Josh Rodgers

U.S. District Judge Linda Taylor has halted the Trump administration’s proposal to freeze federal loans and grants. In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, January 28, Judge Taylor condemned the policy as “arbitrary and capricious,” pointing to language from the administration’s memo that failed to sufficiently justify the freeze or address its potential impact on millions of Americans. This decision is a significant development in a case closely watched by students, homeowners, and small business owners nationwide. According to the Associated Press, the White House memo, dated earlier this month, proposed suspending federal loan and grant disbursements to “mitigate fiscal risk” and “streamline budgetary concerns.” Judge Taylor, however, pointed to specific language in the memo that acknowledged the policy would lead to “temporary disruptions” in funding for programs supporting vulnerable populations. In her decision, she highlighted that the administration’s justification failed to...

Life is full of highs and lows, and the tech industry is no exception. One day, you’re riding the wave of record-breaking stock gains; the next, you’re watching billions evaporate as markets correct themselves. For NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, that reality hit hard in January 2025, as his net worth dropped by a staggering 20%. According to Business Insider, it went down from $121 billion to $100 billion, primarily driven by a downturn in NVIDIA’s stock amid broader market shifts. For Huang, whose wealth is heavily tied to the U.S. company he co-founded, this decline is a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the technology sector. But it’s not just about one man’s fortune — it’s a snapshot of the challenges facing tech giants as they navigate investor skepticism, geopolitical tensions, and the ever-changing landscape of artificial intelligence. NVIDIA’s Stock Struggles In A Shifting Market NVIDIA has become synonymous with the AI boom, providing the advanced hardware that powers...

UnitedHealth Group, one of the biggest players in U.S. healthcare, recently disclosed a significant cyberattack that compromised the personal data of nearly half the American population. The breach has left many questioning the security of sensitive health information in an increasingly digitized industry. To add to the complexity, the company has undergone a significant leadership transition, appointing Tim Noel as its new CEO during one of the most turbulent periods in UnitedHealth’s history. With millions of Americans watching, this moment could define the company’s legacy. How The UnitedHealth Cyberattack Exposed Sensitive Data Of Millions The cyberattack, as reported by The Detroit News, compromised sensitive information, including personal health records and financial data, affecting nearly 50% of the U.S. population. Cybersecurity experts have long flagged healthcare as a prime target for attacks due to the value of its data and the sector’s lagging security measures....

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is like the studio album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” — critically acclaimed by some, misunderstood by others, and a constant source of debate. Whether celebrated or criticized, DEI has become one of the most polarizing issues in corporate America. And let’s be honest: When companies start scaling back on DEI, it’s not just a boardroom shuffle — it’s a move that disproportionately impacts the Black community. This polarizing environment extends beyond corporate America. According to the Associated Press, President Donald Trump made waves with executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI programs within the federal government. Among these was the rescission of Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action for federal contractors, a policy originally designed to level the playing field for underrepresented groups, as well as nondiscrimination. In addition, DEI offices were defunded, DEI employees were laid off, diversity training...

Everyone loves a good story about a career “come-up,” and Shou Zi Chew has one that includes an unexpected stop: a brief internship at Meta (then called Facebook). While most know Chew as the CEO of TikTok, his career path holds some interesting twists that shaped the leader he is today. According to Fortune magazine, Chew spent a short stint at Meta in 2009 while at Harvard Business School. This was during a time of rapid growth for the company under founder Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership. For Chew, the experience offered a firsthand look at the challenges of scaling a tech platform globally. Immersed in the fast-paced environment, he gained valuable insights that would later influence his leadership approach. From Meta Intern To TikTok CEO Chew’s time at Meta may have been short, but it was an important stepping stone in his career. After completing his MBA at Harvard Business School, he went on to work at Goldman Sachs and later DST Global, where he contributed to securing...

