The Seattle Medium

In a thrilling game of 3A state girls' basketball, the Seattle Prep Panthers faced off against the Stanwood Spartans. The winner would secure a spot in the quarterfinal rounds, while the loser would have to fight their way into the quarterfinals in a loser-out matchup. The Panthers started strong in the opening quarter, with Amanda Christian and Kylin Kinchen setting the tone early. However, Stanwood's offense was boosted by Jazmyn Legg's three-pointer, which seemed to spark their team. As the game progressed, the Spartans took control of the court, with Legg scoring 14 first-half points, including four three-pointers. The Spartans' lead extended to 31-22 at halftime, and they continued to build momentum in the third quarter. Despite the Panthers' comeback in the fourth quarter, Stanwood's strong blocking and defensive pressure sealed their victory. Legg finished the night with 24 points, and Wortham contributed 18 points to lead the Spartans. Seattle Prep head coach Talia Walton praised Stanwood's well-played game and said that the loss would help prepare her team for the championship tournament next week at the Tacoma Dome.

Civil rights leaders initiate an economic boycott to protect DEI programs as President Trump moves to dismantle them. Companies like Target are phasing out these initiatives, raising concerns. Former Seattle NAACP President Dr. Carl Mack discusses the movement's impact.

Target Corporation, once a leader in corporate diversity, now faces lawsuits from conservative groups and boycotts from civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, over scaling back DEI initiatives. NNPA Senior National Correspondent Stacy Brown discusses the impact on Black consumers.

King County confirms its first measles case of 2025, prompting urgent calls for vaccination. Health officials emphasize the virus's high contagion risk, particularly for infants, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Measles is preventable through the MMR vaccine. Public Health – Seattle & King County urges all residents to check their vaccination status and ensure they are fully immunized.

New American Heart Association guidelines emphasize mental health's role in cardiovascular risks, urging healthcare providers to integrate psychological screening for pregnant women to combat high maternal mortality rates, especially in Black communities. Recommendations include adding a behavioral health specialist to prenatal care and addressing social factors like racism and stress.

Title I funding for schools serving low-income and Black students is in jeopardy due to a political clash over race, education, and federal oversight. A federal judge in Baltimore has temporarily halted the contentious executive order, leaving the program's future unclear. The potential repercussions for Black students' academic support and resources are profound, with some schools already beginning to cut essential programs.

The Pentagon plans to discharge transgender service members who fail to meet new policy criteria, according to a recent court filing. Rooted in Trump's executive order, the policy asserts the immutability of sex and affects approximately 4,000 transgender troops. This decision has prompted legal battles, with lawsuits claiming discrimination.

Stanford professor Adam Banks creates a vital link between academia and community at Larchmere's UnBar cafe, offering free Black history classes. His initiative aims to build communal safe spaces as third spaces for Black communities diminish. By emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Banks empowers Black traditions and practices through engaging lectures, uniting people across generations.

National Blackout Day on Feb. 28, spearheaded by Black consumers and allies, targets anti-DEI companies such as Amazon, Walmart, and McDonald's. This boycott aims to showcase economic power and confront corporate stances on diversity and inclusion. By focusing on major retailer boycotts and promoting Black-owned businesses, the event underscores its impact on stock performance and public opinion.

House Republicans' budget proposal slashes Medicaid, SNAP, and education funding, while offering substantial tax cuts for the wealthy. Critics, including Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Ilhan Omar, warn it will disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. The plan also threatens to increase healthcare premiums and student loan costs.