AURN News

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is speaking out about the escalating issues with the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the potential ramifications for food markets across the world, including right here in the U.S. Highlighting the challenges posed by Russia's decision to end the initiative, Secretary Blinken emphasized that it sends a clear message that grain and other food products may face obstacles when leaving Ukraine. 

“So the result of Russia’s action today – weaponizing food, using it as a tool, as a weapon in its war against Ukraine – will be to make food harder to come by in places that desperately need it, and have prices rise. We’re already seeing the market react to this as prices are going up,” he said.

Such a development is likely to have a profound effect, causing countries, companies, and shippers concerns about the safety of their vessels and personnel in the face of Russian opposition to any food exports from Ukraine, which he called the "breadbasket of the world."

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The White House has unveiled the "U.S. Cyber Trust Mark" program, a certification and labeling initiative designed to empower you in choosing safer and less vulnerable smart devices. Under the program, consumers would be able to identify compliant products by a distinctive "U.S. Cyber Trust Mark" shield logo.

The proposed initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) aims to enhance cybersecurity standards across a wide range of devices, including smart refrigerators, televisions, and even climate control systems. The Biden administration is also looking to crack down on hidden junk fees and to fortify cyber protections.

It should be operational some time next year. According to the White House, the FCC plans to utilize a QR code linking to a national registry of certified devices, providing consumers with specific security information for smart electronics.

In a display of industry solidarity, prominent electronics, appliances, and consumer product manufacturers, retailers, and trade associations have voluntarily committed to heightening cybersecurity measures.

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Exactly 59 years ago today, on July 18, 1964, the Harlem Race Riot began after a 15-year-old Black teenager was fatally shot by a white off-duty police officer. As news of the police-involved incident spread, thousands of people took to the streets. 

Clashes erupted between the protesters and law enforcement. The uprising spread to the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn. Both neighborhoods were densely populated by Black people who faced systemic discrimination, housing segregation, and limited access to quality education and job opportunities. 

According to reports, one person died, over 100 were injured, and more than 450 were arrested. The uprising was a precursor to several other uprisings that took place across the country.

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In a recent statement, President Joe Biden expressed his profound admiration for the work of Reverend Jesse Jackson, emphasizing what he calls the significant impact Jackson has made in advancing equality and justice in America. The president hailed Rev. Jackson as an exceptional leader who has played an instrumental role in shaping the course of the nation.

The White House says that over the course of their friendship, President Biden has witnessed firsthand how Rev. Jackson has steered the nation through turbulent times, leaving an indelible mark on history.

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Jackson for his lifelong dedication to public service. They also extended their appreciation to the entire Jackson family for their unwavering support.

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In a historic transition of power, the renowned civil rights organization, established by the Reverend Jesse Jackson in 1984, has announced new leadership. Dallas Pastor Frederick Douglass Haynes III, who leads Friendship-West Baptist Church, has been appointed as the organization's new head. The momentous occasion was celebrated during a special event held at the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, paying tribute to Reverend Jackson's life and legacy.

Amidst an atmosphere charged with enthusiasm and reverence, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a heartfelt speech honoring Reverend Jackson's contributions to the civil rights movement and his enduring impact on American society. She also spoke about her personal relationship with Dr. Haynes.

"It is my joy to congratulate Reverend Dr. Freddy Haynes. I have known him and worked with him for over 20 years, including when we worked together years and years ago in the early days of the criminal justice reform movement. And I am so confident in his leadership and his ability to carry on the greatest traditions of this organization and to meet the challenges of this moment," she said.

The vice president underscored the importance of continuing Jackson's mission of equality, justice, and empowerment.

"We celebrate one of America’s greatest patriots, someone who deeply believes in the promise of our country, a fighter for freedom and human rights for all people. At the core of Rev’s work is the belief that the diversity of our nation is not a weakness or an afterthought, but instead, our greatest strength," Harris added.

Pastor Frederick Douglass Haynes III, widely respected for his unwavering commitment to social justice and equality, has long been recognized as a leading voice within the civil rights community. As the leader of Friendship-West Baptist Church, Haynes has demonstrated his dedication to uplifting marginalized communities and advocating for systemic change. His appointment to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition signifies a new chapter in its history, aligning with the organization's core principles of empowering the disenfranchised and fighting against racial injustice.

