Black Men and College, Cory Booker Makes History, Tariff Fallout, YouTubers Take Hollywood, and more.

Good morning. It’s Sunday, April 6.

Today, we are covering the fallout from Donald Trump’s tariffs, TikTok’s 75-day extension, Cory Booker’s 25-hour speech, young people fighting cancer, and more. Before diving into that, I wanted to share some thoughts on the growing online conversation around the lack of Black men pursing college education.

The conversation surrounding the declining number of Black men going to college has sparked growing concern, and for good reason. A recent article in The New York Times highlights the alarming fact that Black men now make up just 19% of students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), down from 38% in 1976. This decline is not just a college issue—it’s an economic one. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, college graduates earn 67% more than those without a degree, with Black men facing an even wider gap. The decline in enrollment is linked to factors such as financial barriers, lack of mentorship, and negative societal perceptions about Black men’s academic potential. These barriers contribute to fewer Black men pursuing higher education, perpetuating cycles of limited economic mobility.

To address this, a nationwide effort is needed to create systemic support that helps Black men see college as a viable pathway. This includes increasing the number of Black male teachers at the K-12 level, expanding mentorship opportunities through local organizations, alumni networks, and churches, and significantly expanding financial aid programs targeted specifically toward Black men. College readiness programs must begin early, and colleges should intensify their recruitment efforts, focusing on outreach starting in middle school and promoting scholarship opportunities. And once these men are in college, a supportive environment is crucial to reduce attrition. Colleges should offer counseling, affinity groups, and mental health resources tailored to the unique pressures Black male students face. Media campaigns that highlight the success stories of Black men in college can also help shift cultural attitudes, making higher education seem more attainable.

Additionally, colleges need to shift from a scarcity mindset to one focused on abundance. This means expanding class sizes, increasing funding for continuing education including skilled trades, building more dorms, and lowering costs to make higher education accessible to all. Over the last 25 years, the cost of higher education has skyrocketed, with the average annual cost of tuition at public institutions rising by over 200%. These rising costs, coupled with an uncertain job market, make the decision to pursue a degree seem more like a gamble than ever. The average college graduate now leaves school with $30,000 in student loan debt, and Black students often carry even more. Compounding this, the job market is becoming increasingly unpredictable with the rise of AI and automation, which are expected to replace up to 30% of jobs in the coming decades. This creates heightened competition for fewer positions. For Black men, who already face barriers to employment, this leads to even more uncertainty.

Although college remains the most reliable route to economic mobility, we need strong alternatives, such as vocational training and apprenticeships, that provide clear career paths without the financial burden of a degree. Vocational training programs, particularly in fields like plumbing, electrical work, welding, and HVAC, offer high earning potential with far less debt than a traditional four-year degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians have median annual wages that range from $50,000 to over $70,000, often with excellent benefits and job security. Moreover, there is a growing demand for these skilled workers, with many industries facing significant labor shortages. In fact, a report by the National Skills Coalition projects that by 2028, the U.S. will need an additional 6 million workers in skilled trades due to retiring Baby Boomers and increased infrastructure needs.

The point is, this must be a both-and approach to move Black men into higher economic prospects. Living a life of dignity where you can afford housing, healthcare, food, to send your kids to college, and build a future better than the generation before you should not be a gamble—it should be a guarantee for those who sign the social contract of working hard, playing by the rules, and contributing to society.

At Good Diet, we’re committed to earning your trust by delivering credible, reliable, and thoughtful news. Let us know what you love, what you’d like to see more or less of, or any other suggestions you may have. You can send feedback directly to me at [email protected].

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Best,

Rashad Drakeford

Co-Founder & Publisher, Good Diet

TikTok Gets More Time

President Trump has granted TikTok another 75-day extension, buying the platform a little more time as U.S. companies, lawmakers, and international stakeholders hash out what happens next. The delay reflects growing tension between national security priorities and the realities of modern digital culture. With 170 million American users and billions of ad dollars on the line, the fight over TikTok isn’t just about China—it’s about power, data, and who gets to shape the future of the internet.

• Why This Matters: TikTok was initially set to shut down in the U.S. after ByteDance refused to divest ownership under a 2024 law targeting foreign-controlled apps. This 75-day reprieve—Trump’s second since January—keeps the app alive while opening the door for potential U.S. acquisition. But without a deal, the ban is still very much on the table.

• Big Names Circling: Companies like Oracle, Amazon, and Blackstone are reportedly exploring ways to acquire or support TikTok's U.S. operations. Oracle is the frontrunner, largely due to its past data partnership with TikTok, but any deal would need to overcome major hurdles—particularly China’s tight grip on the app’s core algorithm.

