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Small-dollar donors contributed nearly $47 million on ActBlue in the seven hours after Vice President Harris launched her presidential campaign Sunday afternoon, the Democratic fundraising platform announced. This amount represents the total raised on the platform, not just donations to Harris's campaign.
President Biden announced on July 21 that he would be stepping aside in the presidential race, endorsing Harris. ActBlue also reported raising over $27.5 million in the first five hours of Harris's campaign.
The New York Times noted that Sunday was the largest day for online Democratic donations since the 2020 election, surpassing the previous record set the day after Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death in September 2020, when ActBlue raised about $73.5 million.
Key Democratic donors are now backing Harris following Biden's decision.
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After much pressure, President Biden has stepped out of the 2024 presidential race, posting a statement on X, formerly Twitter, shortly after 2 p.m. on Sunday that said, "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this."
Within 24 hours, the campaign brought in nearly $50 million from donors. Vice President Harris sent out a statement saying, "I am honored to have the President's endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination."
"I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda," the statement continued.
Although President Biden is publicly backing Harris, the decision is up to the delegates. The Democratic National Convention Executive Committee could hold a roll call to officially recognize Harris as their nominee, or take this to an open convention — a move that hasn't been done in decades.
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(AURN News) — Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a long-serving Democrat from Texas's 18th Congressional District, has died, according to a statement released by her family on Friday. Jackson Lee, known for her passionate advocacy on issues of racial justice, criminal justice reform, and human rights, served in Congress for over 30 years. In an interview with AURN News, her former Deputy Chief of Staff, Shashrina Thomas, described her as "the conscience of the Congress" who acted daily as "an advocate for the underserved constituents of Houston's historic Third Ward, and all those similarly situated across the nation."
“The Congresswoman represented her family and her country proudly passionately and effectively, she fought the good fight. As it is written in 2nd Timothy, she finished the race, but most importantly, she maintained the faith in God,” Thomas said.
“I'm grateful to her and her family, for sharing her with the world, for fighting the fight in Congress, and standing strong every moment, to make sure women’s rights were on the table… human rights were on the table, and that there was a fair social and criminal justice system, across the board, specifically, for African American people,” she added.
Thomas also highlighted Jackson Lee's legislative accomplishments, stating, "She was directly responsible for crafting more than 200 pieces of legislation, 184 of which became law." Among her notable achievements were helping to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.
"The congresswoman deserves our gratitude for a life of public service and dedication to exactly that: the values of women's rights, fairness, equality, and justice," Thomas said.
First elected in 1994, Jackson Lee was particularly noted for her focus on issues affecting women and children. Thomas recalled how the congresswoman ensured that "women and children were not forgotten" in policy discussions, especially regarding public service and first responders. Jackson Lee also played a significant role in healthcare legislation. Thomas noted her position as "the lead policy negotiator for the Affordable Care Act," which included provisions to expand access to healthcare for underserved communities.
“Congressman Louis Stokes gave me my wings to fly. The Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, taught me how to fly,” Thomas told AURN News.
The statement from Jackson Lee’s family emphasized her impact both as a public servant and as a beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother. They noted that while she will be deeply missed, "her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy."
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Personal Reflection
As a journalist, I rarely include personal experiences in my reporting. However, Congresswoman Jackson Lee's passing compels me to share my interactions with her over the years.
I first met her in 2013 while working as a Communications Director on Capitol Hill. From that time until her passing, she consistently supported me as a person, a journalist, and a Black man in America. She was a staunch advocate for American Urban Radio Networks (AURN), always making time to address Black America through our platform.
During our interviews, she frequently emphasized the crucial role of AURN News in covering issues facing the Black community that are often overlooked by mainstream media. Our last public interaction was in September 2023 at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, where I moderated an event she hosted. Even then, she spoke passionately about the importance of Black media in our country and expressed gratitude to AURN and me personally.
Her unwavering support for Black journalists and media outlets underscored her commitment to ensuring diverse voices were heard in the national political conversations.
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(AURN NEWS) — As pressure mounts on President Joe Biden to bow out of the 2024 race, some supporters are still standing firmly behind him, citing his economic achievements and contrasting his policies with those of his opponent, former President Donald Trump. Morgan Harper, a Biden delegate from Ohio, defended the president's record in a recent interview with AURN News, highlighting what she sees as concrete economic benefits for average Americans under his administration.
