Good morning, Yakima.

Toppenish High School students are launching a pet supply drive called Fast and Furry to help Yakima Humane Society; the drive will run until December 15 and collect pet food, treats, toys, towels, blankets, and cleaning or office supplies.

Community members may drop off donations at Toppenish High in room 203 (during school hours) as the SkillsUSA team organizes the initiative.

Students at Toppenish High are collecting donations for their on-campus food pantry to help ensure that no student goes hungry—non-perishable items and Thanksgiving baskets will be accepted at the front office during the school year and for Thanksgiving.

Coca-Cola of Yakima — sponsoring a holiday lights contest — invites residents to share photos of their creative decorations before December 22, with a $500 Visa Gift Card to be awarded to one participant.

The contest will celebrate local displays and brighten neighborhoods across Yakima Valley.

Seven locally owned grocery stores in Yakima offer residents affordable fresh produce and pantry staples—providing practical alternatives to large chains.

Shoppers are encouraged to support these hidden gems to keep money circulating in the local neighborhood.

Yakima native Kyle MacLachlan returns in the newly released trailer for Fallout Season Two — showing him in a power armor suit — which has stirred excitement locally.

The season will debut on Amazon Prime Video on December 17.

Summitview Elementary displayed a new glass mural built from nearly 500 art pieces made by its students — arranged by Mesolini Glass Studio — that shows local sights such as orchards, ball fields and a river.

Teachers say the project gives students pride as they see their work become a part of the school every day.

Data from the Washington Office of Financial Management shows that K-12 enrollment in Yakima County has declined, with Yakima School District reporting 13,907 students in October compared to 14,115 last year.

The drop reflects a steady trend since 2020-21 and comes as alternative learning programs have nearly doubled (raising concerns about budget impacts).

Yakima Valley College saw a 7.7% enrollment increase in fall to 4,930 students, the highest since 2019, while universities in Ellensburg and Toppenish experienced declines.

Interim president Teresa Rich said the college expanded degree, certificate, College and Career Readiness and Running Start programs to support many first-generation students.

A severe outbreak of H5N1 bird flu has hit the poultry industry in Washington, with over 4 million birds in 21 counties affected since the outbreak began in 2022.

The virus spread along migratory routes+a large processing plant recently reported cases, raising costs for local farmers.

MultiCare Memorial Hospital in Yakima announced it will end Medicare Advantage PPO plans in 2026—shifting to HMO plans to offer coordinated care while continuing to accept UnitedHealthcare, Aetna Medicare Advantage, and Regence’s PPO plan locally.

Some locals questioned the hospital's letter for not clearly informing seniors about the upcoming changes.

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.