by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 25, 2025

Veterans’ Disability Pay Boosted In 2026 Cost-Of-Living Adjustment

The raise varies by a veteran's disability rating.

Good news for veterans: VA disability pay will increase with a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment in 2026.

Following a recent VA benefits update, disability compensation is set to increase with the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), confirmed at 2.8% and effective Dec. 1, Mint reports. With the VA disability pay increase confirmed for 2026, eligible veterans with a spouse or dependent will see their monthly benefits rise from $1,500 to $1,545, specifically provided they meet the dependency and disability requirements, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The raise varies by a veteran’s disability rating: for a 10% rating, benefits increase from $175.51 to $180.42, while for a 100% rating, benefits increase from $3,831.30 to $3,938.58.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide array of benefits to veterans and eligible family members, including monthly tax-free disability payments, healthcare, education, housing assistance, and burial support. These benefit increases aim to help veterans manage rising living costs amid economic uncertainty and inflation.

Even modest increases in VA disability benefits carry significant long-term value for veterans who rely on the program. These annual adjustments reflect a sustained commitment to supporting veterans for their service to the country, rather than a temporary relief. Incremental growth helps provide financial stability for veterans and their families, and the January 2026 updates serve as a meaningful recognition of their service—more than just a symbolic gesture.

Eligible veterans must meet specific qualification criteria, including a confirmed 60% service-connected disability rating. Only those with an honorable discharge and U.S. citizenship or legal residency are eligible. Enrollment for the VA payout is automatic, and no reapplication or new claim submission is required for the 2026 adjustment.

The latest update on the 2026 VA disability adjustments confirms that the new rates are finalized. Veterans with a 60% service-connected rating will see their dependent-based monthly payout increase from $1,500 to $1,545, effective with the January payment cycle.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 25, 2025

Buddhist Monks Stop In Selma On Their ‘Walk For Peace,’ Honoring City’s Civil Rights History

The stop in Selma held extra significance given the city's place in civil rights history.

Buddhist Monks are advocating for change with their “Walk For Peace” across America, stopping in one historical city for justice.

The group began its 2,300-mile walk on Oct. 26 in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite plans to end their hike at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., next year, the monks made a pit stop at a monumental place.

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On Dec. 19, the group made it to Selma, Alabama, also known for its history in the Civil Rights Movement. Selma is most famous for its 1965 march to Montgomery to advocate for voting rights. The first of many marches, led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., resulted in the infamous “Bloody Sunday,” where white supremacists attacked multiple marchers on the Edmund Pettis Bridge. This year, local leaders highlighted the day’s 60th anniversary.

However, the tragedy became a mark of resilience and change for the activists, turning the tide on voting rights for Black Americans. Now, it remains a pivotal place for remembrance, with the Monks paying tribute to those who fought for change on that very walk.

The Fort Worth-based Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center organized the walk to promote kindness, compassion, and unity with each stride. Each day, they trekked 20 to 25 miles, ending up in Selma for a community luncheon at the Historic Riverfront Park.

On the schedule, community members joined monks on their walk to the Civil Rights Memorial Park. The effort expressed a joint commitment to the values of equality and peace for all, no matter one’s station in life.

With their canine companion Aloka strutting alongside them, the walk had not encountered sunny skies the entire way through. However, the monks have remained steadfast in completing their mission, no matter the weather or obstacles. Upon completion, they hope to encourage all to make peace a part of their daily practice with this symbolic walk.

As of Christmas Eve, the group has made it just past Alabama as they make their way to D.C. by February 2026.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 25, 2025

Luxury Beauty Icon Pat McGrath Labs Heads To Auction In Distressed Asset Sale Managed By Hilco Global

Complete bid requirements and auction details are available through Hilco Global’s IP practice.

Pat McGrath Labs, the high-end cosmetics brand once hailed as a “beauty unicorn” with a billion-dollar valuation, is currently undergoing a formal asset sale managed by Hilco Global. The move marks a significant shift for the cult-favorite label as it seeks a strategic turnaround following years of operational challenges.

