AURN News

(AURN News) — We’re getting a closer look at how the Federal Reserve views current economic conditions and how it may affect Americans moving forward. The Fed reported continued solid economic expansion in 2024, despite some easing in labor market conditions, according to minutes from the recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

"The information available at the time of the meeting indicated that real gross domestic product (GDP) had continued to expand at a solid pace in 2024. Labor market conditions had eased since early 2024, but the unemployment rate remained low. Consumer price inflation was below its year-earlier rate but was still somewhat elevated," the minutes said.

The Fed's analysis showed temporary fluctuations in employment data due to external factors but overall they believe the labor market remains stable. "The staff estimated that job gains were held down by the effects of labor strikes and hurricanes in October and were boosted by a similar amount in November after those effects unwound. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2 percent in November, and both the labor force participation rate and the employment-to-population ratio moved down a bit further,” the meeting notes mentioned.

But when it comes to race, there are some important notes: “The unemployment rates for African Americans and for Hispanics also moved up, and both rates were above those for Asians and for Whites," according to the minutes.

Looking ahead, the Fed maintained a positive outlook while acknowledging various uncertainties. "The staff projection at the December meeting was for economic conditions to stay solid. Given the elevated uncertainty regarding specifics about the scope and timing of potential changes to trade, immigration, fiscal, and regulatory policies and their potential effects on the economy, the staff highlighted the difficulty of selecting and assessing the importance of such factors for the baseline projection and featured a number of alternative scenarios," the notes said.

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Today, the nation pauses to honor the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States. President Joe Biden has declared a National Day of Mourning to recognize Carter’s extraordinary contributions as a statesman, humanitarian, and champion of peace.

This morning at 9 a.m. Eastern, Carter’s body was moved from the Capitol, where it lay in state, to the Washington National Cathedral. A solemn funeral service will follow, attended by dignitaries, including President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump. Biden is set to deliver the eulogy.

All living former presidents and numerous world leaders are expected to pay their respects to Carter, who passed away on Dec. 29 at the age of 100. Serving from 1977 to 1981, Carter’s post-presidency work with the Carter Center cemented his legacy as a leader devoted to humanitarian efforts and living by his principles.

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In his first press conference of 2025, held at Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump wasted no time making bold claims and controversial proposals. Among the most startling was his suggestion of using economic force to annex Canada—a move swiftly rejected by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who responded, “No chance in hell.” A Canadian parliamentary member added fuel to the fire, inviting Illinois, Oregon, and Washington to join Canada instead.

Trump also revisited past controversies, calling the Panama Canal treaty under President Jimmy Carter one of the worst deals in history and reigniting his interest in acquiring Greenland as a national security measure.

Painting the next four years as the start of a “golden age” for America, Trump criticized the outgoing administration, blaming them for inflation, high energy costs, what he described as a loss of global respect, and even faucets and showers without enough water pressure.

As the world reacts to his sweeping statements, one question looms: Will these audacious ideas reshape America’s future, or are they just attention-grabbing headlines?

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According to the Associated Press, McDonald’s is scaling back some of its diversity initiatives following the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision outlawing affirmative action in college admissions.

The fast-food giant announced it would retire specific diversity goals for senior leadership and end a program encouraging suppliers to develop diversity training and increase minority representation in leadership.

McDonald’s also plans to pause “external surveys,” a move mirrored by other companies like Lowe’s and Ford, which declined to participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s workplace inclusion survey for LGBTQ+ employees.

Despite these changes, McDonald’s insists it remains committed to inclusion, noting that 30% of its U.S. leaders are from underrepresented groups and that it has achieved gender pay equity since 2021.

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(AURN News) — President-elect Donald Trump pledged Tuesday to immediately reverse President Joe Biden's recent executive action banning new oil and gas drilling leases across vast sections of U.S. ocean waters.

"Banning offshore drilling will not stand. I will reverse it immediately. It'll be done immediately and we will drill, baby drill,” Trump said during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

The incoming president outlined plans for expanded drilling operations beyond current sites. "We're going to be drilling in a lot of other locations, and the energy costs are going to come way down. They'll be brought down to a very low level, and that's going to bring everything else down," Trump said.