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Diahann Carroll was born in the Bronx, New York, on July 17, 1935. When she was an infant, the family moved to Harlem, where she grew up. She attended Music & Art High School, along with schoolmate Billy Dee Williams.

By the time Carroll was 15, she was modeling for Ebony magazine. After graduating from high school, Carroll attended New York University and eventually hit it big in Hollywood.

Carroll starred in "Carmen Jones" in 1954 and "Porgy and Bess" in 1959. She was a trailblazer, who, in the 1960s, became one of the first Black women to star in a television series.

In 1974, she became only the fourth Black actress to receive a Best Actress in a Leading Role nomination for "Claudine." Over a career that spanned five decades, Diahann Carroll broke barriers and opened doors for Black actors.

Although we lost Carroll in 2019, at the age of 84, her legacy lives on.

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Naomi Osaka's boyfriend Cordae announced their baby daughter's name while performing at Canada's Calgary Stampede this past weekend. The rapper, who's 25, revealed the name that he and his partner Naomi had chosen for their baby girl.

He said, "My daughter, Shai, was just born a couple of days ago, so I decided to dedicate this performance to my baby girl Shai."

He told the audience in between songs. He said, "I love you so much. I'm coming home soon."

And of course, we have confirmed that the four-time Grand Slam singles champion, Osaka, has welcomed her daughter here in Los Angeles. They're doing really well, the source says, and you know the baby's doing well. So I'm really happy for her. She went through a lot and now she's got her life back on track.

Speaking of getting back on track, Shakira is igniting some romance rumors with NBA star Jimmy Butler. They enjoyed dinner together at a restaurant in London last night, and they were there until 1:30 in the morning. Now they were trying to stay under the radar as they opted to arrive separately. But you know, that never really works.

They remained inside, like I said, until 1:30 a.m. and apparently, they were like having a really good time. A lot of PDA there.

For her evening out, the mother of two wore a denim jumpsuit, pink lipstick, and her golden mane styled in her trademark voluminous curls. Butler looked pretty handsome, as he always does, in a black t-shirt, some velour pants, and some pristine white sneakers.

Well, we'll see where this one goes. I have a feeling she is gonna latch onto him. I don't blame her.

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The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture opened in Harlem, New York, on July 14, 1905. The center is one of the leading institutions focused on the experiences of people across the African diaspora. 

Before the center was named after Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a leading Afro-Puerto Rican activist and writer in the Harlem Renaissance, it was called the Division of Negro Literature, History and Prints. 

According to the Schomburg website, in 1926, Schomburg donated his collection of more than 5,000 books, 3,000 manuscripts and more. He served as curator from 1932 until his death in 1938. 

Since its opening more than 100 years ago, the Schomburg has expanded to create space for galleries and the Langston Hughes Auditorium, where events, lectures and concerts are held.

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Conservative Republicans are aiming to yank "wokeness" out of the military. As the House worked this week on passing the annual defense spending bill, Texas Congressman Chip Roy used a hearing to mock a Marine Corps social media post that celebrated Pride Month.

"Can you see this? A rainbow bullets on a helmet? Do you think it makes our military more effective and more likely to defeat our enemies?" Rep. Roy asked during the hearing.

He's part of a group that wants to defund diversity and inclusion training programs within the armed services. There is also an amendment to prevent the inclusion of what the GOP considers "racial gender ideology" books in military libraries.

Rep. Roy also mocked an Air Force social media post showing a service member saluting in front of a rainbow flag.

"For example, here in the United States Air Force, saluting the pride flag in social media. Is that beneficial to the cohesion of our United States military? Do you think that makes our military more effective and more likely to defeat our enemies?"

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The Secret Service is closing its investigation into the discovery of cocaine at the White House. The law enforcement agency said it was unable to single out a person of interest from the hundreds of individuals who passed through the West Executive Avenue entrance where the cocaine was discovered.

Testing failed to reveal sufficient DNA or fingerprint evidence and surveillance camera footage was reviewed but produced no leads. A Secret Service officer spotted the small plastic baggie on July 2 in a storage cubby used to temporarily store electronic and personal devices.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin says he's satisfied with the investigation:

"I'm satisfied it's a thorough investigation and I just kept imagining what it would be like here if cocaine was found someplace."

Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says it was incomplete:

"This was a failure of this investigation to not perform a drug test on these people. This list of approximately 500 potential suspects."

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