AURN News

With less than a week left in office, President Joe Biden delivered a farewell speech at the State Department, defending his foreign policy record. He highlighted stronger alliances and a more secure America as he prepares to conclude a career spanning more than 50 years in public service.

Biden described his presidency as transformative, claiming the nation is better equipped to face global challenges than four years ago. He pointed to efforts to rally NATO and other global allies, emphasizing that adversaries like Russia and Iran have been weakened while America’s partnerships have been strengthened.

He also addressed ongoing global issues, including the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and competition with China, crediting his administration with positioning the U.S. for long-term success.

Biden defended his decision to end the war in Afghanistan, acknowledging the chaotic aftermath, including the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and a swift Taliban takeover, but maintained it was the right course of action.

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(AURN News) — President-elect Donald Trump addressed public interest in his interaction with former President Barack Obama at Jimmy Carter's funeral, characterizing their exchange as friendly despite their political differences.

Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump acknowledged the attention the moment received. "It did look very friendly. I must say, I didn't realize it. I didn't realize how friendly it looked," Trump said.

Trump expanded on the interaction, saying, "And I said, boy, they look like two people that like each other. And we probably do. We have little different philosophies, right? But we probably do. I don't know, we just got along, but I got along with just about everybody."

The President-elect also mentioned a pre-service meeting, stating, "You know, we met backstage, as you know, before we went on and I thought it was a beautiful service, but we all got along very well, which is good."

The funeral service was held last Thursday at Washington National Cathedral. Trump did not provide specific details about his conversation with former President Obama.

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President Joe Biden convened senior officials today for a briefing on the federal response to the catastrophic wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County. Three active fires—the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires—have already claimed at least 24 lives, scorched over 40,000 acres, and destroyed more than 12,000 structures.

The largest blaze, the Palisades fire, is only 14% contained and is now threatening neighborhoods including Brentwood, Encino, and Westwood. Over 105,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, with an additional 87,000 on standby.

The Eaton Fire, which erupted in Altadena earlier this week, has devastated 10,600 acres and destroyed nearly 1,000 structures. Its impact has been particularly severe on Altadena’s historic Black community, a sanctuary for generations of African Americans who overcame systemic barriers to create a thriving cultural hub.

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In this episode of Hollywood Live with Tanya Hart, we highlight acts of kindness and resilience amidst the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. Rapper The Game has stepped up to assist families forced to evacuate, offering a week of free Airbnb accommodations to those affected. Tanya shares the details on how to access this generous support and acknowledges other programs offering aid to displaced residents.

In Hollywood news, the Critics Choice Awards have been rescheduled to the end of January as the city works to recover. Meanwhile, there’s exciting news for comedian Roy Wood Jr., whose CNN show Have I Got News For You has been renewed for a second season! Tanya celebrates Roy’s success and provides a sneak peek into the witty and satirical comedy panel show, featuring Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian as team captains.

For updates on the wildfires and more entertainment news, follow Tanya on social media and visit @aurnonline across platforms.

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(AURN News) — The Biden administration is touting record-breaking numbers in small business growth and federal contract awards as it prepares for the transition of power.

President Joe Biden reported Friday that his administration has overseen 21 million new business applications, claiming it as the highest number under any administration.

"My Administration has empowered this unprecedented wave of entrepreneurship by significantly expanding access to capital and by making historic investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy that are benefiting small businesses in communities across the country,” Mr. Biden said in a White House statement.

The administration also highlighted new achievements in federal contracting.

"Today, the Small Business Administration announced that the federal government built on this support by awarding $183 billion in federal contracts to small businesses and $78 billion to small disadvantaged businesses in Fiscal Year 2024 – both record totals," the President said.

To learn more visit: sba.gov.

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According to The New York Times, Charles Person, the youngest of the 13 original Freedom Riders who traveled from Washington to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1961 to challenge segregation in interstate bus terminals, died on Wednesday, January 8, at his home in Fayetteville, Georgia. He was 82.

His daughter, Keisha Person, confirmed the cause was leukemia.

At 18, Person was a freshman at Morehouse College when he joined the Freedom Riders. Despite facing brutal attacks, he remained committed to nonviolent resistance. Their efforts led to federal orders desegregating interstate bus terminals.

A Vietnam veteran and later a civil rights activist, Person co-authored “Buses Are a Comin’” in 2022. He is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and grandchildren.

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(AURN News) — President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced today in the New York hush-money case, marking the first time a convicted felon will take the oath of office as president.

Trump was found guilty by a jury of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign. He has consistently denied the allegations, calling the charges politically motivated and the case “fake.”

Judge Juan Merchan, citing constitutional complexities, issued an unconditional discharge, meaning Trump received no jail time, probation, or fines. Trump appeared via video from Mar-a-Lago and made a brief statement, reiterating his claims of innocence.

Trump’s legal team had fought to delay the sentencing, citing presidential immunity and the potential impact on his transition. However, the Supreme Court cleared the way for today’s proceedings by rejecting a final appeal in a narrow 5-4 ruling on Thursday.

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On this day in 1957, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was founded in Atlanta, Georgia. Emerging from the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which began in 1955, this pivotal organization was created by Southern civil rights leaders to coordinate efforts to end racial segregation and inequality in the South.

The SCLC adopted the philosophy of nonviolent resistance, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and deeply rooted in the Black church. Martin Luther King Jr., already a national figure following his leadership in Montgomery, was elected its first president.

Under King’s leadership, the SCLC spearheaded major civil rights campaigns, including the Birmingham Campaign and the March on Washington, becoming a cornerstone in the fight for justice and equality during the Civil Rights Movement.

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In this deeply personal episode of Hollywood Live with Tanya Hart, Tanya reflects on the devastating wildfires currently ravaging Los Angeles County. Drawing from her experience covering military coups and wars, she describes the unparalleled destruction in neighborhoods like historic Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, which have been nearly wiped off the map. Even iconic Hollywood landmarks, such as the Walk of Fame, Magic Castle, and Hollywood Bowl, narrowly escaped disaster thanks to the heroic efforts of firefighters.

Celebrities like Diane Warren, Paris Hilton, and Maria Shriver have lost their homes, joining over 80,000 displaced residents. Maria Shriver’s heartbreaking words, “Everything is gone,” resonate as Tanya details the emotional and physical toll on the community. With events like tonight’s Lakers game canceled, Los Angeles remains on high alert as the fires rage on.

Tanya offers her gratitude to the firefighters and shares her prayers for those affected. For updates on this crisis and more, follow Tanya on social media and visit @aurnonline.

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(AURN News) — More than half of young adults are considering returning to college, with job market opportunities serving as a primary motivator, according to new data released by study.com.

The survey found that 52% of adults aged 35 and younger are looking to re-enroll in college this year. Among the respondents, 85% cited job market opportunities as a major reason for wanting to return to higher education.

Financial challenges played a significant role in previous college departures, with 75% of young adults reporting that money was the primary factor in their decision to leave school. Additionally, 42% indicated that past debt discouraged their educational pursuits.

The study also revealed that mental health concerns impacted educational decisions, with 72% of respondents stating that stress and anxiety created barriers to their college experience.

The survey, which included 900 participants, reported that 13% of respondents identified as Black or African American.

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