AURN News

On this day in 1900, Booker T. Washington made history by founding the National Negro Business League in Boston. The pioneering organization emerged as African Americans were striving to secure economic independence and social equality in the face of deep-seated racism and discrimination.

Washington's vision for the league was to foster economic empowerment within the Black community through entrepreneurship and business development. The National Negro Business League quickly gained momentum and became a platform for Black entrepreneurs.

The league played a vital role in promoting economic self-sufficiency, leaving a lasting legacy that continued to inspire generations in their pursuit of economic success and civil rights.

In 1966, the League was renamed and reincorporated in Washington D.C. as the National Business League, which is still in operation today.

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In a shocking move, Arkansas is once again setting a contentious precedent by confiscating African American studies materials over concerns about critical race theory.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and her administration have demanded that every K-12 school in a six-district radius turn over educational materials for inspection, citing concerns about indoctrinating students.

But is this truly about preventing potential biases or an overt act of erasing important aspects of Black history and culture? The Arkansas Department of Education recently declined to recognize a new advanced placement course on African American history for the upcoming school year.

In a nation built on freedom and the right to knowledge, one has to ask, are we nurturing an informed future or propagating a censored past?

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(AURN News) – As President Joe Biden approaches the milestone of nearly 1,000 days in office, polling data from Gallup reveals his approval rating standing at 40%, drawing comparisons to his predecessor Donald Trump, whose first-term average approval rating around this point in his term averaged 42% in July 2019. These statistics shed light on the dynamics of public sentiment in a nation grappling with a range of complex challenges.

Since taking office, President Biden has navigated a series of critical issues, including the ongoing pandemic response, economic recovery, climate change initiatives, and foreign policy challenges ranging from Ukraine to China. 

Comparatively, during his initial tenure, former President Donald Trump maintained an average approval rating of 41%, while Biden's average to date is 45%, suggesting a notable parallel between the two leaders' approval trajectories. This underscores the ever-evolving nature of public sentiment in a deeply polarized political landscape. 

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Tonight marks the first Republican presidential primary debate of 2024. Taking center stage in Milwaukee at 9:00 PM on Fox News, the debate is set to spotlight the party's top contenders, yet it is making headlines for who won't be there: the GOP front-runner and former president Donald Trump, who cited the public's familiarity and his lead in the early polls. Instead, Trump fans can catch his prerecorded interview with Tucker Carlson.

So who's stepping up to the podium? Get ready to hear from eight Republicans, including prominent figures like Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott.

The GOP has set its stakes high for candidates to qualify, demanding high polling numbers and donor support nationwide.

While Trump won't physically attend, his presence will undeniably be felt. With the former president facing four criminal indictments, how the candidates address the issue could be a game changer.

Not to be overshadowed, critical issues like abortion and the U.S.-Ukraine role amid Russia's aggression are on the moderator's list.

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In a major development, Scott Hall, a bail bondsman from Atlanta, has become the first of Donald Trump's 18 co-conspirators to surrender to Fulton County Jail over alleged involvement in Georgia's election system breach.

Charged with seven offenses, including conspiracy to commit election fraud, Hall's arrest comes as Trump is set to turn himself in on Thursday. In the backdrop, Trump is accused of leading a criminal enterprise, aiming to overturn the 2020 election.

Other notable figures involved include former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and attorney Rudy Giuliani. In addition, attorney John Eastman is set to turn himself in tomorrow.

Trump's bond is $200,000 with conditions barring him from targeting co-defendants or witnesses on social media. And remember, all 19 indicted individuals must surrender by Friday at noon. As the first of the dominoes fall, one has to wonder what comes next and who will surrender in this legal drama.

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On this day in 1989, the world lost a prominent figure in the civil rights and Black Panther movements, Huey P. Newton.

Huey Newton was an influential leader and co-founder of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, which was established in 1966 in Oakland, California. On August 22, 1989, at the age of 47, he was tragically shot and killed in West Oakland.

Huey Newton was a tireless advocate for social justice and civil rights, and his commitment to empowering marginalized communities left a mark on American history.

The Black Panther Party's dedication to challenging racial injustice and its efforts to uplift disadvantaged communities continue to influence activists and social justice movements today.

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In Memphis, the ripple effects of Tyre Nichols' tragic death continue. ABC24 News reported that Shelby County District Attorney's office has dismissed 30-40 cases linked to the officers charged in Nichols' death. District Attorney Steven Mulroy says it's due to the officers' damaged credibility.

Nichols, a 29-year-old African American, aspiring photographer, and father, tragically died three days after a violent arrest steps from his mother's home. Body cam footage showed the disturbing scene as five officers, some of which were Black, used excessive force.

While five officers face charges, including second-degree murder, a sixth officer, Preston Hemphill, remains uncharged but will testify.

Nichols' family filed a $550 million lawsuit against Memphis, slamming the city's police for their unqualified, untrained, and unsupervised actions. But the question is, can Memphis rebuild trust with its community?

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As President Joe Biden readies for a visit to wildfire-ravaged Maui, there's a growing urgency in calls for him to declare a climate emergency.

This follows Maui's devastating fire blamed on the island's electricity utility and worsened by climate change, which tragically took 110 lives and left the historic Lahaina town in ashes.

With survivors still reeling, Congress and climate activists are pleading for sweeping presidential action. They urge Biden to use emergency powers to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, advance clean transport, and fund green energy projects.

Some say this could be a political game changer, appealing to younger voters and communities of color hit hardest by climate change. However, critics highlight potential political and legal challenges.

While the White House remains non-committal, many are hoping that witnessing Maui's devastation firsthand will push the president into making a landmark declaration. So as Biden heads to Hawaii, will he finally make the call?

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Legendary bandleader, composer and jazz pianist William "Count" Basie was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, on Aug. 21, 1904.

As a young man, Basie toured the Vaudeville circuit as a solo pianist and music director. He would go on to record alongside legends including Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald.

He is perhaps best known for his 1937 hit, "One O'Clock Jump," which helped solidify his status as one of the great band leaders in the big band and swing genres.

Basie also recorded with Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., and Sarah Vaughan.

In 1984, at the age of 79, he passed away from pancreatic cancer in Hollywood, Florida.

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(AURN News) – As the stage is set for the first Republican presidential primary debate on August 23rd, all eyes are fixed on the looming question of whether former President Donald Trump will make a dramatic appearance amidst his ongoing legal challenges. The debate, which is set to take place at Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum, has garnered widespread anticipation as a pivotal moment in the early stages of the Republican primary race.

The GOP candidates recently hit Iowa hard in an attempt to boost attention to their campaigns. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ campaign has seen several challenges recently, including various media reports of layoffs. Many had hoped the rising Republican star would be able to pose a challenge to Trump.

According to a press release from Fox News, the debate will be moderated by Bret Baier, the network's chief political anchor, and host Martha MacCallum.

Amidst this backdrop, the speculation surrounding Trump's potential presence takes center stage. Indicted recently in Georgia, the former president is expected to turn himself into the Fulton County jail at some point, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his possible involvement in the debate. He and the 18 others named in the indictment have until August 25th to turn themselves in.

The significance of Trump's attendance or absence at the debate extends beyond mere optics. His decision could potentially shift the spotlight onto other contenders vying for the party's nomination, providing them an opportunity to seize the moment. Alternatively, a Trump appearance might dominate headlines and steer the conversation toward his continued influence on the Republican Party.

The debate is set to air at 9 PM ET Wednesday, on Fox News.

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