HOUSING & LENDING — Wells Fargo is under federal investigation over mortgage programs designed to help Black Americans become homeowners, with the Department of Housing and Urban Development launching the investigation on October 7, 2026, targeting initiatives that included a $60 billion lending commitment and a $210 million effort to expand homeownership opportunities. Housing Secretary Scott Turner said, "Even if Wells Fargo did not violate the law, its practice of dividing Americans based on race is immoral, unethical and un-American." HUD is also reviewing similar initiatives at other financial institutions, indicating that the investigation could form part of a broader examination of race-focused lending programs. The probe marks a significant shift in federal housing enforcement under the Trump administration's crackdown on diversity initiatives.
ECONOMY & MENTAL HEALTH — When Trump eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and empowered Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to gut the federal workforce in February and March 2025, thousands of Black women lost their jobs, dismantling a longtime pipeline that helped lift D.C.'s majority-Black community into the middle class. At its lowest point in April 2025, employment was almost 50% reduced for Black women, with little effect for other groups. More than a year after being fired from her position as a grant management specialist, one federal worker is struggling to stay strong and keep the faith, as the constant strain has taken a toll on her mental health. The psychological toll extends beyond job loss, revealing deeper trauma around loss of community and identity.
Michael Jordan donated $10 million to UNC's School of Social Work in honor of his mother, Deloris P. Jordan, the school's largest-ever single gift, which will expand the Jordan Institute for Families and establish scholarships for Master of Social Work students.
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Wish's program provides grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 to Black-owned brick-and-mortar stores with 20 or fewer employees. The application process is straightforward, and recipients join Wish Local, a mobile shopping app, to expand their customer reach.
Visit Business →Open to all U.S.-based small businesses who can demonstrate an impact on their community. Fourth-quarter applications are currently open, providing a timely opportunity for entrepreneurs to access funding.
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