Good morning, Walla Walla.

On April 10, the Port of Walla Walla approved Columbia Rail, a local short line operator, to use the rail line near Wallula Junction for grain transport starting May 1 — the lease runs until December 2026 with options for annual renewals and increased rent as land value grows.

Washington Parents Network filed a complaint on Friday with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights against Superintendent Chris Reykdal, alleging his DEI programs violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act—this is his second complaint with a new DOJ investigation expected soon.

On May 17, the community will gather at Walla Walla Community College near the ballfields for the Return to the River Salmon Festival—an event that will showcase native fish and include two salmon fingerling releases at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. with hands-on activities such as relay races, obstacle courses, painting, and water testing running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Walla Walla VA Medical Center will host a 2K VA Walk and Roll on May 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. around the Jonathan Memorial Wainwright VA Parade Loop to support local veterans—organizations will be invited to bring a popup canopy measuring ten feet by ten feet and set up activity booths offering fun games and donation options for homeless veterans, as organizer Steven Dalgleish explained.

Walla Walla health officials said a federal restraining order made most public health funds return on April 3, but ARPA funds for the College Place Community Prevention Wellness Initiative remain frozen and risk a $55,000 loss if not fully restored.

Local groups like Trilogy Recovery Community said they worry that the ongoing lawsuit could change funding rules and leave public health programs with less support — officials remain alert as the case moves through court.

Anthony Nunziata Concert

2-4 p.m. — Gesa Power House Theatre — $35 – $40 — Experience the romantic sounds of jazz and pop from America’s new singing sensation, Anthony Nunziata.

Unity and Diversity Festival

7 p.m.-1 a.m. — Heritage Square — Free entry — Celebrate multicultural arts with food, crafts, games, and performances reviving a 25-year tradition.

Symphony Series: Earth, Water, Wind, & Fire

7-9 p.m. — Cordiner Hall — $5 for wine — Experience a captivating evening of orchestral music featuring distinguished composers and renowned tabla virtuoso Sandeep Das.

The Talbott Brothers Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Motor Co. — Ticket prices TBD — Experience heartfelt country and Americana tunes with soul-stirring harmonies from The Talbott Brothers.

Spanish Storytime

10:15-11:00 a.m. — Walla Walla Public Library — Free entry — Engage little ones with delightful stories in Spanish at the library.