Greg Halling
@ghalling.bsky.social
Forever Nacho’s pal. Executive editor of the Yakima Herald-Republic. Widely considered the J.J. Cale of journalists.
“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…
buff.ly
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.
buff.ly
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."
buff.ly
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.
buff.ly
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)
"The American people need to know the full story of what has been done in our name. And the people we’ve wronged deserve their chance to speak and be heard," writes New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie.
We have to look right in the face of what we have become
There is power inherent in giving victims of wrongdoing a chance to tell their stories, not as one perspective among many but as part of the official record.
buff.ly
February 17, 2026 at 1:30 AM
"The American people need to know the full story of what has been done in our name. And the people we’ve wronged deserve their chance to speak and be heard," writes New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie.
Fresh ink from Pat Bagley.
February 17, 2026 at 1:12 AM
Fresh ink from Pat Bagley.
Robert Duvall was a national treasure.
Robert Duvall, Oscar-winning actor and 'Godfather' mainstay, dead at 95
Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor whose classic roles included the wily confidant of the first two “Godfather” movies, had died at age 95. He first gained notice for a small
www.yakimaherald.com
February 16, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Robert Duvall was a national treasure.
February 16, 2026 at 4:28 AM
Your Sunday Moment of Zen: Hummingbirds at the feeder, Yakima, Washington (February 2026). #hummingbirds
February 16, 2026 at 12:18 AM
Your Sunday Moment of Zen: Hummingbirds at the feeder, Yakima, Washington (February 2026). #hummingbirds
A gentleman walking past us stopped and said, “You have a beautiful dog.” About 10 minutes later, a shy little girl in a ballet costume, maybe 3 years old, approached us with her mom and gently patted Mercie’s head. Mercie is beginning to think this Single Hill thing is OK. #rescuedog
February 15, 2026 at 9:49 PM
A gentleman walking past us stopped and said, “You have a beautiful dog.” About 10 minutes later, a shy little girl in a ballet costume, maybe 3 years old, approached us with her mom and gently patted Mercie’s head. Mercie is beginning to think this Single Hill thing is OK. #rescuedog
The two most recent signs at the church down the street.
February 15, 2026 at 7:29 PM
The two most recent signs at the church down the street.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Club El Mundo Elegante. It gives me great personal pride and pleasure in presenting to you — umm, the Moula Banda Rhythm Aces!
RY COODER - Get Rhythm (1988)
YouTube video by Remember The 80s
youtu.be
February 15, 2026 at 5:00 AM
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Club El Mundo Elegante. It gives me great personal pride and pleasure in presenting to you — umm, the Moula Banda Rhythm Aces!
Something beautiful for this day: Sunflower, Yakima, Washington (September 2024). #sunflowers
February 15, 2026 at 4:05 AM
Something beautiful for this day: Sunflower, Yakima, Washington (September 2024). #sunflowers
My Valentine’s Day gift from Mercie.
February 15, 2026 at 3:09 AM
My Valentine’s Day gift from Mercie.
I bought my Valentine’s Day cards on Wednesday. Usually, I’m picking through leftover cards on my way home from work Feb. 14.
February 15, 2026 at 12:47 AM
I bought my Valentine’s Day cards on Wednesday. Usually, I’m picking through leftover cards on my way home from work Feb. 14.
Friday night Justin Townes Earle. Because he was too damned good to forget.
Justin Townes Earle - Am I That Lonely Tonight? - Live at Lightning 100
YouTube video by Lightning 100
youtu.be
February 14, 2026 at 5:00 AM
Friday night Justin Townes Earle. Because he was too damned good to forget.
Beyond the Flock partnership, Amazon has faced other surveillance concerns over its Ring doorbell cameras. (Associated Press)
Amazon scraps partnership with surveillance company after Super Bowl ad backlash
Ring is ending its planned tie-up with police surveillance company Flock Safety after critics raise fresh worries about neighborhood camera networks.
buff.ly
February 14, 2026 at 3:30 AM
Beyond the Flock partnership, Amazon has faced other surveillance concerns over its Ring doorbell cameras. (Associated Press)
Five hours of driving for four hours of meetings. Rockford Files? Rockford Files.
February 14, 2026 at 3:22 AM
Five hours of driving for four hours of meetings. Rockford Files? Rockford Files.
A Democratic-backed bill would require judicial warrants or court orders for agents to get into certain areas at places like schools, day cares and emergency rooms. (Jake Goldstein-Street /Washington State Standard)
WA lawmakers want to restrict ICE access to schools, health facilities • Washington State Standard
A bill forcing immigration agents to get court approval before entering schools and health care facilities has cleared the Washington Senate.
buff.ly
February 14, 2026 at 3:00 AM
A Democratic-backed bill would require judicial warrants or court orders for agents to get into certain areas at places like schools, day cares and emergency rooms. (Jake Goldstein-Street /Washington State Standard)
“These vaccines are safe, and they work,” said Dr. Steven Krager, health officer for the county's Department of Community Health. Coverage from Simmerdeep Kaur at union-bulletin.com.
Walla Walla County shifts its vaccination approach away from federal policy
Even though the latest federal changes around pediatric vaccinations may create confusion for many residents, vaccines will continue to be accessible at no cost in Walla Walla County.
buff.ly
February 14, 2026 at 2:30 AM
“These vaccines are safe, and they work,” said Dr. Steven Krager, health officer for the county's Department of Community Health. Coverage from Simmerdeep Kaur at union-bulletin.com.
The extent to which agents in Washington state are using such technology is not immediately clear. (Lauren Girgis / Seattle Times)
How ICE is using technology, databases to track people
Federal immigration agents have an array of technologies they have purportedly used to track undocumented migrants, legal immigrants and, in some cases, citizens who oppose the government's intrusion…
buff.ly
February 14, 2026 at 2:00 AM
The extent to which agents in Washington state are using such technology is not immediately clear. (Lauren Girgis / Seattle Times)
Lawmakers should view SB 5974 not as an attack on law enforcement, but as a mechanism to help make sure all Washington peace officers have the same training and backgrounds free of stain. A Seattle Times editorial.
Hold WA sheriffs to same standards as other peace officers | Editorial
A bill would require all candidates for county sheriff in Washington to undergo background checks and be at least 25.
buff.ly
February 14, 2026 at 1:30 AM
Lawmakers should view SB 5974 not as an attack on law enforcement, but as a mechanism to help make sure all Washington peace officers have the same training and backgrounds free of stain. A Seattle Times editorial.