AURN News

Nicki Minaj is drawing sharp criticism after appearing at a conservative Turning Point USA conference and publicly praising President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The moment sparked intense debate online and led to a Change.org petition calling for immigration officials to review her residency status — despite Minaj being a U.S. citizen. We break down the backlash, the politics and what it says about celebrity influence in a polarized climate. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. military has confirmed another deadly boat strike in the eastern Pacific, bringing the total to 30 since early September. The Trump administration says the campaign targets drug trafficking operations, but has offered little public evidence. As details remain scarce, lawmakers are pressing the White House and Pentagon for greater transparency and accountability over the growing death toll. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration says it will direct $2 billion to United Nations humanitarian aid programs while pulling back billions in broader foreign assistance. Officials argue the shift increases oversight and efficiency, but critics warn it could slow urgent relief as famine expands in parts of Sudan and Gaza. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christmas travel is booming, with millions expected to fly or drive for the holiday. Airports are warning of long security lines, while lower gas prices are sending more families onto the roads. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to return more than $230 million in Homeland Security and FEMA funding that had been withheld from states with sanctuary policies. The judge ruled the cuts were arbitrary and lacked a legal basis, emphasizing the money supports critical public safety and emergency preparedness programs. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Supreme Court has blocked President Donald Trump from sending National Guard troops into Chicago, keeping a lower court order in place. The justices ruled the administration failed to show legal authority to federalize the Guard for immigration enforcement or crowd control, while three conservative justices dissented. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another tranche of records tied to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein has been released, drawing renewed scrutiny after earlier disclosures were heavily redacted. The documents include references to Donald Trump, according to a previously undisclosed internal email, as the U.S. Department of Justice pushes back on what it calls untrue and sensationalistic claims circulating online. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The U.S. Department of Justice has filed new lawsuits against several states over access to voter registration data, citing federal law and election integrity. Critics warn the move could threaten voter privacy and lead to a national voter database. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump used a nationally televised address to blame Democrats and the Biden administration for inflation, border security and economic struggles, while claiming historic successes under his leadership. But key economic indicators and ongoing challenges for working-class families, particularly in Black and brown communities, raise serious questions about the accuracy of those claims. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show Black unemployment has climbed to 8.3%, the highest rate among all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., even as overall unemployment remains far lower. The figures come as concerns grow about the labor market and the Federal Reserve weighs inflation against employment risks. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company:https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maryland lawmakers have overridden a veto from Gov. Wes Moore, clearing the way for a new slavery reparations commission. The panel will examine historic government actions tied to segregation, redlining, and racial wealth disparities, and could recommend financial and policy remedies. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donna Summer, widely known as the Queen of Disco, has been posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, honoring her work as a songwriter who helped reshape popular music. The induction ceremony took place in Los Angeles, with her family in attendance.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump has expanded the U.S. travel ban to include several African and Middle Eastern countries, tightening visa rules and imposing new restrictions. The White House says the move is about national security, but critics argue the policy disproportionately affects Black and brown travelers.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Department of Education is ending the SAVE student loan repayment plan, a program introduced under President Joe Biden to ease repayment and provide debt relief. Republicans argue the plan was illegal and misleading, while critics warn Black borrowers — who already carry significantly higher student debt — will be hit hardest by the change.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mariah Carey's holiday anthem “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has rewritten the Billboard record books, earning its 20th week at No. 1 on the Hot 100 — the longest reign in chart history. The milestone also makes Carey the first artist to top the chart across four different decades.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former U.S. attorneys are sounding the alarm over what they describe as unprecedented political interference inside the Justice Department. Speaking at the Speak Up for Justice Forum, prosecutors warned that the Trump administration is pressuring prosecutors, attacking judges and undermining the independence of the justice system. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Black Joy Market brought families and entrepreneurs together in Plano, Texas, as Black-owned businesses navigate a statewide DEI crackdown. Organized by Puzzles of Color, the event featured local vendors, music, food and photos with Black Santa — all aimed at celebrating community and supporting small businesses.