AURN News

R. Kelly’s racketeering and sex trafficking convictions, along with his 30-year prison sentence, were upheld by a federal appeals court Wednesday.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Kelly exploited his fame for over 25 years to sexually abuse girls and young women.

Convicted in 2021 of racketeering and sex trafficking, Kelly’s appeal argued biased jurors, improper rulings, and misuse of the racketeering statute. The court rejected these claims, citing overwhelming evidence of Kelly’s control over victims.

Kelly’s attorney vowed to take the case to the Supreme Court, calling the ruling “unprecedented.”

Kelly, known for “I Believe I Can Fly,” thrived despite long-standing abuse allegations until “Surviving R. Kelly,” the documentary, fueled public outcry.

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(AURN News) — With just three weeks into his second term, President Donald Trump is enjoying high approval ratings amid major changes from ending DEI across the federal government to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continuing its mission headed by Elon Musk to eliminate government waste.

A new CBS News/YouGov poll released this week shows 53% of Americans approve of the way Trump is handling his job as president. The poll indicates that since the 2024 election ended, a majority of Americans are paying more attention to news about politics, with 45% saying “A lot” and 35% saying “some.”

Regarding personal attributes, 58% of Americans called Trump effective, 60% said focused, 55% said competent, 69% said tough, 63% say energetic, and only 37% said compassionate.

The poll also found that 51% believe his policies will make the price of food and groceries go up. On trade policy, 56% approve of new tariffs on goods imported from China, while 56% oppose tariffs on Mexico.

In terms of overall approval, Trump has secured support from 14% of liberals and 51% of moderates. The poll shows approval ratings of 51% among white Americans, 49% among Hispanic Americans, and 33% among Black Americans.

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Congress is advancing the Safe American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a controversial bill that could significantly change how millions of Americans register to vote. The legislation would require documentary proof of citizenship—such as a birth certificate or passport—each time a person registers or re-registers to vote.

Supporters, including House Republicans, argue the measure is necessary to prevent noncitizen voting. But voting rights advocates warn it is a solution in search of a problem. Studies show noncitizen voting is nearly nonexistent—a Georgia audit, for example, found just 20 noncitizens among 8.4 million registered voters.

Critics argue the bill could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly Black voters, married women, and rural residents who may not have the required documentation readily available.

With the bill likely to pass, the debate remains: Will it protect election integrity, or will it create new barriers for legitimate voters?

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According to the Associated Press, Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, and OutKast are among the nominees for the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Carey, with 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, and Checker, whose “The Twist” remains a cultural phenomenon, have significantly shaped music history.

OutKast, the duo of André 3000 and Big Boi, boast six Grammys and a legacy of innovation in hip-hop.

Nominees are voted on by over 1,200 artists, historians, and industry professionals. Inductees will be announced in late April, with the ceremony set for this fall in Los Angeles.

Artists become eligible 25 years after their first commercial release, with selection based on impact, longevity, and musical excellence.

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As we continue celebrating Black History Month, actor/playwright/director/producer Wren T. Brown shares the incredible 100-year artistic journey of his family in his new book, A Family Business. From his great-grandfather’s belief in music as a universal language to his grandfather’s groundbreaking role as the first Black staff musician in Hollywood at Columbia Pictures in 1946, the Brown family’s impact on entertainment runs deep.

Wren’s lineage includes jazz legends, Cotton Club dancers, and Hollywood pioneers, with connections to icons like Nat King Cole, Fats Waller, Ethel Waters, and Cab Calloway. His father, a former child actor and jazz trumpeter, carried on the family tradition, making Wren a fourth-generation artist.

His book, A Family Business, is now available in hardcover with rare photos and untold stories from a century of Black excellence in entertainment. This is one you won’t want to miss!

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President Donald Trump is doubling down on his effort to shrink the federal workforce—this time with billionaire Elon Musk by his side.

On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order to slash hiring and force agencies to eliminate or merge departments that aren't legally required.

The plan allows for only one federal worker to be hired for every four who leave, with exceptions for immigration, law enforcement, and public safety positions.

Musk, who is leading Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a position that has not been approved by Congress—stood alongside the president in the Oval Office, calling the federal workforce an “unelected” fourth branch of government.

"The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what the people are going to get," said Musk.

Critics warn that the move could cripple essential government functions, worsening delays in processing Social Security claims, veterans’ benefits, and other public services. With many departments already strained from past hiring freezes, opponents argue that further cuts could significantly impact everyday Americans.

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(AURN News) — We’re learning more information about the fatal collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter conducting training exercises. The tragedy claimed 67 lives at Reagan Washington National Airport on January 30.

As the investigation continues, last week, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that preliminary data showed the helicopter was flying at more than 300 feet, exceeding its permitted altitude of 200 feet. This week, FBI divers searched the Potomac River for additional wreckage while federal investigators continue examining debris from both aircraft.

Also taking place this week, a survey conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has located several large pieces of wreckage, which are being recovered by crane and transported to a secure facility for examination.

The NTSB also explains that several investigative teams, including those focused on airplane systems, operations, human performance, and even survival factors, have completed their work and are preparing for additional investigations.

Further examination of the aircraft components will take place at both NTSB laboratories and manufacturer facilities. Additionally, investigators are analyzing data from both aircraft's cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders at the agency's laboratory.

The crash claimed the lives of all 64 individuals aboard the commercial aircraft, including 60 passengers and four crew members, along with three U.S. Army personnel in the helicopter.

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In a bold move, over 27 religious organizations, including major Christian and Jewish groups, have come together to file a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration. The challenge targets a new policy that allows immigration agents more freedom to arrest individuals at houses of worship.

The lawsuit submitted to a U.S. District Court in Washington argues that this policy is instilling fear among congregants, leading to decreased attendance at services and community programs. Religious leaders, like the Reverend Sean Rowe of the Episcopal Church, emphasized that fear should not dictate their ability to practice their faith.

They assert that their mission includes ministering to everyone regardless of immigration status and that their religious freedoms are at stake. One pressing question remains: How will this legal battle affect the relationship between faith communities and immigration policies moving forward?

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According to NBC News, Trump’s Department of Justice has ordered federal prosecutors in New York to drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams, a senior Justice Department official said Monday.

The dismissal, without prejudice, allows charges to be refiled later. Prosecutors will file a formal dismissal request, subject to judicial review.

Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, called the decision a victory, reiterating the mayor’s innocence.

Adams, charged with bribery and wire fraud, pleaded not guilty, claiming political motivation.

Critics labeled the dismissal “transparent corruption.”

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The Trump administration is outright ignoring multiple court orders and continuing to block federal funding, putting critical services and programs at risk across the country. Despite judges ruling against Trump's funding freeze, agencies are still finding ways to delay or deny money Congress has already approved.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell ruled that Trump's actions are likely unconstitutional and ordered the government to restore funding immediately. But the administration is still stalling, using loopholes and technicalities to keep the funds locked up.

Legal experts say this is more than just budget cuts. This is Trump testing the limits of presidential power, directly challenging Congress's authority over federal spending.

Many of the withheld funds are tied to programs Trump opposes, including climate initiatives and diversity programs. At a time when communities rely on these resources, the administration is playing politics with people's livelihoods.

The fight isn't over. But one thing is clear: Trump isn't backing down.

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