Good morning, Yakima.

The Yakima Valley Veterans Coalition is hosting the 26th annual Veterans Stand Down and Benefit Fair on October 18 at the Yakima Valley SunDome — 1301 S.

Fair Ave. The event will provide over 100 free services including health screenings, dental help and employment support for those who served and their families from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Comedian Bert Kreischer led a sold-out show at Yakima Valley SunDome on October 5th as part of his Permission To Party Tour with Katherine Blanford and Ian Fidance opening the event—he told funny, personal stories while performing wild, shirtless comedy.

The night had an old-school feel that got the audience cheering and laughing.

Gas prices in Yakima dropped 8.3 cents per gallon from last week and averaged $4.21 as of October 6 — according to a survey of 91 stations by GasBuddy.

The price remains 2.4 cents higher than a month ago and 52.4 cents above last year's rate.

White Swan High School improved its graduation rate to 86% in 2024—25 after adopting a new grading system, block scheduling, and credit retrieval labs to support ninth graders, officials said.

Staff efforts and a research-backed program helped boost on-track rates, and the changes have increased student success across all grade levels.

Crews from Crown Utilities will relocate utility poles at the intersection of Nob Hill Blvd and Fair Avenue, causing overnight lane closures from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for five nights beginning today—flaggers will direct traffic as the intersection switches to a four-way stop during the project.

Yakima County Auditor Charles Ross warned voters to deliver their own ballots to prevent ballot harvesting and tampering with votes as the November 4 election nears—he advised using official drop boxes or mailing ballots early and reminded voters to sign their envelopes to avoid fraud and felony charges. Military ballots have already been mailed and public ballots will start coming out on Friday, October 17.

Yakima Air Terminal director Rob Hodgman is on leave since Oct 6 and will officially resign on Oct 31 after turning in his keys, phone, and badge on Oct 3—city officials said the search for his replacement is starting now to keep airport operations running during planned modernization projects. The airport will soon update its systems, repair the terminal roof, and expand parking to support future commercial flights.

Firing Center Road (SR 821) at the Interstate 82 overpass near Exit 26 in Yakima will be closed to eastbound traffic for pavement repairs until Friday, Oct.

17. Drivers heading east must use the off ramp at Exit 29 and then return westbound while westbound traffic keeps using the road.

A study published in the Journal of Health Economics found that high pollen counts from seasonal allergies are linked to an increased risk of suicide and may account for up to 1,200 deaths per year.

Researchers advise that health providers consider allergy history in treating at-risk patients—especially those with mental health challenges.

On Monday, Oct. 6, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration began reviewing changes to its black box warning on hormone therapy for menopause symptoms — experts said the warning had led many women to avoid safe treatments for hot flashes, poor sleep and other signs; a recent advisory panel urged removing the warning for some estrogen products.

A FOX41 Yakima article offers 13 fall meal recipes for busy families to plan easy dinners each week—featuring dishes like Chicken Pot Pie, Sushi Bake, and Marry Me Chicken Pasta that bring warmth to cool autumn evenings.

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.

Dreams and Fairy Dust Painting Event

2-4 p.m. — 5th Line Brewing — Ticketed event — Unleash your creativity with a guided painting session while enjoying the brewery's offerings.