The Seattle Medium

The Garfield Bulldogs secured a dominant 96-62 victory over the Franklin Quakers in a non-conference matchup. The Bulldogs' impressive performance was marked by their relentless defensive pressure and quick ball movement, leading to a 26-8 lead after the first quarter. Isaiah Cunningham and Tripp Haywood led the charge for Garfield, with Cunningham's defensive prowess and Haywood's offensive prowess combining to create a formidable duo. The Bulldogs' aggressive play style was complemented by BJ Roy Jr.'s impressive third-quarter performance, which saw him score 14 points, including four 3-point shots. Despite the scoreline, Franklin's Kidus Yitagesu and Christian Fisher showed resilience, with Yitagesu scoring 21 points and Fisher scoring 21 points for the Quakers. What strategies do you think the Bulldogs used to secure this victory? How can other teams learn from their performance?

As President Trump takes office, the safety and well-being of Black students in schools has become a pressing concern for Black families. Recent incidents of racial harassment and bullying, coupled with Trump's re-election, have intensified these concerns. A Jacksonville mother recently shared her worries about her 16-year-old son, who was one of the recipients of racist text messages following Trump's win. This is not an isolated incident, as the FBI's Uniform Crime Program reported 828 hate crime incidents in schools in 2022, with 66% of those cases targeting Black students. The FBI's report, along with recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlights the stark contrast in experiences of Black students compared to white students. The system of education, founded on colonial principles, has not included Black people, and the recent wave of racist incidents in schools has only exacerbated the situation. Experts recommend several strategies for Black parents to keep their children safe and advocate for their educational rights. These include knowing school policies and engaging proactively with staff, documenting everything, seeking mental health support, and knowing advocacy and legal resources. What steps do you think Black parents can take to ensure their children's safety and well-being in schools? How can we create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students?

In a nod to the enduring legacy of the late R&B singer Aaliyah, a limited edition Barbie of the star sold out within hours of its release on her 46th birthday. The doll, inspired by her "One in a Million" music video, was part of Mattel's Barbie Music Series, which also features Stevie Nicks, Gloria Estefan, and Tina Turner. The doll, retailing at $55, was available exclusively to members of a subscription-paying Barbie collectors group on Mattel Creations, as well as on Target's website. The demand for the doll is a testament to Aaliyah's enduring popularity, even 20 years after her tragic death in a plane crash. Aaliyah's brother, Rashad Haughton, collaborated with the Barbie Design team to create the doll, which was designed to inspire confidence and encourage fans to dream big. What are your thoughts on the impact of Aaliyah's legacy on the music industry, and how do you think this doll will be received by fans?

As the deadline approaches for TikTok in America, a law requiring the platform to secure a new, non-Chinese owner or face a ban is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19. The Supreme Court has upheld the law, moving the ban one step closer. The primary concern surrounding TikTok is the potential national security risk it poses. US officials fear that the Chinese government could compel TikTok or its parent company, ByteDance, to hand over the personal data of its US users, which could then be utilized for Chinese intelligence activities or the dissemination of Chinese-backed disinformation. The deadline for TikTok in America is fast approaching. A law mandating the platform to find a new, non-Chinese owner or face a ban is scheduled to go into effect Sunday — and there is little indication the company will complete a sale before then. Experts had anticipated the app's removal from the Apple and Google app stores on Sunday — which could face fines under the law for continuing to host TikTok after the deadline. This would mean that anyone without the app already installed on their phones couldn't download it, but existing users could continue accessing it, without security updates, until it eventually becomes unusable. Despite the ban deadline being just two days away, many uncertainties remain about what will transpire. Will TikTok cease operations entirely in the United States? That is not what users or experts had anticipated, but one report suggested it might. Will the outgoing President Joe Biden administration provide guidance? That seems unlikely. Will incoming President Trump intervene? If the list of expected attendees at his inauguration is any indication, it appears he might. Will the app stores continue to host TikTok? That remains unclear. Will the company decide to shut down itself? The Information reported Wednesday that TikTok was preparing to cease operations entirely on Sunday and instead direct users to an informational page about the ban. What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think TikTok will survive the ban, or will it become a thing of the past in the United States? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

In a revealing confirmation hearing, Scott Turner, President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, faced tough questions from the Senate Banking Committee. Despite his background as a former professional football player, Turner's responses raised concerns about his ability to handle the job and his commitment to fair and affordable housing. Turner's responses to questions about mandatory work requirements, HUD program cuts, and racial discrimination in home appraisals raised eyebrows, with critics questioning his readiness to tackle these pressing issues. Critics argue that his nomination is part of a Republican strategy to use a Black face to implement an anti-Black agenda. The housing crisis today is partly due to decisions made decades ago when Ronald Reagan appointed a Black Republican HUD Secretary to preside over massive cuts in funding for housing programs. This history raises questions about the effectiveness of such appointments in addressing the ongoing housing crisis. What are your thoughts on the role of race in the confirmation process for key government positions? Do you think Turner's nomination is a step forward or a step back for the Black community?

