Owning a home has long been an aspiration for many people across America, and one of the most effective ways to build generational wealth. Yet, due to the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, rising interest rates, and housing affordability concerns, including the lack of affordable housing supply, homeownership may seem out of reach for…
When working from home and attending school virtually became part of everyday life during the COVID-19 pandemic, it taught us how vital home broadband internet is. A recent OpenVault report found broadband usage spiked nearly 50% year over year during the first quarter of the pandemic, and that usage has sustained today. Those with a…
More than one in three Black community college students is in poverty, and widespread inequality in community colleges deepened throughout the pandemic for Black students facing basic needs insecurity. According to a new report from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies on the state of Black students at community colleges, an alarming 70…
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges and altered ways of living across the globe. Now, more than two years later, the effects are still felt widely. Many non-emergent clinical services were limited or suspended during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, which may have adversely impacted epidemics of public health importance,…
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…
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…
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…
It’s that time of year: Kids are squeezing in the last seconds of summer, and parents are working hard to make sure the first days back at school go off without a hitch. Once kids return to the classroom, it’s important to remember that their brains aren’t the only things that will be put to…
The COVID-19 pandemic has shined much-needed light on “whole person health” by highlighting the correlation between behavioral health and overall wellness. Many people with behavioral health challenges experienced worsening symptoms throughout the pandemic, while others struggled with conditions for the first time and didn’t know where to turn. Understanding whole person health – and where…
The pandemic caused massive disruptions in health care, from cancellation of elective surgeries to patients putting off critical screenings and procedures, including colonoscopies, mammograms, knee or hip replacement surgeries, and even in some cases more urgent heart procedures. As a consequence, many preventable health problems may show an alarming increase in the near future. Anesthesiologists…
A new study focusing on job displacements between 1989 and 2019 found that, on average, Black workers are 67 percent more likely to be displaced than their white peers. Research by the nonprofit Brookings Institution further revealed that workers without a bachelor’s degree are also 67 percent more likely to be displaced than those with…
The last few years have been rocky times for the 32.5 million U.S. small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). They have faced big challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages, and rising inflation. These firms, which account for 43.5% of gross domestic product, are also facing a lending crunch. The…
Small businesses are the heartbeat of communities. They pump life into neighborhoods, making them vibrant places to live, work and raise families, and are key to millions of local jobs. In fact, approximately 50% of all Americans are employed by a small business and 99% of American businesses are small businesses, according to the U.S….
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent President Biden and Vice President Harris have announced the launch of the White House Internship Program and that, for the first time in history, White House interns will be paid. The first session will commence in Fall 2022. “Too often, unpaid federal internships have been a…
Brothers & Brothers Utility Services LLC (BBUS) is a recognizable and well-respected name across America in the electric and utility fields, delivering safe and quality work across America. With highly skilled and trained professionals, the company’s mission is to keep solidarity, integrity, and safety at the forefront of the utility industry. Under the vision of…
The pandemic proved the importance of connectivity – to your family, friends, work, school, and doctor. Wireless service, in particular, has been a lifeline for many: In fact, 15% of Americans use it as their only broadband connection. And now we have 5G for home broadband, which is another great option for home connectivity. To…
Over the last two years, the mental health crisis in the United States has gotten worse. A major reason for that is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has contributed to a rise in anxiety and depression among young people. But even before the pandemic, as many as one in six children in the United States between…
As the country faces uncertain economic conditions including record-high inflation, small businesses are integral to the health and regrowth of the economy. They currently account for 99.9% of American businesses and 46.8% of employed adults in the United States, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Digital Payments Are a Lifeline to Small Businesses It…
By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President, and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association As the United States continues to grapple with its legacy of systemic racism, debates on issues such as police brutality and racial profiling, the economic gulf between Blacks and Whites, and the dearth of access to affordable educational opportunities, there is one…
Those graduating in the spring of 2022 and other job seekers should take note — industry experts say that not only are home healthcare caregivers needed more now than ever before, but this industry offers many rewarding career paths. “A growing number of families and medical professionals are discovering that home healthcare is a great…