AURN News

(AURN News) — Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a long-serving Democrat from Texas's 18th Congressional District, has died, according to a statement released by her family on Friday. Jackson Lee, known for her passionate advocacy on issues of racial justice, criminal justice reform, and human rights, served in Congress for over 30 years. In an interview with AURN News, her former Deputy Chief of Staff, Shashrina Thomas, described her as "the conscience of the Congress" who acted daily as "an advocate for the underserved constituents of Houston's historic Third Ward, and all those similarly situated across the nation."

“The Congresswoman represented her family and her country proudly passionately and effectively, she fought the good fight. As it is written in 2nd Timothy, she finished the race, but most importantly, she maintained the faith in God,” Thomas said.

“I'm grateful to her and her family, for sharing her with the world, for fighting the fight in Congress, and standing strong every moment, to make sure women’s rights were on the table… human rights were on the table, and that there was a fair social and criminal justice system, across the board, specifically, for African American people,” she added.

Thomas also highlighted Jackson Lee's legislative accomplishments, stating, "She was directly responsible for crafting more than 200 pieces of legislation, 184 of which became law." Among her notable achievements were helping to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. 

"The congresswoman deserves our gratitude for a life of public service and dedication to exactly that: the values of women's rights, fairness, equality, and justice," Thomas said.

First elected in 1994, Jackson Lee was particularly noted for her focus on issues affecting women and children. Thomas recalled how the congresswoman ensured that "women and children were not forgotten" in policy discussions, especially regarding public service and first responders. Jackson Lee also played a significant role in healthcare legislation. Thomas noted her position as "the lead policy negotiator for the Affordable Care Act," which included provisions to expand access to healthcare for underserved communities.

“Congressman Louis Stokes gave me my wings to fly. The Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, taught me how to fly,” Thomas told AURN News.

The statement from Jackson Lee’s family emphasized her impact both as a public servant and as a beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother. They noted that while she will be deeply missed, "her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy."

Funeral arrangements are pending. 

As a journalist, I rarely include personal experiences in my reporting. However, Congresswoman Jackson Lee's passing compels me to share my interactions with her over the years.

I first met her in 2013 while working as a Communications Director on Capitol Hill. From that time until her passing, she consistently supported me as a person, a journalist, and a Black man in America. She was a staunch advocate for American Urban Radio Networks (AURN), always making time to address Black America through our platform.

During our interviews, she frequently emphasized the crucial role of AURN News in covering issues facing the Black community that are often overlooked by mainstream media. Our last public interaction was in September 2023 at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, where I moderated an event she hosted. Even then, she spoke passionately about the importance of Black media in our country and expressed gratitude to AURN and me personally.

Her unwavering support for Black journalists and media outlets underscored her commitment to ensuring diverse voices were heard in the national political conversations.

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(AURN NEWS) — As pressure mounts on President Joe Biden to bow out of the 2024 race, some supporters are still standing firmly behind him, citing his economic achievements and contrasting his policies with those of his opponent, former President Donald Trump. Morgan Harper, a Biden delegate from Ohio, defended the president's record in a recent interview with AURN News, highlighting what she sees as concrete economic benefits for average Americans under his administration.

"This president has an incredible record of actually reorienting the economics of this country to benefit our community," Harper said. She pointed to policies like lowering hearing aid costs and tackling inflated housing prices as examples of the administration's efforts to challenge big business and bring economic gains to more people.

Harper, 41, addressed concerns about Biden's age, suggesting that despite generational differences, she believes the president has effectively tackled issues important to millennials who came of age during tumultuous times like 9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis.

"I know it could be hard to believe that actually, we've seen from somebody who is not at all part of our generation... really addressing some of the damage that was done during the past 20 years, but it's absolutely the truth," Harper stated.

The delegate's defense comes as prominent Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have reportedly called for Biden to step aside. However, Harper believes voters should not be "on the fence" about supporting Biden.

"Another Donald Trump administration is going to hurt our economic prospects," Harper warned. She claimed Trump would give "a free pass" to big business if re-elected. Biden supporters like Harper are working to highlight what they see as the president's accomplishments and the stakes of the upcoming election in an effort to keep him on the ballot.

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Over 1,400 Black women leaders and allies, led by Black Voters Matter co-founders LaTosha Brown and Cliff Albright, along with National Legal Director April England Albright, have signed a petition firmly supporting President Biden's re-election. The action comes in response to internal Democratic party pressure for Biden to step aside.

The petition emphasizes the Biden-Harris administration's legislative achievements and the importance of unity within the party. The letter states, "We reject all efforts to disregard this fact or to circumvent the will of millions of voters who participated in the democratic process."

It criticizes attempts to undermine Biden based on debate performance and unreliable polls, calling such dissent unproductive and urging it to cease immediately.

Highlighting the pivotal role of Black women in securing Democratic victories, the petition notes that when Black women vote in record numbers, Democrats win the White House.

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Former President Donald Trump has pledged to take control of Washington D.C. if he regains the presidency. The threat has D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on high alert as Trump's extensive powers over the nonstate district could be weaponized to alter local laws, including those on abortion, cannabis, traffic safety, police, and even reinstating the Control Board, effectively sidelining local governance.

