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.

Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly announced articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, accusing her of obstruction of Congress, abuse of public trust and self-dealing. While the effort is largely symbolic and unlikely to advance in the Senate, it underscores growing Democratic opposition to federal immigration enforcement actions tied to Chicago. 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 may invoke the Insurrection Act as protests continue in Minneapolis over federal immigration enforcement. The rarely used law allows presidents to deploy troops or federalize the National Guard over a governor's objections and has been invoked only a handful of times in U.S. 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

The U.S. State Department has paused the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries at consulates worldwide. While applications and interviews will continue, visas will not be issued during the pause, including for already approved cases. The move disproportionately affects Black and brown nations and is tied to a broader administrative review. 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 threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act following two shootings involving federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis, including the fatal shooting of Renee Good. The rarely used law allows a president to deploy U.S. military forces domestically and has drawn scrutiny over its broad authority and limited oversight. 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

Civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin has died at 86. Arrested at just 15 for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Colvin later became a key plaintiff in the lawsuit that ended bus segregation, laying legal groundwork for the modern civil rights movement. 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 Economist and YouGov poll finds 69% of Americans watched coverage of the Minneapolis ICE shooting and, by a significant margin, say the officer's actions were not justified. For the first time, more people support abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement than oppose it. The poll also found strong concern about masked ICE officers and falling favorability for Vice President J.D. Vance. 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 study highlights wide disparities in how often Americans use the internet and how they access it. The data shows significant gaps across racial and income groups, including reliance on smartphones for online access and uneven broadband availability at home. 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

Minnesota and Illinois have filed separate federal lawsuits against the Trump administration, alleging that mass deployments of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis and Chicago violate state sovereignty and constitutional limits on federal power. The lawsuits come amid protests and controversy over federal immigration actions, including the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota. 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

At least six senior prosecutors in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division resigned after leadership declined to review a fatal shooting involving an ICE officer in Minnesota. Prosecutors say federal officials blocked state investigators, controlled evidence, and publicly defended the officer before any review was completed — sparking internal outrage and accusations of political interference. 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 said in a New York Times interview that he would like to stop mail-in ballots and suggested he should have ordered the National Guard to seize ballot boxes during the 2020 election. Legal experts note the president has no authority to seize ballots, and Trump later questioned whether he would accept the results of future elections. 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 facing renewed skepticism from Black Americans after suggesting in a New York Times interview that white people have faced unfair treatment in higher education. The remarks come as his administration continues to roll back diversity initiatives and as Black unemployment has risen during his second 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

In an interview with The New York Times, President Donald Trump said civil rights-era protections led to white people being “very badly treated,” embracing the idea of reverse discrimination. Civil rights leaders, including NAACP President Derrick Johnson, pushed back, saying there is no evidence the civil rights movement discriminated against white men. 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

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that federal immigration enforcement actions violate states' constitutional authority and administrative law. State and local leaders say the surge of federal agents has had a harmful impact on schools, law enforcement and communities across Minnesota. 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

Federal officials are deploying about 1,000 additional agents to Minneapolis after a fatal ICE-involved shooting during a federal immigration operation. The Department of Homeland Security says the officer acted in self-defense, but newly released video stops short of showing the shooting itself, leaving key questions unanswered. 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

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, innovation is everywhere — but representation is not. A Black tech executive breaks down why diversity in tech matters, how bias shows up in products like AI, and what it will take to build a stronger pipeline of Black founders and engineers. 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

Veteran actor T.K. Carter, best known for his roles in “The Thing” and “Punky Brewster,” has died at age 69, according to The Associated Press. Authorities said no foul play is suspected.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

While attending CES 2026 in Las Vegas, educator Apollonia Smith highlighted the lack of Black representation in the technology industry and called for greater engagement in shaping the future of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Smith emphasized the need for community involvement, stronger regulations and more opportunities beyond consumer roles as tech continues to expand. 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

An off-duty ICE agent fatally shot Keith Porter Jr. on New Year's Eve in Northridge, according to the Los Angeles Times. While federal officials say the agent believed there was an active shooter, Porter's family and witnesses strongly dispute that account. Local and county authorities are investigating the killing, which has sparked outrage from community members and activists. 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

Vice President JD Vance and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt are facing growing backlash after suggesting a Minneapolis woman killed during an ICE operation was responsible for her own death. While the administration defends its version of events, video analysis of the deadly shooting is raising new questions and intensifying scrutiny of federal law enforcement actions. 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

Renee Nicole Macklin Goode, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by ICE agents during an encounter captured on viral video. Federal officials claim she attacked officers, but the footage appears to tell a different story. As questions grow about the use of force and immigration enforcement tactics, her death has sparked renewed concern and outrage. 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 White House is creating a new assistant attorney general position with nationwide authority to investigate fraud tied to federally funded programs. The move follows growing concerns over alleged abuse of taxpayer money, including a major case unfolding in Minnesota. 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 Electronics Show is drawing global attention to the latest innovations in artificial intelligence and robotics, but questions remain about who is represented in the tech industry. New reports show Black Americans continue to be underrepresented in tech jobs and leadership roles, even as transparency around diversity data 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

A fatal shooting involving ICE officials in Minneapolis is under federal investigation after authorities said an officer acted in self-defense. The incident, which left a 37-year-old woman dead, sparked protests and raised concerns about trust and accountability, as the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security review the case. 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. Postal Service will honor Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American poet, with the 49th stamp in its Black Heritage series. The Forever stamp recognizes Wheatley's groundbreaking role as the first author of African descent in the American Colonies to publish a book, with a public first-day-of-issue ceremony planned in Boston. 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 remain split on President Donald Trump's recent military action in Venezuela, according to new polling. A Reuters/Ipsos survey highlights sharp partisan divides and growing concern about whether the United States risks becoming too involved, as Trump signals taxpayer money could reimburse oil companies tied to Venezuela. 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 after the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, House Democrats are sounding alarms about ongoing threats to democracy. They point to pardons, election interference concerns, and unprecedented rhetoric as warning signs. 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

Jan. 6, 2021, marked an unprecedented assault on American democracy as a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol to overturn a certified election. Five years later, the consequences remain enduring, highlighting the fragility of democratic norms when truth and accountability are abandoned. 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 show social media remains deeply embedded in the daily lives of U.S. teenagers, raising growing concerns about mental health. Trauma therapist Yori Aiyeola-Scott explains how constant exposure can intensify anxiety, depression and trauma, particularly for Black teens, and urges parents to stay informed, engaged and proactive as technology continues to evolve. 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. Maxine Waters is speaking out against what she calls an unauthorized and unconstitutional military strike by the Trump administration in Venezuela. In a statement, Waters warned that the president does not have the authority to take military action against a sovereign nation without congressional approval and raised concerns about executive overreach and historical U.S. interventionism. 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

Venezuela's political crisis takes a dramatic turn as President Nicolas Maduro is due in a New York federal court on drug trafficking and corruption charges. President Donald Trump is openly claiming the U.S. now controls Venezuela, tying Maduro's removal to the nation's vast oil reserves. On Capitol Hill, Democrats are demanding answers in a classified Gang of Eight briefing about the operation and what comes next. 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 comeback brought sweeping policy changes that hit Black Americans especially hard — from student loan costs and health care cuts to immigration crackdowns and DEI rollbacks. This episode breaks down what changed, who was affected and what could come next. 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

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