AURN News

The Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation into Rankin County, Mississippi, and its Sheriff's Department to uncover any patterns or practices that violate the Constitution or federal law. It will examine all types of force used by the department, including deadly force, and will assess whether they are unlawful stops, searches, arrests, and racist and discriminatory policing.

Attorney Merrick Garland stated that the public is now aware of the heinous attack inflicted on two Black men who were by Rankin County deputies who called themselves the Goon Squad. Those officers have been convicted and sentenced, but they're launching an investigation to examine the allegations that the department systematically violates people's constitutional rights.

The investigation follows reports of excessive taser use, unlawful home entries, racial slurs, and cruel tactics used by deputies related to the violent assault of two Black men, Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker. This is the 12th pattern or practice investigation launched by the DOJ under the Biden administration.

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is accused of running a voter intimidation campaign. Travis County officials claim Paxton used his office to suppress voters, launching an intimidation campaign to discourage voter registration. The county, home to Austin, alleges Paxton and Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson forced the state to sue the county for sending voter registration forms to likely-eligible voters who are not registered, breaking federal voting law.

Travis County Judge Andy Brown and other officials say Paxton's actions are meant to pressure local government officials to stop efforts required by federal law to register voters.

The county started a voter registration outreach program in July to reach likely-eligible unregistered voters no matter their political leanings. Officials insist the voter registration drive was part of their duty to encourage voter engagement. Paxton's office says they had no right to encourage voter registration by sending out forms.

The county is asking the court to rule that the voter registration drive was legal and Paxton's actions were a violation of federal law.

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According to the Associated Press, Sean “Diddy” Combs is accused of overseeing a criminal enterprise involving sexual crimes, coercion, and abuse of women, as outlined in an indictment unsealed Tuesday.

The indictment alleges Combs, 54, engaged in a persistent pattern of violence, sex trafficking, and forced labor, while using his power to conceal these acts. Combs is also accused of orchestrating elaborate sex performances called “Freak Offs” and manipulating victims through violence, threats, and drugs.

The indictment describes attempts to silence victims and witnesses, including bribes. Prosecutors say Combs used his influence to cover up these crimes, maintaining a facade through his global music and business empire.

Combs denies the allegations.

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In a powerful sit-down with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Vice President Kamala Harris tackled issues impacting the Black community. She highlighted the Biden administration's economic wins, such as creating 16 million jobs and achieving the lowest Black unemployment rate in generations.

She also discussed the squeeze of rising housing costs in her plan to give first-time home buyers $25,000 in down payment assistance.

When asked about young Black men considering voting for Donald Trump:

"Black men are like any other voting group. You gotta earn their vote. I'm working to earn the vote, not assuming I'm going to have it because I am Black, but because the policies and the perspectives I have understands what we must do to recognize the needs of all communities. And I intend to be a president for all people."

And on reparations and setting up a reparations task force:

"I think Congress ultimately will have the ability to do this work. I'm not discounting the importance of any executive action, but ultimately Congress."

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According to the New York Times, over 100 former Republican national security officials and ex-Congress members endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday, declaring Donald Trump "unfit to serve again as president."

In their letter, these Republicans—some longtime Trump critics, others not supporting Joseph R. Biden Jr. in 2020—highlighted concerns over Trump’s “dangerous qualities,” such as his admiration for dictators like Vladimir Putin.

They condemned Trump's role in the January 6 Capitol attack and accused him of undermining American interests and democracy.

The signatories, including former defense secretaries, CIA directors, and Republican officials, acknowledged disagreements with Harris but deemed her a far safer option than Trump for the country.

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Tito Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5, has died at age 70. His family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt Instagram tribute.

In the 1970s, alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, Tito helped create "Jacksonmania" with Motown hits like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There." The Jackson 5 became one of America's most beloved groups, earning four consecutive Billboard No. 1 singles.

Tito was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and received three Grammy nominations as part of the group. He also released solo albums, including "Tito Time" in 2016.

Born in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of 10 Jackson siblings.

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Today is National Voter Registration Day, a civic holiday dedicated to ensuring that every single American is registered to vote. Since its launch in 2012, the initiative has helped more than 5 million Americans register to vote and 1.5 million registered in 2020 alone. Now, the day's efforts are supported by thousands of organizations nationwide focused on getting people to sign up, educating them on election processes, and uniting communities around the shared responsibility of voting.

President Joe Biden marked the day by emphasizing the importance of voter registration and talking about the ongoing fight against voter suppression targeting African American communities. He highlighted efforts to restrict access to the ballot box through gerrymandering, dark money, and attempts to subvert elections.

Since the Voting Rights Act of 1965, securing the right to vote has been a long battle and continues today. This administration is pushing for Congress to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act — laws that will strengthen protections for marginalized communities.

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In this episode of Hollywood Live, Tanya Hart pays tribute to Tito Jackson, an original member of the legendary Jackson 5, who has passed away. The news was confirmed by his family in a heartfelt Instagram post from his sons, TJ, Taj, and Terrell, expressing their shock, sadness, and heartbreak over the loss of their beloved father. As a founding member of the Jackson 5 alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, Tito helped shape the sound of a generation.

Despite being prevented from playing guitar on Jackson 5 records, Tito pursued a successful solo career as a blues musician starting in 2003. Tragically, according to reports, he suffered a heart attack while driving, likely en route to another performance. Recently, Tito had been actively performing with his brothers, Jackie and Marlon, as “The Jacksons,” with shows across Scotland, California, England, and more. His final performances were in Surrey, England, just days before his passing. Tito’s legacy includes his 1997 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring his tremendous impact on music and culture. Rest in peace, Tito Jackson. Your music and legacy will live on forever.

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According to NBC News, Erika Lee, a resident of Springfield, Ohio, regrets a Facebook post she made that falsely suggested Haitian immigrants were responsible for local pets disappearing and eating them. She admitted to having no firsthand knowledge of the claim, which quickly spread online, fueling misinformation.

“It just exploded into something I didn’t mean to happen,” Lee said. The rumor was amplified by other posts, including a misattributed photo. Despite local police confirming no evidence of such crimes, the false claims went viral, even reaching national attention during a presidential debate.

Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, repeated the baseless allegations. Lee has since deleted the post and expressed fear and remorse over the fallout.

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Former President Donald Trump is unharmed following an apparent assassination attempt at his West Palm Beach golf course. According to the FBI, Secret Service agents opened fire on a man with an AK-style rifle as Trump played a round of golf.

The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, is in custody. Authorities say he was concealed in a nearby shrubbery about 400 yards away.

The incident is the second apparent attempt on Trump's life and comes just two months after the initial assassination attempt during a Pennsylvania rally.

Trump reassured supporters he was safe, while Vice President Kamala Harris expressed relief and condemned political violence. President Joe Biden also commented saying "One thing I want to make clear, the [Secret] Service needs more help and I think the Congress should respond to their needs, if in fact they need more servicemen."

The Secret Service is investigating the matter, and a Congressional task force has been called for further briefings on the incident.

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