Bank of America announced a new zero down payment, zero closing cost mortgage solution for first-time homebuyers, which will be available in designated markets, including certain African American and Hispanic neighborhoods in Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Miami. According to a news release, the Community Affordable Loan Solution aims to help eligible individuals and…
By Contributing Writer Marla Lewis, President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association If you are setting your sights on buying a home or condominium, keep in mind that the property may be governed by a homeowners association (HOA). More than 63 million people live within communities that are overseen by HOAs, according to the…
Similar to how the ways we listen to music and watch movies have changed, cellular networks are evolving too. In fact, all major wireless providers plan to shutter their 3G cellular networks this year. 3G networks are the wireless equivalent of being on dial-up internet access years ago. Built in the early 2000s, 3G networks…
In the past few years, the United States has made significant progress in expanding access to high-speed internet. During the COVID-19 crisis, emergency relief rolled out for Americans who needed to stay connected from home. In the last two years, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the American Rescue Plan Act…
Recently, Denny’s announced its commitment to the Pathways to Black Franchise Ownership program created by the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA). Denny’s and MFHA have enjoyed a successful 25-year alliance and, as a new Pathways to Black Franchise Ownership partner, Denny’s will help MFHA reach its goal of creating 100 Black-owned franchises by 2023….
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Say her name. Breonna Taylor’s family may finally get justice after the Department of Justice charged four current and former police officers in Louisville, Kentucky, who were involved in the fatal March 2020 raid on her apartment. The DOJ accused the officers of lying to obtain…
By Jim Winston and Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Thus far, 2022 has been a year of multiple socioeconomic and political challenges for all Americans across the nation. Yet for African Americans and other communities of color, this year represents both challenges and opportunities from a business ownership perspective. In particular, for Black-owned media businesses,…
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Foundation recently hosted their Inaugural Law Enforcement and Community Champions Awards Gala and Fundraiser. This Black-Tie event highlighted and awarded members of Fort Bend’s Law Enforcement community in the categories of Rookie of the Year, Investigator of the Year, Deputy Dhaliwal Community Relations Officer of the Year, Supervisor of the…
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Emory University in Atlanta has announced the first African American Studies Ph.D. Program in the Southeast United States. “We are accepting applications beginning in September 2022,” Carol Anderson, the Charles Howard Candler Professor of African American Studies at Emory, announced on Twitter. In an overview posted…
Frito-Lay announced a partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) that will further enable Black and Hispanic students across 10 U.S. cities to attend college. The snack leader is investing $500,000 in need-based scholarships to help reduce the financial barriers to attending and graduating college. Students are encouraged to apply beginning now and until…
Texas Southern University has been selected to be part of the launch of a new research project by Meta. This research, led by Meta’s Civil Rights and Responsible AI Teams, is being done with the goal of creating a better user experience for historically marginalized communities. This effort will allow Meta to better understand the…
If you’ve ever played a popular 80’s video game, then you know about the disadvantages your character has right out of the gate. You can’t jump as high or as far, and it’s easier to lose the level and have to start all over again. But in the first few seconds, there’s usually always a…
Written by: Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent In the past, it hasn’t always been clear when a recession loomed, let alone when it has already begun. However, the silver lining now is that, unlike in previous downturns, the Federal Reserve and the U.S. government have already taken action by making critical adjustments…
From digital payments to video banking, the way consumers conduct basic financial transactions has changed substantially throughout the past decade, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the trend toward digital banking. However, brick-and-mortar bank branches continue to play an essential role for many consumers when it comes to important financial conversations. Industry experts say…
Could your finances use a checkup? If so, you’re not alone. According to the Financial Health Network, “Financial Health Pulse: 2021 U.S. Trends Report,” nearly two-thirds of Americans struggle with financial health. But what does that mean? The study considered factors such as people’s ability to pay bills, their amount of short-term savings, and their…
Hair is an important part of your personal style every day and when a special event is approaching, such as a wedding, reunion, or big birthday, it can help you look and feel your best. If you’re experiencing thinning hair or hair loss, it’s important to know you’re not alone. There are some steps you…
Senate Democrats took a critical step toward reducing inflation and the cost of living by passing the Inflation Reduction Act. Proponents said the measure would make a big difference for many Americans by locking in savings on health insurance premiums and reducing the cost of prescription drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices. The…
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent The White House announced the awarding of the first grant from the nearly $300 million in funding allocated to expand access to mental health services in American schools. President Joe Biden secured the funding through the bipartisan omnibus agreement to expand access to school mental health…
The Biden-Harris administration announced it would increase America’s supply of monkeypox vaccine by making an additional 1.8 million doses of Bavarian Nordic’s Jynneos vaccine available for ordering (on 8/22/22). According to a White House Fact Sheet, the Department of Health and Human Services has set aside 50,000 doses of vaccine from the Strategic National Stockpile,…
As back-to-school season gets underway, it’s important to ensure that your child is ready for the school year, both physically and emotionally, by scheduling a well-child visit. Annual well-child visits are doctor appointments for preventive health services which are essential for ensuring a child’s growth and tracking developmental milestones. The well-child visit is also the…