AURN News

On Tuesday, 21 civil service employees resigned from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by billionaire Trump advisor Elon Musk. They refused to use their expertise to dismantle critical public services.

In a joint letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, they stated: "We swore to serve the American people and uphold our oath to the Constitution across presidential administrations. However, it has become clear that we can no longer honor those commitments."

The group criticized the hiring of unqualified appointees and raised concerns about security risks and the firing of colleagues working on essential services like Social Security and Veterans Affairs.

Elon Musk dismissed the resignations, labeling the staffers "Dem political holdovers" who refused to return to office. While White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the impact, reaffirming the administration's commitment to government efficiency.

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(AURN News) — The Trump administration announced Tuesday it will take control of determining which journalists participate in the White House press pool, marking a significant shift from decades of tradition. The press pool changes follow other major shifts implemented by the Trump administration since taking office in January, including federal employee buyouts and spending cuts through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration will now select media outlets that cover the president in close settings, a role previously managed by the White House Correspondents' Association.

"As you all know, for decades, a group of D.C.-based journalists, the White House Correspondents' Association, has long dictated which journalists get to ask questions of the president of the United States in these most intimate spaces. Not anymore," Leavitt said during Tuesday's press briefing.

Leavitt assured that established media organizations will maintain access while promising to include outlets previously excluded from these opportunities.

"Legacy outlets who have participated in the press pool for decades will still be allowed to join, fear not, but we will also be offering the privilege to well-deserving outlets who have never been allowed to share in this awesome responsibility," she said.

The administration will maintain the rotation among major television networks while adding streaming services. Print and radio pool participants will also be expanded to include local radio hosts and additional outlets, according to Leavitt.

The White House Correspondents' Association responded with immediate concern. Association President Eugene Daniels said in a statement that the change "tears at the independence of a free press in the United States" and "suggests the government will choose the journalists who cover the president."

Daniels noted that the association has consistently expanded its membership and pool rotations to include new outlets while maintaining professional standards and fairness in access.

"To be clear, the White House did not give the WHCA board a heads up or have any discussions about today’s announcements. But the WHCA will never stop advocating for comprehensive access, full transparency and the right of the American public to read, listen to and watch reports from the White House, delivered without fear or favor," Daniels said.

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Soul-funk singer Gwen McCrae, known for hits like “Rockin’ Chair” and “Funky Sensation,” passed away on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 81. Celebrated for her lasting impact on soul and disco, McCrae’s music influenced generations.

Her passing came just days after the death of three-time Grammy nominee and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Butler, a leading soul singer of the 1960s, who died at 85.

Nicknamed the “Ice Man,” Butler had numerous hits, including “For Your Precious Love” and “Make It Easy on Yourself.” His niece, Yolanda Goff, told The Associated Press that Butler died of Parkinson’s disease at his home in Chicago.

Rest in peace to Gwen McCrae and Jerry Butler.

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(AURN News) — Economic challenges continue and American wallets are being hit hard as the Trump administration settles into its second term, with headlines continuing to highlight layoffs and business closures nationwide. What began as Biden's economy has now transitioned to Trump's economy, yet consumer sentiment suggests ongoing difficulties.

The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index declined 7 points in February, indicating continued economic concerns. The Present Situation Index decreased by 3.4 points, while the Expectations Index dropped more significantly, falling 9.3 points, according to data released by the nonpartisan think tank.

Americans between the ages of 35 and 55 showed the steepest decline in confidence, which shows that middle-aged consumers are particularly concerned about the current state of the economy.

One positive signal emerged from the report: home purchasing plans are recovering, which The Conference Board attributes to declining mortgage rates.

The Consumer Confidence Index is widely regarded as a key indicator of Americans' feelings about the economy and their personal financial situations.

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“Moving forward, the White House press pool will be determined by the White House press team. Legacy outlets who have participated in the press pool for decades will still be allowed to join. Fear not, but we will also be offering the privilege to well-deserving outlets.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the White House would now determine which journalists are allowed in the White House press pool, sidelining the Associated Press from select events including the Oval Office and Air Force One coverage.

The White House claims the move will expand access to new media voices, but critics, including the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA), are calling it a direct attack on press freedom.

