AURN News

A political storm is brewing on Capitol Hill as the House Oversight Committee issues 11 subpoenas tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Targets include Bill and Hillary Clinton, former FBI directors James Comey and Robert Mueller, and six former attorneys general. Chair James Comer is demanding unredacted DOJ files by Aug. 19, with depositions beginning Oct. 14. Notably, former U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta, who negotiated Epstein's 2008 “sweetheart deal,” is not on the subpoena list. 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

Americans now owe a record $18.39 trillion in household debt, according to a WalletHub report and New York Fed data. Mortgage balances climbed by $20 billion to $12.94 trillion, while credit card debt hit $1.21 trillion. Student loans declined slightly to $1.64 trillion, and auto loans showed mixed trends across sources. For many families, this means mounting stress and fewer financial options. 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 made a new agreement with Rwanda to deport up to 250 immigrants, marking another step in its broader mass removal policy. The deal follows deportations to South Sudan and Eswatini, where details of prior agreements remain undisclosed. Critics argue the policy is less about crime and more about creating a global network to offshore U.S. immigrants. Rwanda previously scrapped a similar migrant plan with the U.K., which was ruled unlawful by Britain's top court. 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 denied Sean “Diddy” Combs' $50 million bond request, citing flight risk, public safety concerns and evidence of violence. Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering but convicted on two prostitution-related charges. Prosecutors allege he used his fame to force women into drug-fueled sex acts. Four women testified about abuse, including video of Combs assaulting singer Cassie. Sentencing is set for October with a possible 10-year prison term. 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

Texas Democrats are using social media to fight against congressional redistricting maps they say will racially gerrymander districts for President Donald Trump's political gain. State Reps. Ron Reynolds, Ramon Romero and Ana Maria Rodriguez Ramos voiced their opposition while Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to remove them if they don't return to vote. 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 bill moving through the California Legislature would require every city and county to track the racial makeup of their workforce with a focus on Black lineage. Supporters say this demographic data is necessary to ensure reparations efforts reach descendants of U.S. slavery. Opponents argue the requirement goes too far. Privacy safeguards are included to ensure accuracy and trust. 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

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is threatening to remove Democratic lawmakers from office after they fled the state to protest new congressional maps designed to give President Donald Trump five additional GOP seats before the 2026 midterms. The lawmakers, now in Illinois and New York, face $500-per-day fines as Abbott cites a 2021 legal opinion to potentially vacate their seats. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker calls it a nationwide attempt to rig the 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 U.S. job market added just 73,000 jobs in July, with unemployment ticking up to 4.2%. The Labor Department revised earlier job numbers for May and June downward by a combined 258,000. Economists point to fallout from President Donald Trump's trade agenda, tariffs, and rising costs as factors slowing hiring. Healthcare led job growth while manufacturing and federal employment declined. Wall Street markets slid in response to the weak report. 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

Black unemployment rose to 7.2% in July, up from 6.8% in June and 6% in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rise coincides with sharp job revisions and a federal rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion programs under President Donald Trump's second-term agenda. White, Hispanic and Asian unemployment rates remained significantly lower. 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

ESPN has parted ways with NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe less than two weeks after he settled a civil rape lawsuit filed by a woman identified as “Jane Doe.” Sharpe, who called the lawsuit a “shakedown,” had not appeared on ESPN since April. He announced his departure on his “Nightcap” podcast, expressing peace with the decision but wishing ESPN had delayed the move until after his brother's Hall of Fame induction. No criminal charges have been filed. 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

Appellate judges are scrutinizing President Donald Trump's legal authority to impose sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The law, designed for crises like 9/11 and the Iran hostage crisis, has never been used to set tariffs. Multiple states and businesses are suing, and the case could soon reach 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump launched personal attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell after the Fed announced it would hold interest rates steady. The unusual clash comes as Powell addresses inflation, tariffs, and economic uncertainty. The Fed maintains its independence from political influence as it sets monetary 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

Kamala Harris announced she won't run for California governor, shutting down speculation about her 2026 plans. Following her 2024 loss to Donald Trump, Harris returned home and considered the governor's race but ultimately decided to focus on national advocacy, potential book projects, and political rebranding for the 2026 midterms. She faces criticism over past controversies but maintains strong support among Gen Z voters and small-dollar donors. 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

Kamala Harris has ruled out running for California governor in 2026, according to The New York Times. After losing to President Donald Trump in 2024, Harris returned to Los Angeles and quietly explored a gubernatorial bid but showed little interest in launching a campaign. She plans to support Democratic candidates nationwide while leaving open the possibility of a 2028 presidential run. 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

