AURN News

According to CBS News, Magic Johnson is the fourth athlete to achieve billionaire status, along with Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods.

When Johnson signed a 25-year, $25 million contract in 1984, it was the longest and richest deal in sports history at the time. Johnson made approximately $40 Million during his 13-year career. 

However, it was after retiring from the league that he would build his empire as chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, a conglomerate of businesses and ventures founded by Johnson. The company's primary focus is on business, philanthropy, and community development.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has once again imposed a gag order on former President Donald Trump, silencing him in an ongoing federal election interference case. Just two weeks ago, the restrictions were set barring Trump from publicly targeting prosecutors, court staff, and potential witnesses.

Trump, not one to back down, immediately appealed, hoping to lift the gag while the appeal is under consideration. Chutkan, however, stands firm. Her ruling emphasizes the necessity of these restrictions to ensure a fair and just trial, highlighting that the right to a fair trial extends beyond defendants to the government and the public as well.

She points out past instances where Trump's public attacks have led to threats and harassment against individuals, showing a clear disregard for the potential harm caused by his words.

How will this impact Trump's actions and words moving forward, and what does this mean for the future of high-profile legal battles? Only time will tell.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(AURN News) — President Joe Biden issued a historic executive order on Monday that promises to reshape the world of artificial intelligence. The move comes as the White House unveiled an ambitious set of standards focusing on security, safety, privacy, civil rights, and the future of AI.

In a landmark step for AI governance, the executive order encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at ensuring the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence not just in federal use but also around the world. This sweeping order marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI policy.

One of the key components of the President’s directive is the introduction of rigorous testing standards for AI products before they are made available to the public. This aims to enhance the quality and reliability of AI systems while minimizing potential risks to users.

Federal agencies will also see heightened guidelines for the utilization of AI technologies. The order encourages a more responsible and transparent approach to AI adoption within the government, ensuring that these technologies adhere to ethical and legal standards.

The executive order also underscores a commitment to combat discrimination in AI applications. By providing comprehensive guidance, the government aims to prevent the use of AI in ways that could discriminate against individuals or groups. The White House says the goal is to ensure fairness and equity in the use of AI, including within the criminal justice system.

The executive order, the first of its kind in the United States, reflects growing global concern about the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the ongoing Israeli-Gaza conflict, Israeli ground forces are intensifying their operations, advancing over two miles into the besieged Gaza Strip.

As the Israeli Defense Forces expand their ground campaign, the situation grows increasingly desperate with thousands of Palestinians facing intense airstrikes and a shortage of essential supplies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled a commitment to a long and difficult war aimed at destroying Hamas and preventing further attacks on Israeli soil. The major question is how are forces differentiating between Hamas and regular Palestinian citizens?

Additionally, an alarming incident occurred in Russia's Dagestan region where an angry mob disrupted an airport following a flight from Tel Aviv, displaying anti-Semitic signs and causing authorities to close the facility. 

The United Arab Emirates is seeking a UN Security Council resolution for an immediate humanitarian pause, while U.S. President Joe Biden is pressing for increased humanitarian aid flow into Gaza.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 30, 1945, Jackie Robinson made history by signing a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers. The event marked the breaking of the color barrier in baseball, a sport that had long been segregated.

Although he was reportedly "thrilled" to be in the majors, it wasn't an easy transition. Robinson had to deal with opposition from major league owners, their players, and even members of his own team. 

Nonetheless, in 1947, Robinson was named the second most admirable American, coming in second to singer and actor Bing Crosby. He also won the Baseball Writers' Association of America's first Rookie of the Year Award.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest developments from the Israel-Gaza conflict, explosions have rattled the northern Gaza Strip as Israeli airstrikes have intensified, leaving communication lines within the enclave severed. There have been reports of Israeli ground forces expanding operations in the region, further escalating the situation.

Concurrently, the UN General Assembly has passed a significant non-binding resolution. It calls for an immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza.

Encouragingly, negotiations mediated by Qatar regarding a ceasefire and a potential prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas are showing promising signs of advancement.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, the humanitarian situation remains dire, as only a limited number of aid convoys have been allowed into Gaza, exasperating the plight of the besieged and bombarded Palestinian population.

The death toll continues to climb, with over 7,000 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks since October 7. Israel has vowed to persist with its military operations into Palestinian territories.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tennis icon Althea Gibson and NAACP co-founder Ida B. Wells are the newest class of women who will be featured on the 2025 quarters the Treasury Department announced, The Hill reports. Other honorees include Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low, astronomer Vera Rubin, and disabilities activist Stacey Park Milbern. 

The Director of the United States Mint said in a statement, “It’s a privilege for the Mint to connect America through coins, and to tell our nation’s story through honoring the women in this amazing program. The pioneering women we have recognized are among the many in our nation’s history who have made significant contributions and championed change in their own unique way.”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This weekend, Florida will witness a significant civil rights showdown unfolding against the backdrop of Florida A&M University's homecoming. The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and the Power of the Ballot Action Fund are amplifying their Power of the Ballot 'We Will Not Be Erased' Vote 2024 campaign.

With the support of over 30 national and state-based organizations, they're mobilizing Black voters, recognizing the urgency in defending against recent attacks on civil rights in Florida led by Governor Ron DeSantis. These attacks have included attempts to erase Black history from education and undermine voting rights.

Simultaneously, civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton is making a powerful stand against DeSantis' persistent efforts. He will also be on the campus of FAMU, along with civil rights attorney Ben Crump, and will have a sermon and press conference at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, along with other local leaders.

This comes in the wake of the racially motivated mass shooting that has deeply affected Black Floridians.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"If people see him, they should not approach Card or make contact with him in any way," State Police Colonel William Ross said while updating reporters on the latest mass shooting; this time in Maine, where 18 lives were tragically lost and 13 others injured in a series of shootings that have shaken Lewiston to its core.

Ross said the suspect, Robert Card, 40, should be considered armed and dangerous.

The shooting unfolded Wednesday at the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar in Lewiston. Seven people lost their lives at the bowling alley and eight at the bar, while others succumbed while en route to the hospital.

A former colleague of Card's told CNN he's a skilled marksman and among the best in his U.S. Army Reserve unit.

Officials said that Card has had mental health issues and recently said he was hearing voices. At one point, he allegedly threatened to shoot up the base where he was stationed.

This tragedy marks the 36th mass killing in the U.S. this year.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mahalia Jackson was born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans. Jackson's mother died when she was just four and she had to leave school in the fourth grade to help out at home. She had music though and sang at church.

In the late 1920s, Jackson moved to Chicago, where she sang and performed with church choirs and began recording in the 1930s. Her first big hit was "Move Up a Little Higher" in 1947, which sold a million copies and led to radio and television appearances, a tour in Europe, and a gospel music show on CBS.

Jackson also lent her powerful voice to the civil rights movement. The Queen of Gospel sang at Selma, Alabama, the March on Washington, and at the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mahalia Jackson passed away in 1972 at 60 years old.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices