AURN News

The Trump administration is proposing to eliminate a federal requirement that gives communities notice and a chance to comment before some pollution permits are issued. Activists warn the change could leave Black, low-income and overburdened neighborhoods with fewer opportunities to challenge new pollution. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A federal court battle in Boston could affect how states send mail-in ballots for the November midterms. Voting rights groups are challenging a new Postal Service system ordered by President Donald Trump, while the administration says the requirements are legal and would strengthen election security. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson has died at 70. The Jackson, Mississippi, native was celebrated for a career spanning jazz, blues, gospel and folk, and Jackson Mayor John Horhn praised her as "an extraordinary native daughter." Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NAACP has filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking details about the Department of Justice's planned deployment of more than 1,000 personnel during the midterms. The group wants information on locations, training, legal authority and how federal monitors will comply with state polling-place restrictions. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tarrant County commissioners have approved a plan cutting 92 Election Day polling sites, reducing the total from 316 in 2022 to 224 this year. Civil rights groups warn the closures could disproportionately affect Black and Latino communities as a competitive U.S. Senate race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico approaches. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

San Antonio Spurs veteran Harrison Barnes has invested $25 million of his own money to purchase Community State Bank in Paton, Iowa. The Iowa native studied finance at UNC and recently enrolled in the Iowa School for Banking while continuing his NBA career. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A federal whistleblower says USPS rushed development of a new ballot-processing system that could reject entire shipments if even one sampled barcode fails. The plan is temporarily blocked, with a major court hearing scheduled for Sept. 3. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duane Keith Davis was found guilty of first-degree murder for orchestrating the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas. Davis, the only person charged in the case, faces life in prison and has said he plans to appeal. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Donald Trump is meeting with oil refining executives at the White House as gasoline prices climb above $4 a gallon and diesel averages more than $5.60. The administration is seeking ideas to lower prices and expand refinery capacity as fuel costs become a growing economic and political concern. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Donald Trump is calling for federal action against NBC's Kristen Welker after she said his Republican primary endorsements had "some mixed results." The dispute is raising broader questions about press freedom, the FCC's authority and First Amendment protections. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new U.S.-Venezuela oil agreement calls for development of 17 oil fields and could bring roughly $100 billion in investment, but the full contract has not been released and key questions remain about ownership, control and how the deal will work. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colin Kaepernick will receive the Muhammad Ali Center's Humanitarian of the Year award at a Nov. 7 ceremony in Louisville. The center cited his advocacy against racial injustice and his work supporting underserved communities through initiatives including his Know Your Rights Camp. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Department of Homeland Security memo lays out a legal strategy that could place federalized National Guard troops under Title 10 authority and grant them immigration enforcement powers. Legal experts dispute the theory, while American Oversight warns it could have broader implications for domestic military enforcement. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At least 12 colleges have scaled back Black, African or African American studies programs since President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting diversity programs. Schools cite a mix of low enrollment, budget pressures, state laws and reduced funding, while supporters say politics is also driving the cuts. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hakeem Jeffries is joining the Rev. Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King and other civil rights leaders at the Lincoln Memorial for the Defend the Vote March, 63 years after the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Africa Business Investment Summit brought together African leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and members of the diaspora with a focus on turning discussion into deals, including a $500 million investment mandate. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Trump administration and Federal Reserve have withdrawn support for 2022 guidance encouraging special purpose credit programs designed to expand access to mortgages and other credit. The change comes as Census data show Black homeownership at 44%, compared with 75% for non-Hispanic white households. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Aug. 27, 2008, Barack Obama made history at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, becoming the first Black presidential nominee of a major U.S. political party. He accepted the nomination the following night and went on to become the nation's first Black president. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The March on Washington returns to the Lincoln Memorial with a renewed focus on voting rights, economic dignity and affordability. Organizers are calling on supporters to turn public protest into sustained political action 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dolly Parton's legacy stretched far beyond country music. From supporting Black Lives Matter and investing royalties from Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" in a predominantly Black Nashville neighborhood to challenging sexism through her music, Parton's choices reflected a broader commitment to dignity and opportunity. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dolly Parton, the country music legend behind "Jolene," "9 to 5" and "I Will Always Love You," has died at 80. Her career stretched across music, film and generations, from Whitney Houston's global hit to Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter." Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Supreme Court has allowed key parts of President Donald Trump's election order to move forward while litigation continues in the lower courts. The 6-3 decision turned on standing rather than the merits, drawing a sharp dissent from Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Legal Defense Fund is urging Congress to create an independent commission to examine suspicious Black deaths and questions surrounding local investigations. A separate report cited by LDF identified 70 possible modern-day lynching cases between 2000 and 2025 across seven Southern states. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced what the administration is calling Operation Economic Outcast, a new sanctions campaign targeting Iran-linked oil networks and sectors including digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Donald Trump has escalated the U.S.-Canada trade war, announcing that tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel will rise to 50% on Jan. 1, 2027. Canada is preparing retaliatory tariffs of its own as Prime Minister Mark Carney vows to respond dollar for dollar. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Actor Michael Wright, known for playing Eddie King Jr. in "The Five Heartbeats," has died at 70. Wright's career stretched from "The Wanderers" and "Streamers" to television roles in "V" and HBO's "Oz." Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SNAP participation has fallen by more than 5.5 million people compared with a year ago, dropping from 42.2 million recipients in May 2025 to 36.6 million in May 2026. Anti-hunger advocates warn that stricter work and reporting requirements may be pushing some eligible families off the program. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The first large U.S. deportation flight to Haiti since the end of temporary protected status arrived with more than 160 people. The flight landed in Cap-Haitien after officials avoided Port-au-Prince because of ongoing gang violence and security concerns. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charles Walker Sr., Georgia's first Black Senate majority leader, has died at 78. The longtime Augusta lawmaker spent two decades in the Georgia General Assembly, helped shape regional development and founded The Augusta Focus newspaper serving the city's Black community. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. national debt has crossed $40 trillion, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the country will need stronger economic growth to overcome the challenge. Bessent pushed back on parts of the debt figure and defended the administration's economic approach. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Protect Our Care estimates that 8 million Americans have lost Medicaid, CHIP or Affordable Care Act coverage, while more than 1,100 health care providers have closed, cut services or are considered at risk. The Congressional Budget Office projects the number of uninsured Americans will rise from 30 million this year to 37 million by 2036. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A visiting judge removed Judge John Roach from Karmelo Anthony's post-trial proceedings after finding that Roach's conduct could cause a reasonable observer to question his impartiality. Anthony's 35-year murder conviction still stands as he seeks a new trial. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon defeated Alex Vindman in a major Democratic U.S. Senate primary upset, winning nearly 56% of the vote despite being heavily outraised. Her victory made her the first DSA member to win a major-party nomination for statewide office in Florida. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bishop Rainey Cheeks, a longtime D.C. pastor and HIV/AIDS activist, has died at 74. Cheeks founded Inner Light Ministries and Us Helping Us, People Into Living, helping build support systems for Black LGBTQ communities in Washington. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Donald Trump cast his ballot by mail in Florida's Republican primary, marking the second time this year he has used mail voting in the state. His administration is still pushing for tighter national restrictions on the practice, including provisions that have been blocked by federal courts. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Justice Department is sending federal election monitors to polling sites in Miami-Dade County for Florida's primary, citing transparency, ballot security and compliance with federal law. The move comes as thousands of Haitians in South Florida have lost temporary protected status and face increased fear of detention and deportation. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NAACP's Office of General Counsel has joined attorney Ben Crump's legal team seeking answers, accountability and transparency in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. An independent autopsy listed both the cause and manner of his death as undetermined. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump's last-ditch request to reconsider the $5 million E. Jean Carroll case. The decision leaves intact the 2023 verdict finding Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and later defaming her. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The National Association of Black Journalists named five recipients of its 2026 "Thumbs Down" awards in Atlanta, including Stephen A. Smith, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS, The Washington Post and media executive DuJuan McCoy. Smith later pushed back on social media and promised a response. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Donald Trump dismissed concerns from families of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as the carrier's extended Middle East deployment stretches into its ninth month. Families have reported difficult conditions aboard the carrier, while the Pentagon says the USS George Washington is on the way to replace it. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The July Consumer Price Index rose 0.1%, with prices up 3.4% over the past year. While inflation is slowing, families are still facing high costs for rent, groceries, utilities, transportation and other everyday expenses. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

White House construction projects are now expected to cost more than $900 million. The East Wing ballroom estimate has climbed to $600 million, while other projects include a new helipad, visitor screening center and upgrades to underground facilities. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Potter's House is helping students across the Dallas-Fort Worth area prepare for college through scholarships, tuition support and dorm room makeovers for foster youth. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this day in 1948, Kathleen Battle was born in Portsmouth, Ohio. The acclaimed soprano went on to perform at the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall, win five Grammy Awards and bring Black spirituals to major concert stages. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump's mail-voting order nationwide, expanding an earlier injunction that covered 23 states and Washington, D.C. A separate challenge involving another part of the order remains before the Supreme Court. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Karoline Leavitt is set to step down as White House press secretary at the end of August. President Donald Trump says she will remain involved in his political operation as a top outside adviser. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new Idealis Advisory report finds 62% of U.S. workers are using generative AI on the job, with Black and Asian workers reporting some of the highest adoption rates. But company guidance is lagging, and many workers remain concerned about job security. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this day in 2002, Frederick D. Gregory was sworn in as NASA's first Black Deputy Administrator. Gregory's career included three space shuttle missions, becoming the first Black astronaut to command a shuttle mission and later becoming the first Black person to lead NASA. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Congressional Black Caucus is pressing the Justice Department for answers in the disappearance and death of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells. Lawmakers want to know whether a separate federal investigation, including a possible civil rights investigation, is warranted. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C., is set to continue through January 2029, raising new questions about cost, crime and the future of local home rule. The extended mission is projected to cost taxpayers $1.4 billion. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Simon Sinek tells AURN News that entrepreneurs who want to make an impact should build businesses like social movements, focus on purpose and community and resist the pressure to chase growth at all costs. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.