student loan forgiveness, fresh start program, idk, forgiveness, Connecticut student loans

by Mitti Hicks

September 30, 2025

Some Student Loan Borrowers Could Face Hefty Tax Bill If Education Dept. Fails To Act

According to the Department of Education in an August court filing, more than 1 million Income Driven Repayment (IDR) plans are pending as of July 31.

Delays and hefty tax bills threatens millions of student loan borrowers as changes to repayment and forgiveness under the Trump administration face delays.

As Investopedia reports, the Department of Education temporarily paused loan forgiveness under all income-driven repayment (IDR) plans to comply with a court ruling from earlier this year. Borrowers who qualify for forgiveness under IDR plans are now waiting for the Education Department to approve the forgiveness before sweeping changes begin on January 1, 2026.

The temporary tax rule approved by President Joe Biden ends at the end of 2025. According to CNBC, IDR plans will once again be taxable because the 2021 provision in the American Rescue Plan that made forgiveness tax-free is set to expire. This means borrowers seeking forgiveness under those plans could face thousands in tax bills, depending on the amount forgiven, if they’re not approved by the end of the year.

The current tax rule is written in a way that borrowers will have to pay taxes on the amount forgiven, even if they reach the required payments in 2025.

Millions of Student Loan Borrowers Waiting For Forgiveness

There is currently a backlog for processing income-driven repayment applications and filings for debt forgiveness. According to the Department of Education, in an August court filing, more than 1 million IDR plans are pending as of July 31. There are also over 72,000 Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) requests for credit toward forgiveness coming from extra payments.

The backlogs prompted the American Federation of Teachers to amend a previously filed complaint into a class action on Sept. 17. According to Business Insider, the federation is urging the Education Department to cancel loans for borrowers who met their payment threshold for their repayment plans or PSLF.

“At this rate, borrowers may have to wait years to receive the benefits that Congress directed should be provided to them,” the filing said.

Trump, Black History Month, Tiger Woods, grants, whitney Plantation,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 30, 2025

Trump Announces 100% Tariffs On Movies Made Outside The U.S.

Trump is looking to impose 100% tariffs on foreign made films.

Donald Trump believes the U.S. film industry has been “stolen,” and he plans to fix the issue by imposing a 100% tariff on foreign-made movies.

On Sept. 29, the Commander in Chief used his Truth Social platform to launch his latest U.S.-based attack, this time on Hollywood and foreign films imported into the country. Echoing threats he first made in May, Trump’s stance against the film industry could upend Hollywood’s global business model on a massive scale, Reuters reports.

”Our movie-making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing candy from a baby,” Trump wrote.

Donald Trump announces a 100% tariff on all films made outside of the U.S. pic.twitter.com/KWMxuQ4rXi
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 29, 2025

He took aim at California Gov. Gavin Newsom, calling him “weak and incompetent” and claiming the state, home to Hollywood, has been “hard hit” by foreign films.

”Therefore, in order to solve this long time, never ending problem, I will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any and all movies made outside the United States,” Trump declared.

It remains unclear what legal authority Trump has to impose a 100% tariff on foreign-made films, but the move highlights his willingness to expand his tariff war into cultural industries and place tariffs on a service rather than a good. The move creates uncertainty for studios that rely on international co-productions and box-office revenue, and could result in the cost being passed down to consumers.

“There is too much uncertainty, and this latest move raises more questions than answers,” said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore. “For now, as things stand, costs are likely to increase, and this will inevitably be passed on to consumers.”

When Trump first floated tariffs on foreign films, a coalition of U.S. film unions and guilds urged him in a letter to instead back tax incentives for domestic production through a congressional reconciliation package. The Motion Picture Association reports the industry posted a $15.3 billion trade surplus in 2023, fueled by $22.6 billion in exports.

“On first blush, it’s shocking and would represent a virtually complete halt of production,” one industry insider said at the time. “But in reality, he has no jurisdiction to do this, and it’s too complex to enforce.”

