Greg Halling
@ghalling.bsky.social
Forever Nacho’s pal. Executive editor of the Yakima Herald-Republic. Widely considered the J.J. Cale of journalists.
Wolfdog!
Wolfdog jumps into Olympic XC ski race, goes for gold | Winter Olympics 2026 | NBC Sports
In the women’s cross-country skiing team sprint qualification, a dog ran onto the course and zoomed with two skiers across the finish line. The good boy's sprint was caught by the photo finish…
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February 19, 2026 at 4:00 AM
Wolfdog!
Christian nationalist pastor Doug Wilson, who has argued that wives should submit to their husbands, women should be denied the vote and Christian enslavers were on “firm scriptural ground,” led a worship service at the Pentagon this week at the invitation of Hegseth. (Amy B Wang / Washington Post)
Hegseth invited Christian nationalist to preach at Pentagon
Critics have questioned Hegseth’s elevation of Christianity in the Defense Department. The secretary began monthly prayer meetings at the Pentagon last May.
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February 19, 2026 at 3:30 AM
Christian nationalist pastor Doug Wilson, who has argued that wives should submit to their husbands, women should be denied the vote and Christian enslavers were on “firm scriptural ground,” led a worship service at the Pentagon this week at the invitation of Hegseth. (Amy B Wang / Washington Post)
In places like Kootenai County, where white Christian Republicans hold a supermajority, local politics is mutating into something undeniably extreme. North Idaho offers a particularly stark example. (Michael Edison Hayden / Mother Jones)
How extremists reconquered Idaho in the age of Trump—and how some locals are fighting back
“Who the fuck are these men?”
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February 19, 2026 at 3:00 AM
In places like Kootenai County, where white Christian Republicans hold a supermajority, local politics is mutating into something undeniably extreme. North Idaho offers a particularly stark example. (Michael Edison Hayden / Mother Jones)
Presidents for decades invited championship sports teams to visit the White House, but the tradition buckled during Trump’s first tenure, when he rescinded an invite to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 after their Super Bowl win. (Anumita Kaur / Seattle Times)
Seahawks haven’t received a White House invitation
The White House has not responded to inquiries on whether President Donald Trump will extend an invite to the Seahawks after their Super Bowl victory last week.
www.yakimaherald.com
February 19, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Presidents for decades invited championship sports teams to visit the White House, but the tradition buckled during Trump’s first tenure, when he rescinded an invite to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 after their Super Bowl win. (Anumita Kaur / Seattle Times)
Not only had CBS been aware Monday night that Colbert was going to talk about this issue publicly, its lawyers had even approved it in his script, he said. (David Bauder / Associated Press)
Late-night host Stephen Colbert isn't backing down from public dispute with CBS bosses
Late-night host Stephen Colbert isn't backing down from his public dispute with CBS bosses over what he can air on his show. He said Tuesday night that he was surprised
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February 19, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Not only had CBS been aware Monday night that Colbert was going to talk about this issue publicly, its lawyers had even approved it in his script, he said. (David Bauder / Associated Press)
To mark the occasion of her departure, here are five of the most heinous lies McLaughlin told during her tenure at DHS. No. 1: Alex Pretti wanted to “massacre law enforcement” when federal agents killed him. The latest from Jared Poland, video editor and rapid response at The Bulwark.
Tricia McLaughlin’s Top Five Lies
The outgoing Homeland Security flack’s pattern of mendacity.
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February 19, 2026 at 1:30 AM
To mark the occasion of her departure, here are five of the most heinous lies McLaughlin told during her tenure at DHS. No. 1: Alex Pretti wanted to “massacre law enforcement” when federal agents killed him. The latest from Jared Poland, video editor and rapid response at The Bulwark.
Fresh ink from Mike Luckovich.
Mike Luckovich (@mluckovich.bsky.social)
This is a heavily interactive web application, and JavaScript is required. Simple HTML interfaces are possible, but that is not what this is. Learn more about Bluesky at bsky.social and atproto.com.…
bsky.app
February 19, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Fresh ink from Mike Luckovich.
Your guide to weekend events in the Yakima Valley, courtesy of @sararae-yhr.bsky.social, Explore editor for yakimaherald.com.