"This president has an incredible record of actually reorienting the economics of this country to benefit our community," Harper said. She pointed to policies like lowering hearing aid costs and tackling inflated housing prices as examples of the administration's efforts to challenge big business and bring economic gains to more people.
Harper, 41, addressed concerns about Biden's age, suggesting that despite generational differences, she believes the president has effectively tackled issues important to millennials who came of age during tumultuous times like 9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis.
"I know it could be hard to believe that actually, we've seen from somebody who is not at all part of our generation... really addressing some of the damage that was done during the past 20 years, but it's absolutely the truth," Harper stated.
The delegate's defense comes as prominent Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have reportedly called for Biden to step aside. However, Harper believes voters should not be "on the fence" about supporting Biden.
"Another Donald Trump administration is going to hurt our economic prospects," Harper warned. She claimed Trump would give "a free pass" to big business if re-elected. Biden supporters like Harper are working to highlight what they see as the president's accomplishments and the stakes of the upcoming election in an effort to keep him on the ballot.
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Over 1,400 Black women leaders and allies, led by Black Voters Matter co-founders LaTosha Brown and Cliff Albright, along with National Legal Director April England Albright, have signed a petition firmly supporting President Biden's re-election. The action comes in response to internal Democratic party pressure for Biden to step aside.
The petition emphasizes the Biden-Harris administration's legislative achievements and the importance of unity within the party. The letter states, "We reject all efforts to disregard this fact or to circumvent the will of millions of voters who participated in the democratic process."
It criticizes attempts to undermine Biden based on debate performance and unreliable polls, calling such dissent unproductive and urging it to cease immediately.
Highlighting the pivotal role of Black women in securing Democratic victories, the petition notes that when Black women vote in record numbers, Democrats win the White House.
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Former President Donald Trump has pledged to take control of Washington D.C. if he regains the presidency. The threat has D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on high alert as Trump's extensive powers over the nonstate district could be weaponized to alter local laws, including those on abortion, cannabis, traffic safety, police, and even reinstating the Control Board, effectively sidelining local governance.
Jack Evans, a former D.C. council member, who spoke with Channel 4 in D.C., warned that such a move would be catastrophic and severely undermine local democracy. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who also spoke with Channel 4, echoed the concerns, highlighting the potential for Trump to federalize the police department and reshape D.C. policies.
Amid the threats, Mayor Bowser is monitoring Project 2025, seen as a roadmap for a second Trump term, to prepare for any actions. While the implications are vast, Bowser is exploring options to safeguard the city's autonomy, but the district's lack of statehood limits her leverage.
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(AURN NEWS) - President Joe Biden continues to face mounting pressure from within his own party to step aside in the 2024 presidential race, even as he now battles a recent COVID-19 diagnosis. Despite affirming his intention to continue his re-election bid, Biden is now encountering resistance publicly from key Democratic figures. CNN reports that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned the President that he not only faces a tough battle against former President Donald Trump but could also jeopardize Democratic chances in the House of Representatives.
Another major story is from ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl, who reported that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has also urged Biden to bow out. According to Karl's post on X (formerly Twitter), Schumer had a "blunt one-on-one conversation" with Biden last Saturday in Rehoboth, where he "forcefully made the case that it would be best if Biden bowed out of the race." According to Karl, when asked for comment, Schumer's office remained tight-lipped about the specifics, stating only that the Majority Leader "conveyed the views of his caucus."
These high-profile interventions come as Biden now grapples with a COVID-19 diagnosis. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement confirming that the President is experiencing mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Delaware. "He is vaccinated and boosted," Jean-Pierre noted, adding that Biden "will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time."
With influential party leaders now expressing doubts about Biden's candidacy, questions loom about the potential impact on the party's electoral prospects. And it’s all taking place during the week of the Republican National Convention underway in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Democratic National Convention is scheduled to kick off on August 19.
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President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, the White House announced yesterday. He is experiencing mild symptoms, like a runny nose and a nonproductive cough. Biden is both vaccinated and boosted against the virus.
After delivering a speech in Las Vegas, he will return to Delaware to self-isolate, continuing his duties remotely. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre assured the media that the President will keep performing his full responsibilities, and Biden's doctors noted that his vitals were normal as he started the Paxlovid treatment.
The diagnosis comes amid rising pressure from Democrats, some of whom are questioning his campaign for reelection. Despite his illness, Biden remains committed, he says, to his role, emphasizing his determination to serve.
