American Urban Radio Networks has been telling stories of Black America since 1973. AURN is the only Black-owned network with a bureau in the White House. Journalists Ebony McMorris, Clay Cane, Jamie Jackson, and Tanya Hart deliver stories of interest to our community. AURN News encapsulates updates from Capitol Hill, as well as This Day in History, health & wellness, finance, education, technology, and entertainment. More news and culture updates on aurn.com and @aurnonline on all social media platforms.
A 6-3 Supreme Court decision allows states to block Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood, threatening health care access for low-income women. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson warns the ruling undermines personal freedom. 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 June 19, the day the nation observes Juneteenth, President Donald Trump posted on social media decrying the "too many non-working holidays in America." Though he didn't mention it by name, the timing of the post was seen by many as a direct criticism of the holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This comes after the White House offered no formal observance of the day, a sharp contrast to celebrations held under the previous administration. 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
In an unprecedented move, the Trump administration's Justice Department is suing all 15 federal judges in Maryland. The lawsuit challenges a court order that temporarily pauses deportations, a measure intended to give people a chance to be heard in court. Critics are calling it a constitutional crisis as the administration turns the courts into political enemies. 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 June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges, legalizing same-sex marriage across the nation. Since then, more than 600,000 couples have tied the knot, but fears remain about the decision being overturned. A decade later, celebration is coupled with vigilance. 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
More than 85 protests are launching nationwide as part of the “Disappeared in America” campaign, confronting what organizers say is a pattern of secret deportations under the Trump administration. Advocates are defending due process and shining a light on the human toll of these tactics. 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 declared Iran's nuclear program “obliterated” following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, but a leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report paints a different picture. Key components — including centrifuges and enriched uranium — reportedly survived. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed the report, but analysts and satellite imagery suggest Iran anticipated the attack. 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 study from the University of California, San Francisco warns that marijuana use — even in edible form — may harm cardiovascular health. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the findings show vascular dysfunction in otherwise healthy users, raising concerns as cannabis use rises across the country. 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 is quietly bringing back hundreds of federal workers after laying them off through the Department of Government Efficiency. Agencies like the CDC and National Weather Service are now rehiring amid mounting safety and service concerns. Critics call the cuts dangerously short-sighted. 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
Just hours after celebrating a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social with a stark warning to Israeli forces: “DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS.” His plea followed reports of Israeli air activity and Iranian missile retaliation. As tensions escalate, Congress prepares for a closed-door briefing. 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 LendingTree study reveals that states with higher housing vacancy rates tend to have much lower median home values. The data highlight how empty homes can impact the broader housing market and signal deeper economic 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
On June 30, 1960, Patrice Lumumba formed Congo's first independent government. His leadership, though brief, left an enduring legacy as a symbol of African unity and anti-colonial struggle. 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
Iran launched missile strikes on U.S. forces in Qatar after President Trump ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating tensions in the region. Israel also intensified its bombing campaign, and Trump called for more domestic oil drilling. World leaders urge diplomacy — but is retaliation becoming the norm? 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's immigration enforcement program is under scrutiny as new data from the Cato Institute reveals that most ICE detainees since October 2024 had no criminal convictions. The report highlights a growing number of nonviolent, noncriminal individuals swept up in deportation efforts. 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 comments about regime change in Iran have reignited concerns over unchecked military action and political maneuvering. After U.S. strikes on nuclear sites, Trump took to social media calling Iran's regime ineffective. Critics say the lack of consultation with Congress signals a dangerous shift in foreign 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
Following President Trump's announcement of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez accused him of violating Congressional War Powers and called for impeachment. Though Democrats are unlikely to succeed, the effort underscores deep concern over unchecked presidential military action. 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 release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student detained since March for his role in pro-Palestinian protests. The Trump administration cited national security and immigration concerns, but the court found his speech was being unfairly used against him. 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
With gas prices climbing and tensions with Iran rising, President Donald Trump faces pressure on multiple fronts. As AAA reports a nationwide surge in fuel costs, American families are feeling the squeeze — and potential conflict in the Middle East could send prices even higher. 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 appeals court has ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing continued federal control over National Guard troops in Los Angeles. The decision — opposed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom — marks the first instance since 1965 that a president has taken control of a state's Guard without the governor's consent. The case could reshape the federal-state power balance. 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
Lionel Richie, born June 20, 1949, in Tuskegee, Alabama, turns 76 today. With more than 100 million records sold, Richie remains a defining voice in music, from his time with the Commodores to his solo career and role as a judge on “American Idol.” 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
Despite rising inflation and economic uncertainty, the Federal Reserve is planning two rate cuts before the end of the year. Consumer prices are easing slightly, but President Donald Trump's new China tariffs could push them back up. Here's what it all means for your wallet. 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
Retail and food service sales declined sharply in May, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, raising concerns about the strength of consumer demand under President Donald Trump's second term. Even essential sectors like groceries and restaurants saw drops, while online shopping was one of the few areas of growth. 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
Iran's Supreme Leader and foreign ministry have issued stark warnings against U.S. military involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel. With more than 1,100 Israeli strikes and Iran's launch of a hypersonic missile, tensions have reached a boiling point. 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
Charles Burrell, the first African American to join a major U.S. symphony orchestra and a celebrated jazz musician, has died at 104. Known as the “Jackie Robinson of classical music,” Burrell left a legacy of excellence, resilience, and cultural bridge-building. 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
NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested inside a federal building Tuesday after linking arms with a man being detained by ICE agents. The moment, captured on video, has drawn national attention — especially from immigrant and progressive communities — and ignited debate about immigration enforcement and civil resistance. 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
For the first time in its history, the NAACP is refusing to invite the sitting U.S. president to its national convention. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance are barred, with the NAACP citing threats to democracy, use of military force on civilians, and attacks on civil rights. 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 Trump has launched Trump Mobile, featuring a $499 gold-colored smartphone and a $47.45 plan — a not-so-subtle political reference. Experts question the feasibility of U.S. manufacturing and the ethics of a sitting president entering a regulated industry. 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 1957, Black residents of Tuskegee launched a powerful boycott to protest a racist redistricting law that disenfranchised them. Their sustained resistance led to a landmark 1960 Supreme Court decision striking down the law. 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 removed NRC Commissioner Christopher Hanson on Monday, breaking decades of precedent by ousting a nuclear regulator without cause. Hanson, a Democrat, was appointed chair under President Biden and was serving a term through 2029. His removal comes shortly after Trump's executive orders to expand domestic nuclear energy and limit regulatory independence. Experts warn the move could politicize nuclear safety. 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 family has unveiled Trump Mobile, a new wireless carrier tied to patriotic themes and military service. But with Donald Trump in the White House, concerns over ethics and conflict of interest are mounting. 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 June 16, 1822, Denmark Vesey's planned slave uprising in Charleston, South Carolina, was exposed before it could begin. Vesey, a formerly enslaved man who had purchased his freedom, organized a massive rebellion with fellow church leaders from Emanuel AME Church. Their plan to burn the city and kill white enslavers was uncovered, leading to the arrest and execution of Vesey and 34 others. 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 two-day manhunt has ended with the arrest of Vance Luther Boelter, accused of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and critically wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Authorities say Boelter posed as a police officer and left behind evidence suggesting politically motivated violence. 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
Tensions between Iran and Israel reached new heights as Tehran launched more than 150 ballistic missiles and over 100 drones at Israeli targets. The attack, dubbed operation “Severe Punishment,” was in retaliation for Israel's earlier strike on Iranian nuclear sites. Leaders on both sides vow to press forward. 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 Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is meeting stiff resistance from the public, according to a new Quinnipiac poll. The legislation includes deep Medicaid cuts and new tax breaks, but 53% of voters oppose the plan. With approval ratings falling and skepticism growing — even among Republicans — lawmakers now face pressure to listen to public sentiment. 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 June 14, President Donald Trump will headline a $45 million military parade to mark his birthday, Flag Day, and the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. But across the country, activists are mobilizing for “No Kings Day” — a coordinated effort with over 1,800 rallies rejecting authoritarianism and reclaiming American democratic values. 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 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Thurgood Marshall to the U.S. Supreme Court, marking a historic moment in American history. A brilliant legal mind and longtime NAACP attorney, Marshall successfully argued key civil rights cases before the Court, including Brown v. Board of Education. He later served 24 years as a justice, championing civil rights, abortion access, and the rights of the accused. 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 dramatic shift in America's housing landscape is underway. Renters now outnumber homeowners in more than 200 suburbs across major metro areas, including Dallas, New York, and Chicago. Driven by high prices and remote work, the trend is challenging traditional views of suburban life. 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
