The Seattle Medium

The White House sent shockwaves through the education community last week when it suspended Peggy Carr, the Department of Education's esteemed administrator responsible for the nation's report card. This move, experts say, could hamper the collection of data that exposes racial disparities in the nation’s K-12 schools. Carr, a career Department of Education administrator who runs the National Center for Education Statistics, has played an unmatched role in helping the country understand how students perform in school. Her suspension comes less than a month after the release of the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress scores, which showed continued declines in student performance, especially among historically marginalized students. The suspension of Carr has raised significant concerns about the future of education data collection. Without her, experts fear that data may be manipulated or buried, making it harder for civil rights advocates, educators, and families to hold policymakers and schools accountable for inequities inside and outside the classroom. The implications of Carr's removal are far-reaching. Her absence could mean that Black students, who are disproportionately affected by educational hurdles, may lose the ability to challenge inequities in school funding, discipline rates, access to advanced courses, and more. As we navigate this changing landscape, one question remains: how will we ensure that education data continues to accurately reflect the needs of all students, regardless of their background?

The health and well-being of children in the United States are facing significant challenges. From the recent measles outbreak to the Trump administration's proposed changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, the future of children's health is uncertain. Data from five key states - California, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, and New Jersey - reveals racial disparities in health care access, gaps in preventative screening, and an increase in infant deaths. Despite some states making strides toward greater health equity, millions of children remain vulnerable. California, for instance, has seen an average of 31% of children with Medi-Cal screened for lead by their second birthday, while Black children in certain counties have been screened at a significantly lower rate. Similarly, Texas has seen an increase in infant deaths and a measles outbreak in West Texas. Mississippi, on the other hand, has faced higher rates of childhood mental health challenges and low birth-weight babies. Florida has seen an increase in the rate of uninsured children, while New Jersey has identified racial disparities in preterm birth rates. What solutions are being proposed to address these challenges? How can policymakers and non-profit organizations work together to improve the health and well-being of children in the United States? Your insights are welcome.

The Washington State House of Representatives has unanimously passed House Bill 1879, a pivotal measure aimed at providing hospital workers with increased flexibility regarding meal and rest breaks. Championed by Rep. Brianna Thomas, this legislation permits hospitals and employees to mutually agree to waive specific break timing requirements, fostering a more adaptable work environment. Existing regulations mandate that meal breaks occur within the first two to five hours of an eight-hour shift, a stipulation that does not account for the extended hours many hospital workers endure. HB 1879 addresses this by enabling workers to tailor break schedules to better suit their needs while preserving essential workplace protections. Under the provisions of HB 1879, hospital workers may voluntarily waive meal periods for shifts under eight hours. For longer shifts, they can forgo the second or third meal period, provided at least one meal break is maintained. Moreover, the timing of these breaks can be adjusted, ensuring they occur no earlier than the third hour and no later than the second-to-last hour of a shift. This bill builds on previous initiatives to tackle healthcare workforce shortages, retention issues, and enforceable break policies for hospital staff. It also mandates that hospitals include the total number of waived meal breaks in their quarterly reports to the Department of Labor and Industries. This legislation marks a significant milestone in safeguarding the well-being of hospital workers. What are your thoughts on this new legislation? Do you believe it will substantially impact the lives of hospital workers?

Washington State is taking a significant step towards increasing transparency and protecting homeowners in real estate transactions. House Bill 1081, sponsored by Rep. Brandy Donaghy, has passed the House of Representatives and is now headed to the Senate for further consideration. The bill aims to ensure that companies soliciting real estate contracts inform homeowners of their rights, including the right to an appraisal, and cover the cost of that appraisal since they are initiating the transaction. Under the proposed legislation, property owners who are approached by a buyer, without having listed their home for sale, will be entitled to key protections. This includes the right to request an appraisal by a licensed appraiser, which the buyer must cover. If the homeowner chooses to cancel the contract, they may do so by sending a notice via mail, email, or other written communication. The bill also seeks to prevent predatory practices by requiring all purchase contracts for solicited real estate transactions to clearly state these rights in at least 10-point boldface type. If the seller chooses to cancel the contract, they may do so by sending a notice via mail, email, or other written communication, which will be considered valid upon delivery to the buyer's designated place of business. If enacted, the bill will take effect on January 1, 2026. What are your thoughts on this proposed legislation? Do you think it will effectively prevent predatory practices in real estate transactions?