Hilco Global’s Intellectual Property practice announced that it is accepting bids for the acquisition of the brand, including collateral pledged by Pat McGrath Cosmetics, LLC, and Patricia McGrath. Qualified bids are due by Jan. 26, 2026, at 7 a.m. PST. A formal auction is scheduled to take place via Zoom on Jan. 27, 2026, with an option for participants to appear in person.

The sale includes the brand’s extensive intellectual property, trademarks, and associated assets. According to Hilco Global, Pat McGrath Labs remains a powerhouse in the creative space, recognized for its “high-performance formulas, richly pigmented eyeshadows, iconic lip products and luxurious, statement-making collections.”

From Unicorn Status to Distressed Sale

The transition to a distressed sale follows a period where the brand’s rapid global expansion reportedly outpaced its operational fundamentals. In 2018, Pat McGrath Labs reached a $1 billion valuation after securing a massive investment from Eurazeo Brands. However, the company subsequently struggled with scaling issues, executive turnover, and a shifting retail landscape, leading to a significant drop in its valuation.

The decline serves as a cautionary tale within the prestige beauty sector. While the brand excelled in creative output, industry insiders noted that the logistical infrastructure often lagged behind its viral marketing success. This operational friction led to a series of management restructures that ultimately failed to stabilize the brand’s bottom line. Hilco Global’s involvement signals a final push to preserve the brand’s equity under new stewardship that can reconcile its artistry with sustainable business practices.

Strategic Timing and Future Outlook

The auction comes at a pivotal moment for the brand’s namesake founder. McGrath was recently appointed as the Creative Director for Louis Vuitton’s La Beauté makeup line, a move that reaffirmed her individual standing as one of the most influential makeup artists in history.

For potential investors, the allure lies in the brand’s unique positioning at the intersection of high fashion and retail accessibility. The IP portfolio includes not only patented formulas but also a digital footprint that remains among the most engaged in the industry. As the broader color cosmetics category faces increased competition from celebrity-backed labels, the acquisition of a proven legacy brand like Pat McGrath Labs offers a rare entry point into the luxury tier.

While McGrath’s personal influence remains high, the brand has faced a difficult period marked by a decline in valuation and management changes. The upcoming auction offers a potential buyer the opportunity to revitalize a brand that redefined luxury cosmetics through technical innovation and inclusive artistry. Under the current sale process, the goal is to capitalize on a brand that continues to “push technical and creative boundaries” while resetting its financial trajectory.

The January auction will provide a platform for potential investors to bid on the trademarks and IP that once disrupted the global beauty industry. Complete bid requirements and auction details are available through Hilco Global’s IP practice.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 25, 2025

Martha Stewart Joins Best Buddy Snoop Dogg As Minority Owner Of Swansea City AFC

'We are delighted to confirm Martha, who has built a long and successful career as America’s leading homemaking and lifestyle expert, has followed Snoop and Luka Modric in becoming a minority owner of our football club,' the team stated.

California recording artist Snoop Dogg has been involved with Swansea City soccer club since he appeared in a team promotion in July, and now one of his best buddies, Martha Stewart, has become an investor, joining him as a minority owner.

As the year comes to a close, Swansea City AFC announced that Stewart is officially among the minority owners of the franchise. Stewart attended a recent game. The team stated she was there as a guest, but they announced her role in an official capacity.

“Martha is a close friend of Snoop Dogg, and she came to the Wrexham game as our guest. But we are delighted to confirm that Martha, who has built a long and successful career as America’s leading homemaking and lifestyle expert, has followed Snoop and Luka Modric in becoming a minority owner of our football club. We are very excited to welcome Martha on board, and we know experiencing Friday night’s game in-person has only increased her own enthusiasm and anticipation for being part of Swansea City.”

Snoop became a minority owner of the team after unveiling the team’s newest home kit earlier this summer, fueling speculation that he was part of the franchise.

