Good morning, Yakima.

Downtown Toppenish is undergoing major construction that has closed thru traffic and will see repairs to water mains, traffic signals and ADA ramps beginning two weeks ago and continuing until early December — local businesses are experiencing slowed foot traffic as improvements aim to enhance safety.

MultiCare will begin layoffs at its Yakima facility on Oct.

27 and continue until year's end, cutting 138 positions statewide (support services through WorkSource are available).

Latino-owned businesses in Sunnyside report steep sales losses as customers stay home amid immigration fears, forcing owners at places like JAV Connections and 410 Market to cut staff and consider changes to survive.

Business owners say clearer federal proposals and community support could help rebuild customer confidence.

West Valley High School student Nathan Raj has been named as one of 341 Washington semifinalists in the national Merit Scholarship Program recognizing academic talent from over 16,000 candidates.

Scholarship winners will be announced in four rounds from April to July.

On Sept. 13, Yakima set its coldest record with a high of 56—ending wildfire season—while record low highs of 60 were reached on Sept.

6 and 7; forecasts now show a return to mild weather.

A four-day workweek bill introduced last week will set overtime eligibility after 32 hours, drawing mixed responses among Yakima workers and local business representatives.

Some say the change offers more time off while others worry it may lead to reduced hours, and lawmakers support the measure to help workplaces adjust to new technology.

As cold weather sets in and Fall leaves change in Yakima, local spots like the museum's cozy rock section and a coffee & books venue offer perfect hideaways.

Visitors can explore these five recommendations to stay warm this Fall and Winter.