In an unexpected twist, following President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration, Instagram and Facebook users began noticing their accounts automatically following official profiles of the new administration, including Vice President JD Vance and First Lady Melania Trump. For many, this raised alarms about their control over their social media accounts and Meta’s evolving relationship with political power. ‘I Didn’t Sign Up for This’: The Backlash According to Yahoo News, social media lit up with frustrated users who claimed their accounts were now following President Trump, Vice President Vance, and First Lady Melania without their consent. The sentiment was clear: users were uneasy, especially as trust in social media platforms continues to be scrutinized. Meta’s Explanation: Procedural or Problematic? Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, quickly responded, attributing the issue to standard procedure. According to the company, users who had previously followed the...

Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, is at the center of one of the most debated tech platforms in the world. Born and raised in Singapore, Chew’s career spans finance and tech leadership, bringing a mix of expertise and experience to the table as TikTok faces significant global challenges. From Singapore to Global Business According to Business Insider, Chew earned a degree in economics from University College London and later completed his MBA at Harvard Business School — he also interned at Facebook his first year at Harvard. He began his career at Goldman Sachs in investment banking before transitioning to DST Global, where he worked on major investments, including one in ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. Chew later served as chief financial officer of Xiaomi, a Chinese electronics company known for its affordable smartphone devices. During his tenure, Xiaomi expanded its global footprint and went public in 2018. His experience in managing high-growth companies positioned him for...

As the U.S. government inches closer to banning TikTok, its millions of American users are left with pressing questions: Will the app still work? What happens to creators and businesses that rely on it? And what’s the truth behind those rumors about Elon Musk buying the platform? Let’s break down what this potential ban means for TikTok users — and what steps they can take to prepare. Will TikTok Still Work After The Ban? If no one intervenes and the ban goes into effect, TikTok will be removed from app stores like Google Play and the Apple App Store. While current users may still have access to the app, CBS News reports that one likelihood is that they won’t receive updates, which will likely lead to significant performance issues over time. Without updates, key features like bug fixes, video uploads, editing tools, and personalized content recommendations may falter. There’s also the possibility that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) could block TikTok’s servers entirely, making...

Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. Remember when teachers used to warn us not to let one bad apple spoil the bunch? Now, amplify that idea by millions. Imagine the impact of that spoiled apple hitting some groups harder than others. That’s exactly what Black creators face with the looming TikTok in the United States. Like most things in the United States, when things go south, they disproportionately impact the Black community. And with Black creators having a history of overcoming barrier after barrier to have their content seen and valued, the removal of a major social platform will be catastrophic for some. TikTok: A Stage For The Unseen For Black creators, TikTok has been a platform that provided opportunities for visibility and reach that many creators couldn’t find elsewhere. It’s where viral dances, cultural commentary, and grassroots movements can exist side by side. It’s where creators like Khaby Lame, who broke barriers...

The workforce is shifting in ways we’ve never seen before, and 2025 is the year to be strategic. From AI jobs changing the future to frontline roles making a major comeback, the opportunities are out there — but thriving in this market requires more than just showing up. “It’s a fresh year, and I know the pressure’s on to hit the ground running,” says Andrew McCaskill. “The job market feels tough right now. Competition is fierce. Black professionals and people of color are facing some unique challenges, from systemic racism to limited access to mentors and sponsors. Despite the challenges, opportunity is still out there, and we always persevere. The key is to work smarter, not harder.” As we explored in a recent AFROTECH™ breakdown of workforce trends, industries like AI, travel, and healthcare are booming, offering new opportunities for professionals ready to pivot or grow. LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise 2025 report takes it a step further by spotlighting 25 of the fastest-growing...