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At the time of Snoop’s announcement as a minority soccer team owner, he said, “My love of football is well known, but it feels special to me that I make my move into club ownership with Swansea City. The story of the club and the area really struck a chord with me. This is a proud, working-class city and club. An underdog that bites back, just like me. I’m proud to be part of Swansea City. I am going to do all I can to help the club, and I look forward to getting to know all my YJBS.”

The news comes less than a week after the team introduced a new clothing line in a collaboration with Legends and Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Records. The Legends x Swansea City x Death Row Records new collection features limited-edition items, including hoodies, T-shirts, quarter-zips, and joggers. Each piece of merchandise will be embedded with Swansea’s badge, Death Row’s iconography, and Legends’ athleisure wear.

The soccer team’s merchandise was recently made available online on Dec. 19, and the franchise suggests that if you want to get your hands on some of the items, you should act fast, as the limited items won’t be restocked.

nflatable Reindeer Antlers Ring Toss Game Set , stemless wineglass, spirits, black card revoked, Instead of spending New Year's Eve out on the town, try one of these three to save yourself money and the hassle.

by Ahsan Washington

December 25, 2025

Black Christmas Songs: The Holiday Playlist You Need In Your Rotation

These songs are a festive treat

Black artists have contributed to the most vital Christmas music of our time through soulful classics and energetic R&B holiday songs.

These songs are more than just soundtracks for the holidays. They create a musical tapestry of love, family, hope, joy, and culture that resonates through time. These songs are a festive treat that also embody togetherness.

“This Christmas”

Donny Hathaway, a legendary R&B and soul singer, released “This Christmas” in December 1970. This timeless holiday original beautifully blends jazz, gospel, and soul. Recorded in Chicago, it’s part of the Soul Christmas ethos. “This Christmas” is widely regarded as one of the most performed Christmas songs ever, and its warmth and groove encapsulate the holiday spirit in Black communities worldwide.

“All I Want for Christmas Is You”

In 1994, Mariah Carey included the song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in her Merry Christmas album. The song has maintained its position as the top Christmas anthem through its continuous reign over holiday charts and playlists. The song established itself as the foremost contemporary Christmas song while creating substantial cultural and commercial influence.

“Christmas in Hollis”

The Queens, New York, hip-hop group Run-DMC released the holiday rap song “Christmas in Hollis” in 1987. The holiday rap track combines hip-hop elements with Christmas spirit to portray Hollis’ holiday celebrations in a lighthearted way. The song “Christmas in Hollis” debuted on Nov. 25 and has since become a holiday favorite, demonstrating its lasting popularity and distinct blend of hip-hop and seasonal joy.

“The Christmas Song”

Nat King Cole created the legendary Christmas tune “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” which stands as one of the most memorable holiday songs ever recorded. The song was written in 1944 and recorded two years later in 1946, before Nat King Cole released his definitive stereo version in 1961. The song has become an essential part of holiday radio broadcasts and family celebrations because of its enduring warmth and vivid seasonal imagery, including the delightful scent of chestnuts roasting and the cold touch of Jack Frost. The song’s eternal charm continues to attract listeners across age groups, establishing it as a definitive holiday-season standard.

“8 Days of Christmas”

The R&B powerhouse trio Destiny’s Child released the song “8 Days of Christmas” in 2001 as part of their album 8 Days of Christmas. The cheerful holiday song honors the season’s spirit of gift-giving and its joyful atmosphere. The song blends R&B and pop elements, making it suitable for Christmas parties and contemporary music playlists.

“Give Love on Christmas Day”

In 1970, the Jackson 5 released “Give Love on Christmas Day” as part of their Motown legacy. The soulful holiday song delivers a timeless message about love and togetherness. The song serves as a genuine seasonal reminder of the holiday spirit and remains a staple on classic holiday playlists on soul and pop stations.

“Sleigh Ride”

In 1992, TLC, the famous ’90s R&B trio, produced a soulful R&B version of the popular winter song “Sleigh Ride.” The track from the A LaFace Family Christmas album regularly appears on holiday music rotations and R&B radio channels. Through their playful, soulful performance, TLC transforms the traditional holiday song into a fresh musical expression that connects classic Christmas music with the dynamic spirit of the 1990s.

