Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Filmmaking fuels rural growth: Walla Walla Valley Chamber has expanded efforts with a film bureau to attract productions with state incentives. A national commercial is set for June, with projects eyeing 2026 and 2027 -- see what's in the works.

Cinema showings coming soon: Walla Walla VA is hosting two movie screenings, one tomorrow, April 28, and another May 3, at the Building 78 theater on the Walla Walla campus -- see when and where.

Youth volunteers serve aviation community: Nine Civil Air Patrol cadets in Walla Walla cleaned debris from the airport apron for Port of Walla earlier this month, and six received orientation flights in a Spokane Cessna -- read about flights and cleanup.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you've been on the same plan for years, you're probably paying way more than you need to. It's an easy bill to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,000 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium to ~$60 a month - see how much you could save.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Weeknight upgrade, sorted: Craving a little Paris without I-82, Brasserie Four keeps it easy with proper French comfort (hello steak frites and onion soup), pizzas when negotiations break down, and a wall of Washington bottles you can sip with dinner or take home for later. Treat yourself, you've earned it.

Craving real smoke: Smokin' Bandits West Texas BBQ cruises Walla Walla with brisket sandos, rib plates, Wet Bandits Nachos drowning in house queso, and the cheekily named Meat Sweats Platter. The truck pops up around town, serving portions that travel well, so future-you enjoys fridge-friendly leftovers.

Treasure hunt, upgraded: When your shelves feel a little too predictable, wander Tra Vigne Walla Walla for a locally-owned trove of antiques, art, furniture, and curios that actually earn their dusting. The name means among vineyards, the finds are among the aisles... take a lap and see what follows you home.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🧶 Open Knitting Groups @ Walla Walla Public Library | Tuesday (4/28) at 5:00 PM – Need a midweek stitch fix or a Friday fiber field trip? Join the open knitting crew, Tuesdays at Walla Walla Public Library, and Fridays in the Marcus Whitman Hotel’s north entrance lobby, same friendly chatter, comfier chairs, and zero judgment for unfinished sweaters.

🤝 In This Together: Dementia Caregiver Support @ Blue Mountain Grief Center | Thursday (4/30) at 4:30 PM – Caregiving for dementia is a marathon, not a highlight reel, so exhale with people who actually get it. Expect real talk, practical strategies, no rah-rah pep talks, and just do a quick Compatibility Call before your first meeting to make sure it fits.

🍷 Spring Release Winemaker Dinner @ Valdemar Estates Winery | Friday (5/1) at 6:00 PM – Spring release season calls for a winemaker dinner, clean glassware, and stretchy waistbands. Chef Carl Brindle of Wild Thyme pairs five courses with the 2026 wines, including a Top 50 pick, so bring curiosity, appetite, and a ride that knows the way home.

🎉 3rd Annual Pasxapa Powwow @ Sherwood Athletic Center | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Ready to trade your usual weekend errands for drumbeats, dancing, and frybread? The 3rd Annual Pasxapa Powwow brings Tribal and local communities together to celebrate Native culture and heritage, with vibrant regalia, songs, and stories that teach more than any museum placard ever could.

💥 Free Comic Book Day @ Digital Heroes | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Free Comic Book Day is swooping into Digital Heroes with stacks of freebies, so your inner 12-year-old gets the afternoon off leash. Browse heroes, villains, and the wonderfully weird, then pretend you picked them up for the kids, the grandkids, or your “collection.”

🥋 Women's Only BJJ Class @ Sargent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Shake up your Saturday with a women’s only BJJ class, Gi required, ego off. Members train free, newcomers get two free sessions, and current teen girls are welcome. Expect smart coaching, solid rolls, and that satisfying post-class tired, then fill out the quick waiver online.

🥂 Roast & Toast: A Spring Celebration @ Seven Hills Winery | Saturday (5/2) at 12:30 PM – If you’d rather celebrate spring by raising a glass than raking, Seven Hills is hosting a Cinco-inspired pig roast right in downtown Walla Walla. Expect soulful pours, smoky plates, and easy conversation with neighbors you actually like, then call it a very grown-up fiesta.

On a landscaped acre at the edge of town, this remodeled retreat pairs privacy with panoramic Blue Mountains views. Sunlit bay-windowed living flows to a quartz-clad kitchen and roomy dining area. The primary suite opens to an expansive deck with electric awning. A separate-entry lower level adds a kitchenette and flex spaces, plus a wine cellar and workshop.