Good morning, Walla Walla.

The Downtown Walla Walla Foundation is accepting applications for a new executive director after Mallory Nash’s departure on Sept.

15. Applications are due by Friday, Oct. 9, and the position pays between $75,000 and $99,000 per year (interviews are ongoing on a rolling basis).

The ongoing conflict with Iran has raised fuel and grocery prices and increased costs for local wineries, making life less affordable for many residents.

Loss of health insurance and food benefits further intensify financial strain in the valley (with higher shipping fees affecting local wineries).

In Walla Walla, state protections for gray wolves remain active despite local cattlemen’s calls for deregulation to ease livestock losses — the Department of Fish and Wildlife defends the rules by saying wolves are vital for ecosystem balance amid discussions spurred by federal delisting efforts.