AURN News

Representative Steve Scalise has stepped down from the race for the House Speakership, leaving the GOP in a leadership limbo. Despite narrowly defeating Representative Jim Jordan in a preliminary vote, Scalise could not muster the 217 votes needed for a win.

"I just shared with my colleagues that I'm withdrawing my name as a candidate for Speaker designee. If you look at over the last few weeks, there's still work to be done. Our conference still has to come together. There are still some people that have their own agendas," Scalise said.

This withdrawal, both unexpected and yet somewhat anticipated, has intensified the GOP's leadership crisis. The question now is, who will step up?

While many Republicans are rallying behind Jordan, he's facing opposition from within the party. Here's Democratic Senator Cory Booker on MSNBC:

"To have this level of dysfunction amongst the House Republicans, and especially a number of small group of right-wing folks who are undermining the functioning of government, this is very problematic at a terrible time going on in our world right now."

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

The Biden-Harris administration unveiled sweeping action to shield Americans from billions in deceptive junk fees. These fees, often hidden in fine print, have been costing families tens of billions annually, making it challenging for consumers to find the best deals and for honest businesses to compete.

The FCC's proposed rule would mandate businesses to disclose full prices upfront, eliminating surprise charges on the banking front. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is stepping up and pushing for transparency, meaning large banks and credit unions will soon be required to provide essential services, like checking account balances, without slapping on additional fees.

Plus, a forthcoming rule aims to make it simpler for consumers to switch banks, promoting competition based on service quality and transparent pricing. The crackdown has already reaped benefits; balance check fees have plummeted by over 86 percent since 2021.

So as the White House doubles down on promoting competition and transparency, one has to wonder, are we finally seeing an end to the era of hidden fees?

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

Historic turmoil continues to devastate Gaza. Today, Palestinian authorities reported an alarming death toll of over 1,055 Palestinians killed and 5,184 injured due to Israeli retaliatory strikes.

In Israel, Hamas' actions resulted in over 1,200 dead and nearly 3,000 wounded. The intense conflict ignited by deep-rooted territorial disputes shows no sign of easing.

Gaza faces monumental challenges. The main hospital, a lifeline for thousands, is out of commission due to airstrikes. Ambulances are grounded and communication hubs have been decimated.

Over 123,000 people are now without homes, and more than 73,000 seek refuge in schools. Yet unlike Israel, Gaza remains alarmingly unequipped, lacking air raid sirens and bomb shelters.

With a staggering 81 percent of Gaza's residents living in poverty, the ongoing conflict and blockade only deepened the hardships. How much more can Gaza, or Israel, endure?

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

After the Oct. 3 campus shooting that injured five people, Morgan State University announced a plan to extend campus barriers with a new security wall. The Baltimore, Md., university’s president, David Wilson, revealed the security strategy during a campus town hall meeting, ABC News reports. The wall would add roughly 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) to an existing barrier, which would cover 90 percent of the campus.

In addition to the wall, university officials are implementing significant security upgrades, including more metal detectors, increasing police patrols and adding security guard booths. 

According to the Baltimore Sun, the shooting occurred near the Murphy Fine Arts Center, where Mr. and Miss Morgan State University were crowned that evening. NBC News reported that police said the five victims were unintended targets in a dispute likely between two small groups.

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

In a significant political move, the GOP has nominated Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise to take on the role of House Speaker, but the road there is proving tumultuous. The decision follows the unexpected ousting of the former House Speaker, Rep. Kevin McCarthy.

Scalise, who some see as a hero for surviving a 2017 shooting at a congressional baseball practice, is now tasked with uniting a fractured Republican Party. The tension is palpable, as just 10 months after the GOP took power with visions of unity, deep divisions have emerged.

Scalise himself acknowledged the challenging path ahead, stating that there's considerable work ahead for the GOP. A pressing issue is whether supporters of Rep. Jim Jordan, a favored candidate of former President Donald Trump, will throw their weight behind Scalise during the all-important full House vote.

The political theater continues as Democrats stand poised to counter by nominating New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries for the role.

As the GOP navigates its identity crisis and determines its path forward, the overarching question is: Can Scalise bring cohesion to the House and provide the leadership required in this volatile political climate?