The White House has promised regular updates on his health. The development follows Biden's previous positive COVID-19 test in July 2022, adding to the political tension as the November elections approach.
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According to the Associated Press, a Georgia appeals court has scheduled a December hearing for the appeal of a lower court ruling that allows Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting the election interference case against former President Donald Trump.
Trump and other defendants requested oral arguments, which the court has set for Dec. 5. The timing means the lower court proceedings against Trump, currently on hold pending the appeal, will not resume before the November general election when Trump is the Republican nominee.
The appeal will be decided by a three-judge panel consisting of Trenton Brown, Todd Markle and Benjamin Land, who will have until mid-March to rule.
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Speaking at the NAACP National Convention, President Joe Biden took to the stage and played off a term that former President Donald Trump used during a debate referring to Black jobs.
“Here’s what he thinks of Black jobs. I love his phrase, Black jobs. Folks, I know what a Black job is. It’s the Vice President of the United States,” Biden said.
He then took the time to tout his record.
“The first bill I passed included $1,400 checks, plus $300 checks per child, per family, per month, in the pockets of people in this country; to get them through the pandemic. Not Trump’s administration; Kamala and I did that. We cut Black child poverty in half. We grew the American economy to the strongest in the world. And I’m determined to make that tax cut permanent.”
Biden has made several speeches and appearances since his debate with former President Donald Trump, which had many people wondering if he was going to stay in the race. However, Biden has pushed back against all claims of stepping down and says he is ready to continue to deliver for the American people.
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Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of the late Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, has passed away at 69, his alma mater La Salle University announced on Tuesday.
Bryant, who played eight seasons in the NBA with three different franchises, reportedly suffered a massive stroke, according to La Salle coach Fran Dunphy.
The school expressed their sorrow, noting Bryant’s contributions as a player from 1973-75 and as a coach from 1993-96.
Joe Bryant, selected 14th in the 1975 NBA draft by Golden State, played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets, averaging 8.7 points over 606 games.
His son, Kobe Bryant, along with Kobe’s daughter and seven others, tragically died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
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On July 17, 1967, the world lost legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane passed away at the age of 40 due to liver cancer.
Known for his profound impact on jazz, Coltrane’s work transcended musical boundaries, blending bebop, hard bop, and modal jazz into a unique and transformative sound.
His album “A Love Supreme,” released in 1965, stands out as one of his most significant and influential compositions, encapsulating his spiritual journey and showcasing his mastery of the tenor saxophone.
Coltrane’s innovative approach, marked by complex improvisations and a relentless pursuit of spiritual and musical enlightenment, continues to inspire musicians around the globe.
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President Joe Biden is taking decisive action to address the skyrocketing housing costs faced by millions of Americans. In a major announcement, the president called on corporate landlords to cap rent increases at 5 percent and unveiled plans to make more public land available for housing.
These measures aim to make renting more affordable and create additional housing units. To achieve this, the president is urging Congress to pass legislation that would give corporate landlords the choice to either limit rent increases on existing units or risk losing valuable federal tax breaks.
The proposal would ensure that rent increases are kept at a reasonable level, providing relief for struggling renters. Across the country, the administration is rolling out several other measures, including calling on Congress to support the Biden-Harris housing plan that would build over two million homes and provide thousands in mortgage relief.
In addition, the Federal Housing Finance Agency is also taking action. For a list of these measures, you can visit whitehouse.gov.
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On the first day of the Republican National Convention, Sen. J.D. Vance became the vice presidential nominee to run alongside former President Donald Trump. At 39 years old, the Ohio senator is the first millennial on a major ticket.
In the past, Vance was not always a supporter of Trump, once calling him "America's Hitler," saying he was a never-Trumper, even calling him a "total fraud."
Vance is now one of the staunchest supporters and backers of Donald Trump, and he's made a 180-degree turn in the Senate, pushing bills that criminalize gender-affirming care, going against all affirmative action policies at colleges and universities, publicly supporting a 15-week abortion ban, and, among many other things, promoting the replacement theory.
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Born on July 16, 1862, Ida B. Wells was a formidable crusader against lynching and an active participant in the women's rights and suffrage movements, establishing several notable women's organizations.
In a pivotal act of resistance 71 years before Rosa Parks, she refused to give up her seat on a train and was forcibly removed. This incident propelled her into civil rights activism, and she sued the railroad, winning a $500 settlement.
