The recession still has a tight grip on local students. YVCC is breaking records for the number of students asking for financial aid. But KIMA discovered, many of those students are still waiting for their money.

KIMA has learned the city of Toppenish has cut gang crime in half. The numbers are astounding for this small community who's battled gangs for decades. The police chief said he has the community to thank.

It was back to school but certainly not back to normal for Central Washington University. The school landed in the national spotlight for a wild party with people passed out and vomiting. And at least a dozen students landed in the hospital as well. Police still suspect their drinks were spiked. Now the school is running its own investigation.

KIMA has discovered a new opportunity to help at-risk students. Mabton High has the chance to give kids instruction that's usually only offered at the college level. Right now you can only find the I-Best program at community colleges or YV-Tech. But Mabton is about to go on the map for preparing even younger students to succeed in college, before they ever step foot in the door.

A watchful neighbor chased down a burglar creeping into a Yakima County home. The neighbor saw something suspicious and didn't waste any time defending another man's home. And deputies are thanking him for cracking this case.

KIMA is following up on staffing at the west valley fire department after it broke off a deal with the yakima fire department. KIMA learned west valley now has volunteers on staff during the week.

KIMA broke the story this month of a paperwork snafu that led to the release of an accused killer. He's back in jail. But KIMA is still asking questions to find out what's been done to stop this from happening again?

Tickets, parking, rides and of course the food! A day at the state fair can really take a bite out of your paycheck. You've told us a day at the fair is becoming cost prohibitive. So, we wanted to know why prices are so high. KIMA did some some digging and found the reason is "overhead." Selling at the state fair is pricey.

Flames so high they created a glow that could be seen across the lower valley. The fire destroyed a Toppenish clothing business. But KIMA discovered firefighters were able to perform what would appear to be the impossible.

Garbage, appliances, chemicals. KIMA has learned the number of illegal dumpings has jumped by 50% in Kittitas County in just the last year. It's a growing problem that could have an impact on all our families for decades to come. KIMA saw the problem first hand and wanted to know what the county is doing to stop it and clean up what's already there.

A Yakima institution might also be creating a modern-day traffic hazard. KIMA discovered the Yakima trolley tracks are tearing up some cars and making it dangerous to drive. You emailed us, with concerns about damage to the tracks that cross 6th avenue. We found out who's responsible to make the repairs.

A mistake at the jail set free an accused killer. KIMA first broke this story on Twitter and Facebook. Prosecutors told KIMA someone at the jail simply misread a document that allowed Alexander Quintana to post a very small bail. He's back in jail again. But we wanted to know how this could even happen in the first place.

KIMA has learned there is a major overcrowding problem in the Eisenhower High School Lunch room. You brought it to our attention and we checked it out. KIMA was there when the bell rang. And it was shoulder to shoulder students packed into a lunch room that's not designed to hold them all.

A single teenager is making a huge impact on Yakima's stray pet population. By getting just one animal spayed or neutered, it can prevent hundreds of unwanted pets from being born. And that's been the mission of Rachel Olsen. KIMA met this one-woman crusader who's preventing nuisance strays from roaming around town.

Business is good in Union Gap. In fact, it's so good, some Yakima business owners are picking up and changing zip codes. We told you Monday that more downtown Yakima businesses were closing their doors. Turns out, some may just be heading to Union Gap. KIMA wanted to know why the grass is greener on the other side?