STUDENT LOANS — In May, the Trump Administration cut student loan access for students seeking degrees in social work, a move the National Association of Social Workers called a decision to let Americans suffer. An estimated 3 percent of bachelor's and advanced degree programs at public and nonprofit institutions will fail a new return-on-investment test, compared with roughly one-third of programs at for-profit colleges. The new rules regarding student loans are set to take effect in 2027. The Department of Education will use IRS data to track graduates' salaries and compare them to high school earners.
YOUTH MENTORSHIP — Walt Disney World is expanding Disney Dreamers Academy into a year-round, multi-year experience designed to reach students earlier and keep them connected over time, with the first class of 200 students to be announced in October, with programming beginning in January 2027. The initial pilot will bring the program to middle school Club members in Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, and Houston. For nearly two decades, Walt Disney World has selected 100 high school students across the country annually to participate in the original program.
BUSINESS & CULTURE — Since spring 2026, major touring acts across genres have canceled or postponed shows due to sluggish ticket sales, a trend dubbed 'blue dot fever,' a reference to empty seats in venues. Black hip-hop megastars like Ludacris, T.I., Rick Ross, and BigXThaPlug felt the impact after struggling to sell tickets, with many artists being booked into venues too large for their current draw. Rising costs for housing, groceries, and everyday expenses have left live music as one of the first expenses fans cut.
| S&P 500 | 7,670.84 -0.2% | |
| Dow Jones | 51,349.92 -0.3% | |
| 30-Yr Mortgage | 7.03% | FRED / Freddie Mac |
| CPI (YoY) | 3.4% | BLS via FRED |
| Bitcoin | $83,154 -1.1% | CoinGecko |
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| UONE | $4.12 | -2.0% |
| RLJ | $11.06 | -0.1% |
| CARV | $1.70 | +6.4% |
Founded by journalist Marc Lamont Hill in 2017, Uncle Bobbie's serves the Germantown area by providing access to books and community space. The business models Black ownership in the cultural retail sector and has become a gathering place for readers and activists.
Visit Business →Radio host The Madd Hatta is awarding scholarships to students at Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University. Students compete by creating social media content demonstrating how they are living Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream. Honoring legacy while supporting HBCU students directly.
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