Small Business Administration Loan Approvals Are ‘Surging’
Manufacturing being a target comes from the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative launched by the agency in March 2025.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released data that shows manufacturing loans, the 7(a) business loan, are being approved in big numbers under the Trump administration for small businesses, Entrepreneur reports.
Seventy-four percent more business owners were approved for the flagship program in the first 90 days of President Donald Trump’s administration, in comparison to the first 90 days of the Biden-Harris administration in 2021. The loan gives business-owners the opportunity to buy real estate, purchase machinery, and receive furniture and supplies. It also guarantees up to 85% of 7(a) loans of $150,000 or less, and 75% of loans above $150,000.
Manufacturing being a target comes from the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative launched by the agency in March 2025 last month, with a goal to eliminate $100 billion worth of regulations to provide manufacturers with the opportunity to create a pipeline of skilled workers to take on jobs.
Between Jan. 20 to Apr. 17, the SBA approved over 1,120 7(a) manufacturing loans, racking up a total of $677 million. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler called it a sign of growth. “Loan applications and approvals for small manufacturers are surging — a clear sign that American manufacturing is roaring back,” she said. The agency approved less than 650 loans back in 2021.
However, the SBA was doing just as well when former President Joe Biden was in office. With 21 million new business applications filed during his term, Biden held the title of the most new business applications of any Presidential administration, according to Globe News Wire. The Biden-Harris Administration oversaw the fastest rate of new business applications on record, with an average of more than 440,000 applications being filed by entrepreneurs every month. The numbers showed a rate over 90% faster than pre-COVID-19 averages.
Former SBA Administrator Guzman labeled the numbers as the team being able to “meet small businesses and startups where they are with the resources they need to start, grow, and thrive.”
A combination of tax cuts, deregulation, and trade policies such as tariffs up to 145% on imports from China, and a blanket tariff of 10% for other countries, is the way Trump has promoted his Made In America initiative. He highlighted his plans in his March 2025 Congress address. “As part of our tax cuts, we want to cut taxes on domestic production and all manufacturing,” Trump said.
Deemed an important element of the economy, the SBA’s Office of Advocacy highlighted how close to 98% of American manufacturers are labeled as small businesses and employ 4.8 million U.S. workers as a whole.
NAACP Responds To ‘Colored Only’ And ‘Whites Only’ Sign At Georgia School
A teacher at Honey Creek Elementary in Rockdale County used the signs as teaching materials.
The NAACP has denounced the appearance of “For Whites Only” and “For Colored Only” signs at a Rockdale County elementary school.
The incident occurred at Honey Creek Elementary School and has sparked widespread outrage after a teacher posted the signs as part of a history lesson, Fox 5 reported.
The NAACP’s Georgia State Conference issued a statement condemning the act, describing it as an “act of ignorance” that harks back to the era of segregation. The organization called for comprehensive measures to address the incident, including a thorough investigation, appropriate disciplinary actions, and implementing educational programs to prevent future occurrences.
The Georgia NAACP and The Rockdale County NAACP are appalled and heartbroken by the deeply disturbing incident at a Rockdale County school, where a water fountain was defaced with a sign reading ‘White Only.’ This isn’t just an act of ignorance—it’s a chilling echo of our nation’s darkest chapters. It is a stark reminder that the legacy of segregation is not history for many—it is still a lived reality.”
According to school officials, the signs were discovered on April 14 and were promptly removed. The unnamed teacher hung the signs as part of a lesson on Ruby Bridges. Honey Creek administrators claim the signs were not included in the educator’s lesson plans. The materials were displayed without prior knowledge.
“Please know that this activity was not included in the teacher’s submitted lesson plans and was not approved by school administration. While we do not believe there was ill intent, we do expect all faculty to follow the plans that are submitted and approved,” the school stated in an email.
In 2022, Warner Robins High School officials removed signs reading “Whites here” and “Colored here” from above water fountains. The student responsible was identified and dealt with, though the school did not elaborate on the disciplinary measures taken.
The NAACP and other civil rights organizations continue to advocate for policies and practices that promote equity and respect within educational institutions.
The Rockdale County School District has pledged to review its policies and provide additional training to staff and students to prevent similar incidents in the future. Community leaders and parents also call for open forums to discuss the impact of such actions and develop strategies for fostering a more inclusive school environment.
Former Detroit CFO Takes Accountability With His 19-Year Prison Sentence
Before his sentencing, Smith stood before the court to read a statement of remorse, calling his moves selfish.
Just days after officials from Detroit Riverfront Conservancy requested that former chief financial officer William Smith receive the maximum 20-year sentence for what prosecutors called one of the largest and most expensive criminal schemes in Detroit’s history, the judge handed him a 19-year sentence, the Detroit Free Press reports.
U.S. District Court Judge Susan DeClercq ordered Smith, 52, to serve 19 years in federal prison on April 24 and pay $48.1 million in restitution. The payment will be split between $43.1 million to the conservancy and $5 million to Citizens Bank. Before his sentencing, Smith stood before the court to read a statement of remorse, calling his moves selfish. “My actions were wrong, plain and simple,” he said.
“I recognize I allowed selfishness, pride and poor judgment to lead me down a destructive path.”
Smith will be allowed to stay out on bond until his time to self-report to prison.
The former nonprofit leader pled guilty in late 2024 to one count each of wire fraud and money laundering for a massive scheme that expanded for more than a decade right under the noses of some of the city’s most powerful business and government leaders. Conservancy officials called the ex-CFO scheme “truly evil” and said it diminished the nonprofit’s reputation. Smith continued his prepared remarks, stating, “Someday I hope to be able to earn back the trust that I lost and make a meaningful contribution to the riverfront.”
That is what conservancy officials hoped for the nonprofit with a maximum 20-year sentence, helping to rebuild faith and community trust. “We are emerging from this episode with a bright future,” conservancy CEO Ryan Sullivan said in a statement.
Prosecutors pushed for an 18-year sentence, while Smith’s legal team hoped for 12½ to 15½ years. However, DeClercq correlated Smith’s scheme with the city’s decline and post-bankruptcy rebound. “You stole from an organization dedicated to serving a city that had already felt the sting of corruption and the loss of jobs, people, and businesses,” the judge said.
“Detroit’s nonprofit community will be feeling this loss for a long time.”
She continued to point out that donations submitted to assist the nonprofit recover stolen funds “had to be diverted from other nonprofits and initiatives.”
Following Smith’s sentencing, according to CBS News, the conservancy released a statement on its former employee’s sentencing, saying, “We move forward to a bright future” and thanking Judge DeClercq. “The U.S. government accurately described him as a man of ‘corrupt and depraved character’ who, through a complex web of deception, stole millions of dollars from an institution responsible for leading the revival of Detroit’s riverfront from an industrial wasteland to being voted the best riverwalk for three consecutive years,” the statement read.
“The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy will continue to pursue all criminal and civil court avenues to reclaim assets he stole from this community. Meanwhile, our focus is on an exciting series of developments as we secure the future of the nation’s greatest riverwalk.”
Trump Tells His Friend Putin To ‘STOP!’ Following Deadly Attacks On Kyiv
When a reporter asked Trump if he thinks Putin will listen to him, he said, "I do, yeah."
Overnight Russian attacks on districts and residential areas in Kyiv — the capital city of Ukraine — resulted in President Doanld Trump telling Russian President Vladimir Putin to “STOP!,” ABC News reported.
Following the deadly attacks that took the lives of close to 12 and injured over 100 people, Trump issued a directive on his social media app Truth Social to his colleague to stop the violence. “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing,” Trump said.
“Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
Russia attacked Kyiv with a massive amount of missiles and drones for hours, labeling it the deadliest assault on the city since July 2024, according to the Associated Press. The president has expressed frustration with the U.S.-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia which has not made progress. When a reporter asked Trump if he thinks Putin will listen to him, he said, “I do, yeah.”
In a clip circulating on X, Trump claimed that he would have the Russia-Ukraine war ended in the first 24 hours of his term. Social media users compared it to his post publicly calling for Putin to stop, close to 100 days in.
Left: Trump bragging that he'll stop the Russia-Ukraine war 'in 24 hours' of his term
During a visit to South Africa, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russia’s attack on Kyiv one of the war’s most “intense and brazen,” just one day after Trump lashed out at him. Trump accused Zelenskyy of prolonging the “killing field” by not accepting a potential peace plan. Trump said he has a “deadline” for negotiations to achieve a peace deal for the war and wants it fast. “So we are thinking that very strongly that they both want peace, but they have to get to the table,” he said at the White House April 24.
“We’re waiting a long time. They have to get them to the table. And I think we’re going to get peace.”
Following the Kyiv strike, Zelenskyy admitted that he doesn’t see strong enough pressure from the U.S. on Russia. Trump said the Ukrainian president refuses to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimean Peninsula as part of a potential deal. “We believe that with greater pressure on the Russian Federation, we will be able to bring our sides closer, if you like. Although we are close,” he said.
Kyiv’s mayor declared a day of mourning in memory of the victims of the attack on the capital April 25.
Trump Rescinds HBCU Support: A Dismantling Of Opportunity For Our Youth
It is important to note that while HBCUs primarily serve Black students, they are not exclusively Black institutions
The Trump administration’s recent decision to rescind the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), formalized in Executive Order 14041 of September 3, 2021, represents a grave disservice to American higher education and a direct affront to the aspirations of Black students.
The move, detailed in an April 23 White House order, threatens to undermine the progress and potential of institutions that have been vital to the advancement of African Americans for generations.
The stated purpose of the now-revoked Executive Order 14041 was to “elevate the value and impact of our Nation’s HBCUs as beacons of educational excellence and economic opportunity.”
The executive order, signed initially by former President Joe Biden, aimed to support HBCUs in providing “the highest-quality education,” obtaining “equal opportunities for participation in Federal programs,” and empowering college-educated Americans. The rescinding of the order signals a stark departure from these goals.
HBCUs were established in the 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when Black Americans were largely excluded from mainstream institutions of higher learning. These universities and colleges provided access to education, fostered intellectual development, and cultivated leadership within our community. These institutions of higher learning have played an integral role in producing a significant portion of the nation’s Black doctors, lawyers, engineers, and public servants.
While Executive Order 14041 emphasized support for HBCUs, its revocation raised critical concerns about the administration’s commitment to these schools and the students they serve.
Trump’s new executive order establishes the “White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.” Its mission includes increasing private-sector roles to strengthen HBCUs and enhance their capabilities to serve young adults. It also calls for collaboration between agencies to enhance HBCUs’ competitiveness for federal research and development funding, as well as convening an annual White House Summit on HBCUs.
However, the revocation of Executive Order 14041 casts a shadow over these stated intentions.
The impact of this decision will be felt most acutely by Black students. For many, HBCUs offer a unique and supportive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and cultural identity. These institutions have a proven track record of success in educating and graduating Black students, often at rates higher than predominantly white institutions. A 2020 study by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) found that HBCUs graduate Black students at a rate of 47%, compared to 39% at non-HBCUs.
Furthermore, HBCUs play a critical role in awarding degrees in STEM fields to African American students. According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) award 24% of all bachelor’s degrees earned by Black students in STEM fields. The data is particularly significant given the underrepresentation of Black professionals in these crucial sectors.
The claim that this order will “continue the work begun” to elevate HBCUs rings hollow in the face of the decision to revoke a prior executive order centered on the same goals. The claim that HBCUs provide a pathway to a career and a better life, while true, is undermined by policies that threaten their institutional stability.