Yakima Valley weekend picks: Fish Fryday, STEM Day and winery fun
Options this weekend include a glow-in-the-dark swim at the YMCA, the Yakima Valley Museum’s 75th birthday celebration and STEM Day at Yakima Valley College.
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February 18, 2026 at 4:00 AM
Your guide to weekend events in the Yakima Valley, courtesy of @sararae-yhr.bsky.social, Explore editor for yakimaherald.com.
Now, honoring tradition, we celebrate Mardi Gras by watching Treme S1E8, “All on a Mardi Gras Day.” Happy Mardi Gras from the PNW, y’all. Especially @wendellpierce.bsky.social.
February 18, 2026 at 3:49 AM
Now, honoring tradition, we celebrate Mardi Gras by watching Treme S1E8, “All on a Mardi Gras Day.” Happy Mardi Gras from the PNW, y’all. Especially @wendellpierce.bsky.social.
An extraordinary stretch that began in April 2011 illustrated the denial, the dismissal and what’s thought to have been a moment that helped cement Trump’s decision to run for president. (Laurie Kellman / AP)
A ‘clown’ who wouldn’t go away: Inside Obama’s team’s blind spot on Trump
Obama aides have described how they underestimated Donald Trump before his 2016 presidential run, even as his influence grew online and in politics.
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February 18, 2026 at 3:30 AM
An extraordinary stretch that began in April 2011 illustrated the denial, the dismissal and what’s thought to have been a moment that helped cement Trump’s decision to run for president. (Laurie Kellman / AP)
Ferguson emphasized the $182.3 million damage assessment submitted to FEMA is “a preliminary number” and is likely to grow as more information comes in. (Jim Brunner / Seattle Times)
WA floods caused $182M in damage, Ferguson says in seeking federal aid
December floods caused $182.3 million in damage to roads and other infrastructure in Washington, according to a FEMA aid request submitted by Gov. Bob Ferguson.
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February 18, 2026 at 3:00 AM
Ferguson emphasized the $182.3 million damage assessment submitted to FEMA is “a preliminary number” and is likely to grow as more information comes in. (Jim Brunner / Seattle Times)
CBS disputed Colbert’s account, saying its attorneys only “provided legal guidance” that broadcasting an interview with Talarico could trigger the Federal Communications Commission’s equal-time rule. (Associated Press)
Stephen Colbert says CBS lawyers pulled James Talarico interview as early voting begins in Texas
Stephen Colbert says his interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico was pulled from Monday's broadcast over fears it would violate “equal time” guidance from the Federal Communications Commission…
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February 18, 2026 at 2:30 AM
CBS disputed Colbert’s account, saying its attorneys only “provided legal guidance” that broadcasting an interview with Talarico could trigger the Federal Communications Commission’s equal-time rule. (Associated Press)
A fancy PNW King Cake. Happy Mardi Gras, y’all!
February 18, 2026 at 2:13 AM
A fancy PNW King Cake. Happy Mardi Gras, y’all!
Ten states — all led by Democrats — now have statewide policies prohibiting law enforcement officers from cooperating in one of the primary programs Trump is using to carry out his agenda of mass deportations. (David A Lieb & Brian Witte / AP)
Trump is recruiting thousands of local officers to aid immigration effort. Some states are saying no
New laws in some Democratic-led states are forcing local sheriffs to stop cooperating with President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement efforts. A law signed Tuesday by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore…
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February 18, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Ten states — all led by Democrats — now have statewide policies prohibiting law enforcement officers from cooperating in one of the primary programs Trump is using to carry out his agenda of mass deportations. (David A Lieb & Brian Witte / AP)
"We're stuck with a president who daily models behavior that we don't accept in our schools and workplaces. Yet the malefactor in chief faces no consequences," writes Los Angeles Times columnist @jackiecalmes.bsky.social.
Opinion: If he had any other job, Trump would have been fired by now
I can't recall another time when my grown kids have called their mom the political journalist to talk about political news. But my older daughter couldn't help herself after President
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February 18, 2026 at 1:30 AM
"We're stuck with a president who daily models behavior that we don't accept in our schools and workplaces. Yet the malefactor in chief faces no consequences," writes Los Angeles Times columnist @jackiecalmes.bsky.social.