Starting Aug. 1, new food tariffs will hit U.S. shoppers as part of the Trump administration's trade policy. The Tax Foundation reports that many import taxes will rise, affecting food from major suppliers like Mexico, Canada, Brazil, the EU and China. Products most impacted include baked goods, coffee, fish and beer. With limited U.S. alternatives, families should expect higher grocery bills. 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 Senate confirmed Emil Bove, a former lawyer for President Donald Trump, to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a tight 50-49 vote. Whistleblowers allege Bove encouraged DOJ attorneys to defy court orders and Congress, and his dismissal of a corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams led to several federal prosecutors' resignations. More than 900 former DOJ attorneys warn the appointment threatens judicial integrity. 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 July 30, 1944, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. made history as the first Black man elected to Congress from New York. Representing Harlem, Powell became a leading voice for civil rights and social justice during his decades-long tenure in the House of Representatives. 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

Chris Koerner doesn't look like a typical mogul. From selling golf balls as a kid to co-founding viral ventures like TexasSnax, Koerner has built a reputation for giving away business ideas that inspire laid-off and burned-out workers to try entrepreneurship. With a focus on working-class communities, he's helping people launch small, fast-starting businesses while embracing independence and personal 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

Beyoncé has made history with her “Cowboy Carter” tour, which earned more than $400 million, making it the highest-grossing country tour of all time. She's now the highest-grossing Black and R&B artist in history and the first woman with two tours surpassing $400M. The tour celebrated Black contributions to country music and marked a Grammy-winning milestone. 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 Wall Street Journal poll finds 63% of voters view the Democratic Party unfavorably — the highest recorded since 1990. While Republicans hold a modest edge with 19% very favorable support, both parties face widespread frustration. The poll suggests Democrats have yet to convince voters they can govern better than Trump's GOP. 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 Gov. Wes Moore slammed FEMA's rejection of $90M in disaster relief for Western Maryland after severe floods. Neighboring West Virginia, with similar damage, received federal approval for $11.7M. Moore called the denial “a political decision” as local leaders 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

President Donald Trump says he'll impose new sanctions on Russia if it doesn't agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. But as he meets with Britain's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, another humanitarian crisis worsens in Gaza, where starvation has killed more than 111 people amid an ongoing Israeli siege. 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

Bubba Wallace captured his first Brickyard 400 victory Sunday, becoming the first Black driver to win a major race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The win, Wallace's third NASCAR Cup Series triumph, ended a 100-race drought and secured his spot in the playoffs. 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

Deportation flights have begun from Florida's “Alligator Alcatraz,” a remote Everglades detention site holding thousands of immigrants. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says the goal is rapid deportation — not indefinite detention. Critics argue the state-run facility is serving federal aims and faces legal scrutiny over its construction and operations. 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. housing market continues to show signs of strain. June data from the National Association of Realtors reveals a 2.7% drop in home sales — even as prices hit a record average of over $435,000. But a Redfin report shows cities like Tampa, Austin, and Washington, D.C. are seeing local declines. 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. Alex Padilla is pushing to reform the immigration registry law — unchanged since 1972 — to give longtime documented immigrants a path to a green card. The proposal could benefit millions, including DACA and TPS recipients, but faces tough odds in a divided Congress. 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

Born on July 25, 1941, Emmett Till was a fun-loving 14-year-old when he was abducted and murdered in Mississippi in 1955. His death, following false accusations, became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. On what would have been his 84th birthday, we reflect on the life and legacy of Emmett Till. 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

Sources say President Donald Trump was privately told in May that his name appeared in the Epstein documents — despite later denying it. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche briefed him during a routine DOJ update. The report contradicts recent public statements by Trump and has stirred internal backlash. 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 job approval has hit 37%, the lowest point of his second term and near his all-time low, according to Gallup. The sharp decline is most pronounced among independents. 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 that President Donald Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship is unconstitutional. The 2-1 decision affirms protections under the 14th Amendment for children born on U.S. soil, regardless of parental immigration status. The case comes amid rising legal scrutiny of federal power and immigration 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

