AURN News

Born on this day (Dec. 14) in 1829, John Mercer Langston was a congressman, attorney, diplomat, and esteemed educator. He served as the founding dean of the law school at Howard University, where his visionary leadership helped shape and establish the department.

In 1885, he became the first president of what stands today as Virginia State University, an HBCU.

His groundbreaking tenure in Congress extended from 1890 to 1891, representing Virginia and becoming the first African American to hold this position from the state.

Langston's unwavering commitment to education and civil rights solidified his place as a pioneering force in the relentless pursuit of equality and progress.

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Cardi B and Offset seem to always be on or off, and currently, they're off. People Magazine is reporting they've broken up and gotten back together and broken up again, way more than the public has seen. However, the insiders did add that they've really had good times together, too.

Well, of course, this news comes after Cardi said she and her husband have been separated for quite some time. She said, "I've been single for a minute now," according to a recording of a live stream shared on X. The video circulated on social media earlier this week, and during the video, the Grammy winner said she wants to start the new year "fresh" and "open," as she admitted, "I’m curious for a new life, for a new beginning. And yeah… I’m excited."

The pair celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in September and they also share two children. My guess is that they're all gonna be together for Christmas. We'll see what happens after that.

The woman who accused Jonathan Majors of assaulting her in the back seat of a car broke down multiple times on the witness stand as the actor's attorney repeatedly played a surveillance video that showed Majors lifting her up and thrusting her into the vehicle.

The video capped off the fourth and most emotionally charged day of the trial against Majors, who, as you remember, was arrested back in March of this year for allegedly assaulting Grace Jabbari, his girlfriend of two years.

Prosecutors say the 34-year-old actor struck her on the side of the head and fractured her middle finger during a dispute that began when she read a romantic text on his phone sent by another woman. After that, the driver of the limousine they were riding in pulled over, the pair got out, and Majors allegedly picked her up and threw her like a football back into the car, according to the prosecutors.

But the attorneys for Majors played that zoomed-in footage of the shoving incident for the first time, arguing that it actually undermined Jabbari's testimony that her head was slammed into a door frame and then she was thrown back into the car.

This has really been a tough one, and unfortunately for Jonathan, his career has been put on halt. So hopefully, the new year will see some resolve to this.

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Happy birthday to the legendary Jamie Foxx who turns 56 years old today (Dec. 13). A distinguished Oscar-winning actor, Foxx's career spans decades, marked by his ability to seamlessly embody a spectrum of characters, each delivered with a depth of authenticity that has earned him critical acclaim.

His pivotal portrayal in "Ray," as the iconic musician Ray Charles, earned him an Academy Award in 2005. His recent portrayal in "The Burial," as a flashy lawyer fighting for justice, is currently streaming on Amazon Prime, underscoring his versatile talent.

Foxx's magnetic presence on screen, coupled with his adeptness in navigating diverse roles, reaffirms his stature as a powerhouse performer.

As he celebrates another year, Jamie Foxx's legacy continues to shine brightly. Happy Birthday to the legendary Jamie Foxx!

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House Republicans are gearing up to vote on initiating an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden. This step marks a significant juncture in their ongoing investigations amid growing pressure from conservative MAGA factions.

The focus of the inquiry, largely centered around President Biden and his son Hunter Biden, has yet to yield concrete evidence implicating the president, which has led to a split within the Republican Party, with some members hesitant about the inquiry's legitimacy and potential implications.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is confident he can secure enough votes for the resolution, which comes as a direct response to the White House's dismissal of GOP subpoenas as invalid without formal House authorization.

The vote aims to solidify the investigation's legal footing. However, many believe it will not lead to a more intensified inquiry and is merely a political maneuver ahead of the next election cycle.

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André Braugher, a veteran actor, passed away at 61 years old following a brief undisclosed illness. 

Braugher's legacy spans various iconic shows and films. From his breakout role in "Homicide: Life on the Street" to his unforgettable portrayal in "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," Braugher was one of the most recognizable faces on television. 

Born in Chicago, Braugher's journey as an actor was as inspiring as the characters he brought to life on screen. He is a two-time Emmy Award winner. 

Rest in peace, André Braugher.

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"He's wrecking everyday life in Ukrainian cities. But his real target is the freedom, freedom people enjoy from Warsaw to Chicago to Yokohama."

That was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky railing against Russian President Vladimir Putin in Washington on Monday as he's trying to get Congress to pass more war funding. Today, he meets with lawmakers on Capitol Hill amidst a stalemate in Congress over the aid package.

