Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

Rainier Beach High School is nearing the completion of its extensive rebuild, marking a new era for the institution. After six years of meticulous planning and construction, the modern campus will feature enhanced classrooms, expanded athletic facilities, and a state-of-the-art performing arts center. Lydig Construction served as the general contractor, transforming the community's vision for this significant Southeast Seattle landmark into reality.

Patrick McGlothlin, Senior Project Manager with Lydig Construction, joins the Rhythm & News podcast to talk about the journey behind the rebuild and what this milestone means for Rainier Beach and the surrounding community.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

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, community resources, free food, and a backpack giveaway, with organizers emphasizing the event's role in facilitating reconnection and building upon the Central District's enduring legacy.

Rosie Grant with Byrd Barr Place joins the Rhythm & News podcast to tell us more about this year's celebration.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett. 

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, barriers, and necessary support, with the gathered information poised to inform future policy recommendations and cultivate more equitable professional environments.

Ed Prince, Executive Director of the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs joins the Rhythm & News podcast to talk about the survey and its purpose.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

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 for many, creating additional financial strain for families already grappling with the rising cost of living.

Charlene Crowell, a longtime advocate for consumers and economic justice joins the Rhythm & News podcast to tell us more.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

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 reinstatement underscores a commitment to student well-being and addresses the complexities of high school athletics, with Seattle Public Schools acknowledging the need for improved support structures for coaches.

Kiara Doyal, staff writer and head highschool sports writer for the Seattle Medium, shares more information.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

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 to honor a legacy of community care, invest in young people, and demonstrate the enduring relevance of the Black Panther Party's principles.

Jazmyn Scott, Executive Director of ARTE NOIR, and Jimaine Miller, aka Def Chef, share more information.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

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 significance as iconic landmarks born from a movement to safeguard Black identity and ownership amidst rapid displacement. The project encompasses repairs, cleaning, and repainting to ensure these historic symbols remain visible for years to come.

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, has been particularly instrumental in amplifying the campaign's reach, sparking considerable engagement across social media. This widespread promotion has not only driven voting but also fostered the discovery of new businesses, organizations, leaders, and entrepreneurs across the region.

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 Evergreen BizLink, a complimentary online resource navigator designed to connect entrepreneurs with reliable business support organizations throughout their communities. The WSMA's overarching mission is to fortify the network of entrepreneurial support across Washington, fostering a thriving environment for business development.

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, have a meaningful voice in identifying local priorities. Applications for the paid advisory board are open until June 7.

Gloria Biggs shares the details on this episode of the Rhythm & News Podcast. Interview by Chris B. Bennett.