AURN News

At a White House press conference, President Donald Trump pivoted from announcing Space Command’s move to Huntsville, Alabama, to discuss Chicago, which he called a “hellhole.” Citing weekend shootings that left nine dead and more than 50 injured, Trump said he has an obligation to send in the National Guard. He claimed Illinois leaders are refusing protection and that Chicagoans are pleading for troops, pointing to Washington, D.C., as his model “safe zone.” Gov. J.B. Pritzker pushed back, blasting the talk as a “reality show stunt.” While Trump floats the idea of boots on city streets, the timing is uncertain and state consent appears optional. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A sweeping new law signed by President Donald Trump — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — imposes new work requirements for SNAP, the federal food assistance program. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates the law will slash $187 billion through 2034, the largest reduction in SNAP’s history. Analysts say 4 million people — including children, veterans and seniors — could lose benefits. Black families are disproportionately impacted, with Census data showing Black children are more likely to live in SNAP households. NAACP President Derrick Johnson called the cuts harmful, saying they make “billionaires wealthier” while deepening inequality. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this day in 1766, James Forten was born in Philadelphia. A free Black man, Forten became a successful sailmaker and inventor, developing an improved sail design that earned him respect in a trade dominated by white craftsmen. He used his wealth and influence to support abolitionist causes, fund antislavery publications, and aid the Underground Railroad. Forten believed in education and opportunity for Black Americans and became a leading voice against colonization schemes. He passed away on March 4, 1842, leaving a legacy of resistance, innovation and justice. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal judge struck down President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles during immigration protests, calling it illegal under federal law. Judge Charles Breyer said the move crossed a line meant to keep the military out of domestic law enforcement. The administration claimed the Guard was only protecting officers, but the court rejected that argument. The decision underscores that the judiciary remains the final guard against unchecked presidential power. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump’s approval rating rebounded in August, according to Gallup, reaching 40% — a three-point increase from July. It’s the first uptick since February. His economic approval held steady at 37%, while his foreign affairs rating slipped to 39%. Gallup also found a historic partisan gap: 93% of Republicans approve of Trump’s performance, compared with just 1% of Democrats. Satisfaction with the direction of the country surged among Republicans but dropped to nearly zero among Democrats. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When most think of Labor Day, they picture parades and barbecues. But for Black America, the struggle has always been about more than wages — it’s about dignity. From the Pullman porters and A. Philip Randolph’s union to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last campaign with Memphis sanitation workers, Black labor has transformed labor rights and fueled the civil rights movement. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Labor Day weekend is here, and millions of Americans are taking one last summer trip. The American Automobile Association says top destinations include Seattle, Orlando and New York, with cruises and theme parks also in demand. Travel is cheaper this year, with flights averaging $720 and hotels down 11%, while gas prices remain steady at $3.30 a gallon. But drivers should brace for congestion — travel data shows traffic nearly doubled in cities like New York, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Sept. 1, 1867, Robert Tanner Freeman became the first Black graduate of Harvard Dental School, making history as one of the first professionally trained Black dentists in the United States. Born to formerly enslaved parents in North Carolina, Freeman overcame barriers of racism and exclusion that kept African Americans out of medical training. He later practiced in Washington, D.C., mentoring young Black men who sought to enter the field. His groundbreaking achievement paved the way for greater Black representation in medicine and dentistry. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of her 15-city book tour promoting her new book, “107 Days.” By law, former vice presidents receive six months of protection after leaving office, but Joe Biden had extended Harris’ coverage to 18 months. Her protection ends Monday, with the White House saying Trump is following the law. Critics say the timing is questionable as Harris reenters the public stage. Trump has previously revoked protection from Alejandro Mayorkas and Biden’s children. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans say they’ve had enough of tipping pressures, according to a new Talker Research survey. The study of 2,000 people found guilt tipping has dropped 38% in 2025, with average spending on unwanted tips falling from $453 last year. Many respondents said they feel pressured by rising default tip options, though guilt tipping still happens about 4.2 times per month. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after Trump claimed he had fired her over unproven allegations of mortgage fraud. Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Fed board, argues the move threatens the central bank’s independence. Legal experts note Fed governors can only be removed “for cause” with due process — which Cook has not received — and critics say the firing is aimed at replacing her with a Trump loyalist. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rev. Al Sharpton led thousands in a march on Wall Street to mark the 62nd anniversary of the March on Washington. Sharpton told marchers that Wall Street benefited from Trump-era policies and vowed “your benefit days are numbered.” The demonstration comes as President Trump threatens more takeovers of Black-led cities and continues his attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CDC Director Susan Monarez was abruptly fired after refusing to resign under pressure from the Trump administration. Her lawyers say she resisted unscientific directives pushed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. Within hours, four senior CDC leaders resigned in protest. Public health experts warn the shakeup could leave the country more vulnerable to outbreaks. Former Biden-era CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said the move was a major setback for public health. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Activists behind a national Target boycott claim the campaign has cut foot traffic at nearly 2,000 stores since January. The protest began after Target scaled back its diversity, equity and inclusion commitments pledged in 2020 after George Floyd’s murder. Civil rights leaders, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, have urged Target to keep its promises. The boycott coincides with a planned leadership transition as longtime CEO Brian Cornell prepares to step down in 2026. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new study in the Journal of Applied Physiology links hydration to stress response. Researchers found adults who drank fewer fluids had higher cortisol levels when tested under stressful conditions. The findings suggest that staying hydrated may help blunt stress reactions. Carrying a water bottle could be a simple step toward better stress management. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices