Good morning, Yakima.

Yakima Pride will host World AIDS Day at Valley Mall on Monday, December 1 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. where community members can view international short films, see 31 crafted quilt panels, and enjoy the Yakima Valley College Players performing songs from RENT+ guest speakers will lead discussions on HIV stigma and safe spaces.

Davis High alum Carolina Herrera launched the Yakima Warmth Project to collect winter clothes including gloves, jackets, snow boots, and small throw blankets for students at Barge-Lincoln Elementary and Washington Middle School in Yakima; nine local businesses serve as drop-off locations and the drive will continue until Dec. 5.

Three energetic and sweet kittens at the Yakima Humane Society are looking for their forever home this week, and shelter staff hope to match them with loving families.

Stone Church in Yakima will provide 875 blessing boxes with ingredients like corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and turkey to help hundreds of families have a Thanksgiving dinner.

Over 200 volunteers will assemble and distribute the boxes on a first-come-first-served basis—meeting the community's increased need this holiday.

During Fraud Awareness Week in Washington, officials warn Yakima residents to avoid sharing personal details or clicking on suspicious links—advice shared by Gesa Credit Union and Pacific Power—and to check ATMs for signs of tampering to keep their money safe.

Heritage University will lose about $3 million a year when fall cuts to the Washington College Grant lower aid for private colleges to around $6,300—forcing some low-income students to choose community college.

University leaders are meeting with lawmakers to ask for help and protect enrollment—stressing that the changes could hurt local families.

The Yakima School District received a $200,000 grant (from the Ballmer Group) to design a free full-day summer learning program in 2026 for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, which will include academic instruction, enrichment activities and meals.

The district will work with the Association of Educational Service Districts (and Building Impact Partners) to develop the program for 20 eligible schools.

A survey of 2,000 Americans shows that 31% expect to go into debt this holiday season and 65% say it is hard to decide on a safe spending amount.

Many have already overspent using cash, cards, savings or buy-now-pay-later plans — and they point to family traditions and social media as major pressures.

Renee Navarrete has been named lead coordinator for Yakima Search and Rescue after years with the Yakima Sheriff's Department.

She plans to build a new rescue support unit—providing extra assistance during missions—to help her team better serve the community.

Washington state Representatives Dan Newhouse, Michael Baumgartner and Kim Schrier introduced the MIRACLE Act on Thursday to study neonatal abstinence syndrome.

The law instructs the Secretary of Health to research the condition’s prevalence, outcomes and care models — a measure supported by Maddie's Place in Spokane to improve care for affected newborns.

New guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association recommended advanced drugs — such as monoclonal antibody therapies — be used first to treat moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease instead of starting with cheaper medications.

The recommendations urged insurers to cover these treatments so that doctors and patients could make informed treatment decisions.

By November 18th, Yakima Valley had recorded 100 overdose deaths with victims ranging from their 20s to 60s and fentanyl as a major factor—officials also reported a new drug, carfentanil, which is 100 times stronger, is appearing and may push the record set in 2024.

County Coroner Marshal Slight noted that reduced drug shipments could help lessen the outbreak as authorities work to control its spread.

A new guide names five cozy Washington winter towns that offer a calm getaway from holiday chaos.

The list details each town’s snowy charm—helping locals plan a quiet escape.

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.