AURN News

In a historic legal development, Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, has been indicted on federal charges, marking the first time a sitting president's child faces legal scrutiny of this magnitude.

The three counts against Hunter include lying on a federal gun purchase form, misleading a licensed gun dealer, and illegal possession of a firearm due to drug addiction. These charges stem from a 2018 incident where Hunter stated he did not use illicit drugs to purchase a firearm.

As President Biden considers re-election in 2024, the stakes couldn't be higher. Republicans are already rallying, launching an impeachment inquiry tied to Hunter's business activities that they feel President Biden benefited from when he was vice president.

Democrats, however, contend that the scrutiny is politically motivated.

If convicted, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison, though maximum sentences for first-time non-violent offenders are rare.

With the original plea deal now off the table, the future remains uncertain for the president's son.

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Today marks 60 years since September 15, 1963, when 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, was targeted in a heinous act of racial violence. On that day, four Black girls, Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair, lost their lives in a devastating bombing. 

The girls were attending Sunday school in the church’s basement when the bomb exploded. Fourteen others were also injured in the blast. 

Originally, no one was arrested for the crime. However, after the investigation was reopened in 2000, Thomas Blanton and Bobby Frank Cherry surrendered, were indicted, and sentenced to life in prison. They both died behind bars. 

While no one was arrested for the crime immediately, the investigation was reopened in 2000. Members of the Ku Klux Klan, Thomas Blanton and Bobby Frank Cherry, surrendered, were indicted, and sentenced to life in prison. They both died behind bars.

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The relentless surge in rental costs across the United States is rapidly becoming a severe financial burden for American households. According to a recent report from Redfin, the escalating cost of rent is taking center stage, exacerbating the challenges faced by many amidst rising inflation and diminishing prospects of homeownership.

Redfin's latest findings reveal that the average cost of rent in the United States has reached a staggering $2,052, a figure that is sending shockwaves through the rental market. This significant increase in rental prices has taken place over a remarkably short period. Just last month, the average rent was $2,038, highlighting the alarming pace at which prices are rising.

Everyday essentials, from groceries to fuel, are already weighing heavily on budgets due to inflation, leaving little room to absorb higher housing expenses. And don’t forget about the impact when it comes to quality of life. The dream of homeownership, which has long symbolized financial stability, is slipping further out of reach for an increasing number of individuals and families. The average cost for a home in America is now $416,000 according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

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The biggest newspaper chain in the United States has two new job listings; a Taylor Swift reporter and a Beyoncé reporter. Gannett, which owns more than 200 daily newspapers, will employ these new hires through USA Today and the Tennessean, the company's Nashville-based newspaper.

The chain is looking for "modern storytellers adept in print, audio, and visual journalism," said Michael Anastasi, the Tennessean's editor and Gannett's vice president.

Some journalists are saying that, while hiring these massively popular artist-specific roles reflects their influence in pop culture, they do fail to invest in local journalism at a company known for its local dailies. You know, this has become a big story and we'll see how it all plays out.

In any case, hey, go Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Y'all are going to have your own reporters.

Oh, and speaking of Beyoncé, she did take a break from her Renaissance Tour for her 42nd birthday celebration. Now, you know, she was here in Los Angeles performing on September 4, which was her birthday. Diana Ross got up and sang. A whole bunch of people were there.

And after that, though, she took a little break. She headed off to an island resort in French Polynesia, where she rented out 11 villas at the Brando Resort. And she had a good time.

Apparently, there were a bunch of adults and children, and they stayed until Friday, September 8, because, you know, Bae had to get back to work up in Vancouver earlier this week.

So I just know that they had a great time, and good for her, because boy, did she need a break.

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A Georgia court has thwarted Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' plans to have former President Donald Trump and 18 other co-defendants tried together in a case surrounding Georgia's election subversion.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee announced that Trump and 16 of his co-defendants will move forward separately, leaving their trial date undetermined. Only Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, the remaining two co-defendants, are set for trial this October.

