Good morning, Yakima.

Franz Bakery donated hundreds of toys at the Toys for Tots drive on Thursday, Dec.

11, at the KIMA Action News parking lot. The Marine Corps will pick up the donations today for delivery to the Salvation Army, marking the bakery’s fifth year of family-supported giving (a local tradition).

New residents in Yakima face a culture shock with seven key local truths guiding daily life from budget-friendly eats at Costco and popular drive-thru coffee stops to annual kids fishing day + historic trolley rides and Saturday car meets.

The city council voted 6 to 1 to not renew Yakima Valley Trolleys, meaning rides and museum events will end at the close of the year & local supporters are rallying with donations, petitions and holiday rides to save this cherished tradition.

Wapato High School’s Robotics Engineering Club hosted its first Lego League event over the weekend with regional elementary and middle school teams from Yakima area competing using robotics to solve real-world challenges — top teams earned champions ranks and moved on to the state competition.

Heritage University announced it will use reserve funds to offset fall 2026 cuts to the Washington College Grant + preserving students’ full financial aid packages, while it works with Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office to seek restoration of state support.

Three finalists for YVC president (Teresa Rich, Kerry Lynn Levett, Bonny Copenhaver) met with staff and students at town halls in Yakima and Grandview this week to share their plans for boosting student success and financial stability; the Board of Trustees will decide on the new leader late Thursday.

Dangerous flood conditions in Yakima County have led to closures of roads, parks, and landmarks.

In Selah, access to Playland Park and Elks Golf Course is cut while residents navigate detours in Wapato and nearby areas via Union Gap — Toppenish.

On Thursday, floodwaters rushed through the streets of Silvana, affecting local roads and travel.

Flooding in western Yakima County washed out Highway 12 near milepost 191, prompting the Naches Fire Department to divert traffic to Bonlow Drive through a school zone & close the nearby Greenway Pathway; National Guard sandbagging and a helicopter rescue are underway & supporting local efforts.

Residents can register for Alert Yakima—a free service from Yakima Valley Emergency Management—to receive notifications on evacuations, severe weather, floods, and fires as needed.

Sign-ups are available via phone, email, and text.