The Washington State Department of Commerce has appointed Truclusion as the consulting firm to lead the state's inaugural reparations study for descendants of enslaved Africans. This decision has prompted scrutiny from community leaders regarding the firm's credentials, its connection to Washington's Black community, and the transparency of the state's procurement process.

Former State Representative Jesse Wineberry, a key advocate for the reparations legislation, is addresses these concerns on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Seattle–King County NAACP, recognized as the oldest NAACP branch west of the Mississippi, has resumed full operations following the national office's decision to lift the suspension on local elections. This development comes after an internal review addressed database anomalies from the branch's 2024 elections. Dr. Carl Mack, former president of the Seattle–King County NAACP, elaborated on the matter during an appearance on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

As the holiday season unfolds, the threat of scams looms large, with fraudsters employing increasingly sophisticated tactics. Last year, nearly one-third of Americans were ensnared by online holiday scams, resulting in losses exceeding $302 million for Washington state consumers alone. To safeguard their finances and avert falling prey to such schemes, individuals are advised to exercise caution, particularly regarding deceptive travel websites and fraudulent package delivery notifications.

Quincy Crawford, Branch Manager at Chase Bank, talks about how people can help protect their money and avoid falling victim to holiday scams.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Seattle Medium and Bennett Media Group are set to host their annual food drive this Saturday, a community initiative designed to assist families facing economic hardship. Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2600 South Jackson Street, the event is bolstered by the support of partners such as KRIZ, KYIZ, KBMS, the Bible Law Group, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, among others.

Jawaan Bennett joins the Rhythm & News Podcast to share more information about the food drive. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The King County Council has approved a $20 billion biennial budget for 2026-27, featuring historic investments to uplift Black communities across the region. Outgoing Councilmember De'Sean Quinn, who was instrumental in the budget's passage, discusses its impact on the Black community in the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast. The budget allocates funds for housing stability, small business development, civic involvement, youth services, and reparative actions, addressing the county's longstanding discriminatory policies.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Kent Black Action Commission (KBAC) is spearheading a petition to rename nearly 10 miles of Benson Highway through Renton, Kent, and parts of unincorporated King County with honorary signage bearing Dr. King’s name. With support from State Representative Mia Gregerson and coordination from the Washington State Department of Transportation, this effort aims to extend Martin Luther King Jr. Way from Seattle deeper into South King County—without impacting existing addresses or road names. The initiative invites community involvement through petition signing and engagement with local representatives, underscoring the importance of honoring Dr. King’s legacy in the region.

Executive Director Gwen Allen-Carsten joins us to share more about this movement, its significance, and how the community can get involved.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Black Members Caucus convened a town hall at Highline College to address the political, economic, and social challenges confronting Black Washingtonians. This gathering served as a rallying cry for action amid escalating threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts nationwide, particularly with the 2024 election on the horizon. Paula Sardinas of the Washington Build Back Black Alliance joined the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast to discuss the event's significance.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Seattle Mayor Harrell has formally conceded the mayoral race, acknowledging his tenure characterized by crisis recovery, substantial housing investments, and initiatives to foster unity within the city. As Seattle transitions to new leadership under Mayor-elect Katie Wilson, the implications of Harrell's legacy on the city's Black community and broader societal impact will be examined.

Nate Miles joins the Rhythm & News Podcast to share his perspective on Harrel's legacy. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Seattle Medium has announced its endorsements for pivotal local races in the 2025 general election, encompassing positions such as Seattle's mayor, city attorney, and city council roles. These endorsements underscore a meticulous evaluation of leadership, accountability, and the potential impact on the community.

Jawann Bennett of the Bennett Media Group provides an in depth analysis of the endorsed candidates, highlighting those who distinguished themselves, the rationale behind the paper's support, and the implications for voters in this election.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth & Law Forum will host a free, daylong event for middle and high school students, parents, and guardians. This year's theme, "Call to Action: Your Voice, Your Power," seeks to inspire and empower youth to understand their rights, use their voices, and envision themselves as future leaders in law and justice. Scheduled for November 1st, the event will be held at Church By the Side of the Road and Tukwila Municipal Court.

Bobby Alexander and Fae Brooks joins the Rhythm & News Podcast to talk about this milestone year and why this program continues to make such a powerful impact.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett