AURN News

WASHINGTON D.C. (AURN News) – Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council, has raised some serious concerns over the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) forthcoming ban on menthol cigarettes. In an exclusive interview with AURN News, Palomarez passionately voiced his reservations about the potential repercussions of the ban, particularly its impact on imports, exports, and communities of color.

“In 29 states in America, marijuana is legal. 29 states…and every year more and more states are making marijuana legal. Imagine a world where you can purchase a joint and you're absolutely fine to sit outside and smoke it. But if you purchase a menthol cigarette, you could get arrested,” Palomarez said.

Palomarez expressed concern about potential ramifications on trade and illicit activities. For the United States Hispanic Business Council, the potential menthol ban by the Biden Administration is an issue that has deep effects. “We had to speak up and say listen, it impacts our grocers, our convenience store owners, our lounge owners, our restaurant owners, our bar owners, our bodega owners, that again, are playing by the rules, paying taxes, creating jobs, and selling a product that is legally consumed and can only be consumed by an adult. And if you criminalize that, guess what's going to happen, the cartels will take over and they will begin to sell this product and making a huge fortune,” Palomarez told AURN News.

The FDA is expected to make its final decision sometime this month.

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On August 3, 1960, Niger triumphantly declared its independence from French colonial rule, marking a significant milestone in the nation's history. After decades of struggle and resistance against colonial oppression, the people of Niger finally reclaimed their sovereignty and the right to govern themselves.

The declaration of independence was a moment of great jubilation and pride for the nation, as it symbolized a new era of self-determination and the opportunity to shape their own destiny. The new government embarked on a path of nation-building and sought to strengthen ties with other newly independent African countries. 

While the road to progress was not without hurdles, Niger's independence laid the foundation for a vibrant and resilient nation that would continue to grow, evolve, and play a vital role in the broader context of African unity and development.

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The National Institutes of Health is taking action against long COVID, launching four clinical trials to test treatments for lingering symptoms after coronavirus infection.

These efforts are long-awaited and critical for millions of suffering patients. Trials focus on four treatment areas: reducing viral persistence, alleviating cognitive issues, managing sleep disturbances, and treating problems in the autonomic nervous system.

The first trial tests a longer Paxlovid regimen on patients with viral persistence, a problem persisting for up to 280 days after infection. Other trials target brain fog, excessive sleepiness, and other sleep problems.

Critics of the efforts by NIH, like Ezekiel J. Emanuel, expressed frustration, urging faster action and more disease-focused trials. Patient communities are also seeking more comprehensive studies.

Long COVID presents over 200 symptoms, complicating research. As NIH trials begin, hope rises for more effective treatments for the long COVID crisis.

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O'Shae Sibley, a 28-year-old Black queer man, was fatally stabbed at a gas station near Coney Island on July 29. According to the New York Times, the death is being investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force. 

The suspect is a 17-year-old who is still at large. The incident began when Sibley and his friends were dancing to Beyonce when they were confronted by the suspect who said he was Muslim and to stop dancing. 

The suspect and his other friends were allegedly shouting gay slurs at Sibley and his friends. The suspect allegedly stabbed Sibley in the abdomen.

Sibley was originally from Philadelphia and was a professional dancer. Sibley's aunt told the New York Times, "It was a senseless crime. O’Shae has always been a peacemaker. All he wanted to do was dance.”

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Startling research data reveals a shocking rise in racist content on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. Since the platform's acquisition by Elon Musk, hate speech has gone up 202%, according to the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH). 

This alarming trend has spurred Musk into action, but not against the perpetrators of hate speech. Instead, Musk's X Corp. is threatening to sue CCDH nonprofit organization that uncovered the unsettling increase. 

X Corp. is accusing them of accessing their data without authorization, making false claims, and disrupting public discourse. Musk's team asserts the CCDH's campaign is targeting people in organizations for speaking about issues that CCDH disagrees with and pressing brands to pause advertising, which largely funds the free-to-use platform.

CCDH, however, stands its ground, refusing to back down in the face of this litigation threat. Founder and CEO Imran Ahmed equates Musk's approach to shooting the messenger.

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The Department of Justice announced on Tuesday a groundbreaking indictment against former President Donald Trump, the third indictment he's currently facing. This historic indictment includes four counts revolving around the former president's alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. 

Specific allegations include attempts to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy against the United States, tampering with witnesses, and the theft of government property. 

What makes this news particularly critical is that Trump, despite the indictment, remains the leading Republican candidate in the upcoming presidential election. The indictment's timing could significantly impact his campaign and the future of the Republican Party.

It also raises vital questions about the state of our democracy, accountability, and the rule of law. The coming weeks and months will reveal the repercussions of this indictment on Trump's candidacy and the broader political landscape.

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Democrats are increasingly worried about a 10% decline in Black voter turnout compared to 2018, according to a Washington Post analysis.

The drop raises alarms as Black voters played a pivotal role in delivering the White House to President Biden in 2020. Concerns are particularly acute in states like Georgia, where mobilizing Black voters is essential for Biden's reelection bid.

Efforts are underway to engage young Black men and showcase the benefits of Biden's policies. However, challenges remain in persuading Black men, who feel disconnected from the political process, to get out to the polls.

As the 2024 race approaches, the pressing question remains: Can Democrats maintain their crucial support base to address these concerns?

Biden's political team is focusing on meeting younger Black men where they are and highlighting the positive impact the administration's policies have on their lives.

The Democratic Party also recognizes the significance of maintaining support from Black women, known historically for their robust voting enthusiasm, as the 2024 presidential race draws closer.

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On this day in history, we commemorate the 99th birthday of the incomparable James Baldwin, the visionary American writer, and social critic.

Born on August 2, 1924, Baldwin's indelible contributions to literature and civil rights advocacy continue to inspire generations.

His powerful works, such as "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "The Fire Next Time," challenged societal norms and shed light on the African American experience.

Tragically, Baldwin passed away on December 1, 1987, at the age of 63. However, Baldwin left behind a profound legacy that remains as relevant and impactful as ever.

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Paul Reubens, famous for role as Pee-wee Herman, passes away. Barbie continues to be a box office phenomenon. Plus, Kasi Lemmons career celebrated at the Directors Guild.

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The family of Henrietta Lacks is currently in talks to reach a settlement with a biotech company after years of legal battles. According to CBS News, Lacks’ family and Thermo Fischer Scientific, the company that profited from her cells after taking them without her consent, will seek to reach an agreement at a settlement conference. 

While undergoing treatment for cervical cancer in 1951 at John Hopkins Hospital, Lacks’ cancer cells were used as the source of the first immortalized human cell line. As her cells kept reproducing, the HeLa immortal cell line was created which is used in biomedical research today.

Lacks’ cells were the cause of several medical advancements such as the development of the polio vaccine, HIV/AIDS treatment, the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as cosmetic breakthroughs.

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