Washington

Childcare in Washington DC gets more expensive

Published

2 years ago

May 23, 2024

Childcare in Washington DC gets more expensive

WASHINGTON — Washington is one of the most expensive cities in the nation to live. And needing childcare in the city only ups the price. A newly implemented city regulation is making the situation even more unsustainable for families.

This regulation was first drafted in 2016. Its goal is to protect the “health, safety and welfare” of Washington’s children. It also wants to promote an environment of “high-quality” education, according to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Essentially, the new regulation would require much of Washington’s childcare staff to have a college degree.

Click here to read more about the requirements the regulation imposes on each staff type.

The regulation has not gone without objections. According to the Institute for Justice, a libertarian non-profit public interest law firm, it could force a lot of Washington’s good childcare staff off the job. The Institute cites issues such as the cost of getting a college degree as well as the time needed as barriers.

However, the OSSE states that some childcare staff can apply for a waiver to continue working.

This will depend on how long they’ve been working in childcare and their level of education.

Justin Zuckerman a producer at Reason Magazine, recently joined Inside Sources host Boyd Matheson to give some insight on Washington’s new regulation on childcare.

A portion of the transcript, edited for brevity, is below.

ZUCKERMAN: A lot of these daycare teachers are working moms or they’re elderly and retired. They just don’t have time to go back to college. So, it’s created a lot of frustration for directors, for the teachers, for parents. And, a lot of people are also leaving the city now because of it.

MATHESON: Obviously, everyone wants quality daycare. Everyone wants kids to be safe in daycare. But is this law equating a college degree with better quality services and care for the kids? Is that actually the correlation and the connection or is that just a piece of regulation?

Does a degree mean better childcare?

ZUCKERMAN: The science behind this says, for the most part, that daycare teachers who have bachelor’s degrees, those children tend to do better. But the science doesn’t actually say that it’s because of the bachelor’s degree.

Something like that is such a high standard that those kinds of daycares would cost a lot of money. It’s typically wealthier families who would put their kids in those programs.

Children from wealthy families tend to do better at school. The scientific paper that this new law is based off of even admits that they don’t have conclusive empirical evidence that having a college degree actually leads to better outcomes for kids or makes you a better teacher.

In the position of assistant teacher, you’re only required to have an associate’s degree in any field. So, you don’t even have to take a single class in early childhood education. You just need to have an associate’s degree in anything and you’re technically qualified.

What about other degrees?

MATHESON: And without it, you’re not, right? Even if it’s in underwater basket weaving, as long as you have that you’re in, if you don’t you’re out. I thought one of the other things that was really interesting in your piece, Justin, was a comment from one of the preschool directors saying that it’s not just taking the education, it’s experience. And so describe how this particular regulation in the city could impact the experience portion of getting to better daycare.

ZUCKERMAN: A lot of these daycare workers are women. And a lot of them have been working in this field for decades. They have experience that they say you simply can’t replicate or gain with a college degree.

It just comes with working in the fields for so long. If they do have a degree, you need a degree in early childhood education to be a lead teacher. If you have a degree in anything else, you’re still not technically qualified.

People who have been working for more than 10 years, can apply for a waiver. But, like that director who you spoke of, she has 11 teachers who applied for waivers with the superintendent’s office. They’ve been waiting for months and they have not heard back. It’s very difficult for these workers. They have no idea what their status is.

(The entire podcast can be heard above or by visiting the KSL NewsRadio podcast page.)

Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson can be heard weekdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Follow the show on Facebook.

Devin Oldroyd is a digital content producer for KSL NewsRadio. Follow him on X.

Related local coverage: Unaffordable childcare plagues Utah families

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Washington

The latest buzz from the Washington Huskies’ 2026 Pro Day

Published

11 hours ago

March 17, 2026

Press Room

The latest buzz from the Washington Huskies’ 2026 Pro Day

The Washington Huskies’ Pro Day was abuzz with optimism for both the past and future of the program.

As 17 players took the field to perform various drills and athletic testing, there were several impressive numbers for the NFL scouts in attendance to write home about. Wide receiver Omari Evans was one of the clear winners of the day, as quarterback Demond Williams Jr. posted on social media that the Penn State transfer ran an unofficial 4.25-second 40-yard dash, which would be just .04 seconds from the NFL combine record of 4.21, set by former Texas receiver Xavier Worthy (for what it’s worth, hand timing can be a little tricky; I had his two attempts timed at 4.35 and 4.30, respectively) and also displayed a 41-inch vertical jump.

