AURN News

WASHINGTON (AURN News) — So what exactly is the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) doing? Headed by Elon Musk, it continues to identify and cut what it calls wasteful federal spending.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended DOGE's transparency during a recent press briefing. 

"President Trump and Elon Musk have been incredibly transparent on what Doge is doing," Leavitt said. "They are tweeting out what they are doing on a daily basis. They have a website where they are posting the receipts of the contracts that they are reviewing and the payments that they have stopped from going out the door."

Leavitt added, "Before it was Elon Musk making our government efficient and accountable, it was some unnamed bureaucrat that none of you knew."

DOGE's website, which displays ongoing cost-cutting measures, prominently features the statement: "The people voted for major reform." Recent contract cancellations include a $4.6 million Department of Education agreement for coordinating Zoom and in-person meetings, $45 million in Environmental Protection Agency DEI contracts, and a $1.4 million contract for observing mail operations at the Department of Education.

To learn more about the cuts visit: doge.gov.

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On February 17, 1963, Michael Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Jordan’s impact extends far beyond the game.

Raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, he developed his skills and competitive nature early on. His drive would propel him to six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, five MVP awards, and a legacy that transcends generations.

Even today, his influence is felt in sports, business, and culture. Whether through his iconic Air Jordan sneakers or his leadership as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, Jordan remains a symbol of excellence.

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DALLAS (AURN News) — The New York Stock Exchange announced plans to establish a new presence in Dallas and relocate its Chicago operations to Texas, pending regulatory approval.

The expansion, dubbed NYSE Texas, will see the exchange strengthen its foothold in the southern United States. NYSE Chicago will reincorporate in Texas once regulatory filings are completed, according to exchange officials.

"We are delighted to expand our presence in the Lone Star State, which plays a key role in driving our U.S. economy forward," Lynn Martin, President of NYSE Group, said in a statement.

The exchange cited Texas's growing population, robust economy, and business-friendly environment as key factors that have drawn companies to the state.

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Rev. Al Sharpton, President and Founder of the National Action Network, speaks with AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris about President Trump's executive orders, Elon Musk's DODGE, the SAVE Act, Mayor Eric Adams, Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Half Time show and Black History Month.

Watch the video version of the interview here.

And subscribe to On the Record with Ebony McMorris here.

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A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to begin lifting its freeze on U.S. foreign aid within five days, citing the move’s devastating impact on humanitarian programs worldwide. The ruling, issued late Thursday, requires the administration to notify all affected organizations and provide proof of compliance by Tuesday.

The funding halt has left organizations, contractors, and farmers scrambling, with millions of dollars in undelivered food aid reportedly rotting in ports. Nonprofits warn that crucial global health and development programs are at risk of collapse.

U.S. District Judge Amir H. Ali sharply criticized the administration’s actions, stating officials had provided no rational justification for abruptly suspending congressionally approved aid.

The court also barred Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials from enforcing stop-work orders, which had directed contractors to halt aid projects midstream.

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Several entertainers are cutting ties with the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington, D.C., following President Trump’s appointment as chairman.

Screenwriter Shonda Rhimes shared her departure on Instagram. Issa Rae canceled her sold-out event, calling Trump’s leadership an infringement on the institution’s values.

Ben Folds resigned as an advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, and Low Cut Connie withdrew from a performance.

Trump’s newly appointed board includes Usha Vance, Pam Bondi, and Elaine Chao.

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President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation into reciprocal tariffs, a policy that could significantly affect global trade and American consumers. The move comes as inflation continues to rise, raising concerns about the potential economic consequences.

The nominee for Commerce Secretary expects the investigation to conclude by April 1, at which point Trump will determine the next steps. The concept of reciprocal tariffs is straightforward—if another country imposes a tariff on American goods, the U.S. will respond with an equivalent tariff on their products. Trump argues this approach will level the playing field, specifically citing India’s high tariffs on U.S. motorcycles as an example.

However, economists warn that additional tariffs could drive up costs for American families. Some estimates suggest that existing and proposed tariffs could amount to an indirect tax increase of more than $12,000 per household.

Despite these concerns, Wall Street reacted positively to the announcement, suggesting investors believe the actual impact may be less severe than predicted. Still, the uncertainty surrounding tariffs could disrupt business planning and international trade agreements.

As the administration moves forward with its plans, the key question remains: Will these tariffs strengthen the U.S. economy or place a heavier burden on consumers in the months ahead?

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Shonda Rhimes resigned from the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees on Wednesday following the election of President Donald Trump as the Performing Arts institution's chairman. The "Grey's Anatomy" writer and producer was appointed to the board by President Barack Obama and served as its treasurer until Wednesday's announcement.

"Please be advised that as of today, Shonda Rhimes has resigned from the board of the Kennedy Center," a spokesperson for the writer and producer said.

The news came just hours after Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he was "unanimously" elected chairman of the Kennedy Center after longtime President Deborah F. Rutter was fired from her post.

Rhimes' resignation followed on the heels of singer-songwriter Ben Folds resigning as artistic advisor of the Center's National Symphony Orchestra.

Today, the NAACP announced that comedy legend and cultural icon Dave Chappelle will receive the prestigious President's Award during the "56th NAACP Image Awards" airing live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 22, at 6:00/8:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS. This year, the broadcast will be extended by 30 minutes to 2.5 hours.

The NAACP has also announced that the legendary Wayans family will be inducted into the esteemed NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the ceremony.

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(AURN News) — Inflation remains a major thorn in the side of the American economy as new data out this week from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows consumer prices increased last month.

The Consumer Price Index, a major barometer for inflation, increased 0.5% in January, following a 0.4% rise in December. Over the past year, the inflation rate has increased to 3%.

Breaking down the data, shelter increased 0.4%, energy rose 1.1%, gas increased 1.8%, and food prices increased 0.4%. When it comes to food prices, meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 1.9%.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also noted that the prices of motor vehicle insurance, recreation, used cars and trucks, medical care, communication, and airline fares all increased in January.

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House Republicans are laying the groundwork for sweeping tax cuts and deep spending reductions, unveiling a budget blueprint that would extend $4.5 trillion in Trump-era tax breaks while cutting $1.5 trillion in federal programs over the next decade.

The plan, which also includes a $4 trillion debt ceiling increase, would shift funding away from social services—including Medicaid, education, and food assistance—while increasing spending on defense and border security.

The Energy and Commerce Committee has been tasked with cutting $880 billion, while the Education and Workforce Committee faces a $330 billion reduction.

At the same time, Trump’s mass deportation initiative would receive a $90 billion boost, and defense spending would rise by $100 billion.

With tensions mounting in Congress, the debate remains: Will these tax cuts and spending shifts stimulate economic growth, or will they deepen inequality and financial hardship for millions?

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