AURN News

The daughters of civil rights leader Malcolm X have filed a $100 million lawsuit against the CIA, FBI, New York Police Department, and other agencies, alleging involvement in his 1965 assassination.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in Manhattan federal court, claims these agencies were aware of the assassination plot and failed to prevent it.

The Malcolm X estate and family assert that prosecutors suppressed evidence of government involvement, stating that Malcolm X’s wife, Betty Shabazz, and their family have endured decades of uncertainty.

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A scathing report from the U.S. Department of Justice has revealed dangerous and unconstitutional conditions at the Fulton County Jail, prompting widespread calls for reform.

The 16-month investigation found severe overcrowding, broken toilets, rodent and roach infestations, and inadequate access to food and medical care. The report also highlighted instances of jail officers using force unjustifiably.

Color of Change and other advocacy groups are calling for Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat to resign, accusing him of negligence and enabling abuse. Michael Collins of Color of Change said the sheriff must be held accountable for failing to protect the safety and dignity of those incarcerated.

Community organizations are uniting in their call for immediate action. For now, they are awaiting a response from jail officials.

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Dr. Margaree Seawright Crosby, a trailblazer and civil rights activist, passed away in Greenville, South Carolina, at age 82. She was the first African American woman to earn tenure as a professor at Clemson University’s College of Education.

In 1960, Crosby made history as one of “The Greenville Eight,” participating in a pivotal sit-in at a segregated public library that advanced desegregation efforts.

A fighter against Parkinson’s disease and a survivor of breast and ovarian cancer, Crosby also served as the first female member of the Greenville Hospital System board of trustees.

Dr. Margaree Seawright Crosby leaves behind a legacy of resilience and leadership.

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"Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic—that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that you will take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which you are about to enter, so help you, God?"

"I swear."

"Congratulations, you're now members of the 118th Congress."

And with that, Erica Lee Carter, the daughter of the late Sheila Jackson Lee, was sworn in as she fills her mother's legacy in the 118th Congress.

She won a special election to finish her mother's term, serving the 18th Congressional District of Texas.

The late Sheila Jackson Lee held the position from 1995 until her passing in July of 2024 at the age of 74. She passed away from pancreatic cancer.

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Denzel Washington recently revealed that a same-sex kiss he filmed for Gladiator II was cut from the final movie. Speaking with Gayety, Denzel jokingly referred to it as a “kiss of death,” as it occurred in a scene where his character kills someone moments later. Despite the edit, Denzel remains a favorite for award nominations for his role in this highly anticipated film. Reflecting on his future, Denzel shared that he plans to take on roles he hasn’t done before, including a return to Broadway as Othello. Whatever he chooses, Denzel’s enduring presence on screen and stage continues to captivate audiences.

In other news, Craig Melvin has been announced as Hoda Kotb’s replacement on The Today Show. Starting January 13th, Melvin will co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie while continuing to host the third hour of the show, making it three straight hours of live TV for him. Tanya tips her hat to his workload and the well-deserved paychecks.

For more updates and behind-the-scenes moments, including Tanya’s recent visit to The Jennifer Hudson Show, follow her on social media and visit @aurnonline across all platforms.

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In a controversial move, President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Known for his outspoken opposition to vaccines, Kennedy’s selection is expected to ignite intense debate and put pressure on Senate Republicans during the confirmation process.

Sources say Kennedy accepted the position after meeting with Trump in Palm Beach. Kennedy, who launched a brief presidential campaign last year focusing on holistic health and environmental reforms, endorsed Trump after suspending his campaign in August.

Trump has hinted at giving Kennedy significant leeway, stating he'd let him "go wild" on health and overhaul guidelines on food and medicine.

Kennedy has already proposed re-evaluating vaccine research, removing fluoride from public water systems, and cutting staff at the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.

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Ella Jenkins, the celebrated musician who brought children’s songs like “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” to life, passed away at 100 on Nov. 9. Her death was confirmed by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, where she was a pioneering artist.

Born in St. Louis in 1924 and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Jenkins grew up surrounded by gospel, blues, and the lively music of the Regal Theater. Influenced by Cab Calloway, she developed a call-and-response style to engage children in learning through song.

After graduating from San Francisco State University, Jenkins used music as a teaching tool in Chicago community centers, releasing her debut album Call-And-Response: Rhythmic Group Singing in 1957. Her legacy endures in songs like “You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song,” preserved in the Library of Congress.

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President-elect Donald Trump has made waves with his latest pick for attorney general: Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. Gaetz, one of Trump’s most vocal allies in Congress, is a choice already stirring criticism and debate.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin didn’t hold back, calling Gaetz “a disaster,” while others questioned his credibility and experience.

Gaetz’s past is now back in the spotlight. He resigned from Congress yesterday, just ahead of the release of an internal House Ethics Committee report reportedly detailing allegations of sex trafficking, sexual misconduct, and drug use.

Notably, a previous Justice Department investigation into similar charges was closed without any indictments.

Trump defended his pick, praising Gaetz as a “gifted and tenacious attorney” and claiming he’ll bring reform to the Department of Justice. However, with Gaetz’s background and ongoing controversies, his confirmation is shaping up to be a fierce battle on Capitol Hill.

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"Politics is tough and it's, in many cases, not a very nice world, but it is a nice world today, and I appreciate very much a transition that's so smooth. It'll be as smooth as it can get."

That was President-elect Donald Trump during an Oval Office meeting with President Joe Biden. It was a two-hour meeting that was supposed to symbolize a peaceful transfer of power, but it remains to be seen what will happen between the two rivals.

President-elect Donald Trump came with a list of questions on issues like the Middle East and the wars in Ukraine and Israel. But that portion of the meeting was closed off to the press, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre did not provide significant details on what the two discussed.

Meanwhile, Republicans are expected to control the House of Representatives by a thin margin. They already have the Senate and the Supreme Court.

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In this poignant episode of Hollywood Live, Tanya Hart pays tribute to two legendary icons we’ve lost: Judith Jamison and Roy Haynes Jr. Judith Jamison, a towering figure in the dance world, started her career as a dancer with the Alvin Ailey Company and was later handpicked by Alvin Ailey himself to succeed him as Artistic Director. She held that role for over two decades, elevating the company to global renown. Tanya recalls witnessing Judith’s powerful performances, including her unforgettable role in Ailey’s Cry, and celebrates her lasting impact on dance.

Tanya also honors Roy Haynes Jr., the legendary jazz drummer who would have turned 100 in 2025. A Roxbury native, Roy’s career spanned seven decades, and he was instrumental in every major development of modern jazz, starting from the bebop era. Known for his irrepressible spirit and unique style, his influence endures, as his music still resonates on jazz stations around the world. Tanya shares her personal connection to Roy’s family and reflects on his immense legacy.

For more stories and tributes, follow Tanya on social media and visit @aurnonline.

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