Defensive tackle Anterio Thompson also showed off his impressive athleticism with a 4.73 40-yard dash, as he and several other former Huskies, including Evans, outside linebackers Zach Durfee and Deshawn Lynch, and tight end Quentin Moore, all made their cases to work into the late rounds of the NFL draft, or to be candidates to sign with a team as undrafted free agents.

And on their way out, they were very complimentary of what the next generation will bring to Montlake. While offensive lineman Carver Willis, who showed off his versatility by taking reps at center, guard, and tackle during his on-field workout, raved about guard Champ Taulealea and outside linebacker Devin Hyde—just like he did at the combine in February—other players brought new names to the table.

One person who was extremely popular among the departing Huskies was junior defensive tackle Elinneus Davis, who is projected to earn a starting role this fall.

“That’s gonna be our guy,” Lynch said. “You want a big play? You want somebody you can lean on? I think it’s Elinneus Davis. Big 90.”

Here are some other noteworthy things I jotted down.

Pro Day notebook

None of the five Huskies who went to the NFL combine participated in the 40-yard dash, meaning that wide receiver Denzel Boston and running back Jonah Coleman won’t have any number in that department ahead of April’s draft. However, that may not affect their stock too much, as NFL teams already know what they’re getting in both players from their extensive tape.

Speaking of NFL teams, 29 were in attendance according to a count from Huskies Wire’s Alex Katson. The Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Rams were the only teams that were not spotted.
Edge rusher Zach Durfee also put together an impressive workout, highlighted by a 39-inch vertical jump and a 4.69 unofficial 40-yard dash, confirming the long-standing stories from both Jedd Fisch and Kalen DeBoer’s coaching staff that he was one of the best athletes on the team, even though his career was unfortunately cut short due to injuries and the NCAA.
As for the NCAA, both Durfee and Thompson stated that they considered applying for NCAA waivers to return to school for the 2026 season. However, Thompson cited that seeing other players in similar cases around the country losing their appeals deterred him from the process.
After a strong performance at the combine, Prysock is starting to get buzz as a potential Day Two selection in April’s draft, as at least one team has given him a third-round grade.
As it pertains to the future, two of Washington’s freshman defensive linemen are primed for an immediate impact, as Derek Colman-Brusa is apparently weighing in at north of 295 pounds, while TI Umu-Cais is over 315 pounds.

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Washington

Kennedy Center votes to shut down operations for 2 years, names new president

Published

23 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Press Room

Kennedy Center votes to shut down operations for 2 years, names new president

The Kennedy Center’s board of directors voted on Monday to shut down operations for two years following this summer’s July 4 celebrations.

The widely expected decision comes in the wake of numerous resignations and cancellations during President Donald Trump’s second term, although Trump himself has cited the need for repairs as a reason for the closure.

“We’re going to ensure it remains the finest performing arts facility of its kind anywhere in the world,” Trump told reporters at the White House before the board met Monday.

The board also voted to install Matt Floca as CEO and executive director, replacing Trump ally Richard Grenell, who oversaw far-reaching changes at the venue that prompted an outcry from many artists and exacerbated the operation’s financial challenges. Trump praised Grenell on Monday, saying he had been a longtime friend, and wished Floca “good luck with everything.”

Over the weekend, a federal judge ruled that a Democratic lawmaker was entitled to participate in the meeting. But the judge did not require that the board permit a vote for Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex officio member through her position in Congress. Beatty was in attendance during Monday’s gathering.

Trump hosted the board meeting at the White House in a reminder of the influence he has held over the Kennedy Center during his second term. Shortly after returning to office last year, Trump ousted the center’s previous leadership and replaced it with a hand-picked board of trustees that named him chairman. He also brought in Grenell, who served in a variety of capacities during Trump’s first term, when the president mostly ignored the Kennedy Center.

The center’s lineup has since included more Trump-friendly programming, including serving as the venue for the premiere of first lady Melania Trump’s documentary, “Melania.” The board also announced it had renamed the facility the Trump Kennedy Center, a change scholars and lawmakers say must be initiated by Congress, and physically added the president’s name to the building’s facade.