“No Time Like Christmas”

In 2022, R&B superstar Chris Brown released “No Time Like Christmas” as part of the album It’s Giving Christmas. The modern R&B holiday track brings a sultry, romantic contemporary perspective to Christmas music.

Kevin Durant, Maryland, after-school program

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 24, 2025

Kevin Durant Proud Of After-School Program He Funded, ‘I’m Trying To Do So Much In My Community’

Durant donated $10M in 2017 to College Track, an after-school program at the Durant Center for students in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

On a recent episode of the “Unguarded” podcast, Boardroom owner and current NBA player Kevin Durant mentions the opening of the College Track at The Durant Center, which he donated $10 million to in 2017, an after-school program that supports students residing in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

He discussed launching an after-school program following the purchase of a building in Prince George’s County to provide underserved students with a free place to continue pursuing bachelor’s degrees and other programs. He states that he is proud of the resources the facility offers to young students.

“I’m trying to do so much in my community where I grew up,” Durant stated on the program. “So I bought a commercial building on the same street my apartment complex was on. PG County, Maryland, where I’m from, is one of the most thriving counties in the country.”

“We have a lot of resources in our county, and my influence and my name over the last two decades just been around the county from community events just from investing back into the community. So, I bought a building. I had started an after-school program, and it was going well. Real estate all along that street, they want guys to come in and program and build the community up.”

The institute is in Durant’s hometown, which is near Washington, D.C. The College Track website explains why the Houston Rockets forward dedicated millions to expand the organization’s operations in Prince George’s County (College Track is based in California). After visiting the College Track Oakland facility, he was so impressed that he made a 10-year commitment to operate one in Maryland.

The visit took place in 2017, and a year later, he announced he had donated the funds. In partnership with the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation and Prince George’s County Public Schools, College Track at the Durant Center became the institute’s first East Coast center when it opened in 2019. College Track has since opened two other centers in the area, one in southeast D.C. and another in Baltimore.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 24, 2025

‘Big Brother’ Alum Mickey Lee In Critical Condition After A ‘Series Of Cardiac Arrests’

"Big Brother" Season 27 star Mickey Lee is in critical but stable condition after suffering " a series of cardiac arrests."

A GoFundMe has been launched for Big Brother star Mickey Lee after she experienced a “health crisis” involving multiple cardiac arrests.

Lee’s family started the campaign on Dec. 22, seeking donations to help cover the emotional and financial strain from hospital bills and ongoing care following the star’s health emergency, Entertainment Weekly reports.

“Today, we’re coming together with heavy hearts to ask for your support,” fundraiser organizer Kori Smith wrote. “Mickey recently suffered a series of cardiac arrests and is now in the ICU in critical but stable condition. She has been surrounded by medical professionals and loved ones, but the road ahead will be long and challenging.”

The campaign notes that donations will help cover medical expenses not covered by insurance, ICU and specialist care, rehabilitation and recovery support, as well as family travel, lodging, and related costs.

“This sudden health crisis has left Mickey and her family facing enormous emotional and financial strain from mounting hospital bills to ongoing care and recovery costs,” Smith wrote. “Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly to Mickey’s care and help ease the burden on her loved ones during this difficult time.”

After quickly reaching its initial $22,000 goal, the campaign increased its target to $40,000 and had raised nearly $28,000 by Dec. 24.

“Mickey has touched so many lives through her courage, bold personality, and unforgettable presence on Big Brother. Let’s show her the same love and support now when she needs it most. Thank you for your generosity, prayers, and support,” the campaign reads.

The Jacksonville, Florida native, now living in Atlanta, according to the GoFundMe, competed on Season 27 of the CBS reality hit. She lasted 59 days before her mid-pack eviction. At the time, Cliffton “Will” Williams, a 50-year-old college sports podcaster evicted on day 66 who later served on the jury that picked Ashley Hollis as the winner, named Lee as the pre-jury contestant he wished he could have saved.

