AURN News

The Trump administration is making alarming moves inside the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In an unprecedented move, at least a dozen federal prosecutors tied to special counsel Jack Smith's case against Trump have been removed.

But it doesn't stop there. Sources say top FBI officials have also been fired, including those handling investigations into the January 6th insurrection.

Critics warned this is a blatant attempt to dismantle accountability, gut law enforcement independence, and shield Trump's allies from prosecution. Senate Intelligence Chair Mark Warner is sounding the alarm, saying these firings could put national security at risk, calling it a dangerous political takeover of institutions meant to be neutral.

Meanwhile, civil rights groups fear a chilling effect on future investigations, especially those tied to democracy and voting rights. The question now, with the FBI and DOJ under Trump's thumb, is who will hold the powerful accountable?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beyoncé, the most decorated artist in Grammys history, won her first Album of the Year award last night for “Cowboy Carter,” making her the first Black woman in the 21st century to do so.

Despite four previous nominations, she had never won this top honor. She also became the first Black woman to win Best Country Album, marking another historic achievement.

Beyoncé, who earned her first Grammy nod in 2000 with Destiny’s Child, made history in 2023 by securing her 32nd Grammy, the most of any artist ever.

Her latest wins further cement her legacy, breaking barriers and redefining genres in music.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*EDITOR'S NOTE: This story contains a racial slur. AP style permits use of racial slurs only when they are part of direct quotations and there is a compelling reason for them. In this story, the slur is essential to understanding the severity of threats made against the FBI director nominee.

(AURN News) — FBI director nominee Kash Patel revealed during his Senate confirmation hearing that he received death threats and racist messages after testifying before the January 6 committee.

During questioning by Sen. Lindsey Graham about his experiences with racism, Patel described threats he received after he says Congress released his personal information.

"Well, if you look at the record from January 6th, where I testified before that committee, because of my personal information being released by Congress, I was subjected to a direct and significant threat on my life, and I put that information in the record. I had to move," Patel testified. 

“In that threat, I was called a detestable sand (slur) who had no right being in this country. You should go back to where you came from. You belong with your terrorist home, friends. That's what was sent to me. That's just a piece of it. But that's nothing compared to what the men and women in law enforcement face every day, and that's why they have my support,” he explained.

When initially asked about his history dealing with racism, Patel expressed reluctance, saying "I don't want to get into those details of my family here."

If confirmed, Patel would become the first Indian-American to lead the bureau.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump is pushing ahead with aggressive new tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, escalating his trade war strategy, despite warnings from economists that it could raise prices for Americans and slow economic growth.

Trump confirmed Thursday that a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada will take effect February 1, while also reaffirming plans to increase tariffs on Chinese imports by an additional 10 percent.

However, he left room for adjustments, telling reporters the final details are still being worked out, including whether oil from Canada will be included.

The president also signed an executive order directing federal agencies to develop an "America First" trade policy, including potential tariffs on all imported goods.

He hasn't set a timeline for broader tariffs, but while the president claims the tariffs will strengthen the economy, history suggests otherwise.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this day (January 31) in 1919, Jackie Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia. He would go on to change baseball and American history.

In 1947, Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers. His presence challenged segregation in sports and beyond.

Despite facing racism from fans, players, and even teammates, he played with skill and determination. He was named Rookie of the Year and later won the National League MVP.

Off the field, Robinson was active in the civil rights movement, using his platform to push for equality. His number 42 was later retired across Major League Baseball.

More than an athlete, Robinson’s impact reached far beyond the game, paving the way for future generations.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we gear up for the 67th Grammy Awards, the battle for album of the year is heating up between Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, but there’s no clear frontrunner yet! Will “Cowboy Carter” finally land Beyoncé the top prize? Plus, we’re breaking down the biggest performances, including Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, Shakira, and more.

Meanwhile, fire relief concerts across L.A. are bringing together music legends like Joni Mitchell, Green Day, Alanis Morissette, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Rod Stewart. And of course, we’ll be on the red carpet and backstage bringing you all the exclusive moments you won’t see on TV!

The Grammy telecast airs Sunday, February 4, live on CBS and streaming across multiple platforms.

For all these stories and more, follow me on social media: @TanyaHollywood and @aurnonline.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(AURN News) — The Federal Reserve kept its key interest rate unchanged this week as officials noted the U.S. economy remains strong while inflation has moved closer to the central bank's target. But there is still a long way to go in hitting the 2 percent target.

“Our monetary policy actions are guided by our dual mandate to promote maximum employment and stable prices for the American people. We see the risks to achieving our employment and inflation goals as being roughly in balance, and we are attentive to the risks on both sides of our mandate,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday.

“We remain committed to supporting maximum employment, bringing inflation sustainably to our 2 percent goal, and keeping longer-run inflation expectations well anchored. Our success in delivering on these goals matters to all Americans. We understand that our actions affect communities, families, and businesses across the country. Everything we do is in service to our public mission,” Powell said.

He also mentioned that the labor market continues to show stability, with monthly payroll gains averaging 170,000 over the past three months. The unemployment rate held at 4.1 percent in December, which Powell characterized as low.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m trying to figure out how you can come to the conclusion right now that diversity has something to do with this crash?” a reporter asked.

“Because I have common sense,” President Donald Trump responded.

During his first White House briefing of his second term, Trump spoke about the tragic midair collision over Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people.

The president wasted no time linking the tragedy to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, despite the investigation being in its early stages and offering no such findings.

Standing alongside Vice President J.D. Vance and newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump used the national tragedy to attack past administrations, and he suggested that severe intellectual disabilities and psychiatric conditions were prioritized in FAA hiring under Biden.

Meanwhile, the recovery of the victims' bodies is still underway in the icy waters of the Potomac River.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedy legend George Wallace joins Hollywood Live Extra to talk about his brand-new TV show, Clean Slate, premiering February 6th on Prime Video. Wallace shares how the show tackles family, love, and acceptance in a way that’s both hilarious and heartfelt. Plus, he reminisces about his groundbreaking Las Vegas residency, writing for Red Foxx, and why making people laugh is the best medicine. Don’t miss this conversation with one of the greatest comedians of all time!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A horrific midair collision over Washington, D.C. late Wednesday night has presumably left 67 people dead, including U.S. and Russian figure skating champions and three U.S. service members.

American Eagle Flight 5342 carrying 64 passengers from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military Blackhawk helicopter near Reagan Airport, sending both aircraft plunging into the icy Potomac River.

Over 300 emergency crews arrived within minutes, but the devastation was overwhelming. At least 28 bodies have been pulled from the river so far, but officials say they don't expect any survivors.

Among the victims were top figure skaters returning from a prestigious training camp. U.S. Figure Skating called the tragedy unspeakable and vowed to support the victims' families.

Meanwhile, Senator Tim Kaine is demanding answers, calling Reagan National's congestion a long-standing safety concern.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices