SB 5246 goes down in flames

Probably because I blogged about it, the terrible Senate Bill 5246 was voted down in the Senate yesterday.

The legislation failed 19-28, with minority Democrats joining with seven members of the Republican-dominated Senate majority coalition to vote no.

The state is at risk of losing $44 million, but then we also stand to gain roughly $190 million from recreational pot sales, apparently.

Federalism taketh away, and federalism giveth.

today's science links

Mars rover Spirit is gone for good? Probably.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome caused by a rodent virus?? Probably not.

Government funds ridiculously wasteful research??? Not exactly.

Cell phones cause cancer???? Uh, insufficient evidence, thanks.

Washington teen discovers that diaper powder increases crop yields????? You better believe it.



Added: Now with a panda tie bonus.

the state of special ed in the state

According to the federal government, we need "intervention." But there's a reason:

But Douglas Gill, Washington's special ed director, said the grade was due to missing data, not poor performance.

The state has since turned in the missing information, but federal officials refused to issue a new evaluation, Gill said. Nevertheless, Gill said the report won't bring any sanctions for the state.

Only nine states are up to federal standard, according to the feds.

Ask any special ed teacher whether the unwieldy federal system "needs intervention." Bring a chair and a bottle of water. It's going to be a long chat.