AURN News

(AURN News) -- In a recent radio interview this week, former President Donald Trump expressed his eagerness for debates with President Joe Biden, emphasizing the urgency by stating he wants them "immediately." Meanwhile, while speaking to the press Monday in Las Vegas, President Biden responded to Trump's challenge, humorously remarking, “Well, I — if I were him, I’d want to debate me too. He’s got nothing else to do.”

Despite Trump's apparent enthusiasm, it's crucial to acknowledge that former U.N. Ambassador and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is still actively vying for the GOP presidential nomination. While she remains a contender, current polls indicate that Trump continues to hold a significant lead and remains the preferred choice among Republicans.

The prospect of early debates between Trump and Biden adds yet another intriguing dynamic to the 2024 race. The coming months are poised to be critical as the Republican Party navigates its path toward selecting a presidential nominee.

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U.S. airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria likely resulted in casualties, according to top officials. U.S. Central Command is continuing its assessment of Friday's strike against more than 80 targets.

"The number of casualties is still being assessed," said Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, who spoke to reporters today.

U.S. forces are targeting Iranian-backed groups they say are responsible for the attack in Jordan that left three American soldiers dead and dozens wounded. Top administration officials say this is just the beginning of their retaliatory actions against the groups.

"We currently assess that we had good effects and that the strikes destroyed or functionally damaged more than 80 targets at the seven facilities. This is the start of our response and there will be additional actions taken to hold the IRGC and affiliated militias accountable for their attacks on U.S. and coalition forces."

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The 66th Grammys will definitely go down as ladies' night, with women winning literally all of the most important awards, including Song of the Year and Album of the Year. But can I shout out to AURN's own Tye Tribbett, whose album, "All Things New (Live In Orlando)," took home the award for Best Gospel Album? And yep, we hooped it up on the red carpet.

Okay, how is it that America's most important and precious folk singer Joni Mitchell had to wait until she was 80 years old before being invited to sing at the Grammys? What was up with that? She was fabulous. And then there was the sizzling performance by the night's most nominated singer, SZA.

Even Tracy Chapman and Billy Joel showed up and showed out after being gone from the business for decades. By the way, Tracy's "Fast Car" is once again zooming up the charts. The 1988 hit is currently number one on the iTunes list of top songs as a result of that performance last night.

Now, African music has been added as a new category for the Recording Academy. And Nigeria's Burna Boy oozed charisma as he ran through a medley with rapper 21 Savage and R&B's Chanteuse Brandy.

The in-memoriam segment, which was 16 minutes long, was one of the most entertaining and heartfelt parts of the show. Stevie Wonder and the late Tony Bennett kicked it off with an actual duet they had recorded earlier. Fantasia Barrino, who auditioned for American Idol with Tina Turner's "Proud Mary," closed out the in-memoriam segment with an electrifying spin on the song. And Jay-Z did get a bit political while accepting his Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, as he called out the Academy for not ever giving his wife the Album of the Year.

There were just so many good moments, but you know what? There were a lot of things you did not see, but you can see them right here at @aurnonline and at AURN's YouTube channel. Because we were backstage and on the red carpet. Check out some of the interviews you probably won't see anywhere else but right here.

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If you've been wondering, where in the world is Wendy Williams? Well, a new trailer dropped detailing a two-night documentary event premiering on Lifetime later this month. Now, I gotta tell you, the video was removed moments after it was released, but there was enough of the clip to see that the star was filmed. 

As her health has steadily declined in recent years, the mother of one broke down in tears as she struggled with both mental and physical illness in the light of the end of her talk show series. 

We do also see Wendy where she is laughing and she's greeted by fans on the street and she's looking healthy and happy. But then it takes that turn, showing Wendy in her current state for the first time in over a year. She sat in front of the camera and discussed all of her problems. 

I just have to say my note to Wendy: girl, you still got a big fan base. Get back in the game. Get your health together. Life is not over yet. 

And speaking of things like that, "Killers of the Flower Moon" producer Bradley Thomas' wife, Isabelle, died by suicide at a Los Angeles hotel. According to authorities, she was 39 years old. 

Thomas is one of the producers behind Martin Scorsese's latest movie, and it earned him an Oscar nomination in the Best Picture category this year. 

Now, the couple recently posed together at the 2024 BAFTA Tea Party that took place on January 13 in Beverly Hills. I do have to say this is such a sad story. 

If you know someone that is considering suicide or you think might be suicidal, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You just dial 9-8-8. You can also text that number or go to 988lifeline.org.

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(AURN News) – The latest jobs report for January, released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicates robust growth in the U.S. economy with the addition of 353,000 jobs. Despite the overall positive trend, the data also sheds light on the persistent issue of racial disparities in unemployment rates, particularly among African Americans.

The overall unemployment rate remains low at 3.7%, showcasing a healthy job market. However, a closer look reveals that the Black community continues to face higher unemployment rates compared to other racial groups. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for African Americans in January stands at 5.3%, in contrast to 3.4% for Whites, 2.9% for Asians, and 5% for Hispanics.

The healthcare and manufacturing sectors saw steady growth last month. Healthcare saw an increase of 70,000 jobs, while manufacturing added 23,000 jobs. Average hourly wages also saw an uptick in January, increasing by 19 cents to reach $34.55.

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A major Black History Month exhibit is now open in New York State Capitol. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the "1964: New Yorkers Who Shaped History" exhibit in the Capitol building, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act. It also honors those who helped pave the way for its passage, and then continued the fight for equal justice statewide.

The governor noted the state's pivotal role in the civil rights movement, adding it is critical that "we continue to honor and pay tribute to the New Yorkers who fought and marched for Black rights during this time."

Meanwhile, the memorial service for Dexter Scott King will be held on February 10. Dexter, the third of Coretta and Martin Luther King Jr.'s four children, died on January 22 after battling prostate cancer. 

The service will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, which will host a candlelight musical experience honoring his life. The event will be open to the public and live-streamed through the King Center. King's family says his body was cremated to honor his wishes.

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On February 2, 2009, Eric Holder secured his place in history as the first African-American U.S. attorney general after U.S. Senate confirmation.

Holder, born in the Bronx with roots in Barbados, had a distinguished career, including serving as a judge in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and as a United States Attorney. He also held the position of deputy attorney general during President Bill Clinton's administration.

Holder, an alumnus of Columbia University and Columbia Law School, previously worked for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Prior to becoming attorney general, he served as an attorney at Covington & Burling in Washington, D.C., representing notable clients like Merck and the National Football League. Notably, Holder represented the NFL during the investigation into dog fighting involving Michael Vick from 2001 until his appointment as attorney general.

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President Joe Biden announced an executive order aimed at squarely curbing the violence undermining peace in the West Bank. Citing intolerable levels of violence, property destruction, and forced displacement, Biden's order places sanctions on individuals contributing to the region's instability.

The measure specifically targets those responsible for extremist settler violence, including acts against Palestinian civilians and property. By leveraging the authority granted under U.S. laws, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act, the president has declared a national emergency to address this crisis.

The sanctions will freeze assets and ban entry into the U.S. for those identified as threats to the peace, security, and stability of the West Bank and the broader Middle East. The action underscores the U.S. commitment to a two-state solution, and the belief that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve equal measures of security, prosperity, and freedom.

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Well, the march to the Grammys -- which, by the way, takes place on Sunday -- continues. Last night, the Black Music Action Coalition sponsored a dinner hosted by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. They are always so concerned about the economic empowerment of Black music entrepreneurs, artists, producers, and songwriters.

It was a star-studded evening, including people like Victoria Monet, Jermaine Dupri, Babyface, Flava Flav, and the list goes on and on. And by the way, they will continue tonight with some empowerment panels on how to get ahead in the music business. You gotta just love those brothers, they've been around for a long time and they keep doing it just the way it's supposed to be done.

And speaking of media moguls, Byron Allen has submitted a $30 billion -- that's with a B -- offer to buy all of Paramount Global's outstanding stock, existing debt, and equity. Now, the owners of Paramount, which is actually Shari Redstone, want to sell Paramount. They're not making the kind of money that they used to, and Byron is ready to step up and step in.

His company did say in a statement that they believe the $30 billion offer is a good solution for Paramount and their shareholders, and the bid should be taken seriously and pursued. Well, let's see if Paramount takes the bite. I have a feeling that they might want a little bit more money. I mean, hey, what's $30 billion? Drop in the bucket for some of these people. But we will keep you posted on that one.

And for all these stories and a whole lot more, make sure you follow us through awards season. We've got lots of great stuff, and of course, we will be at the Grammys on Sunday. Don't want to miss that.

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WASHINGTON (AURN News) — In a rare public apology, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed regret and took full responsibility for failing to disclose his health complications following recent prostate cancer surgery. The apology comes amidst allegations that Secretary Austin did not inform President Biden or the White House promptly, raising concerns about transparency.

Speaking at his first press briefing at the Pentagon since his release from Walter Reed Medical Center, Austin acknowledged his lapse in handling the situation. He outlined the challenges he continues facing post-surgery. “I'm recovering well, but as you can see, I'm still recovering. Still having some leg pain and doing physical therapy and -- to get past it. I'm deeply grateful to my doctors and the nursing staff at Walter Reed, and I very much appreciate all of the good wishes,” he shared.

The Secretary of Defense revealed that the decision to keep his prostate cancer diagnosis private was rooted in his initial shock and the desire not to burden others.

“But I want to be crystal clear -- we did not handle this right and I did not handle this right. I should have told the President about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public. And I take full responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and to the American people,” he admitted.

“I was being treated for prostate cancer. The news shook me, and I know that it shakes so many others, especially in the black community. It was a gut punch, and frankly, my first instinct was to keep it private. I don't think it's news that I'm a pretty private guy. I never like burdening others with my problems. It's just not my way,” Austin said.

The apology comes at a time when discussions about health disparities, particularly in the Black community, have gained prominence. Black men have a 1.7 times higher likelihood of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and are 2.1 times more likely to die from it than their white counterparts, according to the non-profit organization Zero Prostate Cancer.

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