AURN News

A much-anticipated hearing today in the Trump 2020 election fraud case has set the stage for how the battle between federal prosecutors and Donald Trump's defense lawyers will unfold. In Washington D.C.'s federal court this morning, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan firmly established that her courtroom would not be a venue for political maneuvers in the special council's election subversion case against the former president.

The debate during today's hearing revolved around a protective order on evidence. Prosecutors argue this evidence proves Trump's conspiracy to overturn the election and disrupt Congress.

While protective orders usually pass with little fuss, the stakes in this case are high. Prosecutors have expressed alarm at Trump's recent social media threats, emphasizing the need for such an order to restrict the former president's public discussions or evidence sharing during the case's duration.

In contrast, Trump's defense, pushing for fewer restrictions, alleges that the prosecution's efforts aim to limit his First Amendment rights.

Notably, any breach of the protective order by Trump could lead to contempt charges.

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

On August 11, 1973, it was another hot day in the Bronx, New York. Cindy Campbell decided to throw a back-to-school party in the rec room on Sedgwick Avenue.

Campbell was 15 at the time, and she solicited her older brother, Clive, whom everyone knew as "DJ Kool Herc."

Well, Herc had a serious boombox and saw how the scene was hopping during the song's breaks. That meant that the DJ started going from one song break to another, and that's usually the drumbeat or the rhythm interludes of any soul and funk records.

Well, honey, folks went off as he kept delighting the crowd, that was the birth of the hip hop beat. 50 years later it is still going strong.

You know, I've had the pleasure of speaking with many of the hip hop icons over the years, but none has matched the popularity of my interview with hip hop king Tupac Shakur. It's been used in numerous documentaries about the genre, including the most recent, "Dear Mama."

We also won an Oscar nomination with the original documentary, "Tupac Resurrection." You can check out all of these on YouTube, 'cause you know they got everything.

But as we look back at 50 years of an art form that grew out of despair, you gotta remember, we still have a long way to go to right many of the wrongs the music was based on. So everybody, stay woke.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a remarkable tenure marked by a steadfast dedication to arts education, Dean Phylicia Rashad of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University will step down from her role following the 2023-2024 academic year.

The announcement came in the form of an email from President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, obtained by HBCU GameDay. 

Rashad, is celebrated for her commitment to arts education and extensive leadership roles, including as an adjunct faculty and guest artist and lecturer. She was also appointed as the inaugural holder of the Toni Morrison Chair in Arts and Humanities, and her influence will continue to shape Howard’s campus for years to come.

Rashad is best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on "The Cosby Show."

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

On August 11, 1973, Clive “DJ Kool Herc” Campbel's mixes at his baby sister's back-to-school party ignited a cultural revolution that would reshape the musical landscape.

In 2021, New York Senator Chuck Schumer spearheaded the Senate’s unanimous approval of Resolution 331, a bill that officially designated Aug. 11 as “Hip Hop Celebration Day,” August as “Hip Hop Recognition Month,” and November as “Hip Hop History Month.” 

As we commemorate this milestone, we honor the pioneers, artists, and communities that have propelled hip-hop into a global phenomenon. Happy 50 anniversary to hip hop!

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

In a turn of events, the House Oversight and Accountability Committee hints at possibly subpoenaing the Biden family, including President Joe Biden.

The committee under Chairman James Comer is probing into foreign funds received by Hunter Biden and associates during Joe Biden's vice presidential tenure.

Interestingly, a memo from the committee showcases the millions of dollars involved. But there's a catch: it has yet to target the Biden family directly with bank record subpoenas.

Notably, the process won't be immediate. Comer expressed a desire to interview a few more associates, emphasizing the rigorous path ahead. Recalling the past, Comer drew parallels with the challenges faced when Democrats sought former President Trump's financial details.

White House spokesperson Ian Sams, however, pushed back. He highlighted that despite investigations, Republicans have failed to provide concrete evidence against Biden, accusing them of fostering baseless political attacks for media attention.

The question is, will this investigation offer clarity or continue to fuel the political divide?

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

Washington, D.C. — In an exclusive interview with AURN News, prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump expressed his concerns about the potential consequences of the upcoming menthol cigarette ban by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Crump emphasized that the ban could exacerbate existing tensions between law enforcement and Black and Brown communities.

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

This week, Forbes released their “50 Over 50″ list, which showcases powerful women – and over half of the women are Black women.

The list includes environmental justice advocate Catherine Coleman Flowers, Viola Davis, Claudine Gay, who was named Harvard University president last month, Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel to space in 1992, the legendary Miss Patti Labelle, and many more. 

Congrats to all the women celebrated, proving success can come at any time in life! See the full list here.

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

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ignited a firestorm after suspending state attorney Monique Worrell of Orlando, citing her leniency on crime. Replacing her is Andrew Bain, another Black official, but notably a member of The Federalist Society, often criticized for its racially contentious history.

DeSantis' decision is wrapped in controversy, especially given Worrell's status as a progressive, reform-driven African American woman. She was elected in 2020.

Although the governor claims the suspension is due to her alleged lax approach to serious offenders, many question whether racial and political biases are at play. DeSantis exercised the suspension by executive order.

Worrell has not held back on her response, branding the move as tyranny. She asserts that the suspension is a means to marginalize her based on both political disagreements and racial prejudices.

The question remains: who will believe this is about the governor's concerns over crime rather than another chapter in a pattern of racial politics?

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

Tory Lanez addressed the court before he received that 10 year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot. He said that he was a friend to Megan and they both bonded over the fact that they lost their mothers.

Tory did take full responsibility for his wrongdoing and once again asked for a chance to prove that he had learned his lesson.

Tory's lawyer, Jose Baez, is ripping the 10 year sentence, calling it incredibly harsh and extreme, and claiming the rapper is being punished because of his celebrity status.

Jose doesn't seem to realize his client is being punished because he shot someone, and Megan is still suffering from it. She did not attend court, but had a statement read by Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Kathy Ta:

"I've been tormented. He paid bloggers to disseminate false information. He treated my trauma like a joke when I could have been dead and he blamed the system. He blamed the press and, as of late, he is using his childhood trauma to justify his actions."

Tory is from Canada and it seems like they are not going to extradite him back to Canada. He will probably serve out his sentence here in the United States. We are not sure exactly how long he will be in jail or what the next steps will be. But, in any case, it is just a sad story all the way around. And hey, when you do the crime, you gotta do the time.

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

In a significant vote, Ohio citizens thwarted Issue 1, a proposal that sought a 60% super-majority for constitutional changes.

Many believe this Republican-endorsed move had a hidden motive, making it tougher for pro-choice initiatives to pass in November.

Despite the measure's backing, opposition reached even into deep red districts. President Joe Biden applauded Ohio for safeguarding women's autonomy and health decisions.

Echoing recent decisions in states like Kansas and Kentucky, Ohio's robust engagement was undeniable. About 700,000 people cast their votes early, with Democratic hotspots leading the charge.

A resounding statement was made, but the next chapter in the U.S. abortion rights narrative is yet to be determined.

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