Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

Seattle Public Schools Adopt Cell Phone Policy To Boost Student Focus

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 students, while high schoolers will be permitted limited usage. Seattle Public School's Superintendent Ben Shuldiner shares more details about the new policy on this episode of the Rhythm & News Podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Black Panther Park Opens In Skyway, Fostering History, Identity, And Healing

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 resources, and designated areas for gathering, reflection, and healing, reflecting a long-standing community effort to honor this impactful heritage.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Washington State Report Details Workplace Harm Against Black Women

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 finding emerges amidst a period where over 300,000 Black women nationwide have lost their jobs, often coinciding with the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Ayanna Colman, Chief Human Resources Officer for the Office of Administrative Hearings, shares more about the report on this episode of the Rythm & News Podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Urban League Of Metropolitan Seattle Appoints James Bush As New COO

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, workforce development, and public health, reinforcing the Urban League's commitment to community well-being.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Seattle Honors Rev. Dr. Robert Manaway Sr. For Decades Of Civic Leadership

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 addressing housing, food security, and broader community support.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Seahawks Select Notre Dame Running Back Jadarian Price In First Round

The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are approaching the 2026 season with a strategy to reload rather than rebuild. Despite key departures, including Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, the team is implementing strategic moves to maintain its competitive standing. Possessing limited draft capital, the Seahawks utilized their first-round selection to acquire Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price, a decision signaling a clear intent to rebuild the backfield and ensure offensive balance.

JB, co-host of gametime sports talk, breaks down the Seahawks’ draft, offseason moves, and what fans can expect moving forward.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett. 

Seattle And King County Clinic To Serve Thousands With Free Healthcare

The Seattle and King County Clinic is set to offer free dental, vision, and medical services from April 23 through April 26 at Seattle Center. This four-day event will provide essential care to individuals without requiring insurance, identification, or proof of residency. A decade-long effort, the clinic has already served over 33,000 people across the region and anticipates assisting more than 3,000 patients this year. For many, particularly immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities, the clinic represents a vital lifeline for accessing basic medical care. Azmi Haroun with the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs shares more details.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Urban Connoisseurs Event In Seattle Celebrates Black Winemakers And Distillers

Urban Connoisseurs will host the Men, Wine, and Spirits Dinner in Seattle, an event designed to celebrate Black excellence within the wine and spirits industry. The dinner will showcase an array of Black winemakers and distillers, while simultaneously honoring the pioneering legacy of John June Lewis Sr., recognized as the first Black winery owner in the United States. While tickets for the current year's event are no longer available, this initiative's broader impact extends beyond a single evening, aiming to foster increased space, opportunity, and visibility for Black professionals within the wine and spirits sector.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Veteran Seattle Detective Secures $750,000 Settlement In Discrimination Claim

Detective Denise "Cookie" Bouldin, a trusted figure in Seattle law enforcement and a bridge between the police department and communities of color, has reached a $750,000 settlement with the City of Seattle following allegations of decades of racial and gender discrimination within the Seattle Police Department. While the settlement legally closes the case, her attorney, James Bible, asserts it does not fully reflect the scope of her experiences during over 40 years of service.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Community Advocate Deaunte Damper Named Seattle Pride Grand Marshal

Community advocate Deaunte Damper has been named a grand marshal for the 2026 Seattle Pride Parade, an honor recognizing his impactful work at the intersection of Black identity, public health, and LGBTQ advocacy. This development aligns with Seattle Pride 2026's theme, "Rally," which underscores unity, visibility, and collective action in response to increasing challenges faced by LGBTQIA2S+ communities.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.