Movie ticket sales in the U.S. continue to decline amid inflation, fewer theatrical releases since the pandemic, and a shift in consumer preference toward streaming. Trump’s film tariff proposal adds to a growing list of targeted industries, including a 100% tariff on branded drugs (with some exceptions), a 25% tariff on heavy trucks, a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities, and a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture.

by Kandiss Edwards

September 30, 2025

A-Town Stomp Down To Atlanta’s First Municipal Market

Azalea Fresh Market is a public-private venture run by the city.

Atlanta opened its first municipal grocery store, Azalea Fresh Market, to combat growing food insecurity in the city.

Azalea Fresh Market is a public-private venture run by the city of Atlanta. Located in the Olympia Building in downtown Atlanta, the market was created in partnership with Invest Atlanta and Savi Provisions.

In a statement, Invest Atlanta wrote about the significance of the project. A projected 5,500 residents will be served each month. Additionally, Invest Atlanta President and CEO Eloisa Klementich anticipates that the economic impact will exceed $6 million annually.

“The opening of the city’s first municipal grocery store will not only enhance access to fresh, affordable food but also stimulate local job growth and continue to invigorate the Downtown economy,” says Klementich. “This initiative is another example of Atlanta leading the way in addressing food access and food insecurity with a new grocery store model that will foster sustainable community development and enrich the lives of local residents.”

Mayor Andre Dickens called the Azalea Fresh Market a key part of his administration’s commitment to expand access to fresh and affordable food across the city.

“Our Administration made a commitment to expand access to fresh food across the city, and Azalea Fresh Market is a significant milestone in ensuring healthy, whole neighborhoods,” Dickens said in a statement. “This grocery store is not just a place to shop—it is a community hub that will serve neighborhood residents, support Georgia grown products and promote healthier lifestyles as we continue to revitalize Downtown.”

Azalea Fresh Market occupies two levels in the Olympia building. The ground floor is designated for groceries and home staples. The upper floor hosts prepared foods, an in-store coffee shop, and community seating. Furthermore, Azalea Fresh Market includes a sushi counter by High Roller Sushi and a Dope Coffee café.

The Azalea Fresh Market is only one part of a broader vision for Atlanta. The city has allocated more than $8 million to open municipal grocery locations in underserved districts.

Azalea Fresh Market aims to fill a void while also serving as a community hub. Atlanta officials expect future store locations in Southwest Atlanta and the West End, with openings planned for late 2025. If those succeed, the model could be replicated across more areas with limited access to groceries.

DoorDash, New York, tips, prices, fees, NYC

by Kandiss Edwards

September 30, 2025

DoorDash Driver Thwarts Potential Kidnapping After Receiving Suspicious Order

While the unnamed driver acted on instinct, Amazon is training its employees to be first responders.

An unnamed DoorDash driver saved a hostage when he received an order containing a hatchet, zip ties, and other suspicious items.

The Sweetwater Police Department in Texas released a statement describing the incident. On Sept. 22, the delivery driver grew concerned when hired to deliver multiple items, which include garbage bags, zip ties, bleach, and a hatchet.

Erring on the side of caution, the DoorDasher alerted management at the Sweetwater Inn, who then called local law enforcement.

Niel Cooper, 42, who was barricaded in his motel room, was identified as the suspect. After determining Cooper did indeed have a hostage, police began attempts at communication. The alleged kidnapper’s refusal to comply with police requests led to hostage negotiations.

“A crisis negotiator from the Texas Department of Public Safety arrived on scene and successfully negotiated Cooper’s peaceful surrender,” the statement read.

Cooper and his unnamed hostage were both arrested on multiple charges. The hostage was taken into custody due to a pending warrant, Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, issued by the Snyder Police Department. Cooper was arrested and charged with Aggravated Kidnapping, as well as two active Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 warrants.

This is not the first time a delivery driver has been at the forefront of an emergency. In April, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on a pilot program run by Amazon in Europe. The pilot is testing whether delivery drivers can do more than drop off packages. Amazon hopes to train its employees to be first responders in cardiac emergencies.

