Good morning, Yakima.

Washington State declared September as Eat Local Month to honor local farmers, fishermen, and artisans who grow fresh produce for Yakima, and residents can join farm tours—dinners and markets planned throughout the month to celebrate the community’s food heritage.

Dr. Teresa Rich, the interim president of Yakima Valley College, has been named grand marshal for the Sunfair Parade on Saturday at 10 a.m.—she will lead the event from a restored baby blue truck while celebrating her 20 years in the community.

Rich said the honor connects her lifelong rodeo passion with community involvement.

Dr. Jan Pol (veterinarian and star of The Incredible Dr. Pol) will visit East Valley High School on Friday to speak with students about animal care, veterinary science and the importance of compassion.

The U.S. Department of Education said yesterday it processed 305,000 income-driven repayment plan applications in August—more than a million remain pending—and handled 5,600 student loan forgiveness applications with over 70,000 still waiting as part of its response to a lawsuit by the American Federation for Teachers.

The Wildcat Fire near Naches grew to 8,593 acres after igniting by lightning on August 25 and was 8% contained by September 16 as firefighters worked to protect areas near Bumping Lake.

Evacuation orders remained for Goose Prairie and Bumping River Road with some trail and road closures—air operations were delayed by a drone incursion.

Over-the-counter sales of naloxone—a life-saving nasal spray—remained very low because its $45 price limited access, with sales reaching only about 7.5% of prescription sales.

Researchers said the limited uptake may curb its impact in reversing opioid overdoses.

Beth Parker of Yakima was recognized as Ambassador Constituent Team Lead of the Year by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network on September 14 — the award honors her strong commitment to cancer advocacy during the ACS CAN Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

Federal health officials are reviewing COVID vaccine safety reports for pregnant women and children and will share the findings with doctors.

They will meet on Sept. 18 & 19 and may raise the age recommendation for older adults from 65 to 75 since studies show the vaccines do not cause major birth defects.

Researchers reported that liquid biopsy tests—which use blood to detect unseen cancers—have not been proven safe or effective as controlled studies showed varied accuracy.

The tests are not FDA approved and may lead to harmful false positives, so more studies are needed before they are recommended outside clinical trials.

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.