The fallout from the arts community was swift and intense. Actor Issa Rae, musician Bela Fleck and author Louise Penny were among the numerous artists who withdrew from appearances, while consultants such as musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming resigned. Earlier this month, the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, Jean Davidson, left to head the Los Angeles-based Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

Without mentioning the abandoned performances, Trump said in February he would close the Kennedy Center to fix what he has described as a dilapidated building.

Ahead of the closure, Grenell warned staff about impending cuts that will leave “skeletal teams.”

More musicians canceled performances at the Kennedy Center after its board voted to add President Trump’s name to the venue. News4’s Dominique Moody shares what they said about their decisions.

Floca, Grenell’s successor, had been serving as vice president of operations. According to his LinkedIn page, he joined the Kennedy Center in January 2024, during the Biden administration.

A center press release from the time describes him as “an experienced facilities management professional with a construction management background and an appreciation for whole building design principles.”

Previous experience for Floca listed on LinkedIn includes a handful of positions with the District of Columbia government, among them associate director of sustainability and energy and director of facilities management. He graduated from Louisiana State University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management.

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Washington

Capitals Sign Cole Hutson | Washington Capitals

Published

2 days ago

March 15, 2026

Press Room

Capitals Sign Cole Hutson | Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Cole Hutson to a three-year entry-level contract beginning this season, senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick announced today. Hutson’s contract will carry an average annual value of $975,000.

The Capitals selected Hutson in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft.

Hutson, 19, recorded 32 points (10g, 22a) in 35 games with Boston University (NCAA) this season. The 5’11”, 172-pound defenseman led the Terriers in assists, points, game-winning goals (4), overtime goals (2), shots (148) and plus-minus (+13). As a sophomore, Hutson ranked tied for fifth among NCAA defensemen in scoring at his season’s end and was named a Hockey East First Team All-Star for the second straight season.

During his freshman season at Boston University in 2024-25, Hutson registered 48 points (14g, 34a) in 39 games. Hutson’s 34 assists led the team, while his 48 points ranked second and his 14 goals ranked third. Hutson recorded a tournament-high eight points (2g, 6a) in four NCAA Tournament games, helping Boston University reach the National Championship game. Hutson, who led all first-year collegiate skaters in assists and points, won the Tim Taylor Award as the NCAA’s top rookie and was named the Hockey East Rookie of the Year. In addition, Hutson was named to the NCAA (East) First All-American Team and the Hockey East First All-Star Team.

Hutson finished his collegiate career with 80 points (24g, 56a) in 74 games played. Hutson’s 80 points are the most among NCAA defensemen over the last two seasons.

The North Barrington, Illinois native represented the United States at the 2026 and 2025 IIHF World Junior Championships. Hutson served as an alternate captain for the Americans at the 2026 tournament and recorded four points (1g, 3a) in three games. Hutson helped lead Team USA to a gold medal at the 2025 World Junior Championship, where he finished as the tournament’s leader in points (3g-8a–11p in 7 GP) and plus-minus (+11). With 11 points in seven games, Hutson broke Team USA’s single-tournament scoring record for a defenseman and became the first defenseman in World Junior Championship history to lead the tournament in scoring.

Hutson spent the 2023-24 season with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program’s Under-18 Team, recording 51 points (15g, 36a) in 51 games played. Hutson led the team’s defensemen in goals, assists, points, power-play goals (5), game-winning goals (3) and shots (104). Hutson also appeared in 19 games with the USNTDP Juniors, where he recorded 12 points (3g, 9a). During the 2022-23 season, Hutson set USA Hockey’s NTDP single-season record for points by a defenseman after recording 68 points (10g, 58a) in 61 games played. Hutson represented the United States at the 2024 and 2023 Under-18 World Championships, winning a gold medal in 2023 and a silver medal in 2024. At the 2024 tournament, Hutson led all defensemen in goals (4), assists (9) and points (13) and was named the tournament’s Best Defenseman. Hutson, USA Hockey’s NTDP all-time leader in career points by a defenseman, registered 119 points (25g, 94a) in 112 career games over two seasons.

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