Good morning, Yakima.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Mission celebrated 140 years on Sunday, September 28th — the oldest continuous congregation in Yakima held a service that honored its long history of community outreach and announced plans for a baptism to mark its future efforts.

Reverend David Hacker said the church remains dedicated to helping local residents through meal programs and partnerships.

Yakima partnered with Habitat for Humanity to launch an Adopt-A-Block program that lets residents and organizations volunteer to care for neglected city blocks.

City Manager Vicki Baker announced on Sept. 9 that the program will roll out slowly+ community champions will coordinate block improvements.

At yesterday's Great Prosser Balloon Rally, commercial pilot Joey Hernandez flew his hot air balloon 'Spritely Dew' over Yakima Valley and explained that the ideal Prosser weather led him to move nearby—he used high powered burners to control the ascent and descent while a ground crew followed his flight in a pickup truck.

Walmart hosted over 300 experts as part of its Skills-First Workforce Initiative to plan training programs that help workers adapt to changes from artificial intelligence and demographic shifts— the company already launched courses for truck drivers and maintenance technicians and will offer an AI skills program next year in partnership with OpenAI.

Fox 11 Tri Cities and FOX41 Yakima featured 7 Oktoberfest recipes that mix classic dishes such as Chef Jenn’s Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut and Homemade Soft Pretzels to help Yakima residents celebrate the festival with hearty meals — the article also highlights options like warm German potato salad and sauerkraut soup for a festive spread.

The U.S. Department of Education announced it will stop Minority-Serving Institution funding based on racial quota restrictions, putting Heritage University at risk of losing about $1.5 million and Yakima Valley College over $1.7 million in future awards — state officials are now in talks to reduce the impact on local students and programs.

The Roza Irrigation District shut off water on Wednesday after its supply ran out for 72,000 acres of crops in the lower Yakima Valley.

The district gradually closed its 94.8-mile canal—starting at 5:30 a.m.—to protect berms as growers now rely on storage ponds and wells with the season ending three and a half weeks early.

A study in mice from September 28th found that a high-fat, low-carb keto diet led to signs of heart and liver disease — with mice showing issues in insulin release and excess blood fat even as they weighed less than mice on a Western diet.

Researchers caution that the findings may not apply to people and advise consulting a doctor before starting the diet.

Albertsons Companies recalled five store-made deli products on September 28 because they might contain listeria—an illness that can severely affect older adults, immune-compromised people, and pregnant women.

The recall covers items sold at Albertsons, Safeway, and Von’s across several states and no related illnesses have been reported.

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.