The decision deals a blow to DA Willis, who argued that a joint trial would be more efficient for the justice system. But the court suggested otherwise, raising questions about the timeline of Trump's various legal entanglements as he considers a 2024 presidential run.

This recent ruling pushes the possibility of Trump's Georgia trial potentially into 2024 or later, adding more complexity to an already loaded legal calendar for the former president.

So, the question is, how will this affect DA Fani Willis' strategy in her pursuit against Trump and his associates?

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On September 12, Fisk University announced Dr. Agenia Walker Clark will be the 18th president of the prestigious HBCU. 

According to The Tennessean, Clark, who was previously the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, will begin on Nov. 6 and said in a statement, “To serve a new generation of brilliant, socially minded students — not unlike their counterparts of decades past, like W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, John Lewis, and Dr. Diane Nash — is surely the honor of my lifetime. No institution of higher-ed has a richer legacy — or a richer promise for the future — than Fisk.” 

Dr. Agenia Walker Clark is the third woman to serve as president of the institution.

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Fresh data from the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau reports is now available.

The supplemental poverty measure, accounting for government benefits and taxes, surged from 7.8% to 12.4%. Child poverty more than doubled due to the expiration of the expanded child tax credit, putting over 5 million more children into poverty.

When it comes to median income, there was a 2.3% drop last year, primarily seen in white, non-Hispanic households. Black household incomes held relatively steady over the same period.

On the healthcare side, the uninsured rate in the U.S. fell to a new low of 7.9%, marking progress in healthcare coverage.

So what does this all mean? Government policies, especially targeted tax benefits, have a massive impact on poverty rates and economic well-being.

Will these significant statistics drive policymakers to create more targeted and effective economic policies?

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The White House is ramping up its commitment to close the wealth and opportunity gap in America. President Biden's Investing in America agenda is unlocking billions of dollars for infrastructure, clean energy, and climate resilience. Over 90 percent of the funding will go straight to state and local governments, tribes, and territories.

If you need help navigating this financial windfall, the White House has released an updated technical guidebook. This blueprint points communities towards more than 150 federal programs, offering well over $1 billion in support.

It also showcases new state commitments to help local governments take advantage of these funds. And for those communities historically left behind, enter the Thriving Communities Network designed to deliver targeted assistance, especially for places grappling with economic distress.

It's all hands on deck with states, federal agencies, and even philanthropic organizations collaborating to make sure these funds reach the people who need them the most.

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"These are allegations of abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption. And they warrant further investigation by the House of Representatives. That's why today, I am directing our House Committee to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden."

House Republicans, led by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have officially kicked off an impeachment inquiry into President Biden.

The allegations center on Biden's son, Hunter, profiting from foreign business deals and claims that the Justice Department has been obstructing tax investigations into him.

Democrats, on the other hand, are calling foul. They say it's a political sideshow meant to divert attention away from former President Trump's legal woes.

David Weiss, who was appointed as special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland and is leading the Hunter Biden investigation, refutes any claims of interference.

Timing is key. With the 2024 presidential election inching closer, the stakes couldn't be higher. Is this the opening gambit in a longer political battle or a serious call for accountability?

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Alain Locke was born on September 13, 1885. He was best known for his influential work during the Harlem Renaissance. He also graduated with honors from Harvard University in 1907 and became the first African American to be selected as a Rhodes Scholar.

Locke's contributions extended beyond his academic achievements, as he also played a significant role in advancing civil rights and advocating for LGBTQ rights, notably being an openly gay man during a time when such openness was often met with societal prejudice and discrimination.

Locke's groundbreaking work included 1925's "The New Negro," which showcased the artistic and intellectual contributions of Black artists and writers during the Harlem Renaissance.

He believed in the power of culture and the arts to uplift and empower marginalized communities.

In 1954, he passed away at 68 years old.

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