Through a program called Project Pulse, some Amazon vans in Europe were equipped with defibrillators, which allow drivers to respond to nearby alerts of cardiac arrest.

The drivers in the pilot underwent basic first aid and CPR training. They also connected with local citizen responder networks that notify nearby volunteers. If alerted, Amazon drivers would proceed to the scene, even if emergency medical services were already handling it.

Amazon stated that the trials lasted for months and is “evaluating the feedback and exploring additional opportunities for future programs.”

FAMU, Florida A and M University,DI, Black History Month

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 30, 2025

FAMU Announcer Issues Apology After Offensive Remarks Toward ASU Dance Team Sting On Social Media

Bullard has held the position as the voice of FAMU's Marching 100 band since 1975 with the 2025-2026 season being his 50th.

Florida A&M University (FAMU) band announcer Joe Bullard has backpedaled and apologized for his offensive remarks made during a game against Alabama State University (ASU), where he referred to the Honey Beez dance team as “the new face of Ozempic.”

The incident took place Sept. 27 during halftime of a football game between the Rattlers and Hornets on FAMU’s home turf at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee. After the ASU Honey Beez — a team known for its full-figured dancers — took to the field to perform, Bullard called them “the new face of Ozempic,” referring to the popular type 2 diabetes medication sold for weight loss purposes.

https://twitter.com/ebknowing/status/1972361762365415714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1972361762365415714%7Ctwgr%5E96bbba122cc3b40a73c4d6b6af1874ddb9097303%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tallahassee.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Ffamu-news%2F2025%2F09%2F29%2Ffamu-react-as-joe-bullard-ozempic-drama-swirls-marva-johnson-asu-football-honey-beez%2F86424839007%2F

The commentary elicited “ohhs” and “ahhs” from the crowd, but as the video began to circulate on social media, Bullard was stung even more. In his apology, he admits that his comments were “hurtful and disrespectful,” and while there is a culture of playful competitive banter among HBCUs, Bullard knows he crossed the line. “My comments directed toward the ASU Honey Beez were meant as lighthearted banter, but I now recognize that they came across in a way that was hurtful and disrespectful,” he wrote.

“For that, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt apologies: first and foremost to the ASU Honey Beez, to Alabama State University, to the Alabama State University Marching Band, to Florida A&M University, and to the fans and supporters of both institutions who were in attendance, or anyone else who heard my words. To anyone who was offended, I am truly sorry,” he said, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.

“Friendly competition and playful jesting have long been a part of HBCU band culture, but I have come to understand that my words crossed a line. My intention was never to belittle or disrespect the incredible young people who represent our schools with such grace, talent, and pride. They are the embodiment of our culture, and they deserve nothing less than our full respect.”

Bullard has held the position as the voice of the FAMU Marching 100 band since 1975, marking his 50th season with the band during the 2025-2026 season. Throughout his career, he has been honored with the key to the city in both Quincy and Tallahassee, and inducted into FAMU’s Hall of Fame and the National Black Radio Hall of Fame.

On social media, his comments were labeled as “disgusting.” “Disgusting behavior, especially at times like this, when we are supposed to be united. SMH,” @lanaisbananaas wrote on X.

Disgusting behavior especially at times like this when we are suppose to be united. SMH
— Lana (@lanaisbananaas) September 28, 2025

Other users referred to his comments as “dehumanizing” and “fatphobic” and called for FAMU to fire Bullard regardless of his apology. “He should be relieved of his duties. Effectively immediately,” @ImJustBrandi said.

https://twitter.com/ImJustBrandi/status/1972338704330194994

According to Yahoo! Sports, the Honey Beez were established in 2004 and have gained popularity for their unique offerings in HBCU athletics. The team has been featured on the TV show Bama State Style and received its own spin-off during the 2019-2020 season. In defense of the team, ASU Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. released a statement highlighting the group’s hard work and emphasizing that they should not be subjected to disrespect.