WHCA President Eugene Daniels responded, saying "This move tears at the independence of a free press in the United States. It suggests the government will choose the journalists who cover the president. In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps."

This move tears at the independence of a free press. Leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps.

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What happens when nearly 72 million Americans risk losing their health care? House Republicans are pushing a spending plan that could slash nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid over the next decade. It's part of a broader budget blueprint to cut $2 trillion in federal spending while making room for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and boosts to defense and border security.

But the plan is already hitting roadblocks. Moderate Republicans in swing districts where millions rely on Medicaid are pushing back, warning that these cuts could devastate rural and low-income communities.

Speaker Mike Johnson insists the budget doesn’t specifically target Medicaid. But when you tell the Energy and Commerce Committee to find $800 billion in cuts, there aren’t many places to take from.

With the GOP’s razor-thin House majority, they can only afford to lose one vote, and as opposition grows, today’s vote could come down to the wire. The question remains: Who pays the price?

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According to The Hill, the future of Black fraternities and sororities on college campuses could be in jeopardy as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

The Department of Education has signaled plans to expand the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ban beyond admissions, which could target race-based student organizations.

Black fraternities and sororities have historically provided leadership, support, and community service in response to systemic exclusion.

Critics argue that dismantling these groups would violate First Amendment rights, while supporters of the administration claim such organizations promote racial division.

Legal challenges are expected if federal funding is threatened for schools that support these organizations.

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We have lost another music icon—Roberta Cleopatra Flack passed away this week at the age of 88.

Born in North Carolina, Flack’s musical genius was evident early on. At just 15, she earned a full scholarship to Howard University, making her the youngest freshman in the school’s history. Though she started as a classical pianist and teacher, her talent led her to jazz and pop, performing in Washington, D.C. clubs in the late 1960s.

Les McCann discovered her at Mr. Henry’s restaurant, leading to her record deal with Atlantic Records. From there, Flack delivered some of the most timeless and soulful music of our generation. Her hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” topped the Billboard Hot 100, and she became the first artist to win back-to-back Grammys for Record of the Year.

Though Clint Eastwood’s use of her song in Play Misty for Me catapulted her into mainstream fame, her collaborations with Donny Hathaway and others defined the soundtrack of our lives.

After being diagnosed with ALS, Flack retired from performing but remained active in philanthropy, supporting music education and animal rescues. Reports say she passed at home, though her manager stated she suffered cardiac arrest on her way to the hospital in Manhattan.

Roberta Flack leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking music and timeless artistry. May she rest in peace and power.

For more on her life and legacy, follow @TanyaHollywood and visit @aurnonline.

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What a weekend in Los Angeles! The NAACP Image Awards wrapped up a week-long celebration of Black excellence, and the very next night, the Screen Actors Guild Awards honored the best in film and television.

Among the many winners, two speeches stood out—from Vice President Kamala Harris, who accepted the Chairman’s Award at the NAACP Image Awards, and Jane Fonda, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the SAG Awards. Both women delivered powerful messages about the fight for justice, community, and resilience in today’s political and cultural climate.

Kamala Harris reminded us that the American story is written by us, not just by the wealthy or those in power. Meanwhile, Jane Fonda called this a “documentary moment,” urging us to stay brave and take action in these pivotal times.

And yes—both women looked stunning as they commanded the stage!

Next up? The Oscars! We’ve got full coverage leading up to Hollywood’s biggest night, so make sure to follow @TanyaHollywood and visit @aurnonline for exclusive updates!

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In a striking move, President Trump has fired Air Force General CQ Brown Jr. from his position as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, making headlines and raising eyebrows across the military community.

This decision, reportedly influenced by defense secretary policies targeting military leaders who advocate for diversity and equity, sidelines a highly respected officer and trailblazer—only the second Black general to hold this prestigious role.

General Brown’s tenure, which was marked by significant challenges like the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, has come to an abrupt end. In a social media post, Trump thanked Brown for his service, calling him “a fine gentleman” and wishing him well for the future.

However, Brown’s earlier public support for racial justice efforts following the police killing of George Floyd had placed him in the crosshairs of the administration’s push against what they label “wokeism” in the military.

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