Wells became a public figure in Memphis through her journalism, writing for "The Living Way," and later became the first Black woman paid as a correspondent in Europe.
Ida B. Wells passed away in 1931 at 68 years old.
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Former President Donald Trump chose Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate on Monday, selecting a former critic turned loyal ally.
The 39-year-old Vance, who gained national fame with his 2016 memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” was elected to the Senate in 2022 and has become a strong advocate for Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda.
Despite his support, Vance remains largely untested in national politics. He joins the ticket during a tumultuous time following an attempted assassination of Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which has heightened awareness of the nation’s divisive political climate.
Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said Mr. Vance had “championed and enabled Trump’s worst policies for years — from a national abortion ban, to whitewashing Jan. 6, to railing against Social Security and Medicare.”
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(AURN News) - FBI Director Christopher Wray condemned the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump as "an attack on democracy" during a press briefing on Sunday, following the shooting at a campaign rally outside Pittsburgh that left one dead and two critically wounded. The shooting took place on Saturday afternoon when shots rang out during Trump's speech, striking the former president in the ear. Secret Service agents swiftly intervened, escorting Trump from the scene. The presidential candidate was seen raising his fist several times, signaling to supporters that he was okay.
"What we witnessed yesterday was nothing short of an attack on democracy and our democratic process," Wray stated. "An attempt to assassinate a presidential candidate can only be described as absolutely despicable and will not be tolerated in this country."
The FBI has identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks was killed at the scene, though details surrounding his death were not immediately disclosed.
In an unprecedented move, President Joe Biden addressed the nation regarding the shooting, calling for unity and a reduction in political tensions. "My fellow Americans, I want to speak to you tonight about the need for us to lower the temperature in our politics and to remember, while we may disagree, we are not enemies," Biden said in his address.
The president also emphasized the importance of national unity in the face of such a distressing event. "We’re neighbors. We’re friends, coworkers, citizens. And, most importantly, we are fellow Americans. And we must stand together," he stated.
"Thankfully, former President Trump is not seriously injured. I spoke with him last night. I'm grateful he's doing well. And Jill and I keep him and his family in our prayers," the president added.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the shooter's motives and any potential broader implications for campaign security. Wray was nominated by Trump in 2017 to lead the FBI.
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Retired Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones has died at age 40. Drafted by the Houston Texans in 2007, he played there for four years before joining the Ravens from 2012-2014, earning a Pro Bowl spot in 2012.
Jones is best remembered for the "Mile-High Miracle," his game-tying 70-yard touchdown catch in a playoff game against the Denver Broncos, leading to a 38-35 double-overtime victory. He also set a Super Bowl record with a 108-yard kickoff return against the San Francisco 49ers.
After stints with the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, he retired as a Raven in 2017 and later coached at Morgan State and Alabama State universities.
The cause of his death has not been disclosed. Rest in peace, Jacoby Jones.
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Fitness legend Richard Simmons passed away on July 13 at 76, just one day after his birthday. His publicist confirmed his death at his Los Angeles home to the Associated Press but provided no additional information.
After revealing a skin condition diagnosis in March 2024, Simmons had withdrawn from the public eye, leading to widespread speculation about his health. TMZ was the first to report his passing.
Once a 268-pound teenager, Simmons transformed into a multimedia fitness icon, hosting the Emmy-winning "Richard Simmons Show," writing best-selling books, and creating the popular diet plan Deal-A-Meal.
He also founded exercise studios and produced the hit exercise video series "Sweatin’ to the Oldies," which became a cultural sensation.
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(AURN News) — Former President Donald Trump is urging national unity and maintaining his plans for the Republican National Convention, which starts Monday, following the assassination attempt near Pittsburgh over the weekend. The incident, which occurred Saturday, involved 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Details behind the motive for the attack remain unknown as the FBI continues its investigation.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed gratitude for public support and attributed his safety to divine intervention. "Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening," he wrote. The former president also acknowledged other victims of the incident, including those wounded and one fatality. He called for resilience and unity in the face of what he termed "Wickedness."
Despite initial considerations to delay his trip, Trump announced Sunday he would proceed with his scheduled appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "I cannot allow a “shooter,” or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else. Therefore, I will be leaving for Milwaukee, as scheduled," he stated.
The FBI is actively seeking information from the public, encouraging the submission of any relevant photos or videos to assist in the ongoing investigation.
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