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron are suing conservative commentator Candace Owens over claims made in her podcast “Becoming Brigitte.” The lawsuit, filed in Delaware, accuses Owens of knowingly spreading falsehoods and ignoring retraction requests. Owens responded on YouTube, calling the suit a PR stunt. 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 efforts to unseal grand jury records in the Jeffrey Epstein case were blocked this week by a Florida federal judge. The decision has sparked frustration among Trump supporters, who expected major revelations. Meanwhile, courts in New York are also demanding tighter legal justifications before releasing anything. 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 National Association of Realtors shows home prices in the U.S. have reached a record high for June. While inventory is up year over year, affordability is still a major barrier. Buyers are struggling with high costs, limited supply, and no guarantee of lower interest rates. 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 Obama's office issues a rare rebuke after Donald Trump revives false treason accusations tied to Russia's 2016 election meddling. DNI Tulsi Gabbard's latest report downplays Russian interference, drawing bipartisan criticism. 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 dodges a direct question about Jeffrey Epstein in a viral clip, instead accusing former President Obama of treason over the 2016 Russia probe. The pivot comes amid rising pressure from Trump's own base demanding transparency about Epstein's elite connections. 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

Congressional operations collapse into disarray as House Republicans splinter over the Trump DOJ's decision not to release more Epstein files. With the Rules Committee paralyzed and base pressure rising, the House hits pause just before recess. 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 faces his lowest approval rating yet amid mounting pressure over the Epstein case. With Congress heading into recess, the future of releasing classified documents remains uncertain. 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 decades, federal court records related to the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have been unsealed, after a declassification order from the president. The files shed light on government actions at the time and reignite debate over the FBI's role in King's life and death. 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

Malcolm‑Jamal Warner, known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has died at 54 after drowning while swimming in Costa Rica. The actor's career spanned decades, touching generations of viewers. 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

Fewer Americans are using cash, and more stores are refusing it altogether — but a new bipartisan bill aims to ensure that consumers can still pay with dollars if they choose. Senators John Fetterman and Kevin Cramer say the Payment Choice Act would protect unbanked Americans and limit surcharges for paying with cash. 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

Harvard University is back in federal court, taking on President Donald Trump's administration over $2.6 billion in research funding cuts, calling them political retaliation. The decision could have far-reaching implications for universities 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

James Enos “Jim” Clyburn — born July 21, 1940 — turns 85 today. From organizing youth sit-ins and leading NAACP chapters in South Carolina to becoming the first Black U.S. representative from his state since Reconstruction and a history-making House majority whip, Clyburn's service reshaped American democracy. 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 is demanding the Washington Commanders change their name back to the Redskins, a name widely criticized as racist against Native Americans, or risk losing support for their stadium deal. The threat, posted on Truth Social, may carry little authority, but it's reigniting culture war battles as Cleveland's baseball team and the Commanders both refuse to reinstate old names. 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

Ivory Coast — officially known as Côte d'Ivoire — is inviting U.S. investors to seize opportunities in cocoa, agriculture, offshore oil, and minerals. In an exclusive interview with AURN News, Minister Sidi Tiemoko Toure explains why language barriers shouldn't hold Americans back and why the country is positioning itself as the gateway to a $400 million-person West African market. 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 DOJ is recommending just one day in jail — time already served — for Brett Hankison, the only officer convicted in connection with the 2020 police raid that left Breonna Taylor dead. DOJ prosecutors acknowledge Hankison fired 10 rounds blindly into Taylor's apartment, but cite provocation and his permanent removal from law enforcement as reasons for leniency. 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

William L. Clay Sr., the trailblazing Missouri congressman who served from 1969 to 2001 and helped found the Congressional Black Caucus, has died at 94. Clay was a powerful voice for racial and economic justice, sponsoring nearly 300 bills and leaving a lasting impact on labor and education reform. 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 the fifth anniversary of John Lewis's passing, more than 1,600 demonstrations erupted across all 50 states and abroad under the banner “Good Trouble Lives On.” The protests, led by the 50501 Movement, targeted the Trump administration's rollback of civil rights and social protections. The flagship rally took place in Chicago, while symbolic protests unfolded in The Villages — Trump's Florida stronghold. 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

Inflation may be easing nationally, but families in cities like Seattle, Boston and Chicago are still feeling the squeeze. WalletHub's latest report ranks the U.S. metro areas where the cost of living continues to surge, with details on short-term and long-term Consumer Price Index 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

The National Urban League has declared a “state of emergency,” warning that democracy and civil rights are under attack, as it released its annual State of Black America report. Urban League President Marc Morial and VP Rhonda Spears Bells say America faces grave challenges amid anti-equity policies, weakened enforcement and attacks on voting 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

Five immigrants convicted of crimes in the U.S. have been deported — not to their home countries — but to Eswatini, a small absolute monarchy in southern Africa. Immigration lawyers and human rights advocates are raising alarms about this new deportation policy and the lack of transparency around the arrangement. 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

Five years ago today, we lost Congressman John Lewis — a hero of the civil rights movement and a tireless advocate for democracy, justice and human dignity. His legacy endures in every ballot cast and every peaceful protest, and the fight he championed is as urgent as ever. 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