AURN News

Could President-elect Donald Trump shake up the federal government even more? Well, it looks so with his new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by billionaire Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

Their goal? End remote work across federal agencies. The initiative aims to bring all federal employees back to the office full-time.

Both Musk and Ramaswamy have voiced concerns about the number of government workers telecommuting. A source familiar with the discussions told CNN that making a five-day workweek mandatory is a top priority.

Their rationale? Bringing workers back in person would encourage many to leave voluntarily. Currently, federal agencies set their own remote work policies, with around 1.3 million employees approved for telework.

However, the American Federation of Government Employees argues most federal workers are productive. Any changes affecting their work conditions should be negotiated through proper channels.

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President-elect Donald Trump has named Linda McMahon, co-founder of WWE and a close ally, as his pick for Education Secretary, sparking widespread concern.

While McMahon has a background in business and a brief stint on Connecticut's Board of Education in 2009, her experience in public education is minimal and dismal.

Trump has vowed to dismantle the Department of Education, leaving critical responsibilities like federal oversight and funding to state governments.

Critics warned that this move could jeopardize protections for marginalized students, including Black and brown communities, and undermine public schools nationwide.

Education advocates argue that federal standards are essentially for equity and accountability.

The Senate confirmation process is expected to ignite heated debates over the future of education policy and its impact on millions of American students.

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A Georgia appeals court has canceled oral arguments scheduled for Dec. 5 in the appeal of a ruling that allowed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting the election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump, according to the Associated Press.

Trump and other defendants had sought Willis’s removal, citing her past relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade as a conflict of interest. Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled in March that no conflict existed but allowed an appeal.

The Aug. 2023 indictment accuses Trump and 18 others of a scheme to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election. While four defendants pleaded guilty, Trump and others maintain their innocence as his January return to the White House looms.

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In this episode of Hollywood Live, Tanya Hart shares exciting news about Beyoncé’s upcoming live halftime performance during the Ravens-Texans NFL Christmas Day Game. Produced by her company, Parkwood Entertainment, in collaboration with Jesse Collins Entertainment, the performance will showcase songs from Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed country-infused album Cowboy Carter. This marks her first live performance of tracks from the album and promises to be a must-watch event.

This performance is also a significant moment for Netflix, which will stream the halftime show live. After facing backlash over technical issues during the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight, Netflix has something to prove, and all eyes will be on this high-profile event. Tanya can’t wait to tune in, and she’s sure Beyoncé will deliver as always.

For more updates on this story and other entertainment news, follow Tanya on social media and visit AURN online.

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According to the Atlanta Black Star, the Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved a $5.9 million reparations settlement for Black and Latino families whose homes were destroyed 60 years ago during urban renewal efforts.

Known as Section 14, the neighborhood was a thriving enclave of working-class residents, including chefs and maids, until city officials ordered homes demolished and burned to make way for luxury tourism.

The settlement includes direct cash payments to an estimated 1,200 descendants and plans for a memorial park, cultural healing center, and monument honoring the displaced families.

Former residents, led by the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors group, fought for years to hold the city accountable.

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In a move that signals a continuation of his close ties with right-leaning media personalities, President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Sean Duffy, a former congressman and Fox Business host, as his nominee for Transportation Secretary.

Duffy, who first rose to fame on MTV's "The Real World," follows fellow Fox host Pete Hegseth, who was nominated for the Defense Department.

While Duffy's political background may resonate with Trump's base, his appointment raises concerns about how transportation policies could impact marginalized communities, including Black neighborhoods that often face neglect in infrastructure planning.

Critics worry that a cabinet filled with media figures may lack the necessary experience and sensitivity to address the needs of communities effectively.

Duffy's history in Congress and his public persona will be closely scrutinized as the nomination progresses, highlighting potential red flags for voters who prioritize equity in government.

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President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Chris Wright, a fossil fuel executive with no government experience, to lead the Energy Department, signaling a major push to boost oil and gas.

Wright opposes climate action, supports deregulating fossil fuels, and could roll back environmental protections that many Black communities rely on to combat pollution and health disparities.

Critics warn this could increase toxic emissions in areas already plagued by environmental racism. Additionally, prioritizing fossil fuels could limit investments in renewable energy jobs, hindering economic opportunities, and communities that have been long underrepresented with clean energy growth.

Environmental justice advocates warn this decision could widen the gap in environmental equity.

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In this episode of Hollywood Live, Tanya Hart honors the late Quincy Jones, who was posthumously awarded an Oscar at the 15th Annual Governor’s Awards in Hollywood. Though posthumous Oscars are rare, the recognition went forward since the announcement was made before Jones’ passing. His family accepted the award on his behalf, marking yet another groundbreaking moment in Jones’ legendary career.

Tanya also dives into the latest about Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good, whose relationship has been the talk of Hollywood. Rumors suggest that Meagan is covering Major’s expenses, including child support for his daughter, following his legal troubles and conviction for third-degree reckless assault. With Majors’ career in freefall after being dropped by major brands and projects, the couple seems to be relying on their bond to navigate this challenging time. Tanya hopes love will sustain them through it all.

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

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In this episode of Hollywood Live, Tanya Hart gives the scoop on the highly anticipated Gladiator II, which explores the aftermath of Maximus Decimus Meridius’ journey to the Elysian Fields. The sequel introduces a new cast of characters, including Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a wealthy Roman power player with ambitions to control the empire. Denzel shares his experience working with director Ridley Scott, calling him a “master at the top of his form,” and jokes about watching co-star Paul Mescal’s intense physical scenes.

Audiences can expect an epic mix of blood, violence, and yes—laughter, as the film delivers high-stakes drama with a dose of spectacle. Opening on November 22nd, Gladiator II is set to go head-to-head with Wicked at the holiday box office. Which blockbuster will come out on top? Stay tuned!

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

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Brendan Carr has been tapped by President-elect Trump to lead the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Carr, a current FCC commissioner, has pledged to dismantle what he calls the "censorship cartel" and overhaul how broadcast and tech media are regulated.

Carr also co-authored the FCC section of the right-wing "Project 2025," which aims to target big tech, cut diversity and equity efforts, and consider pulling TV licenses for content deemed not in the public interest.

Critics warn that this agenda, coupled with Carr's ties to Elon Musk, could open doors to punishing media voices and stifling speech that challenges Trump's narrative.

By scaling back diversity efforts and potentially revoking TV and radio licenses based on content, his policies could restrict platforms and even suppress Black voices or dissenting perspectives, also threatening hard-won progress in media representation and equitable access.

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