“Mickey for sure. Mickey and I were close in the house, and she’s a good friend. We vibed a lot in the house. She was an amazing cook, and I miss that,” he said at the time.

Oklahoma AG, Couple’, Roof Repair , State Farm

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 24, 2025

Exposed: How State Farm’s Claim Denial Tactics Triggered A State-Level Investigation In Oklahoma

Red flags started to appear after State Farm’s calculations of damage was so low it didn’t even touch the couple's deductible.

Oklahoma state Attorney General Gentner Drummond is stepping up in an attempt to help a couple accusing insurance conglomerate State Farm after a policy resulted in the company pulling back from a promise to cover $22,000 of a roof damaged by hail, MoneyWise reports.

Drummond filed a Dec. 4 motion to intervene in a lawsuit issued by Billy and Lucy Hursh, “alleging that the company operated a coordinated program to limit roof-related insurance payouts by denying or reducing valid hail and wind claims.” After a hailstorm caused extensive roof damage to their Tulsa home, the couple hired two contractors and were told they would need a completely new roof.

Red flags started to appear after State Farm’s calculations of damage were so low that it didn’t even touch the Hurshs’ deductible, resulting in the couple needing to take out a loan to cover the cost of a new roof–costing $22,000. “I’m trying to do the right thing,” Billy Hursh said.

“I’m trying to take care of my home, and this is why I had homeowners’ insurance.”

Drummond says he sees an “enterprise-wide scheme” in which the insurance company markets policies as providing full replacement-cost coverage, and charges accordingly. However, the customer ends up with less than they should after over 200 claims, similar to Hursh’s against State Farm, came to light.

By jumping into the lawsuit, the Republican attorney general says claim outcomes aren’t decided by policy promises but by the need to meet savings targets set by the company. “Oklahomans can weather inflation and Oklahoma storms, but they cannot withstand a system in which they are charged more while effectively insured less,” Drummond, who is running for governor, said.

“Inflation and weather do not explain, let alone justify, the widening gap between what Oklahomans pay and what they receive.”

Court documents reveal that State Farm allegedly developed a program called the “Hail Focus Initiative” that, according to The Oklahoman, has faced accusations of imposing restrictions on who can approve roof replacements and creating a new definition of “hail damage.” The program instructs adjusters to attribute hail damage to wear and tear, installation error, manufacturing defects, or cosmetic damage.

Plaintiffs named in the additional claims against the company are represented by the Oklahoma City-based law firm Whitten Burrage, where attorneys criticized State Farm’s “good neighbor” image. Drummond seemingly agrees, saying, “Such a scheme shocks the conscience.” “Oklahomans are paying rising homeowners insurance premiums yet receiving less protection in return, as State Farm simultaneously pursues additional rate increases while allegedly escalating its claim denials and underpayment practices,” the attorney general’s office wrote in the motion.

A 2025 report from Harvard Business School suggests that some of the rising costs could be attributed to climate change, which the attorney general opposes. The study shows severe weather events, which are becoming more frequent, are major drivers of insurance claims. But Drummond stands firm on the view that the issue is an industry- and regulatory-level problem.

While the decision on whether Drummond can intervene is left in the hands of Judge Amy Palumbo, State Farm has denied all the allegations, labeling each insurance claim as “unique” and to be handled individually. “At State Farm, we’re committed to giving our customers all the benefits their insurance policies provide,” the company said in a statement.

“The fact that someone files a lawsuit does not mean the allegations made are true.”

Trump Administration Quietly Bans Department Of Veteran Affairs From Performing Abortions, Counseling

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 24, 2025

Trump Administration Quietly Bans Department Of Veteran Affairs From Performing Abortions, Counseling

The Biden-Harris administration predicted the agency would provide close to 1,000 abortions per year following the backlash from the 2022 Dobbs decision but data shows the VA has provided 140 per year since.

In another move to erase all Biden-era policies, the Trump administration secretly banned the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from issuing abortions and all related services to veterans and their dependents — including those who are victims of rape and incest, The Hill reports.