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

Born Lana Michele Moorer, MC Lyte's impact on hip-hop and culture is immeasurable. As one of the pioneering female MCs, she shattered gender stereotypes and paved the way for women in hip-hop.

Known for her exceptional lyrical prowess, MC Lyte's songs, such as "Lyte as a Rock," "Paper Thin," and "Ruffneck," became anthems of empowerment and self-assuredness, transcending the music industry.

Her influential work, coupled with her commitment to education and community engagement, has solidified her status as a cultural icon who continues to inspire artists and fans alike.

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

Sports agent Rich Paul is responding to rumors that he and Adele are married. The Klutch Sports CEO told Gayle King during an appearance on Good Morning America that he and Adele have been great for each other. He said he's not the type of person who's going to put his business out in the streets so he won't be any more specific than that.

Well, Gayle had a sly move for him and said, "So, when I see her, should I say hi, Mrs. Paul?"

Rich replied, "You can say whatever you want to say," and then he laughed.

They went public with their relationship in July of 2021. And then, recently, marriage rumors started, probably during Adele's Vegas residency last month after she referred to Paul as her husband. She was conversing with a fan who asked the "Hello" singer to marry them. "You can't marry me. I'm straight, my love. And my husband is here tonight," Adele told a female audience member, seen in a post on TikTok.

Well, you know what? I don't know if they're married or not, but they do seem to be a great couple. Congratulations to them.

And speaking of great… we're so happy Jamie Foxx is out and around town. The doting dad was carrying large olive green Gucci bags laden with goodies for his youngest child, Anelise, a daughter with former flame Kristin Grannis, as they celebrated a birthday at Nobu earlier this week.

He is also dad to Corinne, 29, whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Connie Kline. In a birthday tribute to Anelise on social media, the proud papa shared a photo carousel of the teen looking at her phone and rockin' a full head of that long wavy hair. She got some hair, okay?

And he did say, "Behind that hair is an incredible little girl who's growing up." I gotta tell you something, Jamie is a great dad. Those girls are so lucky, and he's pretty lucky too.

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

It is a somber page in history as Hughes Van Ellis, the youngest known survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, bid farewell at the age of 102.

A man whose early life was overshadowed by the violent destruction of Tulsa's Black Wall Street, Mr. Van Ellis not only survived the tragedy but lived as a beacon of resilience, justice, and inspiration.

The World War II veteran, lovingly dubbed "Uncle Red" by those close to him, raised seven children in the aftermath of one of America's darkest days.

Uncle Red wasn't just a silent witness. He took action, fighting passionately for justice, compensation, and the acknowledgment of the massacre's painful legacy. His voice echoed in Congress and courtrooms, advocating for what was lost and what must be remembered.

Now, as we mourn his loss, we are also reminded of the urgent need for justice. With only two survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre still with us, will justice ever come?

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

President Joe Biden delivered remarks yesterday in the wake of the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas in Israel.

"We stand with Israel," the president stated.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation, saying, "What we will do to our enemies in the coming days will reverberate with them for generations."

During the White House press briefing, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was asked how far the U.S. will go in its support as Israel vows to root out Hamas as hundreds of Palestinian lives remain in the balance and Israel begins to pound the Gaza Strip.

"This is about providing support to Israel as it seeks to defend its territory and deal with an ongoing imminent threat from Hamas terrorists. That requires going after Hamas terrorist targets in Gaza. Going after those sites, that's not retaliation… We're going to support them for as long as they need," Sullivan said.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a strong vow of mighty vengeance against Hamas in response to a surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group. The attack resulted in the deaths of over 150 Israelis and the capture of several other individuals.

Netanyahu, in a brief video address, highlighted that Hamas will be held accountable for the well-being of the captives, emphasizing that Israel will take the appropriate measures against anyone who harms them.

As tensions rise, Hamas anticipates an imminent ground invasion by Israel and is preparing its fighters accordingly. The group believes its battle-hardened forces, innovations, and improved equipment give them an advantage.

They also hold over 100 Israeli hostages they intend to use as bargaining chips to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners and end Israel's blockade.

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