Good morning, Walla Walla.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office is asking for help identifying a man found dead in the Columbia River on May 24 near Mound Pond across from Port Kelly—he was dressed in work clothing including thermals, boots, a black motocross T-shirt and blue jeans—and an autopsy on May 29 gave an undetermined cause of death.

Downtown now displays Pride banners — installed ahead of the annual Pride Festival from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7 at Heritage Park — that local leaders say were funded by over $20,000 raised from more than 50 businesses, marking the first time such banners have appeared downtown for Pride Month.

Washington’s new Senate Bill 5375 requires clergy to report child abuse even if disclosed during confession—prompting Catholic bishops to file a federal lawsuit in Tacoma over alleged First Amendment violations.

The law was signed on May 2, will take effect on July 27, and violations may lead to up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine—while a federal civil rights investigation is underway.

District 16 lawmakers met at Walla Walla Community College on May 31 to discuss state funding issues, housing costs, and a new law on clergy reporting of child abuse.

They noted funding wins such as securing $25 million for U.S. 12 Phase 8 and support for WWCC’s Water & Environmental Center—while raising questions about federal funding cuts and local housing challenges.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Engrossed House Bill 1217 on May 2 to cap rent increases at 7% plus CPI or 10%—with a 5% cap for mobile home lots—until the end of 2025.

The Washington State Department of Commerce will release new rent cap information this summer as the state works to stabilize rental costs and plans to add 1.1 million homes over the next two decades.

Walla Walla Sweets vs. Cowlitz Black Bears

6:35-11 p.m. — Borleske Stadium — Affordable family-friendly entertainment — Watch collegiate baseball stars compete in this thrilling West Coast League matchup.

Walla Walla Sweets vs. Cowlitz Black Bears

6:05-11 p.m. — Borleske Stadium — Tickets available — Experience collegiate summer baseball with the Walla Walla Sweets battling the Cowlitz Black Bears.

Walla Walla Sweets vs. Kamloops NorthPaws

6:35 – 11:00 PM — Borleske Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Walla Walla Sweets battle the Kamloops NorthPaws in an exciting summer collegiate baseball matchup.

Walla Walla Sweets vs. Kamloops NorthPaws

6:35 p.m. — Borleske Stadium — Tickets available — Cheer on the Walla Walla Sweets as they take on the Kamloops NorthPaws in exciting West Coast League action.

June Festival

31st annual summer fundraiser to assist with the operational costs for our historical museum. Come for a catered meal, live music, local wine, silent auction, and community spirit! (21+, tickets are $65.)

June Festival

31st annual summer fundraiser to assist with the operational costs for our historical museum. Come for a catered meal, live music, local wine, silent auction, and community spirit! (21+, tickets are $65.)

Walla Walla Sweets vs. Portland Pickles

6:35-11:00 p.m. — Borleske Stadium — Affordable ticket prices — Watch the 2024 West Coast League Champions take on the local Sweets in an exciting baseball matchup.

Walla Walla Sweets vs. Portland Pickles

6:35-11 p.m. — Borleske Stadium — Affordable entry — Cheer on the Walla Walla Sweets as they take on the 2024 West Coast League Champions, the Portland Pickles, in an exciting 3-game series.

Dinner on the Sunset Terrace

8:30-9:00 p.m. — The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center — Cost not specified — Experience a delectable four-course dinner paired with Mercer wines and insights from winemaker Ali Mayfield.