“The Honey Beez, along with the Mighty Marching Hornets, dedicate countless hours to their craft to deliver the unforgettable, show-stopping performances that embody the pride and excellence of Alabama State University. To have their artistry disrespected after such a performance is absolutely unacceptable,” he wrote.

“As President of this great institution, I stand firmly with the Honey Beez, the Mighty Marching Hornets, and our entire student body. Honey Beez, please know that you are celebrated, valued, and admired for the joy you bring to the Hornet Nation, and also for the bold and fearless way you represent the very best of ASU. Continue to shine, because your light cannot be dimmed by negativity.”

Caring Beyond Hospital Walls: Selassie Fynn On The Business Of Home Health Care

by Kandiss Edwards

September 30, 2025

Caring Beyond Hospital Walls: Selassie Fynn On The Business Of Home Health Care

As the director of nursing, at GAD Home Health Care, Selassie Fynn serves patients across multiple counties in Georgia.

Selassie Fynn began her career as a registered nurse. She thought her path would stay within the walls of hospitals. Instead, a conversation two decades ago introduced her to home healthcare. The field would eventually reshape her life.

Today, as director of nursing at GAD Home Health Care, she serves patients across multiple counties in Georgia. Her passion for the elderly is palpable. As a Ghanaian native, she aims to take GAD international. Fynn spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE about the mounting elderly care crisis, providing patients with more than just “wound care,” and the barriers to accessing home health.

What led you to delve deeply into the home healthcare industry, as opposed to a more traditional hospital route?

I had no idea about home health. Then somebody approached me about 20 years ago and said, “I want to start a home health company, but I need a nurse. Can you just put your license on my documents?” I said no, but that piqued my interest.

Fast forward to 2017, my younger brother said, “I know years ago you wanted to start this. What if we go into it together?” I told him I would do nursing, but I didn’t know anything about administration. He said he would handle that part. That’s how our company started.

Once you began, what did you notice about the differences between home health and hospital nursing?

When I began visiting people’s homes, I realized how vulnerable they were. I felt like I was doing more than I could on the hospital floor. When you go into the house, it’s not just about the medicine. It feels holistic.

What are some of the most overlooked challenges in home healthcare?

The biggest challenge is that you often go in for one thing, such as wound care, but end up doing everything else. Many patients, especially older ones, are alone. They may not have the money to pay someone even to sit with them for a few hours or to clean the house. There are not enough resources to fill those gaps.

As the director of nurses, how do you recruit and prepare caregivers who may face those environments?

Most people we hire already have experience in home health. For new nurses, it can be a shock, but if you have the compassion and passion to do the job, it only takes a few visits to adjust.

How far does your reach extend in the state of Georgia?

We serve 15 counties.

There have been many cuts to insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. Has your company felt an impact from that?

Yes. Fortunately, we started with private pay. Medicaid is very difficult to qualify for. Even with coverage, patients are limited. Someone might need a whole year of care, but Medicare only covers 60 days of care. Those who can afford it pay privately.

Can you share more about your international vision?

My goal is to start a home health company in Ghana. Twenty years ago, there was nothing like that. However, migration has changed things — families are being separated, and people struggle to find quality care for their relatives back home. I’ve seen friends here trying to hire caregivers in Ghana and hearing horrible stories. Additionally, I collaborate with a network in Georgia to distribute health supplies to hospitals in Ghana.

What do you most want people to understand about caring for the elderly?

Our elders are not the same as they were when we were raised. They no longer have the strength they once had. We need to give them grace.

I’ve seen children get impatient — telling their mom to hurry up when she’s struggling to get out of bed. She cannot hurry. She is doing what she can. We need patience, compassion, and to spend more time with them, because loneliness is a real issue.

Fynn’s journey from hospital nursing to home health has been shaped by compassion, resilience and a belief in dignity for every patient. Whether serving families across Georgia or preparing to expand into Ghana, she is committed to creating care systems rooted in patience, community, and love, ensuring that no elder is forgotten and every home has hope.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 30, 2025

Prosecutors Demand 11+ Years For Diddy’s Upcoming Prison Sentence

The government wants the judge to give the mogul a sentence of "at least 135 months' imprisonment," along with a fine of $500,000.

As we draw closer to the sentencing date for Sean Combs, AKA Diddy, after the former Bad Boy CEO was convicted on two charges for violating the Mann Act, federal prosecutors have requested that the entertainment mogul receive a sentence of “at least 135 months’ imprisonment,” along with a fine of $500,000.

According to The Associated Press, the prosecution’s requests follow Diddy’s attorneys’ statement in court papers that he should be allowed to leave prison after being incarcerated for more than a year leading up to his trial. On July 3, a jury found him guilty of the Mann Act violation: “the offense of knowingly transporting any individual, male or female, in interstate or foreign commerce or in any territory or possession of the United States for prostitution or sexual activity which is a criminal offense under the federal or state statute or local ordinance,” according to the Department of Justice. Still, it acquitted the “No Way Out” music producer of federal charges of sex trafficking and operating a criminal enterprise.

The mogul is scheduled to learn his fate Oct. 3 in Manhattan, before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. In asking for the more than 11-year sentence, prosecutors stated, “His crimes of conviction are serious and have warranted sentences over ten years in multiple cases for defendants who, like Sean Combs, engaged in violence and put others in fear.”

Defense attorneys for Diddy have stated that he is a changed man since his incarceration and has realized that his overuse of drugs contributed to the violent acts he has been accused of committing. However, the prosecution countered that he is “unrepentant” and although Diddy conceded his acts of violence and abuse throughout his trial, “incredibly, … he now argues that his victims should shoulder the blame.”

The maximum sentence for each charge is 10 years, as he faces a total of 20 years for the two charges for which he was found guilty.

Diddy has been locked up in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center for over a year following his Sept. 16, 2024, arrest.

Quincy Wilson, Olympics, Track, mens 4 x 400, mens, Richardson, Paris olympics, track and field

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 30, 2025

Ethiopian Distance Runner Shewarge Alene Dies At Training Camp At Age 30

The recent winner of the Stockholm Marathon passed away during training camp at age 30.

Shewarge Alene, the Ethiopian distance runner who won the 2025 adidas Stockholm Marathon, has died while at training camp.

Alene, 30, fell ill while training in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, on Sept. 23 and died after being taken to the hospital, according to a Facebook post from African Athletics United. Her passing comes just months after she claimed victory at the Stockholm Marathon in May, finishing with a time of 2:30:38.

Alene devoted her life to running. After growing up in Ethiopia, she moved to New York City in her late teens to chase a professional career. Throughout 26 marathon appearances, she secured 12 victories and nine additional podium finishes, with her most recent win at the 2025 adidas Stockholm Marathon.

She recorded her personal best at the 2023 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in South Africa, finishing third with a time of 2:27:26. Alene reportedly had been living in Mexico but was in Addis Ababa for a training camp when she began feeling weak and fatigued during a session.

Following news of her passing, Stockholm Marathon organizers issued a statement honoring Alene and mourning her loss.

“It is with deep sorrow that we have received the news of the passing of Shewarge Alene, winner of the adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025,” race organizers wrote on Facebook. “Shewarge Alene became unwell during a training session and was taken to the hospital, where sadly her life could not be saved. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”

Fans from around the world shared their grief while also celebrating Alene’s legacy and the inspiration she gave to the world of sports.

“Rest in peace, Shewsrge Alene Amare. Your strength, determination, and passion for running inspired so many around the globe💔,” one fan wrote.

“Such a tragic loss, may she rest in peace x,” added someone else.

by Kandiss Edwards

September 30, 2025

‘Reading Rainbow’ Returns With ‘Mychal The Librarian’ As Host

Mychal "The Librarian' Threets brings content creation and library knowledge to the show.

Reading Rainbow is being revived on YouTube with a new host, the beloved internet and real-life librarian Mychal Threets.

