Good morning, Walla Walla.

BMAC launched a new monthly giving program—Friends of the BMAC Food Bank—to support 13 local food pantries and the Backpack Bridge program as food need has risen by 200% since 2020.

The program offers five donation levels and includes a matching gift from Hayden Homes to double the impact of each donation.

Columbia REA is accepting applications for its 2025 More Powerful Together Community Grant — eligible organizations in Walla Walla and Columbia Counties can receive up to $10,000.

Applications are accepted online from May 1 until 5:30 p.m. on June 16 and must come from organizations, with religious or political groups not allowed.

Two new rape charges against Daniel Junior Pascual come from attacks that took place in winter 2014 and spring 2015 near parties by Walla Walla University—he was rearrested in April after a new victim agreed to participate in the case, court documents show.

A 21-year-old man was stabbed in the waiting room of Providence St. Mary Medical Center on May 6th at about 11:30 p.m.—a bystander stepped in and hospital security detained a 31-year-old man who said the victim caused his friend's death and is now held in jail.

On May 5, professional athlete and CTUIR member Kola Shippentower spoke at Whitman College for MMIP Awareness Day to call for more accurate counts of missing and murdered Indigenous people.

She also described her work with The Wisáwca Project, which trains women in self-defense — stressing that Native people are warriors and strong.

Washington students have long lagged in financial literacy as fewer than half of eighth graders meet math standards, and local Rep. Skyler Rude from the 16th District in Walla Walla has pushed House Bill 1285 to require financial education for high school graduation; the bill passed the State House on March 5th but stalled in the Senate. This effort highlights ongoing concerns that students are not being prepared with real-world money skills.

Melissa Shumake registered as a candidate for Walla Walla City Council Position 1 yesterday, running for the south ward seat against incumbent Rick Eskil.

She is the deputy community development director for the county — with past experience in city development at Walla Walla and Kitsap County, and candidates can file until 5 p.m. Friday.

The Army Corps of Engineers in Walla Walla warned boaters to stay clear of navigation locks after several incidents—strong currents and limited room for maneuvering heighten the risk of dangerous collisions.

Officials said that violators may face fines and criminal charges from both the Army Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard.

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.

Terry Robb Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — Quirk Brewing — Ticket prices not specified — Experience the sublime acoustic guitar mastery and unrestrained passion of Terry Robb.

The Lost Apples Project: A Tribute to Heritage Apples

5-6 p.m. — Fort Walla Walla Museum — Free entry — Discover the fascinating journey of rare apple varieties and their historical significance.

Walla Walla Music Fest 2025

4:30 PM – 10:00 PM — Walla Walla County Fairgrounds — Line-up includes Jackson Dean and Rare of Breed — Celebrate local music in a vibrant festival atmosphere.