Mr. Trump also addressed the transition process between administrations. “And, you know, they told me that we're going to do everything possible to make this transition to the new administration very smooth. It's not smooth because they're doing that. They're playing with the courts. As you know, they've been playing with the courts for four years. Probably got me more votes, because I got the highest number of votes ever gotten by a Republican,” he said.

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According to The New York Times, a federal judge held former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani in contempt of court on Monday for failing to cooperate in handing over $11 million of his personal assets to Georgia poll workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss.

The pair successfully sued Giuliani for defamation after he falsely accused them of helping to steal the 2020 presidential election, winning a $148 million judgment.

The Manhattan judge criticized Giuliani for obstructing efforts to verify his residency, which he claims is his Palm Beach, Fla., condo. Giuliani’s assets include a Manhattan apartment, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, designer watches, and Yankees memorabilia.

The judge expressed frustration at his busy legal schedule, noting, “Being a busy person is not an excuse.”

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The 2025 Golden Globes kicked off awards season with unforgettable moments and surprises! In this episode of Hollywood Live with Tanya Hart, we celebrate Demi Moore’s first-ever Golden Globe win for her 45-year career, taking home Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical, or Comedy for The Substance. Zoe Saldana also earned her first Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Amelia Perez, which dominated the night.

The evening’s highlight, however, belonged to Viola Davis, who moved the room with a powerful and heartfelt 16-minute soliloquy upon accepting the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award. Sharing her journey from abject poverty to becoming one of the greatest actors of our time, Davis inspired everyone with her resilience and triumph over adversity. Tanya reflects on Viola’s story and the need for a biographical film to capture her incredible life.

For more on awards season and beyond, follow Tanya on social media and visit @aurnonline across all platforms.

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The body of former President Jimmy Carter will be transferred to Washington, D.C., today for the next phase of his state funeral, marking a solemn tribute to the nation's 39th president.

After lying in repose in Atlanta, Carter's casket will leave the Carter Presidential Center and travel to Dobbins Air Reserve Base. From there, it'll board Special Air Mission 39 for the journey to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Upon arrival, a motorcade will escort Carter's remains to the U.S. Naval Memorial at the Capitol.

Military body bearers will carry Carter into the rotunda, where he will lie in state until Thursday. Members of Congress and the public will have the opportunity to honor his legacy.

President Biden will deliver a eulogy at Thursday's service at the National Cathedral, where Carter will be remembered for his humble beginnings as a peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, to his rise as a global advocate for peace and human rights.

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President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were in New Orleans Monday, joining a community in mourning after the tragic New Year's Day attack on Bourbon Street when a U.S. Army veteran drove a truck into revelers in the French Quarter, killing 14 and injuring dozens of others.

In a statement, President Biden said, "To all families of those who were killed, to all who were injured, and to the people of New Orleans, our nation grieves with you, and we stand with you as you mourn and heal."

While in New Orleans, Biden is meeting privately with victims' families and state officials, including Governor Jeff Landry, who is requesting a presidential disaster declaration to provide emergency aid and counseling for survivors. Mayor LaToya Cantrell has called for federal assistance to review security and vulnerabilities ahead of Carnival season.

Monday evening, the Bidens attended Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace and Healing at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square.

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"The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most fundamental principles of American democracy. As much as any other principle, it is what distinguishes our system of government from monarchy or tyranny," said Vice President Kamala Harris.

Today, four years after the Capitol was overrun, Congress is certifying Donald Trump's reelection under tightened rules and heightened security. Vice President Harris will oversee the process, which law enforcement officials have declared a national emergency event. Over 100 security changes have been implemented to ensure there is no repeat of the chaos.

The certification process itself has also evolved. In 2022, Congress passed an overhaul of the Electoral Count Act, clarifying the vice president's role as strictly ceremonial. The revision closed a loophole that Trump had attempted to exploit by pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the election results.

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