• Public Opinion Is Shifting: Only 34% of Americans still support banning TikTok, a steep drop from 50% in 2023. While legal experts say the latest executive order is likely to hold, that shift in sentiment could shape how aggressively future administrations push enforcement—or whether they back off entirely.

Billions in Education Now Tied to Politics

In a dramatic escalation of its campaign against diversity initiatives, the Trump administration is moving to cut or withhold billions in federal funding from universities and schools that continue to support DEI programs. Prestigious institutions like Harvard, Brown, and Columbia are already feeling the pressure—facing grant reviews, delayed disbursements, and in some cases, hundreds of millions in funding losses. The message is clear: schools must align with a new federal vision on race, equity, and protest—or risk losing critical resources.

• Harvard Under Federal Microscope: The administration has launched a sweeping review of Harvard’s federal contracts and grants, which total roughly $8.9 billion. The move follows claims that the university has failed to respond adequately to campus antisemitism, and it's now being pushed to dismantle DEI offices and restrict student protest activity.

• Brown Already Feeling the Heat: Brown University has reportedly had over $500 million in federal funds withheld, signaling that this isn’t just political theater—it’s already impacting institutional budgets. The administration has made it clear that continuing to support DEI programs could come at a steep financial cost.

• K-12 Schools Aren’t Immune: The administration’s agenda extends to elementary and secondary education as well, requiring schools to certify that they’ve eliminated what the administration calls “discriminatory” DEI practices. If they don’t comply, essential funding streams like Title I—which supports low-income schools—could be slashed.

Tariffs, Trade Wars, and the Price of “Economic Independence”

President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs—ranging from 10% to 50% on imports from key U.S. trading partners—signal a dramatic turn away from decades of globalization. His administration calls it a "declaration of economic independence," but economists warn that everyday Americans could feel the biggest pinch, especially low- and middle-income families. With prices projected to spike and growth predicted to slow, the question isn’t just whether these policies will work—it’s who’s going to pay for them.

• Household Budgets Will Feel It First: According to Yale’s Budget Lab, these tariffs could cost the average U.S. household an extra $3,800 per year. While wealthier families will pay more in total, the financial hit will disproportionately affect low-income households, where those costs represent a much larger share of their budgets.

• Prices Are Set to Rise Across the Board: We’re looking at clothing prices increasing up to 17%, fresh produce rising by 4%, and vehicle prices jumping over 8%, or about $4,000 per car. These increases aren’t abstract—they hit the grocery store, the mall, and the dealership, directly affecting how folks live and spend.

• Slower Growth, Higher Inflation on the Horizon: Oxford Economics forecasts inflation nearing 4% and GDP growth slowing to 1.4% this year if the tariffs stay in place. The Budget Lab similarly expects a 1% drop in economic growth, making these tariffs one of the most significant economic disruptions in modern trade policy.

• Stock Market Declines, Investor Sentiment Worsens: President Trump's new tariffs sparked a volatile week for global stock markets. Over the course of the week ending April 5, 2025, the Nasdaq Composite dropped by nearly 12%, marking one of its largest weekly declines in recent history. The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average also saw significant drops, falling 8.5% and 7.2%, respectively, which erased over $3 trillion in market value. With fears of an economic slowdown mounting, experts are warning that this volatility could impact retirement savings, particularly for those invested in 401(k)s, and are advising caution as they navigate the uncertain financial landscape.

The World Reacts to Trump’s Tariffs

The world economy is reeling as President Trump’s new tariffs on major trading partners set off a chain reaction of retaliatory measures and concerns over economic stability. Starting April 5, the United States will implement a universal 10% tariff on all goods entering the country, with individual tariffs for countries like China, the EU, and India going into effect soon after. While some nations, like the UK and Mexico, were spared the worst, the broader trade war is already creating severe disruptions to markets, with analysts predicting lasting effects on global supply chains and consumer prices.

• China’s Strong Retaliation Plan: China has been hit with a 34% tariff on top of existing levies, bringing the total tax burden on Chinese goods to over 50%. In response, China’s Commerce Ministry has vowed strong countermeasures, including reciprocal tariffs on U.S. imports, devaluing its currency, and tightening restrictions on the export of critical rare earth materials to the U.S. These moves are aimed at offsetting the trade imbalance, especially in high-value industries such as technology and automotive manufacturing. Additionally, Beijing is likely to target U.S. companies operating in China, further escalating tensions between the two economic giants.

• European Union’s Unified Retaliation Strategy: The European Union has been hit with a 20% tariff on its goods, prompting a strong response from the bloc. EU officials have threatened to retaliate by targeting U.S. exports, particularly focusing on sectors such as agriculture and technology, with high-profile companies like Amazon and Google potentially facing new taxes. The European Commission has also hinted at increasing tariffs on American services, particularly tech and digital services, which make up a large portion of the U.S. economy. European countries are positioning themselves to be unified in their approach, signaling a coordinated response to minimize the economic damage from Trump’s tariffs.

