Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

In a recent decision, the U.S. Senate voted 52-48 to overturn a rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that would have capped overdraft fees at big banks to a reasonable $5. Instead, banks are now permitted to charge fees upwards of $35 per transaction. This vote has been characterized by advocates as a $21 million gift to big banks at the expense of working families. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau had aimed to address regulatory gaps exposed by the 2008 financial crisis. Nationally syndicated columnist Charlene Crowell shares more information on today's Rhythm & News podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Public Health—Seattle & King County will host its annual "Every Month Is Black History Month: A Community Health & Resource Fair" on April 12th at the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle. The event will feature health screenings, a Black business marketplace, and free mammograms and car seats for those who make an appointment. The initiative aims to provide essential resources and support to the Black community in Seattle and King County. Daphne Pie with Public Health—Seattle & King County has the details.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Guild hosted its inaugural 'Trailblazing Black Women in Washington' Gala at the Northwest African American Museum, celebrating five Black women leaders for their significant contributions to education, healthcare, civic leadership, literature, and community empowerment. The event underscored the vital role of storytelling, mutual support, and the preservation of Black history and excellence for future generations. Collette Robinson, President of the Guild shares more details about the event.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Public Health—Seattle & King County will host its annual “Every Month Is Black History Month: A Community Health & Resource Fair” on April 12th at the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle. The event will offer free meals, museum admission, and a range of services and activities, including health screenings, parenting resources, a Black business marketplace, and free mammograms and car seats for those with appointments. Devon Love, Equity and Community Engagement Manager with Public Health—Seattle & King County, shares details on the upcoming event.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration-Continuation Committee is set to host its annual Day of Remembrance and Awards Program, marking the 57th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Hayward Evans, a host of the event, discussed the upcoming program during an interview on the Rhythm and News podcast with Christopher B. Bennett. 

Brenda Miller, owner of Velvet's Big Easy in Tacoma, transitioned from a successful career at Boeing to pursue her culinary passion. With the support of Chase's Coaching for Impact Program, Miller received mentorship and hands-on assistance from Sheila Winston, Vice President and Certified Senior Business Consultant at Chase Bank. This guidance helped Miller transform her business from a food truck and catering service into a thriving brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Rho Lambda Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is offering scholarships to young women in King County aiming to advance their college education. With the application deadline approaching, the organization is committed to supporting these aspiring scholars. Rachel Steward, the sorority's president, will provide insights into the organization and the scholarship on the Rhythm & News podcast.

Dr. Brent Jones, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, has announced he will step down from his role on September 3, 2025. A Seattle native and Franklin High School graduate, Dr. Jones has led the district through significant challenges, including financial instability and the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure saw accelerated academic growth, strengthened mental health services, secured major voter support for education levies, and the launch of innovative programs. Dr. Jones will be remembered for his dedication to equity reforms and his impactful leadership in shaping the district's future.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Rhythm & News Podcast interview with national columnist Charlene Crowell discussing Donald Trump's recent attacks on the Department of Education and the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and the effects this will have on the economy and Black borrowers.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The removal of Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House is raising significant concerns about the trajectory of civil rights under Trump's second term. The mural, once a potent symbol of resistance against police brutality and systemic racism, has been eradicated amidst escalating conservative opposition to racial equity, Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs, and local government autonomy in Washington, D.C.

Political analyst Opio Sokoni joins the discussion to examine the implications of the mural's removal, the broader backlash against racial justice initiatives, and the potential threats to Black political and economic power under Trump's agenda.

Interview By Chris B. Bennett.