AURN News

President Joe Biden is taking decisive action to address the skyrocketing housing costs faced by millions of Americans. In a major announcement, the president called on corporate landlords to cap rent increases at 5 percent and unveiled plans to make more public land available for housing.

These measures aim to make renting more affordable and create additional housing units. To achieve this, the president is urging Congress to pass legislation that would give corporate landlords the choice to either limit rent increases on existing units or risk losing valuable federal tax breaks.

The proposal would ensure that rent increases are kept at a reasonable level, providing relief for struggling renters. Across the country, the administration is rolling out several other measures, including calling on Congress to support the Biden-Harris housing plan that would build over two million homes and provide thousands in mortgage relief.

In addition, the Federal Housing Finance Agency is also taking action. For a list of these measures, you can visit whitehouse.gov.

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On the first day of the Republican National Convention, Sen. J.D. Vance became the vice presidential nominee to run alongside former President Donald Trump. At 39 years old, the Ohio senator is the first millennial on a major ticket.

In the past, Vance was not always a supporter of Trump, once calling him "America's Hitler," saying he was a never-Trumper, even calling him a "total fraud."

Vance is now one of the staunchest supporters and backers of Donald Trump, and he's made a 180-degree turn in the Senate, pushing bills that criminalize gender-affirming care, going against all affirmative action policies at colleges and universities, publicly supporting a 15-week abortion ban, and, among many other things, promoting the replacement theory.

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Born on July 16, 1862, Ida B. Wells was a formidable crusader against lynching and an active participant in the women's rights and suffrage movements, establishing several notable women's organizations.

In a pivotal act of resistance 71 years before Rosa Parks, she refused to give up her seat on a train and was forcibly removed. This incident propelled her into civil rights activism, and she sued the railroad, winning a $500 settlement.

Wells became a public figure in Memphis through her journalism, writing for "The Living Way," and later became the first Black woman paid as a correspondent in Europe.

Ida B. Wells passed away in 1931 at 68 years old. 

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Former President Donald Trump chose Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate on Monday, selecting a former critic turned loyal ally.

The 39-year-old Vance, who gained national fame with his 2016 memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” was elected to the Senate in 2022 and has become a strong advocate for Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda.

Despite his support, Vance remains largely untested in national politics. He joins the ticket during a tumultuous time following an attempted assassination of Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which has heightened awareness of the nation’s divisive political climate.

Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said Mr. Vance had “championed and enabled Trump’s worst policies for years — from a national abortion ban, to whitewashing Jan. 6, to railing against Social Security and Medicare.”

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(AURN News) - FBI Director Christopher Wray condemned the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump as "an attack on democracy" during a press briefing on Sunday, following the shooting at a campaign rally outside Pittsburgh that left one dead and two critically wounded. The shooting took place on Saturday afternoon when shots rang out during Trump's speech, striking the former president in the ear. Secret Service agents swiftly intervened, escorting Trump from the scene. The presidential candidate was seen raising his fist several times, signaling to supporters that he was okay.

"What we witnessed yesterday was nothing short of an attack on democracy and our democratic process," Wray stated. "An attempt to assassinate a presidential candidate can only be described as absolutely despicable and will not be tolerated in this country."

The FBI has identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks was killed at the scene, though details surrounding his death were not immediately disclosed. 

In an unprecedented move, President Joe Biden addressed the nation regarding the shooting, calling for unity and a reduction in political tensions. "My fellow Americans, I want to speak to you tonight about the need for us to lower the temperature in our politics and to remember, while we may disagree, we are not enemies," Biden said in his address. 

The president also emphasized the importance of national unity in the face of such a distressing event. "We’re neighbors. We’re friends, coworkers, citizens. And, most importantly, we are fellow Americans. And we must stand together," he stated. 

"Thankfully, former President Trump is not seriously injured. I spoke with him last night. I'm grateful he's doing well. And Jill and I keep him and his family in our prayers," the president added.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about the shooter's motives and any potential broader implications for campaign security. Wray was nominated by Trump in 2017 to lead the FBI.

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Retired Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones has died at age 40. Drafted by the Houston Texans in 2007, he played there for four years before joining the Ravens from 2012-2014, earning a Pro Bowl spot in 2012.

Jones is best remembered for the "Mile-High Miracle," his game-tying 70-yard touchdown catch in a playoff game against the Denver Broncos, leading to a 38-35 double-overtime victory. He also set a Super Bowl record with a 108-yard kickoff return against the San Francisco 49ers.

After stints with the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, he retired as a Raven in 2017 and later coached at Morgan State and Alabama State universities.

The cause of his death has not been disclosed. Rest in peace, Jacoby Jones.

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Fitness legend Richard Simmons passed away on July 13 at 76, just one day after his birthday. His publicist confirmed his death at his Los Angeles home to the Associated Press but provided no additional information.

After revealing a skin condition diagnosis in March 2024, Simmons had withdrawn from the public eye, leading to widespread speculation about his health. TMZ was the first to report his passing.

Once a 268-pound teenager, Simmons transformed into a multimedia fitness icon, hosting the Emmy-winning "Richard Simmons Show," writing best-selling books, and creating the popular diet plan Deal-A-Meal.

He also founded exercise studios and produced the hit exercise video series "Sweatin’ to the Oldies," which became a cultural sensation.

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(AURN News) — Former President Donald Trump is urging national unity and maintaining his plans for the Republican National Convention, which starts Monday, following the assassination attempt near Pittsburgh over the weekend. The incident, which occurred Saturday, involved 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Details behind the motive for the attack remain unknown as the FBI continues its investigation.

In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed gratitude for public support and attributed his safety to divine intervention. "Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening," he wrote. The former president also acknowledged other victims of the incident, including those wounded and one fatality. He called for resilience and unity in the face of what he termed "Wickedness."

Despite initial considerations to delay his trip, Trump announced Sunday he would proceed with his scheduled appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "I cannot allow a “shooter,” or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else. Therefore, I will be leaving for Milwaukee, as scheduled," he stated.

The FBI is actively seeking information from the public, encouraging the submission of any relevant photos or videos to assist in the ongoing investigation.

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(AURN NEWS) — Nearly half of Generation Z adults still rely on financial support from family members, according to a new Bank of America survey that paints a bleak picture of young Americans' economic outlook. The Better Money Habits Survey, conducted by Ipsos in April and May, reveals that 46% of Gen Z — defined as those aged 18 to 27 — still depend on financial assistance from parents or other family members. 

The survey also highlights several key financial challenges facing American young adults. More than half of respondents (52%) report not earning enough to live the life they desire, with the cost of living cited as the primary obstacle to achieving financial success. A significant number of Gen Zers say they are off track for major financial milestones like homeownership, retirement savings, and investing within the next five years.

Financial insecurity is another pressing concern, with 57% lacking emergency savings to cover three months of expenses. Moreover, 30% say they don't have enough money to save at all. To cope with financial pressures, many young adults are adopting cost-cutting measures such as reducing dining out, limiting social activities, and opting for more affordable grocery stores.

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(AURN News) — In what may be a silver lining for the U.S. economy, the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released Thursday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a decline in inflation for June, marking a potential shift in the ongoing battle against rising prices. The CPI decreased by 0.1 percent in June, following no change in May. This downturn was largely driven by a 3.8 percent drop in gas prices. Other sectors seeing declines include electricity, new vehicles, used cars and trucks, and transportation services. While food prices saw a slight uptick from 0.1 percent in May to 0.2 percent in June, the report indicates decreases in fruit, vegetables, and bakery products.

President Joe Biden hailed the report as a sign of progress. "Overall prices fell last month, after staying flat in May, and core inflation is the lowest in more than three years," Biden said in a statement. He attributed the positive trends to his economic plan, citing rising wages, job creation, and economic recovery in previously struggling communities. However, the President acknowledged ongoing challenges, stating, "Prices are still too high." He called on corporations to lower prices and outlined his administration's efforts to reduce costs in healthcare, energy, and other sectors.

The CPI summary is closely watched by economists and policymakers, including the Federal Reserve, as a key indicator of inflationary trends. Many analysts are now speculating on the timing of when we could see potential interest rate cuts in light of this week’s data.

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