Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

Cierra Sisters' To Host Sip & Pour Brunch This Sunday

Cierra Sisters, a nonprofit dedicated to educating, empowering, and uplifting Black women and women of color affected by breast cancer, is set to host a Sip & Pour Brunch event this Sunday. The event will feature a custom candle pour and a curated brunch, designed to support the organization's life-saving work within the community. Dee Dee Scott of the Cierra Sisters joins the Rhythm & News Podcast to share more details on this event.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Government Shutdown Impacts Medicare Premiums For Retirees Nationwide

The prolonged federal government shutdown is exerting financial pressure on millions of retirees nationwide, as delays in Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments and increased Medicare Part B premiums take their toll. Financial analyst Charlene Crowell highlights that these developments could significantly impact the 22 million Americans who depend exclusively on Social Security for their income.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Seattle City Attorney Candidate Erika Evans Pledges Fairness Restoration

Erika Evans, a former federal and city prosecutor, is campaigning for the position of City Attorney in Seattle with a commitment to restoring fairness, rebuilding trust, and ensuring justice for all. Her platform emphasizes the importance of balance, compassion, and community within the City Attorney's Office. Evans, who carries a family legacy of civil rights and public service, has received an endorsement from The Seattle Medium. She seeks to leverage her professional experience and personal conviction in her pursuit of the role.

Interview By Chris B. Bennett.

SistahBoss Launches Program To Empower Black Women Leaders In Pacific NW

Seattle natives Mary Wideman-Williams and her daughter Marquinta Obomanu have inaugurated SistahBoss, a leadership initiative dedicated to empowering Black women through connection, growth, and mutual support. The organization offers mentorship, coaching, and workshops designed to enhance leadership skills while affirming identity and shared experiences. SistahBoss is at the forefront of redefining leadership paradigms for Black women in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Seattle Public Library Expands Free Tutoring Services For K-12 Students

The Seattle Public Library has launched an initiative to provide free, drop-in tutoring and study support for K-12 students at nine branches citywide through its Homework Help program. This effort seeks to address the challenges of accessing affordable academic support, particularly in the wake of pandemic-related disruptions. Elisa Murray, Communications Strategist for The Seattle Public Library, will elaborate on the expansion of this crucial resource and its role in enhancing educational accessibility for all students.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Congress Probes HUD Amid Claims Of Fair Housing Law Erosion

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) faces allegations of undermining fair housing protections, a foundational element of civil rights for nearly sixty years. Whistleblower complaints and congressional investigations have highlighted concerns regarding potential erosion of these safeguards. Charlene Crowell will address this pressing issue on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Seattle Community Groups Mobilize Voter Education Ahead Of Election

Byrd Barr Place, one of Seattle's oldest and most trusted community organizations, is organizing a Candidates Forum aimed at empowering residents to engage directly with electoral candidates. This initiative provides a platform for voters to pose questions and gain insights into the candidates' positions on critical issues affecting their daily lives. The forum represents a broader movement by community groups to enhance voter awareness and participation as the election season draws near.

Dr. Angela Griffin, CEO of Byrd Barr Place joins us for today's Rhythm & News Podcast to talk about to talk about this important civic engagement effort.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

October Highlights Urgent Need For Breast Cancer Awareness Among Black Women

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and support, particularly among Black women who face significant disparities in health outcomes. Despite progress in treatment and awareness, Black women are diagnosed with more aggressive breast cancer at younger ages and have a nearly 40% higher mortality rate compared to their white counterparts. Public Health - Seattle & King County is actively addressing these racial health gaps, focusing on initiatives that promote early detection and provide support to those affected within Black communities.

Callista Kennedy, with Public Health — Seattle & King County joins us for today's Rhythm & News Podcast to talk about breast cancer awareness, early detection, and what’s being done to close these racial health gaps.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Metro League Football Highlights Resilience And Leadership

As Week 5 of the Metro League football season approaches, the competition is intensifying with several compelling narratives emerging. Among the highlights are O'Dea's esteemed Coach Monte Kohler, Ballard's exceptional quarterback Elli Gebbie, and the remarkable recoveries of athletes at Rainier Beach. Additionally, the impactful leadership of newly appointed coaches at Roosevelt and Franklin has garnered attention. Seattle Medium journalist Kiara Doyal has been meticulously documenting the season, offering in-depth profiles on players, coaches, and the captivating stories that unfold under the Friday night lights.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Concerns Over Posse Comitatus Act Arise With Trump's Troop Deployment

The deployment of the National Guard into U.S. cities under President Donald Trump has ignited significant controversy, leading to protests, legal challenges, and concerns over potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits military involvement in civilian law enforcement. Seattle is preparing for the potential arrival of federal troops, despite local officials highlighting a decrease in crime and the absence of civil unrest. This decision has faced criticism for opposing the preferences of governors and mayors and for contributing to the militarization of policing efforts. Civil rights leader, historian, and political commentator, Dr. Carl Mack, has more on this issue.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.