The new iteration of Reading Rainbow will appear as a digital series on YouTube’s kids’ platform, KidZuko. Threets, known as “Mychal The Librarian,” made the announcement across his social media platforms. The new episodes are slated to air on Saturdays at 7 a.m. PST/10 a.m. EST, beginning Oct. 4. In a TikTok post, Mychal announced the reboot.

He captioned the post, “Reading Rainbow is returning with all-new episodes … That means new friends, new projects and, of course, new books.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@mychal3ts/video/7555513247856676127?_r=1&_t=ZT-9099eydCLmA

The reboot is star-studded. Along with Mychal the Librarian, celebrity guests and narrators are scheduled to appear. Amongst the line-up are Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Adam DeVine, Gabrielle Union, and Bellen Woodard.

Threets brings both experience in content creation and library knowledge to the show. A former librarian in Solano County, California, Threets built an online presence as a literacy advocate. He stepped down from his role at the public library in 2024 to focus on his mental health and now serves as PBS’s “resident librarian.”

Reading Rainbow first aired on PBS from 1983 to 2006 under longtime host LeVar Burton. Burton set a high bar for educational children’s programming. The original show was viewed as an important tool in combating summer learning loss and expanding children’s access to books. New resources for literacy are sorely needed as the nation’s reading proficiency continues to decline.

“In 2024, the average reading score for the nation at grade 12 was 3 points lower than in 2019. Compared to the first reading assessment in 1992, the average score was 10 points lower in 2024,” according to the Nation’s Report Card, conducted by the NAEP. With federal funding for public broadcasting under fire, the success of educational programs on free digital platforms is vital.

The Fearless Fund Re-Emerges After Anti-DEI Settlement And Goes Global

by Kandiss Edwards

September 30, 2025

The Fearless Fund Re-Emerges After Anti-DEI Settlement And Goes Global

The Fearless Fund is ready to start anew.

The Fearless Fund says it will not retreat just one year after settling a high-profile lawsuit that accused the Atlanta-based venture capital firm of discriminatory grant practices. Instead, the firm is expanding its mission globally and launching a new initiative aimed at influencing policy as well as investment.

On Sept. 28, Fearless Fund hosted its first major event since the case came to a close, unveiling what the organization calls the Fearless Global Initiative. Approximately 150 attendees gathered in New York, including U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Liberian Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, and civil rights attorney Ben Crump, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“I knew that it wasn’t just as simple as having a fund. It was literally, we’re going to have to get policies to change,” Founder and CEO Arian Simone told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Simone framed the expansion as necessary in an era where many organizations are retreating from diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

Now, the company is moving forward with the Fearless Global Initiative. The initiative prioritizes “demographic equity,” a concept that would align funding, contracts, and investment flows more closely with population demographics.

Demographic equity means “the demographics of the people must match the demographics of the contracts, the investing and the funding allocations,” the Fearless founder said.

“This is (as) good for the white Kentucky coal miner as it is the Latino California farmworker. Demographic equity means delivering the resources, the financial support at a scale that reflects the population. This is something we can all get behind.”

Fearless Fund was sued in 2023 by the conservative group American Alliance of Equal Rights over a small-business grant contest that favored women of color. The plaintiffs alleged the program unfairly excluded non-Black applicants. The firm and its nonprofit arm settled the suit last year. The company no longer offers that specific grant funding.

The firm continues its core investment work, and since the lawsuit, it has maintained support for its portfolio companies, as well as a small business loan program launched last year. Still, Simone acknowledges that the legal battle forced restraint as it delayed raising a second venture fund.

Additionally, the company experienced a drop in corporate sponsors. Before the lawsuit, the firm typically had 20 major corporate backers in a given year. This year, it secured three: UPS, JPMorgan Chase, and Costco.

The ordeal has been “hell” according to Simone, but the founder also stressed that the firm remains committed.

“Just because we decided to be audacious and cut million-dollar checks to Black women, it caused a serious disruption in this country,” Simone said.