If the workforce were a playlist, 2025 would give “Renaissance” by Beyoncé — a vibe shift, a reset, and a clear signal that the world of work is hitting some new high notes. The game is changing, and whether it’s artificial intelligence (AI) running point, the return of curated travel experiences, or frontline roles making a comeback, one thing is clear: opportunities are out here, but they won’t fall into your lap. For Black professionals, the stakes are high. Job competition is fierce, with 2.5 applicants per role compared to 1.5 in 2022. Confidence is shaky, and hiring managers ghost candidates like they forgot the assignment. However, according to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise 2025 report , nearly 60% of these roles are fresh on the scene, signaling change and opportunity. “Fields like AI, experiential industries, and frontline jobs are booming, offering fresh opportunities to break into spaces where we’ve historically been underrepresented,” says Andrew McCaskill. AI: The...

Equity-focused work may be a point of contention in today’s political environment, but it has not stopped the commitment of those dedicated to ensuring justice. Recently, Operation HOPE Inc. hosted its Hope Global Forums Annual Meeting. This convening brought together community stakeholders and influencers to discuss how to move into the future through economic, technological, and cultural advancements. During the meeting in Atlanta, GA, Hope Global Forum leader and CEO of Operation HOPE, John Hope Bryant, announced one of his goals to raise $100 million to fund the organization’s work of providing financial literacy and economic growth tools for individuals and small businesses. While providing his final remarks, Bryant confirmed that he is well on his way to receiving that fundraising amount through partners and corporations including Delta, Shopify, Truist, and Bishop T.D. Jakes. “Shopify, they’re ready for $60 million,” Bryant said. “Why did they do this? They are good people,...

A game changer is someone who, through their successful impact, changes the trajectory of an industry. In the world of live streaming, “Kai Cenat” and “game changer” have become synonymous. According to CNBC, the 22-year-old streamer reportedly shattered the boundaries of live streaming with his “Mafiathon 2,” a continuous 30-day broadcast that captivated millions and set a new Twitch subscriber record. “Mafiathon 2” was a subathon — a format where each new subscription extends the stream’s duration — broadcasting 24/7 throughout November 2024. By the conclusion of it, Cenat had 50 million unique viewers and an estimated 727,700 subscribers tuned in. Tech Times reports that this number surpasses the previous record of 326,250 held by virtual streamer Ironmouse. “I love y’all so much,” Cenat said during the concluding moments of the 30-day event, per Tech Times. “Without y’all, I am nothing.” Twitch subscriptions are typically priced at $4.99 per month, offering perks like ad-free...

“Houston, we have a problem” took on an entirely new meaning as AFROTECH™ Conference 2024 transformed the city into a hub of innovation and inspiration. Over 37,000 participants, 237 dynamic speakers, and 168 leading corporations came together to create a groundbreaking experience that redefined networking and collaboration. Over four electric days, Houston, TX, became the epicenter of innovation, wealth-building, and culture. From groundbreaking tech demos to impactful conversations on economic empowerment, AFROTECH™ delivers it all with unmatched innovation and purpose. Innovation At The Forefront This year’s conference lived up to its promise, showcasing the forefront of technological innovation. Attendees got a first-hand look at product demos from SnapChat, showcasing its latest hardware, and NVIDIA, which wowed the crowd with groundbreaking 3D imaging technology. The Learning Labs offered AI demonstrations and outlooks for the future, with Google unveiling its advanced Gemini...

In January 2023, Wes Moore became Maryland’s first Black governor as well as the 63rd person to serve in the state’s highest seat. Since his election, Moore has proposed several initiatives that his administration believes improve the overall quality of life for the state’s residents. During AFROTECH™ Conference 2024, Nov. 13-16, Moore brought some perspectives to the Innovation Stage , joining Jeff Nelson, co-founder and COO of Blavity Inc., for a fireside chat called “Work, Wages, and Wealth: State-Led Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact.” While there he discussed navigating Maryland’s political shift after a Republican administration and how his “work, wages, and wealth” mantra drives equitable economic growth. A core part of Moore’s administration is also working to fulfill his vision of making Maryland an innovation hub. Moore and his team have been building out that innovative approach since before the most recent election results. “We’ve been battle planning no matter what the...