Good morning, Yakima.

Yakima is fighting hunger as Second Harvest partners with Yakama Nation Farms and Imperial’s Garden to deliver fresh produce to people through a mobile market that serves 280 agencies.

The program distributes about 10,000 pounds of donated food to rural communities – supporting local farmers and reducing waste from excess crops.

Capt. Jeremiah Stilley of the Yakima Fire Department said the heroic sacrifice of 343 New York firefighters on 9/11 inspires local firefighters today — their brave actions remind us all of the high cost of saving lives.

Registration is open for the first Yakima Basket Roundup, a day of basket workshops on October 18 in Yakima — organized by the Northwest Basket Weavers Vi Phillips Guild at the Women’s Century Club on 304 N.

Second St. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — offering classes for $35, a free open weave session, door prizes, lunch for $15 and volunteer roles for setup and cleanup.

Heritage University students and staff presented salsas at the second annual competition celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day—cooking club member Zaira Najera said she hopes her group wins.

Today, the university will host an El Grito celebration on campus from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Yakima pear growers are expecting a 60% higher harvest than last year after a mild winter, good growing weather, and a USDA purchase program that will spend up to $20 million to help offset the local Del Monte cannery closure, which led to significant layoffs.

Labor shortages continue as growers rely on the H-2A program—further measures are planned to stabilize the market for Bartlett pears.

Firefighters are battling the Wildcat Fire today as the blaze covers 7,929 acres with 8% containment and crews work to clear debris and protect homes — more than 400 people are on the scene.

An evacuation order remains for Goose Prairie and Bumping River Road while hazy conditions from smoke affect the valley.

Doctors warn that anaphylaxis is a rare and dangerous allergic reaction—caused by foods, stings, medications, or latex—that can grow quickly.

They urge those at risk to carry epinephrine and consult an allergist to learn how to avoid triggers.

A study found that Alzheimer’s patients exposed to higher levels of air pollution had a 19% increase in toxic protein buildup—amyloid and tau—which was linked to faster memory loss and impaired daily skills.

Researchers examined over 600 brain autopsies and said that pollution from wildfires, car exhaust, and industry may worsen Alzheimer’s effects.

A new study in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe shows that even full-term babies without health issues can get very sick from RSV, with many needing intensive care or long hospital stays.

Health experts recommend that pregnant women get vaccinated and newborns receive preventive antibody treatment to protect infants, especially those under 3 months old (RSV).

A new study finds that seniors with chronic insomnia are 40% more likely to develop memory loss or dementia—this equals more than 3 extra years of brain aging.

Researchers tracked 2,750 seniors for over five years and advise those with poor sleep to talk with their doctors.

A Yakima mother who lost her 8-year-old son to suicide six years ago is hosting a free suicide awareness event Saturday at Randall Park from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.—she hopes the event helps those affected by mental illness and loss.

Parents are handling back-to-school allergies by checking their kids’ temperatures and keeping pollen away by closing windows.

Experts say simple steps like showering after time outdoors and using nasal saline can ease symptoms—if these measures do not help, they advise speaking with a doctor or allergist.

Cordell Tinch, 25, returned to track after his stepfather joked that he had lost his talent and he is set to run a heat on Monday in Tokyo to challenge world champion Grant Holloway.

His time away working odd jobs (selling phones and working in paper factories) helped him rediscover his passion.

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.