AURN News

Nearly 100 former national security officials are urging the Senate to take a closer look at President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence. The group, which includes former diplomats and intelligence leaders, has raised concerns about her qualifications. Critics argue her position could strain U.S. alliances and hinder intelligence sharing.

In letters to Senate leaders, the officials called for closed-door hearings to examine government records on Gabbard's background. They warned that she would be the least experienced candidate to ever lead the intelligence community, a role created in 2004 to manage critical national security operations.

The Trump team has dismissed the criticism, calling them partisan attacks. However, Gabbard isn't the only nominee under fire. Others include Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services.

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The Justice Department released a 73-page report Wednesday detailing systemic civil rights violations by the Memphis Police Department, including excessive force, racial disparities, and mistreatment of people with mental health issues.

The report highlighted "aggressive and frightening encounters" with children, such as an eight-year-old who faced nine incidents of threats, handcuffing, and physical harm from 2021 to 2023.

The investigation followed the January 2023 death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man fatally beaten by officers after a traffic stop. Footage of the attack sparked national outrage and prompted a federal investigation into the department’s practices.

The report revealed that officers routinely escalated encounters, used intimidation, and relied on traffic stops for crime control, disproportionately targeting Black residents.

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In this episode of Hollywood Live, Tanya Hart brings exciting news for music fans. Kendrick Lamar has announced his Grand National Tour, set to hit 19 stadiums across North America next spring and summer. Fresh off the release of his album G and X, featuring collaborations with SZA on tracks like “Luther” and “Gloria,” Lamar’s tour promises to bring his signature creativity and confidence to fans. The tour kicks off on April 19th in Minneapolis and includes stops in Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and more. Tanya also looks forward to Kendrick’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance, which is sure to be a show-stopper.

Meanwhile, Beyoncé and Jay-Z are making headlines again. Beyoncé continues to celebrate being named the most important entertainer of the 21st century, while Jay-Z’s The Book of HOV has been released as a stunning 432-page coffee table book by Assouline. The book serves as a tribute and time capsule of his career, featuring nearly 700 images and never-before-seen artifacts. Pre-orders are now available for this must-have collector’s item.

For more stories and updates, follow Tanya on social media and @aurnonline across platforms.

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Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford is passing the torch as the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), making way for New York Congresswoman Yvette Clarke to lead during the 119th Congress. Under his leadership, the CBC championed justice and equity during pivotal national moments.

Clarke now steps in as the caucus prepares for its largest membership in history, with 62 members in the House and Senate. Horsford, reelected to represent Nevada's 4th congressional district, called Clarke a leader with "immense capabilities" ready to confront challenges that impact Black communities across the nation.

Clarke's tenure will focus on combating civil rights erosion and ensuring economic, health care, and educational opportunities for Black Americans. This historic transition marks a significant moment for the CBC as it remains at the forefront of shaping policy to uplift marginalized communities.

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In this episode of Hollywood Live, Tanya Hart highlights Beyoncé’s crowning achievement as Billboard names her the most important entertainer of the 21st century. As we close the first quarter of the century, Beyoncé takes the top spot on Billboard’s list of the 25 greatest pop stars of the last 25 years. While Taylor Swift dominates in numbers, Billboard’s editorial team recognizes Beyoncé for her unparalleled influence, innovation, and impact on the industry and the world. Tanya reassures Swifties that Taylor is right up there and is sure to shine next year.

Tanya also reports on the studio’s Oscar submissions for Wicked, confirming Ariana Grande as Supporting Actress and Cynthia Erivo as Lead Actress, aligning with the film’s opening credits.

Lastly, Tanya sends heartfelt condolences to Eminem and his family following the passing of his mother, Debbie Nelson, at age 69. Despite their well-documented rocky relationship, her passing marks a poignant moment for the rapper.

For more stories and updates, follow Tanya on social media and visit @aurnonline across platforms.

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According to the Associated Press, a California lawmaker has introduced a bill to prioritize descendants of slaves in admissions at the University of California and California State University, two of the nation’s largest public university systems.

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, a Los Angeles Democrat, said the measure aims to address historical and ongoing discrimination. “We have a moral responsibility to right these wrongs,” Bryan said.

The proposal comes amid national debates over diversity initiatives following the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action.

While legacy admissions remain, often benefiting wealthy, white applicants, critics argue this exacerbates inequalities. Bryan’s legislation aligns with recommendations from California’s Black reparations task force, though similar efforts have faced mixed results.

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The rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is intensifying as President-elect Donald Trump and major corporations lead the charge.

Trump has tapped conservative activist Christopher Rufo to draft a federal plan tying university funding to the removal of DEI programs, threatening billions of dollars in aid to institutions like Harvard, which received $686 million in research funds last year.

Rufo, known for his controversial views on race and gender, aims to eliminate what he calls discrimination under the guise of DEI.

Meanwhile, Walmart, the nation's largest private employer, has abandoned key racial equity goals, supplier diversity initiatives, and its participation in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. Critics argue these rollbacks undermine progress and disproportionately harm marginalized communities.

Corporations and policymakers are turning their backs on equity. Advocates warn the fight for inclusion faces a pivotal moment.

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(AURN News) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to work with President-elect Donald Trump on addressing the city's immigration crisis, focusing on removing migrant criminals and seeking input from Trump's designated border czar, Tom Homan.

“I've said it over and over again, we need to fix the immigration problem in the city...the American people said that. I don't know if you really watched the election results. The president-elect had the popular vote. He had the electoral vote. He was not indecisive on what his positions were. He was clear, we need to secure our board and deal with the immigration issue. The American people heard it. They voted for it,” he said.

“The American people should not be going through this, and the migrants and asylum seekers should not be going through this. We're placing them in a position that is unfair and is inhumane. I cannot make it any clearer,” the mayor added.

Homan, who Trump announced last month as his pick to oversee the migrant crisis at the border, served as Trump’s acting director for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In 2013, he was appointed by President Barack Obama as the executive associate director of enforcement and removal operations for ICE.

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"Today I'm announcing over $1 billion in new humanitarian support for Africans displaced from homes by historic droughts and food insecurity. We know African leaders and citizens are seeking more than just aid. You seek investment. So the United States is expanding our relationship all across Africa, from assistance to aid to investment to trade. Moving from patrons to partners to help bridge the infrastructure gap."

That was President Joe Biden making history as the first sitting U.S. president to visit Angola, delivering a powerful speech at the National Museum of Slavery.

He acknowledged the horrors of slavery that link the U.S. and Angola and reflected on the millions of Africans who were forcibly taken through Angola to the Americas.

Biden pledged over $1 billion in humanitarian aid.

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Today marks the 55th birthday of Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter on Dec. 4, 1969, in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Rising from hustling in the streets to building an empire, Jay-Z began his career as a rapper in 1989 with his first verse appearing on Jaz-O’s “The Originators.”

In 1996, he founded Roc-A-Fella Records and released Reasonable Doubt, a groundbreaking debut that cemented his status in hip-hop. Although he announced retirement after The Black Album in 2003, his return with The Blueprint 3 in 2009 secured his record for the most No. 1 solo albums.

With over 50 million records sold and 17 Grammys, his influence transcends music. Jay-Z launched Roc-A-Wear, served as Def Jam president, and co-founded Roc Nation Sports.

Happy birthday to the legendary Jay-Z!

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