While the order states that the Trump administration’s policy is to support HBCUs in “advancing America’s full potential” and “fostering more and better opportunities in higher education,” the actual consequences of this order may be quite the opposite.
It is also important to note that while HBCUs primarily serve Black students, they are not exclusively Black institutions. According to BestColleges.com, non-Black students accounted for approximately 30% of all students enrolled at HBCUs in 2022.
HBCUs have been valuable resources for a diverse student body, contributing to the broader educational landscape of the United States. The rescinding of this initiative, therefore, not only affects Black students but also has ramifications for other minority groups who seek and find success at these institutions.
The potential ramifications of Trump’s decision extend beyond the students themselves. HBCUs frequently serve as anchor institutions in their communities, providing employment opportunities, cultural resources, and economic stimuli. Weakening these institutions can have a ripple effect, negatively impacting the economic and social well-being of the surrounding areas.
Furthermore, this decision conveys a damaging message about the value placed on Black education and Black institutions by the highest levels of government. It suggests a lack of understanding or concern for the historical injustices that led to the creation of HBCUs, and the continued challenges faced by Black students in accessing and succeeding in higher education.
The language of the order, filled with promises of support and enhancement, stands in stark contrast to the concrete action of revoking a dedicated initiative. The emphasis on “private-sector” involvement raises concerns about the potential for the further corporatization of higher education, which could lead to increased tuition costs and decreased accessibility for low-income students, a demographic heavily represented at HBCUs.
The establishment of the “President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs” within the Department of Education, as outlined in the order, is a potential step forward. However, its effectiveness will depend on the commitment of resources, the quality of its leadership, and the administration’s genuine willingness to heed its advice.
The assertion that this order will enhance the nation’s “global competitiveness” is dubious at best. A nation genuinely committed to global competitiveness would invest in its full spectrum of educational resources, including those that have historically served marginalized communities and continue to produce exceptional graduates.
The revocation represents more than a mere policy adjustment; it is a retreat from the fundamental principles of equity and inclusion that should underpin American education. The president’s decision will disproportionately harm Black students, undermine the vitality of HBCUs, and diminish the richness and diversity of American higher education.
The long-term consequences of this decision remain to be seen. It is therefore imperative that the public, policymakers, and advocates for higher education remain vigilant and vocal in their support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These institutions are not relics of the past; they are vital engines of opportunity and progress, and their continued success is indispensable to the future of American society. The struggle for educational equity is far from over, and this latest setback must serve as a call to action.
Known for her powerful performances in film and television, including her leading role in Hidden Figures, Henson will speak to the graduating class of Spelman College on May 18. Spelman College, a historically Black liberal arts college for women, has a long tradition of fostering leadership and academic excellence among Black women. Henson’s career achievements and her outspoken advocacy for mental health awareness through her Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation make her a compelling voice for the graduating class. Spelman College will also bestow an honorary doctorate in fine arts upon Henson, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts and her inspiring journey.
Dr. Cornell West, a distinguished intellectual public philosopher and social critic, will address the graduating students of Morehouse College on May 18. Morehouse College, a historically black college for men, boasts a legacy of producing influential leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. West, a former professor at Harvard University, Princeton University, and most recently Union Theological Seminary, is renowned for his insightful analyses on race, democracy, justice, and spirituality. His recent independent candidacy for president in the 2024 election, as well as his previous run in 2020 with the Green Party, have kept him a prominent voice in contemporary political discourse. [Insert Source Link about Dr. West’s Presidential Campaigns]. During the commencement ceremony, Morehouse College will also confer an honorary doctorate upon Dr. West, welcoming him into their esteemed brotherhood.
Usher, the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and dancer, will deliver the commencement address at Emory University on May 12. The Climax singer’s remarkable career in the music industry, his global influence, and his philanthropic work through his New Look Foundation make him an impactful speaker for the diverse student body at Emory.
