NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

In January 2026, Netflix will bring “Star Search” back to audiences around the world. The series that once carried dreamers from small-town talent shows to national stardom returns with a new host, Anthony Anderson, and a fully live format that lets viewers decide, in real time, who rises and who falls. The announcement has renewed attention on a program that helped shape the trajectory of some of the most influential Black performers in entertainment history.

By Janet Currie  It’s hard to believe the holiday season is upon us, bringing both excitement and extra financial responsibilities. For many Maryland families, managing celebrations alongside everyday budgets can feel a bit heavier this year. According to Bank of America internal data, in 2025 nearly a quarter of all households are estimated to live […]
The post Tips for managing your holiday budget in a time of financial uncertainty appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

With more than 25 years of experience spanning public affairs, community engagement, strategy, marketing, and communications, Kellie Todd Griffin is recognized across California as a leader who mobilizes people and policy around issues that matter.

Oakland native LaNiece Jones has served as Executive Director for Black Women Organized for Political Action/Training Institute for Leadership Development (BWOPA/TILE) since 1995. Like her organization, Jones is committed to supporting Black women to become authentic leaders and coalition builders who empower their communities and prepare others for economic success.

The federal government has released $3.6 billion in home heating assistance after a delay that left states preparing for the start of winter without the program’s annual funding. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. The release follows a shutdown that stretched 43 days and pushed agencies across the country to warn families of possible disruptions.

The signs were visible to anyone willing to look. Clinics running out of medicine, health workers sent home in silence, and governments bracing for a wave they could no longer afford to stop. Now the evidence is written in hard numbers. For the first time this century, the number of children dying before their 5th birthday is rising. The Gates Foundation’s 2025 Goalkeepers Report states that 4.6 million children died before age 5 in 2024 and projects that the total will reach 4.8 million this year, reversing decades of progress in child survival.

According to Pew Research, in 2022, 66 percent of White families owned stocks directly or indirectly, compared to 39 percent of Black families according to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF).
The post Not just for the rich and wealthy: How to start investing in 2026 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

As credit scoring models continue to evolve, on-time payments and low credit utilization will play an even larger role in shaping scores in 2026. Financial experts warn that common misconceptions, such as opening multiple new credit cards to boost credit, can significantly damage a person’s overall profile.
The post How to protect — and improve — your credit score in 2026 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Black households across Baltimore and beyond say rising costs are reshaping their daily lives from food spending to basic beauty routines. Women like Sydney Robinson and Olivia Dreux describe holding on to hairstyles longer and cooking more at home as inflation outpaces income. Their stories along with those of new parents Rya and Eric Greene reflect a growing sense that even simple comforts have become harder to afford.
The post Rising costs push Black households to cut back on everyday comforts appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Javacia Harris Bowser | For the Birmingham Times At the end of the year, Ashley M. Jones’ time as Alabama’s youngest and first Black poet laureate will come to a close. Over the past four years, Jones has boldly stepped into her role as the state’s ambassador for poetry and helped put both poetry […]

By Joseph D. Bryant | jbryant@al.com Members of a landmark Birmingham church are marking another phase of their history with the opening of a multi-million-dollar addition. Sixth Avenue Baptist Church on Sunday celebrated the opening of its campus expansion that leaders say will help them offer enhanced services to its congregation and neighboring community, particularly […]

By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com It’s been a little over a month since Lester Davis, former vice president and chief of staff for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (Carefirst), took over as Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s chief of staff. Davis brings more than a decade of public service experience, including serving as deputy chief of staff for […]
The post Lester Davis speaks on first 100 days as chief of staff for Gov. Wes Moore appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett has launched a bid for the U.S. Senate in Texas, entering a high-profile primary as Democrats look for long-shot gains in 2026 while former Rep. Colin Allred shifts his plans to seek a return to the U.S. House. Crockett, known for her outspoken style, faces state Rep. James Talarico in a race that comes as Republicans battle in a contentious primary to defend Sen. John Cornyn’s seat.
The post Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett is running for the US Senate in Texas. Allred to seek House seat appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Maryland officials announced a settlement with Cracker Barrel resolving allegations that students with autism from Dr. James Craik Elementary School faced discrimination during a 2024 visit to the company’s Waldorf restaurant. Under the agreement, Cracker Barrel will pay $75,000 to affected students, donate to school programs, and revise its public accommodation policies nationwide to comply with disability rights laws.
The post Settlement with Cracker Barrel over allegations, disability discrimination involving students with autism at Waldorf restaurant appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith announced she will resign at the end of the year, closing a historic tenure marked by decades of service and unprecedented federal oversight of the District’s police force. In her statement she thanked city leaders and residents and said the department remains strong as it moves forward.
The post Pamela Smith announces resignation from D.C. police chief role appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy DraperAFRO CEO and Publisher Every holiday season, we search for the perfect gifts for the children in our lives. We want the joy and the surprise. But most of what we buy doesn’t last. Sneakers lose their shine, video games get replaced and toys are forgotten by spring. As families […]
The post This Christmas, give our children something that will grow with them appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Patricia McDougall The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) held its 12th Annual hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Nov. 16 on the campus. The ceremony honored three new living legends into the UDC’s Hall of Fame.  They were honored for their outstanding contribution to the Athletic department. This was a great start to […]
The post The University of the District of Columbia “Firebird” 12th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Baltimore’s Allendale community celebrated the reopening of the Mary E. Rodman Rec Center after nearly three years of closure. The $1.8 million renovation brings new fitness, a playground and community spaces for local youth and families.
The post Allendale rec center reopens after nearly three years of closure appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

