Good morning, Yakima.

The Wishing Well — a new community initiative — opened today in Union Gap off 14th Street to help low income families get food without needing IDs and runs on a self-sustaining model in which visitors leave an item when they take one.

A Facebook page posts requests for supplies and has already received strong community support.

Local food banks in the Tri-Cities and Yakima received food donations and checks valued over $60,000 each from McCurley Dealership’s annual Hometown Food Drive that took place in October+the 23-year drive has provided more than 1.7 million pounds of food to support food banks across Southeast and Central Washington and the Salvation Army of Yakima.

Taquería Ramírez opened Oct.

10 at 131 S. Second St. in Yakima and serves traditional Mexican dishes 24 hours a day—meeting the need of night workers. Julian Calzada opened a new State Farm Insurance office in the Vintage Valley Parkway Plaza in Zillah on Oct. 15 and his office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday—supporting local businesses and youth.

Target announced it will lower prices on 3,000 food, beverage and essential items during November to help families save on everyday needs—this follows an offer of a Thanksgiving meal for four for under $20.

The company also will donate $500,000 to Feeding America to support food banks nationwide.

NOAA warned that a severe G4 solar storm from an X5.1 flare erupted from sunspot region 4274 on November 12th and is expected to affect satellites, GPS navigation and radio signals later this week—experts add that the disturbance may spark bright auroras far from the poles.

Naches officials approved a three-year library services contract with Yakima Valley Libraries that includes requirements to maintain current hours and services—such as the Tuesday through Saturday noon to 5 p.m. schedule and twice-a-week storytime—for 2026 to 2028.

The 3—1 council vote on Monday sends the conditional contract to the library board for review as part of upcoming budget planning.

Yakima Health District is urging residents aged six months and older to get a flu shot as flu season raises the risk of serious illness—health officials said the vaccine remains the best protection despite many residents skipping the shot due to safety concerns after the COVID-19 pandemic. This recommendation aims to prevent hospitalizations and deaths amid rising flu cases.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients with atrial fibrillation who drank one cup of caffeinated coffee daily had fewer irregular heart rhythm episodes than those who avoided caffeine.

Researchers reported that 47 percent in the coffee group experienced episodes compared to 64 percent in the no-caffeine group (200 participants) and noted a 39% reduction in risk (study result), urging patients to discuss their coffee habits with their doctor.

A study presented at the American Heart Association meeting on Nov.

12 showed that tailored vitamin D doses cut heart attack risk by 52% for 630 heart disease patients compared to standard care. Researchers urge patients to discuss vitamin D blood testing & personalized dosing with their doctors.

Beef Counts Mobile Market - Yakima

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — State Fair Park — Registration required — Drive-thru beef distribution serving pre-registered families in Yakima.

Dancing Sky Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Hoops — Tickets required — Enjoy food and drinks while painting to your favorite 80’s & 90’s tunes.