AURN News

The Biden-Harris administration is taking new action to lower housing costs, with a focus on helping Black and Brown communities. They announced $100 million in grants through the PRO Housing Program, aimed at removing barriers to affordable housing. This will directly impact urban areas where many Black and Brown families are, helping to build and preserve affordable homes faster.

Additionally, new measures will make it easier and cheaper to develop housing near public transit and convert commercial properties into residential units. These actions are part of a broader effort to tackle the housing crisis, ensuring that more homes are built quickly and affordably, especially in communities that have historically faced underinvestment.

The administration's moves also include providing more predictable interest rates for housing projects and streamlining the process for federal housing development, which could lead to thousands of new housing units across the country — crucial steps in making affordable housing more accessible to everyone.

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In a significant announcement, the U.S. Department of Justice reported a decline in violent crime across major U.S. cities. Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted the findings from the Major Cities Chiefs Association Violent Crime Survey, indicating a substantial reduction in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year.

The survey reveals that nearly 70 major cities have experienced a decrease in violent crime, including a notable 17 percent drop in homicides. This positive trend follows last year's historic drop in homicides nationwide and marks one of the lowest levels of violent crime in five decades.

The Justice Department attributes the success to a comprehensive strategy launched three and a half years ago focusing on partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as community-based initiatives.

Despite these achievements, Garland emphasized that the fight against violent crime is ongoing.

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In this episode of Hollywood Live, Tanya Hart discusses the brewing legal battle between the family of legendary musician Isaac Hayes and former President Donald Trump. Isaac Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III, is threatening to sue Trump over the unauthorized use of the iconic track "Hold On, I'm Comin'" at his rallies. The family, represented by lawyer James Walker, has filed a copyright infringement notice and is demanding $3 million in licensing fees. The song, performed by soul duo Sam and Dave and written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, has been used repeatedly by Trump’s campaign without permission.

Isaac Hayes’ son strongly condemns Trump’s actions, citing his father’s legacy and criticizing Trump’s lack of integrity and history of controversial behavior. The family is not only demanding the campaign cease using the song and remove related videos but also considering further legal action for additional instances of copyright infringement. With tensions high, this case could have significant implications for the Trump campaign. Tune in for all the details, and be sure to follow Tanya Hart on social media for the latest updates.

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On August 12, 1990, American playwright August Wilson won the Pulitzer Prize for "The Piano Lesson," one of the ten plays in his acclaimed "Pittsburgh Cycle" that explores the Black experience in the 20th century.

Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, the play delves into themes of family, legacy, and self-worth through the story of a brother and sister grappling with the inheritance of an ornate piano. 

"The Piano Lesson" also earned Wilson the Drama Desk Award and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award.

Wilson, who had previously won a Pulitzer for "Fences" in 1987, passed away in 2005 at age 60.

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In a major development for the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris has surged ahead in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. According to recent polls by the New York Times and Siena College, Harris now commands a four-point lead over former President Donald Trump in these critical battlegrounds.

The significant shift follows Harris's ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket, marking a dramatic turnaround in the race. The polls, conducted August 5-9, revealed that Harris has not only solidified her position in these states but is also leading in Arizona and Nevada. Harris' favorability ratings have seen a notable increase, with voters viewing her as more intelligent and temperamentally suited for the presidency compared to Trump.

Her choice of Governor Tim Walz as her running mate has further boosted her standing among Democrats. While Trump maintains an advantage on economic and immigration issues, Harris is seen as the more trustworthy candidate on matters of abortion and democracy.

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While the Trump and Harris campaigns have locked in a debate for September 10 with ABC News as the host, former President Donald Trump has also signed up for two additional debates, one with Fox News on September 4 and another with NBC on September 25. But the Harris campaign has not confirmed that debate.

Vice President Kamala Harris has expressed openness to further debates beyond September 10. A vice presidential debate between Sen. J.D. Vance and Gov. Tim Walz is also in the works with CBS News as the potential host.

The Harris-Walz ticket is currently riding a wave of poll surges and increased voter enthusiasm. Despite Trump's recent pressure on Harris to engage with the media, the Democratic ticket has been focused on campaigning in key battleground states.

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The Biden-Harris administration has expanded housing access for veterans. A new U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) policy will enable veterans with service-connected disabilities to secure more housing opportunities through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. Previously, their VA benefits were counted as income limiting their eligibility, but now these benefits are excluded, opening doors to supportive housing.

HUD is also raising the income eligibility threshold for veterans to 80 percent of area medium income, providing $20 million to public housing agencies to enhance the HUD-VASH program. These changes are part of a broader effort to end veteran homelessness, building on the success of the HUD-VASH program, which has helped over 200,000 veterans find permanent housing since 2010.

In a press release, HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman stated, "No veteran should ever have to experience homelessness, but when they do, they should not face barriers to getting help they deserve."

These policy shifts underscore the administration's commitment to supporting veterans in need.

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In this episode of Hollywood Live, Tanya Hart brings exciting news about a potential sequel to the beloved series “A Different World.” The new series, currently in early development for Netflix, is set to follow Dwayne and Whitney’s daughter during her time at Hillman College. With the original creative team, including Debbie Allen, Mandy Summers, Tom Warner, Gina Prince Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood, involved, fans can look forward to a nostalgic and entertaining continuation of the classic show.

In the political arena, IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, takes a humorous jab at J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate, over a stage setup mishap. During a campaign stop in Philadelphia, a sign intended to criticize Kamala Harris was obscured, amusingly making it appear that Vance was campaigning for her instead. IATSE, the first Hollywood union to endorse Harris for president, praises her and the Biden administration for their pro-union stance. As the political season heats up, Tanya highlights the fun and drama that come with it. For these stories and more, follow Tanya Hart on social media for the latest updates.

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Former President Donald Trump will be holding a news conference at 2 p.m. today at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. It will be his first public appearance since Kamala Harris was named the Democratic presidential nominee, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.

Trump, who has expressed eagerness to debate Harris, hinted earlier this week about his debate preferences after backing out of an ABC News debate.

“I will expose Kamala during the Debate the same way I exposed Crooked Joe, Hillary, and everyone else during Debates,” he posted on his Truth Social platform. “Only I think Kamala will be easier.”

Meanwhile, Harris and Walz will be addressing members of the United Auto Workers at a Detroit-area union hall. The event emphasizes their support for organized labor, a crucial base for their campaign.

The new Democratic ticket has been focused on key swing states, with Harris speaking to large crowds and receiving endorsements, including from top Arab American officials in Michigan. The visit highlights the ongoing tension in the region due to the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

Harris continues to advocate for democracy and labor rights, positioning herself as a unifying candidate ahead of the upcoming elections.

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Director Spike Lee's first feature-length film, "She's Gotta Have It," premiered in theaters on August 8, 1986.

"She's Gotta Have It" is a comedy that follows Nola Darling, a free-spirited Black woman living in Brooklyn, New York, and her relationships with three suitors. Lee himself appears in the film as one of those suitors, a bike messenger named Mars Blackmon.

Among Lee’s other notable works are "Do the Right Thing" and "School Daze," his second and third feature-length films. "Do the Right Thing" earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Through his production company, 40 Acres and a Mule, Lee has produced dozens of films—many of them known as "Spike Lee joints"—since the 1980s.

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