Greg Halling
@ghalling.bsky.social
Nacho’s pal. Executive editor of the Yakima Herald-Republic. Widely considered the J.J. Cale of journalists.
Activists were notified around 8:30 a.m. that someone was taken in the Walmart parking lot, followed by an encounter in the same lot around 10:20 a.m. and a third incident outside WinCo in Union Gap around noon. (@donaldwmeyers.bsky.social & Joanna Markell / Yakima Herald-Republic)
Volunteers document ICE activity outside Yakima stores on Christmas Eve
“Our main goal today was that someone does not have to get picked up and separated from their families on Christmas Eve,” Ezequiel Morfin Jr. said Wednesday.
www.yakimaherald.com
December 26, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Activists were notified around 8:30 a.m. that someone was taken in the Walmart parking lot, followed by an encounter in the same lot around 10:20 a.m. and a third incident outside WinCo in Union Gap around noon. (@donaldwmeyers.bsky.social & Joanna Markell / Yakima Herald-Republic)
Today I scattered heirloom pepperbox poppy seeds in my flowerbeds. They were harvested from plants I can trace back at least 75 years to my Grandmother Will’s house in Leavenworth, Kan. Tradition says to plant the seed on Christmas Day. If they make it, I’ll have crimson and pink flowers in June.
December 26, 2025 at 5:29 AM
Today I scattered heirloom pepperbox poppy seeds in my flowerbeds. They were harvested from plants I can trace back at least 75 years to my Grandmother Will’s house in Leavenworth, Kan. Tradition says to plant the seed on Christmas Day. If they make it, I’ll have crimson and pink flowers in June.
Every year the Yakima Herald-Republic holds a departmental Christmas tree contest. This year, the newsroom staff decorated their tree with photos of everyone’s pets, and I was touched to see they included Nacho, Ulla and our cats. It was a sweet thing to do.
December 26, 2025 at 3:49 AM
Every year the Yakima Herald-Republic holds a departmental Christmas tree contest. This year, the newsroom staff decorated their tree with photos of everyone’s pets, and I was touched to see they included Nacho, Ulla and our cats. It was a sweet thing to do.
Your Christmas Day Moment of Zen: Hummingbird at the feeder in a snowstorm, Yakima, Washington (December 2025). #hummingbirds
December 25, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Your Christmas Day Moment of Zen: Hummingbird at the feeder in a snowstorm, Yakima, Washington (December 2025). #hummingbirds
Chimay Ale in one of my late father’s crystal beer goblets, because some holiday traditions must be preserved. But today, for the first time in 5 years, my Australian Shepherd, Nacho, is not at my side. The holidays used to be about remembering Dad; now they’re about remembering Dad and Nacho.
December 25, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Chimay Ale in one of my late father’s crystal beer goblets, because some holiday traditions must be preserved. But today, for the first time in 5 years, my Australian Shepherd, Nacho, is not at my side. The holidays used to be about remembering Dad; now they’re about remembering Dad and Nacho.
A Christmas Carmelita.
December 25, 2025 at 7:48 PM
A Christmas Carmelita.
“Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this "rabble" you're talking about ... they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so.”
"It's A Wonderful Life" isn't just a feel-good holiday classic (and my favorite movie of all time).
It's also a warning about what happens when greed runs the economy.
It's also a warning about what happens when greed runs the economy.
Robert Reich Reacts: “It's a Wonderful Life”
Robert Reich
www.youtube.com
December 25, 2025 at 6:09 PM
“Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this "rabble" you're talking about ... they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so.”
And now it’s time for that seasonal classic from Nick Lowe, Christmas at the Airport.
TV Live: Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets - "Christmas at the Airport" (Conan 2015)
YouTube video by Music City Mike
youtu.be
December 25, 2025 at 2:54 AM
And now it’s time for that seasonal classic from Nick Lowe, Christmas at the Airport.
My tradition involved Nacho, my late Australian Shepherd. A feature by @sararae-yhr.bsky.social of the Yakima Herald-Republic.
Cookies, waffles and movies: Christmas traditions revolve around family memories
The holiday season is about gathering with friends and family and celebrating shared loved for one another. Here are some favorite traditions from our staff and readers.
buff.ly
December 25, 2025 at 2:00 AM
My tradition involved Nacho, my late Australian Shepherd. A feature by @sararae-yhr.bsky.social of the Yakima Herald-Republic.
Christmas Eve moon.
December 25, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Christmas Eve moon.
It’s been a week since Nacho died, so I wanted to thank the hundreds of people on Bluesky who sent condolences. Many offered words of hope; others shared stories about pets they’d lost, some more than a decade ago. I found comfort in every message. Thanks, everyone. #aussie #rescuedog
December 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
It’s been a week since Nacho died, so I wanted to thank the hundreds of people on Bluesky who sent condolences. Many offered words of hope; others shared stories about pets they’d lost, some more than a decade ago. I found comfort in every message. Thanks, everyone. #aussie #rescuedog
This is correct.
Let us make one thing clear. The most perfect version of A Christmas Carol is the Alistair Sim 1951 version.
I will brook no debate on this point.
#IMustStandOnMyHead
I will brook no debate on this point.
#IMustStandOnMyHead
a black and white photo of a man with the word humbug written in yellow
ALT: a black and white photo of a man with the word humbug written in yellow
media.tenor.com
December 24, 2025 at 9:35 PM
This is correct.