_____________________________               EMPLOYMENT       ____________________________ OPERATIONS MANAGER Plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of Tobacco Wholesaler.  Manage customer base, hire and train employees, maintain financial reports. Applicants are asked to send a resume to: AAA Smoke & Vapes Inc., 1260 Powder Plant Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022   […]

Sources close to the AFRO say Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-MD-District 21), 59, is poised to become Maryland’s next Speaker of the House of Delegates when votes are held on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
The post Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk leads race for Maryland House speakership role appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Breast cancer survival improves with early detection and consistent screenings. Valarie Traynham, a survivor, stresses the importance of being vigilant about symptoms and speaking up to ensure proper care.
The post A survivor’s message to women: ‘Don’t wait, get screened for breast cancer’ appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Holiday loans can be a helpful way to cover extra seasonal costs, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before taking one out, such as the potential for increased debt and financial stress.
The post Are Holiday Loans Naughty or Nice? Here Are the Pros and Cons appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Emme Stewart | UAB News Demario Overstreet, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, has been awarded substantial funding through the National Institutes of Health for his innovative research program, titled “Contemporary human models of postoperative pain: A biopsychosocial investigation in general surgery.” The award, totaling […]

The Birmingham Times  The Negro Southern League Museum, in partnership with district 2 Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson will honor Oscar “Butler” Williams—one of the most accomplished and versatile talents to emerge from Birmingham’s storied Industrial League. The event will be held Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the foyer outside […]

The City of Birmingham hosted a holiday block party and tree lighting on Sunday, Dec. 7 in front of City Hall with Mayor Randall Woodfin, City Councilors, employees, residents, face painting, food trucks, a DJ, snack pack giveaways, inflatables and an appearance by the Grinch. Activities took place on Park Place and Short 20th Street […]

A Wisconsin Cinnabon employee was fired after a video showing her using racist slurs, taunting customers, and mocking a woman’s hijab went viral on TikTok. The incident has sparked dueling online fundraisers — one supporting the Black Somali Muslim couple targeted, and another raising tens of thousands for the terminated worker, who is White.
The post Cinnabon worker fired after racist outburst directed at customers goes viral appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

News of Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones’ immediate departure from her speakership role in the state legislature has led to an outpouring of love and appreciation for her time as the first woman and first Black person to hold the role. Leaders across the state credited her with steady, principled leadership through crises, landmark legislative victories, and major investments in HBCUs and underserved communities.
The post Maryland leaders praise Speaker Adrienne Jones as she steps down from historic, transformative tenure appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Aaron Rodgers led the Steelers to a 27-22 victory over the Ravens on Dec. 7, throwing for 284 yards and two touchdowns while helping Pittsburgh take sole possession of the AFC North lead. A late reversal on a Baltimore touchdown with 2:43 remaining sealed the win, leaving the Ravens struggling after consecutive divisional losses.
The post Late reversal helps Steelers hold on for 27-22 win over Ravens and sole possession of division lead appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

birminghamal.gov The City of Birmingham is moving forward with a major investment to expand healthy food access in Southwest Birmingham. This week, Mayor Randall L. Woodfin’s administration recommended—and the Birmingham City Council approved—an agreement with Carver Jones Market, LLC to establish a new full-service neighborhood grocery store in the Heritage Park Towne Center. The project […]

By AFRO Staff and Interns According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in America, excluding skin cancer.  It accounts for about 30 percent (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. This year alone, ACS predicted “about 316,950 new cases of invasive breast […]
The post AFRO News, photographer Devin Allen honor Black breast cancer survivors in powerful portrait series appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By: REV. DR. ISAIAH ROBINSON, JR.   Scriptural text: PSALM 13; 7-13  2 TIMOTHY 3: 14-17 KEY VERSE: All scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for […]

By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com On Sept. 19, 2023 April Hurley was spending time with a friend, Jonte Gilmore, in the room she was renting in a Baltimore boarding house when the maintenance man knocked on her door. He had discovered a leak.  What happened next changed her life forever.  After the maintenance […]
The post Baltimore jury awards survivors of heinous attack $21.5 million appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor James L. Wright Jr., the internationally respected former AFRO reporter and editor, has died at age 63. Wright was a resolute and focused sports, political and public affairs reporter who also served as a city editor for the AFRO American Newspaper for many years. At the time of his […]
The post Beloved journalist James L. Wright Jr., dies at 63 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D- Ward 4) is now officially running a campaign to become the next mayor of Washington, D.C. She announced that she was seeking to represent Washingtonians as mayor in a video posted to social media on Dec. 1.
The post D.C. Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George aims for mayoral seat as Bowser dashes hopes of fourth term appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, Anne Arundel County released an official apology for their role in slavery, and the impact it has had on the community.
The post Anne Arundel County hosts local event apologizing for role in slavery appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.