The year 2025 was marked by historic firsts, social movements and major political and economic events. From the election of the first Black mayor in Omaha, Neb. to the longest federal shutdown in history, the Target boycott and funding for historically Black colleges and universities, the year left a lasting impact on communities across the United States and around the world.
Author Archives: Andrea Stevens
Posted inEducation
Funding concerns rise after nursing loses professional degree label
The Department of Education’s move to reclassify nursing graduate programs as academic rather than professional degrees is raising concerns about access and equity. Perinatal nurse Keira Wise said the change could deter students from marginalized communities, while public defense attorney Lauren Corbin warned it may deepen financial barriers that already limit Black students pursuing advanced professional training.
Posted inBaltimore News
Youth Wealth Summit empowers students with hands-on financial skills
The Youth Wealth Summit returned for its fourth year with a new youth-led format and expanded partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools, offering hands-on financial education to middle and high school students. Through interactive workshops on entrepreneurship, budgeting and investing, students gained practical tools to help them think differently about money and leadership.
Posted inDMV News
Winter break fun: Holiday events in the D.C., Baltimore area
Families across Maryland and Washington, D.C. have no shortage of ways to celebrate the season while kids are home on winter break. From Christmas villages and movie marathons to Kwanzaa celebrations highlighting culture, history and community, this holiday calendar rounds up free, family-friendly events beginning Dec. 23 to help make the end of the year festive and memorable for all ages.
Posted inDMV News
Upgraded Fort Dupont Ice Arena opens its doors to Ward 7 residents
The District celebrated the reopening of the renovated Fort Dupont Ice Arena in Ward 7, unveiling a modernized skating venue that expands community access and youth programming. City leaders highlighted the facility’s upgraded features and new grants that will support year round skating and hockey opportunities for residents.
Posted inHealth
In churches and communities, a new model for men’s health emerges
In the absence of a federal Office of Men’s Health, faith leaders and veterans are stepping up to fill the gap. Through grassroots advocacy and personal storytelling, John Bruce and Charles Flanagain are challenging stigma, promoting early screenings and redefining community health for men across the Southeast.
Posted inMoney
Rising costs push Black households to cut back on everyday comforts
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.
Posted inUncategorized
Pamela Smith announces resignation from D.C. police chief role
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.
Posted inObituaries - Baltimore
Community grieves veteran BCDOT employee, Gregory Turnipseed, as funeral plans are announced
Baltimore transportation employee Gregory Turnipseed, 71, has died from injuries sustained in a workplace assault, city officials announced. A 14-year veteran of the Traffic Division, Turnipseed is remembered by leaders, colleagues and family as a dedicated public servant whose loss has deeply shaken the community.
Posted inBUSINESS
Will Holmes to celebrate 20 years of entrepreneurial success with consulting business
Will Holmes, founder of Will Holmes Consulting, will soon celebrate 20 years of success with a renewed focus on entrepreneurship training and community impact.
Posted inBUSINESS
Black Wealth Summit returns to Washington D.C. with focus on financial empowerment
The Black Wealth Summit returns to Washington D.C. on Dec. 5-6 with two days of programming focused on financial empowerment, entrepreneurship and long term wealth strategies in the Black community. This year’s event expands on its mission with new sessions, networking opportunities and a strengthened commitment to accessible financial education, highlighted by an official statement from founder Cedric Nash that underscores the summit’s focus on innovation, resilience and the evolving meaning of wealth.
Posted inBaltimore News
Mayor Brandon Scott named to Ebony Power 100 and Time 100, credits Baltimore for the honor
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2025, joining a legacy of Baltimore visionaries such as Ta-Nehisi Coates and Freeman Hrabowski III, and Ebony’s Power 100. Scott calls the honor “a humbling experience,” crediting his city for its growing global influence and its role in reshaping national perceptions of Baltimore.