Good morning, Yakima.

Food banks in Yakima County are preparing for a surge in need as new SNAP rules will lower benefits for many families, and the Toppenish Community Chest is getting more clients while working with local partners to stretch its supplies—grants help cover the gap as high prices and lost work push food insecurity higher.

Central Washington starts fall with cooler weather and leaves changing color as the first full fall day arrives.

Meteorologist Brandon Lawhorn said sunlight, rain and soil moisture—factors that boost leaf vibrancy—make areas with recent rainfall ideal for witnessing peak foliage later in the season.

Wapato city officials overspent the municipal budget for four consecutive years — an audit found deficits as high as $1.4 million in recent accounts — which has put the city’s finances at risk.

City Director Patrick Munyan said he is working to reconcile the budget with utility tax increases and staff training plans pending council approval.

The Love Like Ben Pickleball Classic will be held Saturday, September 27th at Yakima Athletic Club (8 a.m. check-in with games starting at 9 a.m.) to honor Ben and support mental health awareness by partnering with INTRNL FIGHT.

Participants will play in round robin, doubles, beginner, and intermediate brackets and receive medals for winners.

A Yakima resident has been diagnosed with West Nile virus, the first human case in both the county and the state—officials say the person likely got the virus from infected mosquitoes.

They advise everyone to protect themselves and see a doctor if they feel sick.

Three Yakima residents are ill from E. coli after eating at Mercado Los Amigos, which closed on September 18 to address safety issues.

Health officials say anyone who ate there from September 10 to 18 should watch for stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting and call a doctor if needed.

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.

Art in the House: Artist and Vendor Event

6:00 p.m. — Barge-Chestnut Neighborhood Association — Donations welcome — Support homeless teens by providing meal donations for Rod's House.