AURN News

Academy Award-winning designer Paul Tazewell made history at the 97th Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, becoming the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for “Wicked.”

Tazewell said in a statement, “Winning the Oscar for 'Wicked' is the highest point of my life—my North Star. I receive this recognition with immense pride and dedicate it to everyone who dreams of flying.”

His historic win is a milestone for Hollywood’s ongoing push for inclusivity in behind-the-scenes artistry.

Tazewell also won a BAFTA, Critics' Choice Award, Costume Designers Guild Award, and NAACP Image Award, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in costume design.

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(AURN News) — More bad news for the Trump economy as new data shows a rise in jobless claims. The Department of Labor reports for the week ending February 22, 242,000 people applied for unemployment insurance. That's an increase of 22,000 people compared to the previous week.

The recent uptick in jobless claims comes amid broader economic concerns. Inflation still remains elevated, and Wall Street has expressed worries about potential economic impacts from the Trump administration's proposed tariffs on imports from China, Mexico and Canada.

Cryptocurrency markets have also experienced declines, despite the administration's stated commitment to supporting and expanding the role of digital currencies in the economy.

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After a 45-minute meeting that escalated into a heated exchange, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy left the White House without signing a critical minerals deal that could have strengthened ties between the U.S. and Ukraine.

The confrontation began with President Trump accusing Zelenskyy of being disrespectful, leading to a tense back-and-forth where Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance chastised Zelenskyy for expressing doubts about Russian commitments.

What was meant to be a collaborative discussion quickly turned confrontational, with Trump warning that Zelenskyy was jeopardizing global stability and future U.S. support.

As a result, the anticipated minerals deal intended to grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources fell apart amid the turmoil.

But with the stakes so high, one crucial question remains: How will this breakdown in negotiations affect Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression and its future security?

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One of the most anticipated music numbers at this year’s Academy Awards is a tribute to the late, legendary Quincy Jones. Making the moment even more special, Michael Bearden, one of Jones’ mentees, is stepping into the spotlight as music director for the 97th Oscars.

Bearden, a Howard University graduate, has worked with over 520 music artists, including Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, and Michael Jackson. This marks his first time leading the Oscars orchestra, and he’s bringing passion and reverence to this milestone moment.

The tribute will feature an all-star lineup including Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Lisa Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye, delivering show-stopping performances that celebrate the magic of music in film.

Tune in Sunday on ABC for the Oscars’ unforgettable tribute to Quincy Jones. And don’t miss our exclusive red carpet and backstage coverage at @aurnonline. Plus, we’ve been cooking with Wolfgang Puck to get ready for the big night—so keep it locked!

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According to The Associated Press, a federal judge in San Francisco ruled that the mass firings of probationary employees were likely unlawful, granting temporary relief to labor unions and organizations suing to stop the Trump administration’s workforce cuts.

A judge ordered the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to inform agencies, including the Department of Defense, that it lacked the authority to fire probationary employees.

The judge expressed concern over the impact on government services and ordered OPM’s acting head to testify about a directive given to agency heads.

A hearing is set for March 13.

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President Donald Trump revealed plans to sell a “gold card” to wealthy foreigners, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. and paving the way for citizenship—all for a hefty $5 million fee. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump described the initiative as a lucrative opportunity for high-net-worth individuals to gain privileges similar to those of green card holders.

The sale of these gold cards is set to begin in two weeks, with Trump suggesting that millions could be sold. When asked about the possibility of selling them to Russian oligarchs, he responded affirmatively, indicating that he knows some very nice people in that circle.

The introduction of the program raises important questions about the implications for immigration policy and the potential perception of selling U.S. citizenship.

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(AURN News) — Pending home sales dropped 4.6% in January, reaching an all-time low on the National Association of Realtors' Pending Home Sales Index as high prices and mortgage rates continued to strain affordability in the first month of President Donald Trump's term.

The NAR reported the steepest regional decline occurred in the South, where sales plummeted 9.2%, while the Northeast experienced what the association described as a "modest gain."

"It is unclear if the coldest January in 25 years contributed to fewer buyers in the market, and if so, expect greater sales activity in upcoming months," NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in a statement. 

According to the NAR, mortgage rates in January fluctuated between 6.91% and 7.04%. The monthly payment for a home that cost $300,000 increased to $1,590.

The housing data represents an early economic challenge for the Trump administration after polling showed the economy ranked among voters' top concerns during last year's presidential campaign.

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On this day 20 years ago, comedian and actor Chris Rock took center stage as the solo host of the 77th Academy Awards on February 27, 2005, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Known for his sharp wit and fearless comedy, Rock brought an edgy energy to the prestigious event.

The night celebrated outstanding performances, with Jamie Foxx winning Best Actor for his unforgettable portrayal of Ray Charles in Ray. Morgan Freeman took home Best Supporting Actor for his powerful role in Million Dollar Baby.

Rock’s hosting gig was a milestone moment, marking a fresh, dynamic approach to the Oscars.

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The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily allowed the Trump administration to continue freezing more than $58 billion in foreign aid, delaying a lower court’s order that would have forced payments to humanitarian groups.

Chief Justice John Roberts issued the pause Wednesday night, giving the administration time to justify cutting over 90 percent of USAID’s funding.

U.S. District Judge Amir Ali had repeatedly ordered the administration to release the funds, but Trump officials defied those rulings, claiming they needed time to review the spending.

The cuts affect programs tied to disaster relief, medical aid, and refugee support. Critics argue Trump is overstepping his authority by bypassing Congress and jeopardizing U.S. humanitarian leadership. Supporters say it’s about eliminating waste.

The question remains: Will the Supreme Court back Trump’s vision or force the administration to comply with the law?

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The Trump administration is ordering federal agencies to submit plans by April 14 to relocate bureaus and offices outside the Washington, D.C., area, and many are wondering what kind of major blow this could have on the economy.

A new directive from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) instructs agency heads to identify which offices should be moved to other regions of the country. It aligns with Trump’s broader push to reduce the federal government’s real estate footprint and shift power away from Washington.

At his first cabinet meeting, he singled out the Department of Education as a key agency that could downsize its D.C. presence. He has previously floated eliminating the department entirely, arguing states should control their own education policies.

However, the political and economic impacts on the D.C. region are massive. Federal jobs make up nearly a quarter of the District’s workforce and more than a quarter of its wages.

With many federal leases locked in for years, the question remains: Will this plan shrink government or create a logistical nightmare?

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