These three commencement ceremonies promise to be significant events celebrating the achievements of the graduating students and featuring inspiring words from leaders in the arts, academia, and entertainment.
Flat-Earth Theorist Wiz Khalifa Says He Clocks $2M A Show
He also charges $250,000 to appear on another artist's song as a featured guest
Pennsylvania rapper Wiz Khalifa recently revealed on a podcast that he still earns up to $2 million to perform at a show.
The “Black and Yellow” lyricist still commands hefty fees, although his popularity may have fizzled a bit over the years. Khalifa, who is preparing for the release of his next project, Kush + Orange Juice 2, made the revelation on The Joe Budden Podcast.
Budden asked Khalifa about how much he earns today compared to when he had chart-topping singles.
“They’re still the same,” the rapper responded. He told the crew that he charges $250,000 to appear on another recording artist’s song as a feature.
When no one responded, a befuddled Khalifa asked, “Oh, you talking about a show or a verse?”
Budden said he was “shell-shocked” by the answer and clarified that he’s not referring to verses.
Khalifa said that $250,000 is just to lay down vocals on a recording, but that’s only for the verse. If there is a video appearance, he also charges a fee.
How much money is required to get him to perform at show?
“Shows honestly go up to, like, 2 ‘M’s.” That’s right: $2 million a show.
“I have worldwide songs,” Khalifa explained “I got stuff that people sing in China or Brazil or New Zealand and Thailand and Germany [and] Norway and stuff like Korea, you know what I’m saying?”
Wiz Khalifa says he charges $250,000 for a feature, and gets up to $2 Million per show 💰
Complex reported that on the same episode, Khalifa admitted to thinking the world is flat. When asked if the Earth was round, he responded, “I would say no, I just believe that we live on a flat plane.”
Snoop Dogg Looking for Dismissal of $107M Lawsuit Against Death Row Records
Attorneys for the global superstar said that her 'substantively frivolous' lawsuit is 'undeniably time-barred by the relevant statute of limitations'
In March, Lydia Harris, the former wife of Death Row Records co-founder Michael “Harry-O” Harris, filed a lawsuit against Snoop Dogg, Suge Knight, Interscope Records, Time Warner, and Universal Music Group.
Lydia Harris said the parties named in the suit have yet to pay her a $107 million judgment awarded to her in 2005 after she sued Knight and Death Row Records in 2002. She claims that she put up $1.5 million to start the label in 1989 but was never compensated—and was kept out of the profits when the label took off.
The current lawsuit states that Death Row (now owned by Snoop), Knight, Interscope, Time Warner, and Universal conspired not to pay her the earnings. Harris is requesting punitive damages, the recovery of assets owed to her, and a full accounting of the record label’s finances.
Snoop’s legal team has filed a motion to dismiss, claiming the current action exceeds the statute of limitations. They accused her of being a “bad faith litigant” who “continued a pattern of harassment in California for years and has now shifted her harassment to a new forum in Texas,” where she recently filed the paperwork.
Digital Music News reported that Lydia Harris admitted that she was given a “good-faith payment” from Knight after he declared bankruptcy for the label in 2008. Snoop’s lawyers said that the bankruptcy settlement resolved her claims and prevented her from seeking relief at a later time.
The attorneys added that her “substantively frivolous” lawsuit is “undeniably time-barred by the relevant statute of limitations,” citing that more than 20 years have passed since the March 9, 2005 judgment and the March 18, 2025 filing. The time period is “considerably outside the one-year statute of limitations.”
Texas State Bar Disinvites NAACP President From Juneteenth Event Over Trump Administration Lawsuit
Johnson was set to speak at the bar’s annual meeting in San Antonio for Juneteenth. However, the Texas State Bar disinvited Johnson because the NAACP is challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education.
The Texas State Bar has rescinded its Juneteenth invitation to NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson over the organization’s lawsuit against the Trump administration.
