AURN News

(AURN News) — U.S. private sector employment growth continued to cool in August, adding only 99,000 jobs as the labor market shows signs of normalizing after two years of robust post-pandemic growth, according to data released Thursday by payroll processing firm ADP. The August figures represent a significant slowdown from the revised 111,000 jobs added in July, marking the fifth consecutive month of decelerating job creation. The report suggests that the Federal Reserve's efforts to tame inflation by raising interest rates may be having the desired effect on the labor market.

"The job market's downward drift brought us to slower-than-normal hiring after two years of outsized growth," said Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP in a statement. "The next indicator to watch is wage growth, which is stabilizing after a dramatic post-pandemic slowdown."

Despite the cooling job market, wages continue to rise at a steady pace. The report showed that annual pay was up 4.8% year-over-year for job-stayers and 7.3% for job-changers, unchanged from the previous month. A closer look at the data shows that service-providing sectors led the way in job creation, adding 72,000 positions. Within this category, education and health services showed the strongest growth, contributing 29,000 new jobs. The goods-producing industries weren't far behind, adding 27,000 jobs. Regionally, the South outpaced other areas of the country, generating 55,000 new jobs, while the Northeast followed with 24,000 jobs added. The size of businesses also played a role in employment trends. Medium-sized companies, those with 50 to 499 employees, saw the largest gains, adding 68,000 jobs. In contrast, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees experienced a loss of 9,000 jobs.

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In a dramatic shift, Vice President Kamala Harris has made significant gains against former President Donald Trump in crucial battleground states, according to a new CNN/SSRS poll. This turnaround marks a major potential change for the Democratic Party. The latest polling data reveals Harris now leads Trump in several states where he previously held advantages over Biden. In Georgia, Harris edges out Trump by a single percentage point, 48% to 47%. Michigan shows a more substantial lead for Harris at 48% to Trump's 43%. Nevada mirrors Georgia's razor-thin margin, with Harris again at 48% to Trump's 47%. Wisconsin provides Harris with her most comfortable lead, where she commands 50% of likely voters compared to Trump's 44%.

While Trump maintains a lead in Arizona, where he polls at 49% to Harris's 44% among likely voters, and Pennsylvania remains deadlocked at 47%, the overall trend suggests a reinvigorated Democratic campaign. Despite Harris's momentum, the poll underscores persistent challenges for the Democratic ticket. The economy continues to dominate voter concerns across all six battleground states surveyed. On this crucial issue, Trump still holds an edge, with voters in each state favoring him over Harris when it comes to economic management.

Immigration also remains a strong suit for the former president, with respondents consistently rating him higher on this issue. However, the second most important issue for voters – "protecting democracy" – could provide an opening for Harris to further solidify her position.

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(AURN News) — The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) has opened applications for its Frederick Douglass-Daniel O'Connell Global Internship in Ireland for the summer of 2025. The program, now in its second year, offers a transformative opportunity for 12 American college students from diverse backgrounds to immerse themselves in Irish culture while gaining valuable professional experience. Set to run from June 13 to August 9, 2025, the eight-week program provides a comprehensive fellowship that covers all expenses, including airfare and living stipends. Participants will be placed in internships, complete a 6-credit academic seminar, and engage in cultural activities across Dublin, Cork, and Belfast.

The initiative, a collaboration between Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), and CIEE, draws inspiration from Frederick Douglass' historic visit to Ireland over 175 years ago. During that trip, Douglass met Daniel O'Connell, the renowned Irish reformer known as "The Liberator," forging a connection that would influence his fight against slavery and for social justice. 

Reflecting on her experience in the 2024 cohort, Tianni Carson, a Health Service Administration major from Howard University, described her internship at Elkstone Partners as "one of the most transformative experiences of my life."

For more information on the Frederick Douglass-Daniel O'Connell Global Internship in Ireland, visit ciee.org/fddo.

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According to the Associated Press, Taraji P. Henson will receive an honorary AARP Purpose Prize for her work in eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health in marginalized communities. The organization announced that Henson, founder of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, will be honored at a ceremony on Oct. 1 in Washington, D.C.

Henson’s foundation, launched in 2018 in memory of her father, who battled untreated mental health issues after Vietnam, focuses on providing mental health resources and support.

