sunshine Days, Steppe into the Square in Tieton and Suds Against Suicide in Yakima offer local fun—each event brings family-friendly culture and entertainment.

The Yakima Humane Society rescued 11 cats found in a field after city animal control recovered them from a ziptied tub and a padlocked crate—Kelli Peal said they are very social and ready for new homes.

Most of the cats, including a kitten and one named Cynthia, will be available for adoption at the society.

A couple weeks ago, animal control brought 11 cats—10 adult cats and one tiny kitten—from a field where they were confined in a tub and crate to the Yakima Humane Society.

The cats, all with names starting with C, are now very social and ready for adoption.

Firefighters have been fighting the Wildcat Fire in eastern Yakima County since a lightning strike started it on August 25, and they reached 8% containment on September 10.

They focused on protecting homes and structures near Bumping River Road—Goose Prairie, State Route 410 and Bumping Lake.

Today, the U.S. Department of Justice requested a full copy of Washington’s voter registration database—this request asks for names, dates of birth, addresses and a driver’s license detail within 14 days.

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said he is reviewing the request and will not release any information until he understands how the data will be used.

A study found that people with joint pain had a faster aging immune system—this premature aging may help trigger rheumatoid arthritis.

Researchers said future treatments that slow this aging could help manage or prevent the disease in individuals at risk.

A new study shows that caffeine in blood donations may weaken red blood cells, causing them to break down during storage and after transfusion +researchers say+.

The analysis of over 13,000 donors suggests that donors might be advised to skip coffee before giving blood +to improve donation quality+.

Researchers found that wireless ultrasound devices produced muscle images nearly as clear as those from hospital scanners after scanning 29 female college athletes on Sept.

10. The study suggests coaches could use these affordable devices on the field for fast injury checks — a potential tool in sports medicine.

A free suicide awareness event is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

13 at Randall Park—1399 S. 48th Ave—where families can enjoy activity tables, bounce houses and a slot car track while mental health groups answer questions. Organizer Shanna Osman created the event through Suicide Awareness for Collin Osman to honor her son who died in 2018 and support families facing similar loss.

The FDA released draft guidance on Sept.

10 to help doctors use nonopioid treatments for chronic pain and lower risks of opioid misuse—Commissioner Marty Makary said clear pathways for safer drugs will let new treatments reach patients faster, with the agency accepting public comments for 60 days. This move supports efforts to address the ongoing opioid crisis.

One-pot dinners help busy Yakima households make weeknight meals easier by using fewer pans and simplifying cleanup.

Home cooks can choose options for the stovetop, slow cooker, or oven to quickly prepare comforting meals with pantry staples.

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.

Washington Esther Conference 2025

6 PM – 6 PM — Life Church Yakima — Separate payments required — A two-day event empowering young women to be beautifully rooted in faith and purpose.

Warrior Run 2025

8 a.m. — Pacific Northwest University-Health Sciences — Suggested donation of $15 — Conquer a 5k obstacle course and let the kids join the fun with a modified Little Warriors run.