Good morning, Yakima.

The annual Suicide Prevention Walk at Yakama Nation Tribal School brought community members and service organizations together to raise awareness and connect people with vital mental health resources.

Organizer Jeremy Garcia said the event normally attracts around 200 participants+ mental health professionals hope it reduces stigma around discussing suicide.

Yakima was voted the 6th best fall destination in USA Today's 10Best Reader Choice Awards — voters are asked if the city should rank higher as details will appear in the 5 and 6 p.m. news today.

Yakima Libraries and Yakima Humane Society will host the Kitty Café event on October 29 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at West Valley Library (223 S 72nd Ave.) where visitors can read books and meet adoptable cats.

A sharing movement in the community is connecting neighbors through biannual clothing swaps that draw 500 to 850 people and promote waste reduction—local initiatives like community fridges and Little Free Libraries also offer free food and books.

Organizers say these efforts help save resources and support those in need.

Former Yakima resident Renée Lopez will have her lowrider art featured at the Smithsonian exhibit 'Corazón y Vida: Lowriding Culture' opening Sept 26th+ her work reflects her Chicana roots and celebrates community heritage.

Heritage University received a $2.1 million grant on Sep 17 to fund new STEM programs—boosting research and student opportunities.

The Labor Mountain Fire in the Teanaway and the Wildcat Fire near Bumping Lake forced closures of trails, roads and campgrounds including Esmeralda Basin and Naches Peak Trail in Mount Rainier National Park.

Officials warned recreationalists to avoid the affected areas—smoke also limited visibility.

Last month, Yakima Health District inspected 38 restaurants and found that 13 earned perfect health scores with zero violations + one restaurant failed inspection.

Dr. Richard Wilkinson’s legal battle over his use of ivermectin to treat COVID reached a verdict when a judge upheld his five-year license suspension for negligent patient care from 2023 but ruled his blog posts are protected free speech—leading the Washington Medical Commission to reconsider earlier sanctions.

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.

LEGACY 19

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Sarg Hubbard Park — Free entry — Celebrate fitness and community at this exciting local event for all ages.