In a Dec. 18 memo from Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) Joshua Craddock, the VA was ordered to stop all abortion services under any provision of the law. The memo pulled back on a 2022 policy that permitted abortions for those who became pregnant as a result of rape or incest, or if a pregnancy risked the life of the person seeking an abortion.

The OLC argued that the rule, as a result of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, dissolving Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, overstepped the law.

Craddock called the language “unambiguous,” according to Fox News, after highlighting the Veterans Health Care Act, which makes clear that the VA is restricted to providing abortion services only if the pregnancy carries risks. He highlighted a footnote reading: “life-threatening circumstances, including treatment for ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages.” Veterans Affairs Press Secretary Peter Kasperowicz says the VA is complying immediately.

The Biden-Harris administration predicted the agency would provide close to 1,000 abortions per year following the backlash from the Dobbs decision. Still, data shows the VA has provided 140 per year since 2022. Regardless of the numbers, abortion advocates have slammed the policy change, labeling it an insult to veterans. “Veterans deserve dignity and respect that includes the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions,” Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said, calling the ban “callous and inhumane.”

While half of the U.S. protects the right to abortion, the new VA ban will now apply in those states, as the VA operates dozens of medical centers across the country. Back in 2022, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough called the policy “a patient safety decision” as “pregnant Veterans and VA beneficiaries deserve to have access to world-class reproductive care when they need it most.”

As Craddock may feel the exceptions are helpful, feminist and politics expert Jessica Valenti says expectations “are deliberately crafted to be impossible to use” and used only “to make Republicans seem a little less punishing.”

President and CEO at the Center for Reproductive Rights, Nancy Northup, feels the ban is just another way of President Donald Trump failing to keep his promises. “Veterans risked their lives to defend our safety and freedom–– and now the Trump Administration is taking away theirs,” Northup said. “President Trump said he would leave abortion to the states, but he continues to seize new opportunities to restrict it nationally.”

Christmas Caroling, Baltimore airport, TSA

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 24, 2025

TSA Hits A High Note: Baltimore Airport Agents Go Viral Christmas Caroling

The viral TSA Christmas Carolers are spreading holiday cheer throughout the Baltimore airport.

TSA agents had a pleasant surprise for holiday travelers with a nice display of Christmas caroling.

The unexpected performances went viral as Baltimore airport voyagers stopped to hear the sweet sounds of the security personnel. The rag-tag group came together to perform what many deem the Christmas national anthem, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

The Christmas cheer spread to TikTok, as viewers caught sight of the TSA’s surprising talent, delighting travelers on their way. Videos quickly garnered a million likes as the vocals could be heard in the skies.

@jazsmin30 The best welcome home greeting #baltimore #christmas @Mariah Carey ♬ original sound – ebonee30

While taking a break from duty, with their uniforms still on, the unlikely carolers put on a show that gathered an in-person and online crowd. According to USA Today, the TSA Christmas Carolers take up this tradition every holiday season. The group performed last year as well throughout the Thurgood Marshall Airport in Baltimore.

Commenters noted the immense talent of one of the agents who started off the hit song; many called for her to transition out of airport security to pursue a singing career.

“Oh its time to quit your job baby girl,” wrote one TikTok user.

Another stated, “some of the best voices be so unknown.”

“Oh she got a hidden talent. Clock out [now],” exclaimed one more.

Others encouraged other popular airports, like Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta, to create a new competition for the best TSA agents-turned-singers. However, as of right now, Baltimore Airport’s Christmas Carolers reign supreme with their performance.

The TSA Christmas Carolers could expect an even bigger audience this year as holiday travel breaks records. The AAA projects that over 122 million Americans will travel outside their residence this year during the two-week holiday period, beating out last year’s record.

With air travel still on the rise, TSA workers have already overcome an eventful year. The longest-recorded shutdown in history left many without a paycheck for weeks.

Thankfully, the shutdown subsided after 43 days, returning operations to relative normalcy. Now, TSA aims to bounce back and make spirits bright with this fun way to celebrate the holidays.