• Asia Struggles with U.S. Tariff Impositions: Several Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and India, are bracing for the economic fallout from the new tariffs. South Korea, facing a 25% tariff on automotive exports, is preparing to take action by ramping up efforts to find alternative markets and possibly negotiating new trade deals to counterbalance the impact. Japan has expressed strong disapproval, with the government stating that the tariffs are “extremely regrettable,” but has refrained from retaliating directly. However, analysts predict Japan may target specific U.S. products such as autos and electronics. India, meanwhile, faces a 27% tariff and is exploring reciprocal measures, including reducing tariffs on U.S. goods like pharmaceuticals, gems, and jewelry, in an attempt to ease the trade deficit and avoid further disruptions to its economy.

Senator Cory Booker’s Historic 25-Hour Speech: A Physical Feat and Political Statement

Senator Cory Booker’s 25-hour speech on the Senate floor has become a symbol of physical endurance in the political world. While Booker’s dedication to the cause was evident, his decision to stand for over a full day without food, water, or bathroom breaks raises serious concerns about the impact such extreme behavior can have on health. From dehydration to cognitive strain, Booker’s feat highlights the physical risks and limitations of pushing the human body to its extreme limits.

• Dehydration and Its Consequences: Booker’s decision to go without water for nearly three days during his speech led to significant dehydration, which can result in a variety of health issues. Dehydration can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, and even dizziness, as the body struggles to maintain proper function without the necessary fluids. Medical experts caution that prolonged dehydration increases the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections, conditions that can cause long-term damage if not addressed.

• Physical Strain from Standing for Extended Periods: Standing without rest for hours on end can have serious consequences for the body. Experts say that prolonged standing increases the pressure on the back, hips, and legs, potentially leading to muscle fatigue, joint pain, and soreness. This constant strain on the body can also impede circulation, leading to blood pooling in the lower extremities and making it harder for the heart to efficiently pump blood, which may cause dizziness and lightheadedness.

• Social Media Buzz and Fundraising Success: Booker’s marathon speech did more than just showcase his physical endurance—it also propelled him into the national spotlight, amplifying his message in a way that traditional speeches rarely achieve. The speech went viral across multiple platforms, with his TikTok livestream receiving over 350 million likes, and his debut video attracting 7.5 million views and 1.3 million likes. This viral attention translated into substantial political gains, with Booker's campaign raising over $1 million in just 48 hours post-speech, demonstrating the power of combining personal sacrifice with a compelling political message to galvanize both support and funding.

Fresh Air: Celebrating 20 Years of ‘The Office’ (Listen)

“It's been 20 years since the debut of NBC's hit mockumentary sitcom The Office. To celebrate the anniversary, we're listening back to Terry Gross' archival interviews with some of the key players: Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, Mindy Kaling and executive producer Greg Daniels. We'll also hear from Ricky Gervais, who co-created and starred the original British version.”

The Journal: The Fight Over Fluoride (Listen)

“For decades, the majority of Americans have been drinking tap water with added fluoride to improve oral health. But WSJ’s Kris Maher says that backlash to fluoride is spreading. Nearly 20 communities have halted the practice since October and Utah has now banned adding fluoride to water across the state. This comes after a landmark ruling by a federal judge that the mineral poses an “unreasonable” risk, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spoken out against it. Ryan Knutson hosts.”

The Gray Area: Stop Comparing Yourself to AI (Listen)

“Why do we keep comparing AI to humans? Jaron Lanier — virtual reality pioneer, digital philosopher, and the author of several best-selling books on technology — thinks that we should stop. In his view, technology is only valuable if it has beneficiaries. So instead of asking "What can AI do?," we should be asking, "What can AI do for us?" In today’s episode, Jaron and Sean discuss a humanist approach to AI and how changing our understanding of AI tools could change how we use, develop, and improve them.”

The Town: Why YouTubers Are Having a Hollywood Moment (Listen)

“Matt is joined by Dude Perfect CEO Andrew Yaffe to talk about the state of the creator economy and why popular YouTube stars are starting to partner with streamers. He outlines how a popular YouTube channel makes its money, the limitations of YouTube, the benefit of partnering with traditional Hollywood studios, and why Hollywood is growing more interested in YouTube stars.”

Today, Explained: Why Young People Are Getting Cancer (Listen)

“It’s not just Dwyane Wade, James Van Der Beek, and Kate Middleton; younger and younger people are getting cancer more and more. Vox’s Dylan Scott lays out what we know, and Kate Zickel explains how she survived cancer with hope intact.”