The visit also includes a meeting with President Biden to discuss not only financial aid, but defensive cooperation, including joint weapons and air defense system production. This is his third trip since the war began, and this time, U.S. aid is facing opposition from some Republican lawmakers.

Zelensky warned against the consequences of reduced U.S. support and asserted that any delay only emboldens Putin. But the $106 billion package is being blocked in the Senate because Republicans are demanding immigration reforms be tied to the deal.

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(AURN News) – American Urban Radio Networks' national correspondent, Jamie Jackson, is the host of an engaging new national PBS special celebrating the enduring legacy and remarkable career of acclaimed jazz composer Terence Blanchard. Titled "Terence Blanchard in Dallas," the special is captivating audiences across the nation, now airing on 280 PBS stations and the PBS streaming app Passport.

Blanchard, renowned for his influential collaborations with filmmaker Spike Lee spanning over three decades, is the focus of the national special, shedding light on his life, latest projects, and showcasing performances from two concerts held in Dallas. The concerts feature his band, E-Collective, accompanied by the Turtle Island String Quartet, as well as excerpts from his opera "Fire Shut Up in my Bones," performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Notably, this opera, based on the memoir of author and columnist Charles M. Blow, marked a historic milestone as the first by a Black composer staged by the Metropolitan Opera of New York.

Having been nominated for two Academy Awards and securing seven Grammy wins, Terence Blanchard's influence on the world of music and film is undeniable. The PBS special promises an intimate look into his journey and contributions to the arts.

Jackson has served AURN News since 2015, previously covering the White House as a pool reporter and correspondent. The special, produced by public media station KERA, showcases Jackson's conversations with Blanchard that explore the depth of his artistry.

“I am so grateful to KERA for this opportunity and I was honored when they asked me to do this earlier this year. To have an opportunity to honor Black excellence through Blanchard’s work and the performances that are seen is one of the highlights of my career. This national PBS special is a must-see and shows why we need more programs highlighting Black excellence and Black trailblazers like Terence Blanchard on television. KERA and its leadership should be commended for this project and their commitment to allowing Black voices to be heard,” Jackson said.

"Terence Blanchard in Dallas" is not just a tribute to a musical icon; it is a testament to the power of representation and the importance of recognizing Black excellence in the arts.

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In federal court, Rudy Giuliani faces a defamation trial over his false accusations against two Georgia election workers. After Giuliani claimed they tampered with the 2020 election results, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, mother and daughter, experienced severe racist attacks and threats.

The jury will now decide the damages Giuliani must pay, potentially up to $43.5 million. Giuliani's allegations, which include unfounded claims of fake votes for Biden, led to harassment and death threats against Freeman and Moss.

The lawsuit emphasizes the emotional and reputational harm that they both suffered, saying that they were scared to leave the house and received constant death threats.

Giuliani's lawyer acknowledged their harm but argued against his client being the cause of the threats.

As Freeman and Moss testify and the world watches, how will this trial affect the broader conversation about accountability in political rhetoric?

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DALLAS, TX (AURN News) — Pastor Tony Evans, the renowned author and pastor, recently tied the knot with Dr. Carla Crummie in a private ceremony. The news of their union was shared with the world through a statement posted on several social media accounts affiliated with Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, the church where Pastor Evans serves.

The marriage journey began back in September with Evans' surprise engagement announcement. Crummie served in his ministry “The Urban Alternative” as a Kindness Ambassador and was previously married to Rev. Robert Crummie who served as President of Carver College and pastor at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church until his death in 2020.

The engagement announcement earlier this fall, also served as a poignant moment as Evans paid tribute to his late wife, Lois, who battled gallbladder cancer and passed away in 2019. Pastor Evans commemorated the enduring love they shared during their 49 and a half years of marriage.

The wedding news, conveyed this past weekend, brought additional joy to the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship community. “Marriage is a blessing from God, and it brings us great joy to see our pastor blessed in this beautiful way,” the church expressed in a statement.

“The couple is excited to continue serving the Lord together, supported by faith, love, and the prayers of our church family,” the statement continued.

The Evans wed in a private ceremony with family and close friends.

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Following a contentious House hearing on anti-Semitism, University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill and Board Chair Scott Bok stepped down over the weekend.

Magill's response during the hearing suggested that calling for genocide of Jews could be context-dependent, sparking immediate backlash. This, coupled with the university's criticized handling of recent anti-Semitic incidents on campus, led to their resignations.

Bok defended Magill in his statement, citing her as a capable leader unfairly treated in a hostile environment. However, the controversy proved too much, prompting both to resign from their positions at the prestigious private university.

This development at Penn raises critical questions about academic leadership and the handling of social issues. With new leadership on the horizon, what changes might we see at Penn in response?

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