Jack Evans, a former D.C. council member, who spoke with Channel 4 in D.C., warned that such a move would be catastrophic and severely undermine local democracy. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who also spoke with Channel 4, echoed the concerns, highlighting the potential for Trump to federalize the police department and reshape D.C. policies.

Amid the threats, Mayor Bowser is monitoring Project 2025, seen as a roadmap for a second Trump term, to prepare for any actions. While the implications are vast, Bowser is exploring options to safeguard the city's autonomy, but the district's lack of statehood limits her leverage.

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(AURN NEWS) - President Joe Biden continues to face mounting pressure from within his own party to step aside in the 2024 presidential race, even as he now battles a recent COVID-19 diagnosis. Despite affirming his intention to continue his re-election bid, Biden is now encountering resistance publicly from key Democratic figures. CNN reports that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned the President that he not only faces a tough battle against former President Donald Trump but could also jeopardize Democratic chances in the House of Representatives.

Another major story is from ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl, who reported that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has also urged Biden to bow out. According to Karl's post on X (formerly Twitter), Schumer had a "blunt one-on-one conversation" with Biden last Saturday in Rehoboth, where he "forcefully made the case that it would be best if Biden bowed out of the race." According to Karl, when asked for comment, Schumer's office remained tight-lipped about the specifics, stating only that the Majority Leader "conveyed the views of his caucus."

These high-profile interventions come as Biden now grapples with a COVID-19 diagnosis. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement confirming that the President is experiencing mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Delaware. "He is vaccinated and boosted," Jean-Pierre noted, adding that Biden "will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time."

With influential party leaders now expressing doubts about Biden's candidacy, questions loom about the potential impact on the party's electoral prospects. And it’s all taking place during the week of the Republican National Convention underway in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Democratic National Convention is scheduled to kick off on August 19.

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President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, the White House announced yesterday. He is experiencing mild symptoms, like a runny nose and a nonproductive cough. Biden is both vaccinated and boosted against the virus.

After delivering a speech in Las Vegas, he will return to Delaware to self-isolate, continuing his duties remotely. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre assured the media that the President will keep performing his full responsibilities, and Biden's doctors noted that his vitals were normal as he started the Paxlovid treatment.

The diagnosis comes amid rising pressure from Democrats, some of whom are questioning his campaign for reelection. Despite his illness, Biden remains committed, he says, to his role, emphasizing his determination to serve.

The White House has promised regular updates on his health. The development follows Biden's previous positive COVID-19 test in July 2022, adding to the political tension as the November elections approach.

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According to the Associated Press, a Georgia appeals court has scheduled a December hearing for the appeal of a lower court ruling that allows Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting the election interference case against former President Donald Trump.

Trump and other defendants requested oral arguments, which the court has set for Dec. 5. The timing means the lower court proceedings against Trump, currently on hold pending the appeal, will not resume before the November general election when Trump is the Republican nominee.

The appeal will be decided by a three-judge panel consisting of Trenton Brown, Todd Markle and Benjamin Land, who will have until mid-March to rule.

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Speaking at the NAACP National Convention, President Joe Biden took to the stage and played off a term that former President Donald Trump used during a debate referring to Black jobs.

“Here’s what he thinks of Black jobs. I love his phrase, Black jobs. Folks, I know what a Black job is. It’s the Vice President of the United States,” Biden said.

He then took the time to tout his record.

“The first bill I passed included $1,400 checks, plus $300 checks per child, per family, per month, in the pockets of people in this country; to get them through the pandemic. Not Trump’s administration; Kamala and I did that. We cut Black child poverty in half. We grew the American economy to the strongest in the world. And I’m determined to make that tax cut permanent.”

Biden has made several speeches and appearances since his debate with former President Donald Trump, which had many people wondering if he was going to stay in the race. However, Biden has pushed back against all claims of stepping down and says he is ready to continue to deliver for the American people.

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Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of the late Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, has passed away at 69, his alma mater La Salle University announced on Tuesday.

Bryant, who played eight seasons in the NBA with three different franchises, reportedly suffered a massive stroke, according to La Salle coach Fran Dunphy.

The school expressed their sorrow, noting Bryant’s contributions as a player from 1973-75 and as a coach from 1993-96.

Joe Bryant, selected 14th in the 1975 NBA draft by Golden State, played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets, averaging 8.7 points over 606 games.

His son, Kobe Bryant, along with Kobe’s daughter and seven others, tragically died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.

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On July 17, 1967, the world lost legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane passed away at the age of 40 due to liver cancer.

Known for his profound impact on jazz, Coltrane’s work transcended musical boundaries, blending bebop, hard bop, and modal jazz into a unique and transformative sound.

His album “A Love Supreme,” released in 1965, stands out as one of his most significant and influential compositions, encapsulating his spiritual journey and showcasing his mastery of the tenor saxophone.

Coltrane’s innovative approach, marked by complex improvisations and a relentless pursuit of spiritual and musical enlightenment, continues to inspire musicians around the globe.

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