Good morning, Yakima.

Strict immigration enforcement is hurting farmworker families as activist Alfredo “Lelo” Juárez Zeferino chose voluntary departure after nearly four months in ICE custody following a Skagit County traffic stop—his partner cried during the encounter and similar separations have impacted families in Yakima such as when José Ortiz was detained on his way to work. Community groups report that rapid deportations are sparking fear and disrupting family life across the region.

This weekend, Yakima Valley will offer a range of fall events including the inaugural Fan Fest Northwest at the Yakima Convention Center featuring celebrity guests and a cosplay contest, the Filipino Harvest Dinner at the Wapato Filipino Community Hall with a buffet and cultural performance, Agri-Copia in Union Gap offering free agricultural demonstrations and family-friendly activities, and a 2.5K fun run/walk in Selah to benefit the Selah-Naches Food Bank—later, Valley Mall will host Witches Night Out on Oct. 16 for adults with live music and raffles to support a local nonprofit.

A survey done by HP and Talker Research found that many white collar and IT workers spent half their workday on tedious tasks like copying and pasting — tasks that raised stress and made some think about quitting.

Seventy percent of IT leaders plan to add AI tools in the next 12 months to cut busywork and help workers focus on more important tasks.

Unionized Starbucks workers protested outside the Seattle headquarters on October 7 to express anger over mass layoffs and store closures, saying workers did not get a chance to transfer—Starbucks said it was ready to negotiate a fair contract with the union.

In Yakima, two stores on First Street and Nob Hill and Yakima Avenue closed as part of the cuts.

National Dessert Day will be celebrated on Oct.14 as bakeries, restaurants, and families showcase cakes, pies, and pastries—continuing a long tradition of sweet treats.

The holiday will feature giveaways and discounts to encourage trying both classic recipes and innovative desserts.

Yakima locals value 10 iconic restaurants that have served as favorite stops for residents and travelers—some long cherished and others more recent, with closures prompting real concern.

The list highlights both legacy spots like the old Black Angus and newer names that together shape our food scene.

CWU is launching a Get Home Safe program that will give students free Lyft rides from campus to home, and local residents can vote on the idea with more details coming in the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. news.

Last week the government shutdown cut federal funding for the WIC program in Yakima, leaving nearly 50 Department of Healthcare employees laid off while the program served over 212,000 people statewide.

Yakima Rotary Food Bank continues its Friday food distribution but warned that longer lines may occur if more federal programs are cut— the shutdown is expected to end on October 15.

In Yakima, health officials say a mammogram takes only 15 to 30 minutes, far less time than waiting in line or other daily tasks, and they urge residents to schedule regular checkups for early detection.

The quick procedure supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month and helps catch issues before they grow.

Fox41 Yakima features 11 pumpkin recipes that bring a taste of fall to local kitchens with ideas like muffins, cookies, and risotto — each recipe offers a cozy flavor for the season.

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.