AURN News

On February 6, 1820, 88 free Black men and women set sail for Sierra Leone aboard the Mayflower of Liberia, marking the first organized Black migration to Africa. Funded by Congress and led by the American Colonization Society, the voyage was driven by the belief that African Americans could not fully integrate into American society.

In 1821, a U.S. Navy mission sought land for a permanent settlement, leading to the establishment of Liberia in 1824. Over the next 40 years, up to 20,000 freed Blacks and rescued Africans arrived, facing hardships and conflicts with local communities.

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(AURN News) — In a significant development concerning last month's devastating aviation disaster, federal investigators revealed this week that a military helicopter was operating well above the maximum altitude recommended when it collided with a commercial airliner landing at Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in 67 people losing their lives.

According to National Transportation Safety Board officials, preliminary air traffic control data from DCA indicates the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter was flying at an altitude of 300 feet when it struck American Airlines Flight 5342 on January 30. This height was substantially above the maximum permitted altitude of 200 feet established for helicopters operating in that airspace.

The catastrophic collision occurred between the American Airlines passenger jet which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and the military helicopter conducting routine training exercises from Fort Belvoir, Virginia. 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.

As part of their ongoing investigation, NTSB teams have been systematically recovering wreckage from the accident site. Key components of the CRJ 700 commercial jet, including its right wing and substantial portions of the cockpit, have already been retrieved. Investigators are also focused on recovering the Black Hawk helicopter's wreckage from the Potomac River, which they expect to accomplish this week. 

The investigation continues as families and communities across the country mourn what stands as one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent U.S. history.

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During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump declared that he wants the U.S. to take over the Gaza Strip and force the relocation of millions of Palestinians, with wealthy neighboring countries footing the redevelopment bill.

"It should not go through a process of rebuilding and occupation by the same people that have really stood there and fought for it and lived there and died there and lived a miserable existence there," said Trump.

His proposal is a dramatic break from decades of U.S. policy. Under his vision, the 1.8 million residents would be moved to alternative sites, while the territory itself would be cleared. Redevelopment would include demolishing structures and rebuilding them into a zone financed by affluent regional partners.

The proposal has ignited intense anger, with many critics calling it "ethnic cleansing" and a flagrant violation of international law.

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(AURN News) — President Donald Trump announced a major border security agreement with Canada on Tuesday, his second major deal this week, following earlier threats of substantial tariffs against both our neighbors to the north and Mexico.

The Canadian agreement, which includes a $1.3 billion border security investment, comes just days after Mexico committed to deploying 10,000 soldiers along its southern border with the United States. Both deals prompted Trump to pause proposed tariffs for 30 days during further economic negotiations.

“Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans, while destroying their families and communities all across our Country,” he posted on Truth Social.

Trump had previously threatened 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and a 10% levy on Canadian energy imports, alongside a 25% tariff on Mexican products and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, citing economic and security concerns.

“As President, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of ALL Americans, and I am doing just that. I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30 day period to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured. FAIRNESS FOR ALL!” The President posted.

According to Mr. Trump, the Canadian plan includes deploying approximately 10,000 frontline personnel, establishing a Fentanyl Czar position, and creating a joint U.S.-Canada strike force. He also said that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's commitment includes new helicopters, enhanced technology, and a $200 million intelligence directive targeting organized crime.

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John Legend joins Hollywood Live with Tanya Hart backstage at the Grammys to discuss the importance of communities coming together during times of disaster. With over $100 million raised for Los Angeles wildfire victims, he shares his thoughts on climate change, disaster relief, and how we can all support each other in times of crisis. Plus, more highlights from Grammy winners and the latest updates on MusiCares’ relief efforts. Tune in!

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The fate of two of Trump's most controversial cabinet picks, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, could come down to just a few votes.

Here's Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana grilling RFK Jr. during his confirmation:

"Convince me that you will become the public health advocate, but not just churn old information so that there's never a conclusion."

As a doctor, he's concerned about his long history of pushing vaccine conspiracy theories. But could a vote against RFK cost him his own seat?

On the Intelligence Committee, Senators Todd Young and Jerry Moran are holding out on Gabbard's nomination. They're concerned about her past support for pardoning NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden and her controversial foreign policy stances.

A few Republican no-votes could block Kennedy and Gabbard entirely.

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On February 4, 1913, civil rights icon Rosa Parks was born in Tuskegee, Alabama.

Her defining moment came on December 1, 1955, when she refused to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. Arrested for her defiance, Parks’ quiet resistance ignited a yearlong bus boycott— which was a year in the making— that became a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, ultimately challenging segregation nationwide.

Parks, who passed away in October 2005, dedicated her life to justice and equality. She received 43 honorary doctorates and numerous accolades, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize.

In 1996, President Bill Clinton awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, recognizing her enduring impact on the fight for racial justice.

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Beyoncé finally got her crowning glory of Best Album of the Year at the 67th Grammy Awards—something that has eluded her illustrious career for decades. “Cowboy Carter” added to her collection of Grammys, I think it was number 36. The singer, who was visibly surprised, dedicated her award to Linda Martel, the first Black woman to perform solo at the Grand Ole Opry. And by the way, Ms. Martel, who’s 83, is featured on several of “Cowboy Carter” songs, and it makes Beyoncé the first Black woman to win Album of the Year since 1999, when Lauryn Hill’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” took the title.

Now, while accepting her award for Best Rap Album, Doechii—who is only the third woman to win the honor—thanked God and her mom, Celicia Moore, whom she brought up on stage with her to share the moment. Doechii delivered a powerful message to all of the little Black girls out there, saying they could do whatever they dream of.

This year’s Grammy telecast, of course, was shifted after the L.A. fires to a fundraiser. And by the end of the show, America had raised more than $7 million for many of the people suffering after the Eaton and Palisades fires.

And now for some of the stuff you probably didn’t see: that Associated Press reporter who dissed music legend Babyface. In the middle of her interview, she saw Chappell Roan and left Babyface mid-sentence. She didn’t apologize until after the clip went viral.

And by now, you may have seen Kanye West’s wife, who left little to the imagination by going completely naked underneath a sheer minidress. They left after a few minutes on the carpet—hey, nudity is against the law in L.A.!

And then there’s Kendrick Lamar, who had a great night with five wins, including Song and Record of the Year.

But one of the best moments for me was the tribute to the late Quincy Jones, led by Stevie Wonder, who was joined by a student choir from Pasadena Waldorf School and Palisades High School—both severely damaged by the wildfires. The tribute included Cynthia Erivo and Herbie Hancock, who I’ve got to say set a whole new standard for live performances, along with Jacob Collier, Janelle Monáe, and Lainey Wilson.

Yes, it was a great night for the City of Angels, and music’s biggest night did not disappoint. Now, we were on the red carpet and backstage in the press room—virtually—kind of an interesting setup. We’ll have several clips that you can check out. You don’t want to miss them, and that’s of course at @aurnonline.

And don’t forget to follow me on social media at @TanyaHollywood.

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President Donald Trump is hitting pause, at least for now, on his steep 25 percent tariff on Mexican imports, just days after imposing them. The move comes after Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, agreed to send 10,000 troops to the border to help curb fentanyl trafficking.

Trump framed this as a negotiating tactic, saying talks will now be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials. But let's be clear, this wasn't just about diplomacy.

Mexico had already threatened retaliation just days before this Trump hit Mexico and Canada with those 25 percent tariffs while slapping a 10 percent tariff on China.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wasted no time announcing a matching 25 percent tariff. Meanwhile, China is fighting back legally, challenging Trump's tariffs at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

At a news conference, Trump falsely claimed that this is the toughest border policy in history.

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(AURN News) — President Donald Trump has initiated negotiations with Mexico after a direct conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, aiming to address border security and trade relations. The discussion comes amid potential tariffs the administration has signaled for key trading partners.

In a Truth Social post on Monday morning, President Trump said Sheinbaum agreed to deploy 10,000 Mexican soldiers along the U.S.-Mexico border to combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration. 

“We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period during which we will have negotiations headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and high-level Representatives of Mexico. I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a “deal” between our two Countries,” President Trump posted.

The White House continues to defend its broader tariff strategy, claiming the measures would strengthen the economy, boost wages, and create jobs. Beyond Mexico, the White House is considering a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, citing "economic warfare," along with proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy imports.

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