Fresh ink from @jbcartoonist.bsky.social, as published by yakimaherald.com.
Editorial Cartoon: Jonathan Brown (Feb. 17, 2026)
Click here to view this image from yakimaherald.com.
www.yakimaherald.com
February 18, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Fresh ink from @jbcartoonist.bsky.social, as published by yakimaherald.com.
Reposted by Greg Halling
America has lost a titan in the struggle for civil rights and racial justice. From his days at the side of Dr. King, to his moral leadership in this century, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. spent his life pushing our nation closer to its own ideal.
February 17, 2026 at 1:42 PM
America has lost a titan in the struggle for civil rights and racial justice. From his days at the side of Dr. King, to his moral leadership in this century, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. spent his life pushing our nation closer to its own ideal.
“There are times when rage is the only rational response.”
— Roy Blount Jr.
“Treme,” Season 1, Episode 5: “Shame, Shame, Shame”
— Roy Blount Jr.
“Treme,” Season 1, Episode 5: “Shame, Shame, Shame”
February 17, 2026 at 5:14 AM
“There are times when rage is the only rational response.”
— Roy Blount Jr.
“Treme,” Season 1, Episode 5: “Shame, Shame, Shame”
— Roy Blount Jr.
“Treme,” Season 1, Episode 5: “Shame, Shame, Shame”
Something beautiful for this day: Bumblebees on a sunflower, Yakima, Washington (September 2024). #bees #sunflowers
February 17, 2026 at 4:20 AM
Something beautiful for this day: Bumblebees on a sunflower, Yakima, Washington (September 2024). #bees #sunflowers
The removal came in response to a Trump executive order “restoring truth and sanity to American history” at the nation’s museums, parks and landmarks. It directed the Interior Department to ensure those sites do not display elements that “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.” (AP)
Trump administration ordered to restore George Washington slavery exhibit it removed in Philadelphia
A federal judge has ordered an exhibit about nine people enslaved by George Washington to be restored at his former home in Philadelphia after President Donald Trump’s administration took it down…
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February 17, 2026 at 3:30 AM
The removal came in response to a Trump executive order “restoring truth and sanity to American history” at the nation’s museums, parks and landmarks. It directed the Interior Department to ensure those sites do not display elements that “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.” (AP)
House Republicans oppose the measure, which they say puts employers “in the crossfire between the federal government and the state government,” according to a legislative report presented Feb. 7. (Paul Roberts / Seattle Times)
WA House passes bill to warn immigrant workers about ICE
This bill, pushed by the state attorney general, is similar to immigration laws in Oregon and California.
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February 17, 2026 at 3:00 AM
House Republicans oppose the measure, which they say puts employers “in the crossfire between the federal government and the state government,” according to a legislative report presented Feb. 7. (Paul Roberts / Seattle Times)
Toledo-Martinez, who is undocumented and was brought to the U.S. as a 15-year-old, was released on bond, and his immigration case is still ongoing. (Claire Withycombe / Seattle Times)
WA man, mauled by dog during arrest, released from ICE custody
Wilmer Toledo-Martinez was released, his lawyer said. Earlier, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray said the way he was mauled should "shock the conscience."
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February 17, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Toledo-Martinez, who is undocumented and was brought to the U.S. as a 15-year-old, was released on bond, and his immigration case is still ongoing. (Claire Withycombe / Seattle Times)
Gov. Tim Walz posted on social media that, “Minnesota needs impartial investigations into the shootings of American citizens on our streets. Trump’s left hand cannot investigate his right hand. The families of the deceased deserve better.” (Jeff Day / Minnesota Star Tribune)
Trump administration formally denies Minnesota access to Alex Pretti evidence
The announcement comes in the wake of White House border czar Tom Homan announcing a drawdown of federal agents in Minnesota.
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February 17, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Gov. Tim Walz posted on social media that, “Minnesota needs impartial investigations into the shootings of American citizens on our streets. Trump’s left hand cannot investigate his right hand. The families of the deceased deserve better.” (Jeff Day / Minnesota Star Tribune)