Good morning, Yakima.

Drivers will face higher risks this holiday season as data shows that on Thanksgiving, distracted driving will increase by 10.8% and speeding by 68% compared to normal days—heightening collision risks and likely leading to higher insurance costs.

Bert Kreischer — known for his shirt-off comedy — will perform his Permission to Party World Tour at Yakima Valley Sundome on October 5, offering local comedy fans an evening of fun and laughter.

Tree trimming operations will temporarily close roads in Yakima on September 29 and 30 at the intersection of Naches Avenue and Chestnut Avenue and on D Street between Third and Fourth from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.—property access remains open in the project areas.

The City of Yakima advises drivers to slow down—be alert for work crews in the zones.

The Transportation Department on Friday imposed new rules making it harder for noncitizen truck drivers to get commercial licenses after a fatal Florida crash led to an audit that found many improper issuances in states like California, which risks losing $160 million in federal funds. States must pause issuing new licenses until they verify immigration status, and only drivers with H-2a, H-2b, or E-2 visas can qualify—about 10,000 of the 200,000 current noncitizen drivers will meet the new rules when their licenses are renewed.

The Yakima Health Board retracted a letter about unlicensed food vendors after residents criticized its language linking immigrant families with crime—commissioners plan to draft a new version with community input ahead of the October 29 meeting.

A study presented on Sept.

26 found that early MS patients who ate more ultra-processed foods had 30% more relapses and larger brain lesions—raising concerns about increased inflammation. Researchers said reducing these manufactured foods may complement established MS treatments.

New research shows that babies who grow up around dogs have a 48% lower risk of developing asthma by age five and better lung function, while exposure to cat allergens does not give the same benefit.

The study of 1,050 children will be presented in Amsterdam on September 28th — researchers plan to further study how early exposure to dog allergens affects the immune system.

The FDA approved new lenses for kids with nearsightedness—made by Essilor Stellest—to slow myopia, and they will be available next week at local eye clinics.

The lenses can be used by children as young as six.

The Yakima Health District has noticed a rise in unpermitted food vendors and launched a food safety education program – the program helps vendors secure permits, proper equipment, and safe food practices.

The new effort follows last week's Mercado Los Amigos closure due to an E. coli incident to curb foodborne illnesses.

A study released yesterday found that guns used in suicides among children aged 10 to 17 were 10 times more likely to be stored unlocked and loaded by parents.

The research highlights the need for safer storage practices to protect children— though it has not yet been peer-reviewed.

New research shows that parents have experienced less quality time with their children as kids held phones 52% of the time during conversations and 78% of parents worried about losing real talk.

The survey found that nearly 90% of families would spend more time outdoors if their backyard were more inviting — a sign that overconnected life leaves many feeling isolated.

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.

Yakima Halloween Trolley

3-6 p.m. and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Yakima Valley Trolleys — $5/person — Enjoy a spooky ride with games, treats, and free pumpkins for the first kids aboard.