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carl Carlton, the Detroit-born funk and R&B singer best known for the 1981 classic “She's a Bad Mama Jama,” has died at the age of 72. Carlton rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “I Can Feel It” and his top-10 cover of “Everlasting Love.” His decades-long career left a lasting mark on Black music and popular culture.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two students are dead and nine others were wounded after a mass shooting at Brown University. Police say no suspect is in custody as investigators continue to search for answers. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats in Congress have released a new batch of declassified photos showing Jeffrey Epstein with high-profile figures at his properties, fueling renewed calls for transparency. Republicans call the move a political stunt, noting that many images were already public and offer no proof of wrongdoing.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Federal Reserve has issued its second consecutive quarter-point rate cut, signaling growing concern about the direction of the U.S. economy. Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned that labor-market conditions are cooling, inflation risks remain elevated and new data suggests the workforce is losing momentum — with artificial intelligence continuing to shape employment trends.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater launched its 2025–26 season with a Dec. 3 gala led by Honorary Chair Colman Domingo and Honored Guest Ciara. Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack ushered in the company's next chapter while honoring the legacy of Judith Jamison and founder Alvin Ailey. The evening featured works including Blink of an Eye, A Case of You, Grace, and the iconic Revelations.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump's approval rating continues to fall as Americans express deeper concern about the U.S. economy. A new AP-NORC poll shows declines across the board — including among independents and Republicans — with most adults now saying the economy is in poor shape. The survey was conducted December 4–8 with 1,146 adults nationwide.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A U.S. district judge ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement cannot detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia, citing due process concerns and the absence of a final deportation order. The decision follows a complicated legal saga involving a wrongful deportation, a Supreme Court order to return him, and new federal charges he denies. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace is pushing new legislation that would rename Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House after Charlie Kirk, citing his influence on free speech. The proposal comes as the nation continues to grapple with political division and competing narratives about recent events. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, born on this day in 1926, delivered one of the most powerful voices in blues history. Her original recording of “Hound Dog” topped the R&B charts and influenced generations, even as she never received the credit or royalties she deserved.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from directing California National Guard troops in Los Angeles, calling the deployment an illegal overreach. The ruling restores control to Gov. Gavin Newsom and state leaders while the White House prepares an appeal.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rod Paige, the nation's first Black secretary of education and a driving force behind the No Child Left Behind Act, has died at 92. Appointed by President George W. Bush, Paige helped shape one of the most consequential — and controversial — federal education laws in modern history.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump shifted a planned affordability speech into a stream of false claims about inflation and tariffs, while also targeting Somali and other Black and brown migrants with racist tropes. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration has removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the National Park Service's 2026 fee-free days while adding former President Donald Trump's birthday. The Interior Department also announced steep fee hikes for non-U.S. residents.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump says he is sending $12 billion in federal aid to farmers harmed by trade disputes and new tariffs. Democrats warn the plan papers over a trade war that hurt farmers, while some Republicans say subsidies can't replace sound policy.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, leans into criticism from President Donald Trump, using his repeated insults as the soundtrack to her new Senate campaign ad. Crockett's message centers on resilience, political pushback and channeling attacks into motivation for her supporters. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rep. Jasmine Crockett is entering the race for U.S. Senate in Texas, challenging the long-held Republican seat currently occupied by Sen. John Cornyn. Her announcement follows GOP-led mid-decade redistricting that reshaped Democratic districts in North Texas. Crockett aims to turn the race into a referendum on gerrymandering and Texas' political future. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed Texas to move forward with a contested congressional map that civil rights groups say weakens Black and Latino voting power. The stay in Abbott v. LULAC lets the state use its newly drawn districts while the case proceeds. Critics — including members of the Congressional Black Caucus — say the ruling greenlights racial gerrymandering ahead of the 2026 midterms. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this day in 1925, Sammy Davis Jr. — one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century — was born. Rising from vaudeville to global fame, Davis dazzled as a dancer, singer and actor, joined Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack and appeared in iconic films such as Ocean's 11. His career earned him numerous honors, including a Kennedy Center Honor. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CDC vaccine advisers have voted to end universal newborn Hepatitis B vaccination and move to a high‑risk‑only approach. Pediatricians warn this reversal of a decades‑old policy could increase infant infections and undermine progress made since the 1990s. Critics say ACIP is ignoring long‑established evidence that universal vaccination prevents mother‑to‑child transmission. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new Politico poll shows that affordability concerns are rising nationwide, with 46% of respondents saying the cost of living is the worst they can remember. Many voters — including more than a third of Trump supporters — attribute the problem to President Donald Trump. The hardest expenses to afford include groceries, housing, health care and utilities. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big Sean and Usher are investing $1 million to create a digital production hub for Detroit youth inside Michigan Central's new Boys & Girls Club. The Detroit Entertainment Innovation Incubator will include a virtual production studio, special effects lab and creator-focused spaces. The project aims to give young Detroiters tools, mentorship and opportunities to pursue creative careers without leaving the city. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly five years after pipe bombs were planted outside the DNC and RNC headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, federal authorities have arrested Brian Cole of Virginia as the prime suspect. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges related to the use of an explosive device, with more possible as the investigation continues. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. job market is showing fresh signs of strain as employers announced more than 71,000 layoffs in November — a 24% increase from last year — according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Through November, job cuts have risen 54% compared to 2023, reaching their highest level since the height of the pandemic. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Navy Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley is set to face sharp bipartisan questioning over a deadly double‑tap strike on a suspected drug‑running boat in the Caribbean. Lawmakers are examining why survivors in the water were treated as hostile targets and whether the mission crossed legal boundaries. Human rights advocates warn the United States risks losing moral authority when wounded individuals are struck. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this day in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. was founded at Cornell University, becoming the first Black fraternity in the United States. The Seven Jewels created a brotherhood dedicated to scholarship, leadership and service. Today, Alpha Phi Alpha has more than 900 chapters across the globe and counts leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall among its members. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A newly released Department of Homeland Security memo confirms the Trump administration has frozen more than 1.4 million asylum cases and paused green card and naturalization processing for people from 19 countries labeled high risk. Officials must re-review past approvals and reopen cases when necessary. DHS cites recent terrorism cases as justification for overhauling its vetting procedures. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump issued a surprise pardon to Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, following their 2024 federal indictments. Trump claimed the couple was unfairly targeted by the Biden administration and accused federal prosecutors of political motivations. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Trump administration from carrying out warrantless immigration arrests. Judge Beryl Howell ruled that agents must obtain warrants or demonstrate probable cause, citing evidence of indiscriminate enforcement practices. The ruling also requires detailed documentation of any future warrantless arrests. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senators from both parties are pressing the Pentagon after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered conflicting explanations about a reported second strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean. Lawmakers are seeking details on who authorized the mission, its legal basis and any recordings from the operation. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new Pew Research Center survey shows that 78% of Americans believe elected officials should avoid using heated or aggressive language because it could encourage some people to commit violent acts. Support for toning down rhetoric has increased across both parties, including a significant shift among Republicans since 2019.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sen. Cory Booker and Alexis Lewis celebrated a second wedding ceremony in Washington, D.C., surrounded by family and guided by blessings from both a rabbi and a pastor. The celebration followed their legal marriage days earlier in Newark.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senators from both parties are raising alarms after reports that U.S. Special Operations forces conducted a second strike on survivors of a drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean. The incident, first revealed by The Washington Post, has prompted questions about whether the order could constitute a war crime. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A major federal appeals court delivered a setback to President Donald Trump's effort to install loyalists inside the Justice Department, disqualifying Alina Habba from serving as New Jersey's top federal prosecutor. Judges cited violations of federal vacancy laws, improper firings and title reshuffling. The decision marks the second Trump-installed prosecutor blocked in one week.Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices