AURN News

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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On December 11, 1961, Langston Hughes' groundbreaking musical play "Black Nativity" premiered on Broadway, marking a significant retelling of the timeless Christmas story. The innovative production featured a fusion of traditional Christmas carols delivered in the vibrant style of American gospel music, alongside original songs crafted specifically for the play.

Hughes, born in 1902, stood as an esteemed American poet, columnist, playwright, novelist, and social activist. He played a pivotal role in shaping the literary genre of "jazz poetry" and remains renowned for his influential contribution to the Harlem Renaissance.

His legacy endured beyond his passing in 1967, leaving a mark on American literature and cultural expression.

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(AURN News) – In the face of inflation, new data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday show the U.S. economy remains strong. Despite prevailing overall economic challenges, the country added 199,000 jobs in November.

The unemployment rate is now lower at 3.7%, however, beneath the surface, disparities persist. The data reveals a contrast in the experiences of different racial groups. For Black Americans, the unemployment rate is 5.8%, compared to 3.1% for whites.

The healthcare industry emerged as a standout performer, adding 77,000 jobs and surpassing its monthly average for the past year. The government sector also saw an increase, with an addition of 49,000 jobs. The leisure and hospitality sector also experienced a notable uptick in job numbers according to the Labor Department data.

One particularly encouraging aspect of the report is the increase in hourly wages. November witnessed an uptick to $34.10, marking a 12-cent rise.

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As we hit the two-month mark in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the situation remains dire. Despite high casualties, with over 17,000 Palestinians dead, the war shows no sign of stopping.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Golan has indicated that intense military operations will continue for around another two months, followed by extended mop-up efforts. Speaking with ABC News, he asserted that Israel's battle is specifically against Hamas, the ruling group in Gaza, and not the Palestinian people.

This comes as there is heightened concern over the rising number of civilian deaths and the 130 hostages still being held by Hamas. Many Israeli citizens are pressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prioritize hostages over military tactics.

The conflict's intensity was briefly interrupted by a truce that led to the exchange of hostages and prisoners. However, this has not paved the way for prolonged peace, with further negotiations hinging on the release of additional hostages, including children.

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NEW YORK (AURN News) – New York City Mayor Eric Adams is grappling with a challenging political landscape as he gears up for the 2025 mayoral election, with a recent Quinnipiac University poll indicating a significant drop in his approval ratings. The poll, released Wednesday, unveils a stark reality for the incumbent, with only 28% of registered voters expressing approval of his performance. According to Quinnipiac, this marks the lowest job approval rating for a mayor among NYC registered voters since they began polling in 1996.

Among Black constituents, a key demographic for Adams, the approval rating is higher at 48%. The poll also underscores a prevailing concern among 58% of the city's registered voters, who believe that crime is a serious issue in New York City.

“Not only are voters giving him poor grades on the job he's doing at City Hall, their views on his character have dimmed,” commented Mary Snow, Quinnipiac University Poll Assistant Director in a press release.

“As the city faces across the board budget cuts while dealing with a migrant crisis, headlines about a federal investigation into the mayor's 2021 campaign and an accusation of sexual assault leveled against him from 30 years ago are taking a toll,” Snow added.

Adams is concurrently contending with an ongoing FBI investigation into his 2021 campaign, focusing on whether foreign money was funneled into it. This poll follows Adams' recent defense of his political career earlier this week, where he expressed optimism about his prospects in the 2025 election.

“If you're not planning your career, shame on you, but you know, running for mayor and managing a city of this level of complexity is different from having an idea. You have to actually be able to execute all the layers of doing so,” he said during a recent press availability.

As the political climate intensifies, Mayor Adams finds himself navigating a complex terrain, with the poll results reflecting the concerns of voters and the potential impact on his bid for re-election. The challenges ahead for Adams include not only addressing the pressing issues faced by the city from budget cuts to crime, but also rehabilitating his image and rebuilding voter confidence in the lead-up to the mayoral election scheduled for November 4, 2025.

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