Henson expressed her hope that AARP’s recognition will encourage more people to discuss their struggles openly and seek help. The foundation has also partnered with Alabama State University on mental health wellness initiatives.

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A federal judge will hear key arguments in the federal case against former President Donald Trump, which accuses him of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. This marks the first hearing since the Supreme Court ruled that former presidents have broad immunity from criminal charges related to their official duties.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan is overseeing the case. Trump's lawyers plan to argue for dismissal, pointing to a recent Florida ruling that questioned the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith, who brought the charges. Prosecutors, however, are ready to proceed with the revised indictment, which was adjusted to comply with the Supreme Court's immunity ruling.

Trump, who is not present at today's hearing, entered a not-guilty plea through his attorneys. A trial before the November election seems unlikely due to the amount of work still ahead. The judge will need to decide which parts of the indictment can move forward based on the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity.

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"It's just outrageous that every day in our country, in the United States of America, that parents have to send their children to school worried about whether or not their child will come home alive. It's senseless. It is, we've got to stop it. And we have to end this epidemic of gun violence in our country once and for all," said Vice President Kamala Harris while speaking at a campaign event in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

She was reacting to the shooting at Al Apalachee High School in Windsor, Georgia, where the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said four people were killed, nine others hospitalized, and the suspect remains in custody.

The incident took place shortly before 10:30 this morning and while there are few details on the motive or names, the Biden administration says they are continuing to monitor the situation and coordinate with federal, state, and local officials and will provide whatever resources are needed.

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On Sept. 4, 1875, the Clinton Massacre began during a Republican rally in Clinton, Mississippi, to introduce candidates for the upcoming elections.

A peaceful gathering of over 1,500 Black Republicans, along with about 100 whites, was interrupted by gunfire, leaving five African Americans, including two children, and three white people dead.

In the following days, white mobs killed an estimated fifty African Americans. Despite Governor Ames' request for federal intervention, President Ulysses Grant refused, leaving local Republicans without protection.

The massacre became a significant chapter of Reconstruction, where violence suppressed political participation and placed Black communities in grave danger.

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Vice President Kamala Harris is announcing a major proposal today in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to expand small business tax deductions from $5,000 to $50,000. The plan is aimed at boosting entrepreneurship as part of Harris' broader economic strategy heading into the final months before Election Day.

Harris is also setting an ambitious goal of 25 million new small business applications during her first term if elected. This move, Harris says, will help level the playing field for small businesses, especially in underserved communities. It is in stark contrast to former President Donald Trump, who focused on giving tax breaks to big companies.

The announcement comes just days before Harris will face Trump in a debate, where she plans to highlight her commitment to economic growth for everyday Americans.

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The Harris-Walz campaign is making history by announcing nearly $25 million in support for Democrats up and down the ballot, marking the largest transfer of funds ever in a presidential cycle. This unprecedented investment will bolster key races across the country with significant contributions to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

In a statement, the campaign emphasized the importance of the election in protecting Americans' rights, strengthening the middle class, and preserving democracy. The campaign's investment underscores their commitment to ensuring strong Democratic leadership, not only at the federal level but also in states across the nation.

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison praised the move, highlighting how crucial it is to win at all levels — from local governments, school boards, and the White House — to continue the country's progress. The historic investment could significantly impact outcomes in key battlegrounds and reflect a strategic effort to mobilize voters and secure victories in November.

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In this episode of Hollywood Live, Tanya Hart shares the latest buzz around Lee Daniels’ new film, Deliverance, which dropped on August 16th. While Tanya opted out of watching the horror thriller over the holiday weekend, she dives into the controversy surrounding the casting choice of Glenn Close as Audra Day’s mother in the film. Lee Daniels took to social media to defend his decision, stating that the character Alberta represents a familiar figure within Black culture. However, critics have pointed out that the real-life inspiration behind the movie involved a Black grandmother, stirring debate about the necessity of a white character in a story centered around a Black family.

Tanya also highlights Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s new memoir, Lovely One, which is making waves as she embarks on a book tour. Justice Jackson reflects on her family’s embrace of democracy and the American dream, and Tanya is eager to dive into the memoir. With engaging video interviews and more updates, be sure to stay tuned and follow Tanya on social media for the latest news. Plus, don’t miss her upcoming conversation with the Braxton sisters from Braxton Family Values on WE TV!

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