Tensions over immigration policy erupted Thursday as Sen. Alex Padilla was handcuffed and removed from Secretary Kristi Noem's briefing after demanding accountability for President Trump's deportation agenda. DHS says agents followed protocol, but lawmakers are calling 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
Tragedy struck Ahmedabad as Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, erupted into flames shortly after takeoff, resulting in the presumed deaths of all 242 people on board. The jet crashed into a doctors' hostel in the Meghani Nagar district, raising fears that nearby residents may also have perished. This devastating incident marks the first fatal accident for Boeing's flagship Dreamliner series since its debut in 2011. Rapid response teams are working to recover bodies from the wreckage, while India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, along with Boeing, GE Aerospace, and international experts, is meticulously examining flight data to determine the cause. 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
Today, we reflect on the life and legacy of Ananda Lewis, the influential MTV VJ and talk show host who has passed away at 52. From her early days on 'Teen Summit' to becoming a defining face of MTV's 'Total Request Live' and 'Hot Zone,' Lewis captivated audiences with her intelligence and charisma. In 2020, she bravely opened up about her Stage III breast cancer diagnosis, advocating for prevention and transparent discussions around treatment. A proud graduate of Howard University, Ananda Lewis leaves behind a significant cultural impact and a beloved son, Langston. Join us as we honor her memory. 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
Elon Musk is dialing back his feud with President Trump, deleting controversial posts and softening his rhetoric. The move follows investor pressure and a Tesla stock rebound. But with federal regulators watching and his robo-taxi launch on the line, is this reset for real — or just a pause in the battle? 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 Consumer Price Index rose just 0.1% in May, but the essentials — rent, food, and medical care — continue to climb. Black and working-class communities are hit hardest, as everyday costs outpace modest wage growth. 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
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces tough questions on Capitol Hill as lawmakers object to Pentagon spending — including a $45 million Army parade and the controversial deployment of nearly 5,000 troops to Los Angeles amid immigration protests. 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
Congresswoman LaMonica McIver has been indicted on federal charges following an incident at Newark's Delaney Hall detention center, where she allegedly impeded immigration officers during a congressional visit. The charges come amid the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. McIver's legal team calls the case political retaliation. 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 California has issued a nationwide injunction blocking the Trump administration from conditioning federal grant money on anti-DEI compliance. The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar, protects nonprofits like the San Francisco AIDS Foundation from censorship or exclusion based on support for diversity or transgender rights. 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
Robert N. Black III is turning a former coal plant in Conesville, Ohio, into a 2-gigawatt solar manufacturing hub. The clean energy project aims to bring hundreds of jobs to a struggling rural community and reshape the future for families left behind. 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 Trump's deployment of thousands of troops to Los Angeles has sparked backlash and a lawsuit from California officials. Protesters and local leaders warn the action threatens civil rights and state sovereignty. 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
Sly Stone, the visionary frontman of the pioneering funk-and-soul group Sly and the Family Stone, has died at the age of 82. A towering figure in music, Stone led a multiracial and multi-gender band that broke cultural and musical barriers with hits like "Everyday People" and "Family Affair." His influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, including Prince and Outkast. We look back at his revolutionary sound and enduring legacy. 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 sweeping NIH budget cuts have halted more than $12 billion in research grants and contracts. Scientists behind the “Bethesda Declaration” accuse the administration of politicizing peer review and endangering critical work on COVID-19, climate, and health equity. Their warning: Science is at risk. 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
Pew's latest data reveals a dramatic global shift in religious affiliation, with the U.S. now trailing only China in the number of people claiming no religion. Christianity remains the largest faith but is losing global share, while Islam is rising fast. Sub-Saharan Africa has surpassed Europe in Christian population — changing the face of global faith. 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 Trump's new immigration order and ICE raids have triggered widespread protests in Los Angeles. Gov. Gavin Newsom condemned the policy, while National Guard troops and Marines are now positioned to protect federal buildings. Civil rights groups warn of constitutional violations as demonstrators demand immigrant justice. 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
Protests in Los Angeles over President Trump's immigration crackdown have escalated into mass arrests and clashes. National Guard troops have been deployed despite objections from California officials. With over 150 arrests already, the standoff shows no signs of slowing. 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