State Bar Executive Director Trey Apffel told The Hill that having Johnson speak violates new rules regarding speaking topics that the bar could consider political.
Apffel said the bar was unaware of the lawsuit until it began circulating in the press. As of 2023, the bar is required to limit what information it can communicate to issues related to the practice of law. The Texas Supreme Court has administrative control over the group. It has mandated the bar to stay clear of anything that is perceived as political or ideological, according to the Associated Press.
The bar views the NAACP’s lawsuit as a political move, as it is taking on the federal government.
In his statement to The Hill, Apffel added, “The State Bar of Texas is following these directives by choosing keynote speakers for its Annual Meeting who are not involved in active, high-profile political battles because to do otherwise could imply endorsement of their political views.”
Johnson Calls Out Texas State Bar For Hypocrisy
However, Johnson is calling out the bar for hypocrisy because the bar allowed U.S. Attorney General William Barr to speak at the 2023 annual meeting. Apffel claims that when Barr said in 2023, he was a former officeholder “whose role as the attorney general and thoughts on legal matters, both pro- and anti-Trump, were relevant to a legal audience.”
Johnson disagrees with the bar’s view on the lawsuit against the Trump administration.
“It is a case questioning whether or not there is constitutional authority for the president to take a certain action. That’s not political. That’s the job of lawyers. That is the job of the NAACP,” said Johnson.
Johnson said during a phone call in February with Apffel and other state bar leaders, he was asked not to make his speech political, to which he agreed. That’s why he’s shocked by the Texas State Bar’s decision.
“They have decided to censure free speech on notions of being political when it’s not political,” Johnson told The Associated Press. “This is the State Bar of Texas. These are lawyers who are sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States. And nothing about our actions is contrary to the very principles that they have sworn to uphold. And so, I find it ironic, to say the least, that a lawsuit would generate a rescission of the invitation.”
Spike Lee’s 40 Acres And A Mule Drops ‘Malcolm X’ And ‘Clockers’ Capsule With Supreme
Spike Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule fashion line returns in a bold new collaboration with Supreme
Supreme has teamed up with Spike Lee’s famed production company 40 Acres and a Mule for a capsule collection honoring two of Lee’s classic films, Malcolm X (1992) and Clockers (1995).
On April 23, Supreme unveiled the new apparel line on Instagram with a post honoring the legendary director-writer’s 40-year film legacy. The photos highlighted pieces from the collection, including a varsity jacket, baseball jersey, two T-shirts, and a 6-panel hat.
“With a career spanning directing, producing, screenwriting and acting, Spike Lee is one of the most celebrated and prolific filmmakers working today,” Supreme wrote.
Lee named his production after the unfulfilled promise made to newly freed slaves after the Civil War. Since its founding in 1979, 40 Acres and a Mule has produced countless documentaries, feature films, iconic commercials (including his ’80s Air Jordan ads), and influential music videos, including Public Enemy’s 1989 classic “Fight The Power.”
The Supreme collection marks a full-circle moment for Lee, who turned his 40 Acres and a Mule production brand into a fashion line in 1990. He launched “Spike’s Joint” retail stores in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, West Hollywood and a kiosk in Los Angeles’ Baldwin Hills mall.
These spots sold film-inspired gear like varsity jackets, sweaters, tees, and the iconic X Cap, made famous by Lee’s Oscar-nominated Malcolm X film starring Denzel Washington. Now, spanning over 30 years, Supreme is looking to reintroduce the fashion aspect of 40 Acres to a new generation while paying tribute to Lee’s significance in film.
“Across such widely varied films, Lee has boldly explored a complex landscape of social and political issues shaping American life–chiefly through the lens of Black histories, relationships, communities, and cultures,” Supreme wrote. “Perhaps more than any other filmmaker, Lee has captured the richness of Black experiences with unflinching narrative and visual style.”
The Supreme x 40 Acres collection drops online and in stores on April 24, with the Asia release set for Saturday, April 26.
