Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

Byrd Barr Place is set to host its third annual Community Block Party this Saturday in Seattle's historic Central District. The complimentary event aims to foster community cohesion, uniting longtime residents, new neighbors, families, and local businesses to celebrate the area's rich history, culture, and resilience. Attendees can expect live entertainment, local vendors, children's activities, c...

The Washington State Commission on African American Affairs has launched a new survey, "Black Men in the Public Sector Workforce: Experience. Barriers. Solutions.," to comprehensively document the professional experiences of African American men in government, education, public service, and the nonprofit sector. This initiative addresses a critical lack of research on their workplace realities, ba...

The federal government's Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment plan for federal student loans has concluded, impacting over seven million borrowers. These individuals now face a September 29 deadline to select a new repayment option, or they will be automatically placed into a standard repayment plan. Consumer advocates warn that this transition could result in higher monthly payments fo...

Former NBA star Brandon Roy has been reinstated as head coach of Garfield High School's boys basketball team, following his clearance by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) of prior recruiting violation allegations. The WIAA's investigation, which concluded in May 2026, found all evidence to be unsubstantiated, paving the way for Roy's return to his alma mater. His reinsta...

ARTE NOIR, in collaboration with chef Jimaine "Def Chef" Miller, has reinstated the Free Community Breakfast Program, an initiative originally spearheaded by the Seattle Black Panther Party. Beginning this summer, children and families can receive complimentary breakfasts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the historic Prince Hall Masonic Lodge in Seattle's Central District. This effort aims t...

The City of Seattle has launched a restoration project to renew and preserve 11 Pan-African flag crosswalks in the Central District, which have long served as powerful symbols of Black history, culture, and community presence. This initiative addresses recent community concerns that markings on the crosswalks signaled a removal of the neighborhood's Black identity, instead affirming their signific...

The Seattle Medium's inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Readers' Choice Awards, initially conceived as a community recognition campaign, has evolved into a significant regional initiative. Designed to celebrate businesses, organizations, leaders, and changemakers, the campaign has garnered widespread participation from nominees and community members. Keisha Credit, nominated in four categories,...

The Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) plays a crucial role in bolstering the state's economy by empowering small businesses, including microenterprises, sole proprietors, gig workers, and early-stage entrepreneurs. The organization facilitates access to vital capital, technical assistance, and essential resources necessary for growth and success. A cornerstone of its efforts is E...

King County is launching the next phase of its Participatory Budgeting process, inviting residents to join the Community Advisory Board. This board will help shape funding decisions in Skyway and White Center by designing the 2026 Participatory Grantmaking process and developing community engagement strategies. The initiative aims to ensure residents, particularly those historically marginalized,...

Nearly two years after the tragic shooting death of Garfield High School student Amarr Murphy-Paine, his family is transforming profound grief into community action. A series of events, including an official proclamation recognizing Amarr Murphy-Paine Day, a community "Chalk and Talk" memorial at Garfield High School, and a Gun Violence Awareness Summit, aim to honor his legacy while raising criti...

The Seattle Medium's Best of the Best Northwest Reader's Choice Awards has advanced to its voting phase, following weeks of community nominations from across the Pacific Northwest. This initiative empowers the public to determine winners in categories spanning business, education, food, athletics, community leadership, and nonprofit service. The program distinguishes itself by allowing community m...

Seattle's Preschool Program (SPP) and the City's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) are actively working to expand access to early childhood education, addressing a critical challenge for families seeking affordable, high-quality care. The Seattle Preschool Program is currently open for enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year. Concurrently, the Child Care Assistance Program offers financial sup...

The Seattle Medium has launched its inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Reader's Choice Awards, an initiative designed to recognize influential businesses, organizations, leaders, and changemakers across the Pacific Northwest. A key category, 'Black Beverage Maker,' aims to spotlight Black winemakers, brewers, spirit makers, and non-alcoholic beverage creators. This effort is supported by Urban C...

King County has agreed to a $3.5 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit concerning the 2022 in-custody death of Michael Rowland, a 63-year-old Black man. Rowland died at the King County Jail after being restrained by correctional officers during the booking process while experiencing a mental health crisis. His family contended that his arrival by ambulance on a gurney should have prompted...

Amidst ongoing economic uncertainty, financial experts are advocating for families to cultivate long-term financial stability through consistent habits, moving away from short-term solutions. Shak Adebimpe, Market Director for Chase in Washington, emphasizes that financial wellness is achieved not through perfection, but by establishing sustainable habits that foster continuous progress. Key strat...

Acts On Stage has premiered "Black Man Goes To Therapy," a new play written by and starring Jeremy Rubin. The production addresses the critical, often-avoided discussion of mental health, healing, and vulnerability among Black men. The narrative follows a reluctant wanderer who, through an encounter with a struggling therapist, is compelled to confront his past, pain, and potential for healing, ad...

New legal claims filed by veteran Black Seattle police officers Michael Griffin and Corey Foy are raising renewed questions about workplace culture, accountability, and racial discrimination within the Seattle Police Department. Filed in King County Superior Court by Attorney James Bible, these claims detail allegations of years of racial harassment, unequal treatment, retaliation, and hostile wor...

Black entrepreneurs in Seattle are confronting increasing pressure from rising costs, labor shortages, economic uncertainty, and shifting political and policy landscapes, challenging the traditional promise of entrepreneurial stability and resurfacing past hardships for many local Black business owners. This critical situation, highlighted by figures such as Lillian Rambus of Simply Soulful Café a...

Linda Taylor has been appointed Chief Programs Officer for the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, following nearly three decades of dedicated service. Her elevation signifies the organization's commitment to institutional memory, community-rooted leadership, and bridging generational gaps in leadership and community work. With the Urban League approaching a century of service, Taylor's new role...

The Seattle Medium has launched the inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Reader’s Choice Awards, a new community-driven initiative designed to celebrate individuals, businesses, organizations, and leaders making significant contributions across the Pacific Northwest. This campaign aims to recognize impactful efforts in diverse areas, including business, education, food, wellness, youth programs, a...

Seattle Public Schools is set to implement a new district-wide cell phone policy next week, mandating that students keep their devices powered off and out of sight throughout the school day. The initiative aims to enhance student focus, minimize classroom distractions, and establish uniform expectations across all district campuses. The policy introduces more stringent regulations for younger stud...

Black Panther Park has officially opened in Skyway, Seattle, marking a significant community achievement dedicated to preserving the legacy of Seattle's Black Panther Party. The new space, spearheaded by Nurturing Roots and founder Nyema Clark, aims to commemorate the Party's historical contributions to community empowerment, food justice, and self-determination. It features public art, community...

A new report from Washington state reveals a pervasive issue of workplace harm affecting Black women. Conducted by the Washington State Women’s Commission and Blacks United in Leadership & Diversity, the survey found that nearly every Black woman reported experiencing microaggressions, exclusion, and barriers to advancement, despite their qualifications and commitment to public service. This f...

The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle has appointed Seattle native James Bush as its new Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. This significant leadership change marks a new chapter for the organization, aiming for expanded impact and growth across the region. In his new role, Bush will be central to shaping the delivery of critical services, including housing, education, workfo...

The City of Seattle has announced a street designation in honor of Rev. Dr. Robert L. Manaway Sr., recognizing his more than 40 years of leadership as the senior pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. Under his guidance, the church has expanded from a small congregation to a cornerstone institution serving over 1,700 members, significantly impacting the community through initiatives addre...