Good morning, Yakima.

Interstate 82 between Ellensburg and Selah is closed as multiple spinouts block the roadway — heavy snow is falling in Yakima Valley and the closure extends from Thrall Road to milepost 26 in east Selah.

Local artist Sylvia Merczel has brightened Yakima with holiday window paintings, including 200 ft of art at MultiCare Memorial Hospital, as several local businesses commission her colorful style.

The Yakima Symphony Orchestra exceeded its $130,000 goal for the 2025 Year-End Challenge 15 days before Dec.

31 and raised its target to $150,000 after a $20,000 pledge spurred extra donations following its sold-out Holidays Pops Spectacular on Dec. 7.

Pacific Northwest University's osteopathic medicine college received its maximum 10-year accreditation cycle from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.

University officials said the recognition reflects exceptional performance in academics, clinical training, and student support over the program’s more than 20-year history.

Apprenticeship numbers in Washington increased by over 70% in the past decade to nearly 16,000 active apprentices due to state and federal funding.

Rachel McAloon from the Department of Labor and Industries said participants earn over $100,000, avoid college debt + secure full-time work and benefits.

Norm Walker will serve as Yakima board president in 2026 following Tuesday’s unanimous vote with Ryan Beckett as vice president.

Walker brings 40 years of public education experience as a paraeducator, teacher, and counselor.

A UCSF study shows that hormone estrogen increases gut sensitivity and may cause women to suffer more IBS pain.

Researchers found that estrogen triggers a chain reaction in colon cells involving PYY, pointing to new treatment options for IBS.

The Washington State Health Care Authority is introducing a resource library today in Yakima to help doctors, providers & first responders learn how to prescribe medications for opioid use disorder that can cut overdose deaths by over 50% and reduce stigma.

A study released Dec.

17 in Neurology found that eating high-fat cheese and cream daily may cut the risk of dementia. Researchers tracked 27,700 people in Sweden for 25 years and found those who ate more cheese had up to a 29% lower risk of vascular dementia (a condition linked to poor blood flow).

Research from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shows that co-victims suffer lasting harm when true crime media reports are inaccurate and intrusive (studies published Oct.

9 highlight privacy loss and increased trauma), prompting calls for ethical, victim-centered reporting.

A study found that Uncertainty-Mindset Training (a half-hour course) helps young adults reduce anxiety and depression by boosting their ability to handle uncertainty.

Researchers reported improvements after one month and plan to refine the training to extend its mental health benefits.

The Seahawks pulled off an overtime comeback on Thursday, Dec.

18, beating the Rams 38-37 after rallying from a 16-point deficit. The win secured a playoff bye and home-field advantage if they win two final games (12-3 record) in a tight NFC race.