Amapola Market calls it the annual “masa pilgrimage.” (Jaime Ding / AP)
Families wait in line for hours to buy masa for Christmas tamales at beloved LA grocer
During the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year’s, tens of thousands of people will flock to Amapola Market in the Los Angeles area to buy freshly produced masa for making tamales, a cherished…
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Amapola Market calls it the annual “masa pilgrimage.” (Jaime Ding / AP)
A Q&A by El Sol de Yakima Ediitor Gloria Ibanez. You an click for the Spanish version of the interview at the top of the story.
Daniela Aguilar puts focus on domestic violence prevention through work with YWCA Yakima
Daniela Aguilar is the community outreach coordinator for YWCA Yakima. She started as a volunteer for the organization, and then completed training to become an advocate.
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 3:30 AM
A Q&A by El Sol de Yakima Ediitor Gloria Ibanez. You an click for the Spanish version of the interview at the top of the story.
"To make our tax system more fair, millionaires should contribute more toward our shared prosperity,” Ferguson said. (Jim Brunner / Seattle Times)
Ferguson backs WA income tax on millionaires
Gov. Bob Ferguson announced support for an income tax on people earning over $1 million, raising the prospects that the tax long sought by Democrats will pass.
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 3:00 AM
"To make our tax system more fair, millionaires should contribute more toward our shared prosperity,” Ferguson said. (Jim Brunner / Seattle Times)
While the officers' work might not be front and center, their absence would have been noticeable, police officials said. (Olivia Palmer / Yakima Herald-Republic)
Yakima proactive police unit and community service officers saved from 2026 budget cuts
A recent utility tax increase approved by the City Council is helping the department keep some of the positions that were slated for layoffs, but the department still has a
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 2:30 AM
While the officers' work might not be front and center, their absence would have been noticeable, police officials said. (Olivia Palmer / Yakima Herald-Republic)
Three justices — Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch — publicly dissented. (Mark Sherman / AP)
Supreme Court keeps Trump’s National Guard deployment blocked in the Chicago area, for now
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area to support its immigration crackdown, a significant
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Three justices — Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch — publicly dissented. (Mark Sherman / AP)
The latest from Seattle Times columnist @naomiishisaka.bsky.social.
Floodwaters are just one threat faced by these WA workers
Some farmworkers say they have to choose to either brave floodwaters or go without pay and face possible retaliation from employers, Naomi Ishisaka writes.
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 1:30 AM
The latest from Seattle Times columnist @naomiishisaka.bsky.social.
Fresh ink from Clay Bennett.
Clay Bennett (@claybennett.bsky.social)
12/23/2025- Christmas Wishes https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/dec/22/christmas-wishes/
bsky.app
December 24, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Fresh ink from Clay Bennett.
This year's additions to the canon include holiday tunes by Willie Nelson, Best Coast and Freddie King.
Pat Muir's annual 'Christmas Songs That Are Actually Good' playlist, 2025 edition
Since 2013, Pat Muir has recommended over 100 Christmas songs. Find out what made this year's edition of 'Christmas Songs That Are Actually Good' playlist.
buff.ly
December 23, 2025 at 4:00 AM
This year's additions to the canon include holiday tunes by Willie Nelson, Best Coast and Freddie King.
Morton, a comedy writer with “South Park” and “Mad TV” credits who buys political domains and turns them into satirical websites as a form of activism. (Elahe Izadi / Washington Post)
The ‘TrumpKennedyCenter.org’ website is taken. This comedian owns it.
“As soon as Trump began gutting the Kennedy Center board earlier this year, I thought, ‘Yep, that name’s going on the building,’” explains Toby Morton.
buff.ly
December 23, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Morton, a comedy writer with “South Park” and “Mad TV” credits who buys political domains and turns them into satirical websites as a form of activism. (Elahe Izadi / Washington Post)
There are gaps with searches, too. Advocates want new limits on when police can stop drivers, but don’t plan to push the bill next year. (Jake Goldstein-Street / Washington State Standard)
Racial disparities persist with WA state patrol traffic stops • Washington State Standard
Washington state troopers stop and search drivers of color more often than white Washingtonians, new data shows.
buff.ly
December 23, 2025 at 3:00 AM
There are gaps with searches, too. Advocates want new limits on when police can stop drivers, but don’t plan to push the bill next year. (Jake Goldstein-Street / Washington State Standard)
Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry’s arrest in August sparked outrage among supporters, who describe him as an active community member with a history of service. (Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks / Seattle Times)
Federal judge releases disabled U.S. Army veteran from ICE custody
A federal judge ordered the release of Zahid Chaudhry, a WA U.S. Army veteran who has been held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma since August.
buff.ly
December 23, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry’s arrest in August sparked outrage among supporters, who describe him as an active community member with a history of service. (Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks / Seattle Times)
The appeal was issued by Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, and signed by seven other members of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. (David Crary / AP)
White House rebuffs Catholic bishops' appeal for a Christmas pause in immigration enforcement
Florida's Catholic bishops have appealed to President Donald Trump to pause immigration enforcement during the Christmas holidays. Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, along with other bishops, expressed…
buff.ly
December 23, 2025 at 2:00 AM
The appeal was issued by Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, and signed by seven other members of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. (David Crary / AP)
Restarting an antiquated coal power plant will be costly, polluting and will likely delay the plant’s recently announced conversion to natural gas as its energy source. A Seattle Times editorial.
Trump administration’s coal-plant meddling will harm WA ratepayers | Editorial
Keeping a coal-fired generation unit operational will be costly, polluting and delay the Centralia plant's transition to a natural gas plant.
buff.ly
December 23, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Restarting an antiquated coal power plant will be costly, polluting and will likely delay the plant’s recently announced conversion to natural gas as its energy source. A Seattle Times editorial.