Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of September.
Good morning, Yakima.
Yakima Transit will offer free shuttle services to the Central Washington State Fair this weekend, with shuttles picking up at Astria Regional Medical Center at West Walnut and South 9th Avenue—shuttles will start 30 minutes before the fair opens and depart 30 minutes after it closes.
Yakima Transit is offering free shuttle rides to the Central Washington State Fair—this weekend from Friday through Sunday so people can easily travel to the fair.
On Sunday, more than 1,000 Yakima residents gathered at Kissel Park to remember Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University, and to support his rising influence on local Christianity—while suspect Tyler Robinson did not cooperate with police and now faces charges for aggravated murder, firearm discharge and obstruction of justice.
The Central Washington State Fair will begin this Friday at State Fair Park in Yakima—gates open at noon on weekends and 2:00 p.m. on weekdays.
The 10-day event offers rides, fair animals, local vendors, petting zoo exhibits and motorhome demo derbies while metal detectors at all entrances boost safety.
NWFM is set to lay off nearly 300 workers in Washington—this planned move will impact the company's current workforce.
The Central Washington State Fair begins today and will run for 10 days—offering rides, food, and live shows with wristbands and tickets available to help visitors avoid long lines; a Fast Pass upgrade can be purchased onsite for a smoother ride experience.
Attendees can choose the option that best fits the number of rides they plan to enjoy.
Gas prices in Yakima rose 7.6 cents to $4.30 per gallon today—according to GasBuddy's survey of 91 stations.
They are 20.1 cents higher than a month ago and 53.0 cents higher than a year ago.
Gas prices have remained high in Yakima—averaging $4.30 per gallon on Monday after a 7.6-cent rise—with the cheapest gas priced at $3.80 at the Sinclair Ahtanum Fuel Stop.
GasBuddy attributed the increase to regional infrastructure issues and predicted that prices would decline in the weeks ahead if weather conditions stayed quiet.
Toppenish School District is one of three Washington districts to receive EPA Clean School Bus Program funding and has added six electric buses since 2023 to lower fuel and maintenance costs — the district earned EPA recognition for strong record keeping and consistent use of the buses.
Firefighters made progress on the Wildcat Fire near Bumping Lake in the William O.
Douglas Wilderness Area after cooler temperatures and increased humidity helped mop-up deeper into the blaze and remove woody debris along Bumping River Road — 340 crew members strengthened control lines and reduced hotspots on Monday morning. A section of the Pacific Crest Trail remains closed and smoke still affects nearby areas.
Yakima City Council has opted to close Franklin Pool in 2026 to save about $167,000 next year amid a $9 million budget shortfall, though Mayor Byers stressed the closure is temporary and the facility will be repaired to meet safety standards.
Longtime patron Lisa Downey and other residents have raised concerns about losing a key public pool on the west side of town—fueling debate on the city's aquatic options.
On Monday, September 15th, researchers tested special eye drops that helped many patients read two or more extra lines on an eye chart, showing that reading glasses may someday be replaced.
The study in Copenhagen used different doses to improve near vision for up to two years—experts said further tests are needed to confirm the treatment's safety.
The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the first WestNile virus case in a Yakima County horse on Sept 11 after the 1-year-old thoroughbred showed neurologic signs.
The findings have led officials to advise horse owners to vaccinate and take steps to reduce mosquito breeding—measures aimed at lowering the risk of severe illness.
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.
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