The Washington State House of Representatives has unanimously passed House Bill 1385, a measure aimed at reducing delays in background checks for individuals seeking employment in roles that provide care for children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Sponsored by Rep. Jamila Taylor, the bill facilitates the interstate exchange of criminal history information under the National Child Protection Act to ensure a more efficient hiring process while maintaining safety standards. The bill directs the Washington State Patrol to execute the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact, a federal agreement allowing states to share criminal records for noncriminal justice purposes. This initiative aims to provide a more seamless and timely background check process for applicants working with vulnerable populations. Under HB 1385, authorized employers—including qualified entities and federally recognized tribes—will be able to conduct state and national fingerprint-based criminal history record checks for employment, licensing, or volunteer positions that involve direct care for children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. Applicants will have the right to obtain a copy of their state and federal criminal history record and challenge any inaccuracies. The bill is designed to streamline hiring processes in industries that rely on background checks, such as healthcare and childcare services, where delays in hiring can impact service availability. By facilitating the rapid exchange of information between states, the bill aims to enhance protections for vulnerable populations while reducing barriers to employment for qualified individuals. What are your thoughts on this bill? Do you think it will make a significant difference in the hiring process for roles that require direct care for vulnerable populations?

Kennewick Lions secure a 59-50 victory against Roosevelt Roughriders in the 3A State basketball tournament opener. Ashlyn Dress leads with 15 points, Hanna Fiander adds 12, and Rylee Bendewald contributes 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kennewick advances to face Central Valley on March 6 at 10:30 a.m., ending Roosevelt's season.

Garfield Lady Bulldogs triumph over White River Hornets 51-47 in a thrilling 3A state girls' basketball championship clash. Star Smiley, Lena Most, and Jayda Lewis shine, with Most contributing 14 points and 4 rebounds. The Bulldogs' tenacity in a challenging fourth quarter clinched the win. Coach Roydell Smiley commends the team's grit and prepares for their next challenge against Stanwood.

In a thrilling WIAA 3A state playoff loser-out game, the Seattle Prep Panthers emerged victorious over the Eastside Catholic Crusaders, securing a narrow 48-46 win at the Tacoma Dome. The game was characterized by intense competition, with both teams battling fiercely throughout the four quarters. Seattle Prep's Addy Jack and Grace Renners played pivotal roles, with Jack sinking a three-point shot to give Seattle Prep a 14-12 lead in the second quarter, while Renners contributed eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Eastside Catholic's Sophie Lugolobi and Tavia Carter also delivered impressive performances, with Lugolobi scoring 17 points and securing 8 rebounds, and Carter adding 17 points and 3 assists. The game was a testament to Seattle Prep's mental toughness and resilience, a sentiment echoed by Coach Talia Walton, who praised the team's determination and grit. Despite the hard-fought victory, the win marked the end of the season for Eastside Catholic. Seattle Prep will now advance to face Lakeside on March 6 at 12:15 p.m., with aspirations of extending their winning streak. What do you think was the key to Seattle Prep's victory, and how will they prepare for their next match against Lakeside?

Late last night, the Rainier Beach Vikings secured a decisive 82-45 victory over the defending champions, Eastside Catholic Crusaders, in a highly anticipated loser-out game at the Tacoma Dome. This win not only avenged their loss in last year's state title game but also kept their championship hopes alive. Under the leadership of Coach Mike Bethea, the Vikings emphasized the importance of playing with energy and speed. Their game plan was executed to perfection, with standout performances from players like Kaden Powers and Jaylen Petty, who drove both the offense and defense. The Ili-Meneese brothers were also instrumental, dominating the rebounds and finishing tough shots. Despite the significant lead, the Crusaders fought valiantly, with contributions from players like Alex Elston and Tytan McNeal, who scored six and 10 points respectively. However, the relentless pace and execution of the Vikings proved insurmountable for Eastside Catholic. With this victory, the Vikings advance to face Seattle Prep tonight at 9:00 p.m., while Eastside Catholic's season has come to an end. What do you think was the key to the Vikings' victory? How do you think they can maintain their momentum in their upcoming game?

The recent presidential election has highlighted a troubling trend among young people of color: a pervasive apathy towards politics. According to data from the University of Florida’s Election Lab, nearly 90 million eligible voters chose to abstain from the 2024 presidential general election. This disengagement has profound implications, as it allows political forces that may not align with the interests of marginalized communities to gain ground. The current political climate is stark, with the re-election of Donald Trump marking a historic return for a candidate who previously lost to Joe Biden. The Trump administration's stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion has resulted in significant setbacks for the protection of racial and economic rights, potentially ushering in a period of heightened discrimination. The dismantling of federal protections, including key provisions of the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act, has paved the way for a new wave of voter suppression and discrimination. This situation raises critical questions about the future we envision for our young people. Are we prepared to live in a society where the rights of marginalized communities are not safeguarded? It is crucial that we acknowledge the real threats posed by the current political landscape and take proactive measures to protect our long-term futures. How can we collaborate to counteract this trend and ensure that our voices are heard in the political process? Your insights and perspectives are invaluable.