As we enter a new year, the Institute for Civility, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, continues to promote civility in government, workplaces, and schools. Their definition of civility is "claiming and caring for one's identity, needs, and beliefs without degrading someone else's in the process." However, recent events have shown that our society is becoming increasingly polarized, with respect, politeness, tolerance, and courtesy being replaced by disrespect, rudeness, and insults. The death of former President Jimmy Carter has led to a proclamation by President Joe Biden for flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds as well as all military posts, Naval stations, and Naval vessels. Yet, some have rejected this tradition of civility, such as the Republican official overseeing Nassau County on New York's Long Island, who refused to lower the county flags in memory of the late president. This decision has been criticized as an embarrassment to Nassau County by Democratic county legislator Seth Koslow. As we move forward, it is important to remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his advocacy for peace, equality, and racial reconciliation during a turbulent time in America's history. We must not forget his message and continue to carry it out. What are your thoughts on the current state of civility in our society? How can we work together to restore respect, politeness, tolerance, and courtesy?

Martin Luther King III offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of living under the immense legacy of his father, the revered civil rights leader. In his article, King III delves into his personal journey of carving out his own identity while upholding his father's enduring principles of love, forgiveness, and community service. Despite the inherent pressures, King III has embraced his father's legacy and is actively building upon it. His roles have included chairing the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and leading the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization his father established. King III's commitment is unwavering: he continues his father's mission to eliminate poverty, racism, and violence. His efforts also extend to promoting peace, nonviolence, and conflict resolution, as he travels globally to impart these crucial skills to both citizens and public officials. What are your thoughts on the challenges and triumphs of living in the shadow of a famous parent? How can one honor a parent's legacy while still forging their own path?

The Seattle City Council is set to select finalists for the vacant District 2 seat, left by Councilmember Tammy Morales, who resigned effective January 6, 2025. The council has 20 days to fill the vacancy, with the deadline set for January 27. The appointee will serve until the results of the 2025 General Election are certified. The 20 candidates have submitted their resumes, cover letters, and financial disclosure forms. They are a diverse group, including a Cambodian refugee, a small business owner, and a delegate for Hillary Clinton in 2008. The candidates have a wide range of experience, from grassroots advocacy to urban planning and governance. They are passionate about addressing systemic challenges in District 2, such as systemic challenges in neighborhoods like the Chinatown International District. The appointment of the new councilmember will be a critical step in shaping the district's future. The appointee will face pressing issues, including housing affordability, public safety, and economic development. What do you think are the most important qualities and experiences that the new councilmember should possess? How do you think the new councilmember will impact the district's future?

As the nation prepares to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a recent WalletHub report highlights ongoing income and employment disparities between white and Black Americans. This report, which examines 22 key indicators of equality across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, identifies Texas as having made the most racial progress, notably in reducing health disparities and bridging business sector gaps. States like Wyoming and Mississippi have also shown notable improvements in income levels and poverty reduction, respectively. However, the report underscores the stark differences between states such as Hawaii, which boasts the smallest median annual income gap, and the District of Columbia, which has the largest. The report suggests that state and local authorities can play a role in reducing racial wealth gaps by providing equitable funding for education and offering incentives for businesses to operate in economically disadvantaged areas. What are your thoughts on the findings of this report? How can we advance towards greater racial equality in the United States?

President Joe Biden is set to deliver his farewell address to the nation at 8 p.m. on Wednesday from the Oval Office. This will be his fifth time speaking from this venerable office, marking his final formal speech before he hands over the presidency to President-elect Donald Trump. In his previous Oval Office address six months ago, Biden shared his decision not to seek reelection, focusing on a momentous tenure marked by unprecedented challenges and significant achievements. During his presidency, Biden navigated the country through a severe pandemic, economic upheaval, and a direct assault on democratic values, efforts that he says unified and strengthened the nation. Under his administration, the U.S. has created 16.6 million new jobs, significantly reduced inflation, and had the lowest racial wealth gap in two decades. Biden highlighted the revitalization of manufacturing, leadership in global science and technology, and substantial healthcare reforms, including reducing prescription drug costs and expanding health insurance coverage. Furthermore, Biden pointed to legislative successes, such as significant veterans' health and climate laws, and the first major gun safety law in nearly three decades. "Today, the violent crime rate is at a 50-year low," Biden added, underscoring the safety improvements during his term. Reflecting on his presidential campaign's central message, Biden reiterated, "I ran for president because I believed that the soul of America was at stake." He maintained this belief, praising America as an idea of equality and rights stronger than any force and broader than any ocean. What are your thoughts on President Biden's legacy and his final address to the nation? Do you believe his presidency has strengthened the nation and unified its people?