Local

Rev. Charles Reginald Johnson Sr. becomes Mount Zion Baptist Church's new senior pastor, succeeding the legacy of Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney. Bringing 17 years of ministry experience from Cochran Avenue Baptist Church in Los Angeles, Johnson envisions strengthening families, engaging youth, and restoring community connections, with installation ceremonies scheduled for November 14-15 in Seattle.

Lillian Rambus, owner of Simply Soulful in Seattle's Central District, shares how running her soul food restaurant demands constant sacrifice, from missed family moments to endless workdays. Rooted in her grandmother's recipes, especially the signature sweet potato pie, the restaurant preserves Black culture and community history while offering customers a comforting taste of home.

Seattle Councilmember Dionne Foster has introduced legislation temporarily cutting Mandatory Housing Affordability fees to jumpstart stalled housing projects, offering up to 80% reductions for vested developments and 60% for new ones meeting family-housing requirements. A companion resolution explores extending affordability requirements to Neighborhood Residential zones currently exempt from MHA. Both measures await further Council consideration.

Mayor Katie Wilson signed legislation banning many rental junk fees in Seattle, including pet, administrative, and lease-signing charges, while requiring landlords to disclose full housing costs upfront. Effective July 1, 2027, the law allows enforcement by the city and tenants, with violators facing triple damages. Advocates call it a major win for renter transparency and affordability.

A new report from Community College Research Initiatives and the Washington Student Achievement Council finds that Washington's college transfer system creates significant barriers for students of color, low-income and first-generation students. While Black students transfer at rates exceeding national averages, only 44% earn bachelor's degrees post-transfer, highlighting gaps in advising, financial support, and institutional coordination.

Chef Tay Proctor-Mills Jr. blends Southern roots with contemporary flavor at Black & Tan Hall, a cooperatively owned Hillman City restaurant and event space. Featured in the Pack the House campaign, the Hall honors Seattle's historic Jackson Street nightlife while offering inclusive dining, live music and community gatherings for everyone.

Seattle Medium’s Pack the House campaign spotlights Black-owned coffee shops Avole Coffee, Boon Boona Coffee and The Scene, exploring how founders Solomon Dubie, Efrem Fesaha and Michelle Lang-Raymond blend East African heritage, hospitality and community. The 10-week initiative encourages residents to discover, support and return to these gathering spaces beyond just grabbing a cup of coffee.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has announced a gun violence reduction plan shifting over $5 million in community intervention contracts to the CARE department, expanding youth programs, police patrols and mental health services.

New federal Medicaid rules under H.R. 1 will reshape Apple Health coverage for King County residents starting Oct. 1, with work requirements, more frequent renewals, and shorter retroactive coverage following in 2027. Officials warn thousands could lose insurance, urging residents to update contact information and seek help from certified navigators through CHAP.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay has proposed $100 million for 57 conservation projects protecting roughly 1,500 acres countywide, funded through Conservation Futures and the King County Parks Levy.