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Residents of four Hunters Point housing complexes managed by Related Companies are returning to their units after renovations only to discover numerous issues including faulty installations, missing belongings, and poor-quality work. Problems range from malfunctioning locks that trapped a pregnant resident to missing furniture, destroyed personal improvements, and substandard finishes in the renovated units. In response, tenant organizers led Mayor Daniel Lurie and Chief of Community Affairs EJ Jones on a tour of the affected complexes to demonstrate the conditions residents are facing. The renovations of these federally subsidized housing units, which provide homes for over 800 people across approximately 600 units, reportedly generate millions in tax credits for Related Companies.

President Donald Trump is planning an executive order to eliminate mail-in ballots before the 2026 congressional elections, claiming they are "corrupt" despite using them to help secure his own 2024 victory. Trump has consistently alleged without evidence that mail-in voting enabled fraud in the 2020 election, despite the practice being common in many states with varying political leanings. Constitutional experts argue the president lacks authority to dictate how states conduct elections, with UCLA election law professor Rick Hasen calling Trump's assertion of presidential control over federal elections "wrong and dangerous." Contrary to Trump's claims, approximately 34 countries worldwide permit some form of mail-in voting.

The D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has launched the Child Support Services Division (CSSD) Amnesty Program, a temporary initiative running from August 11 to September 19, 2023, designed to help parents who are behind on child support payments. The program offers various relief options including halting enforcement actions like driver's license suspensions and bench warrants, while also providing opportunities for debt reduction through the Fresh Start Program and employment assistance through the Alternative Solutions Center. Announced during National Child Support Awareness Month, this initiative aims to remove barriers that prevent non-custodial parents from maintaining consistent financial support for their children while strengthening family relationships. District residents interested in participating can contact CSSD directly to inquire about eligibility and program details.

President Donald Trump has pledged to eliminate mail voting and voting machines in U.S. elections, despite constitutional limitations on his authority to make such changes. In a social media post containing multiple false claims about voting systems, Trump promised an executive order to "bring HONESTY" to the 2026 midterm elections. Election experts note that states, not the president, have constitutional authority over elections, with Congress having power to alter federal election rules but not state elections. This follows earlier controversial election-related executive actions by Trump that were blocked by courts.

The Trump administration is facing increasing pressure regarding documents from investigations into Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes. The Justice Department plans to provide Congress with subpoenaed materials starting Friday, following demands from the House Oversight Committee chaired by Republican James Comer. Reports indicate Trump was informed in May that his name appears in Epstein-related files, though this doesn't imply wrongdoing. Trump, who was friends with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s, initially supported transparency but recently changed his position, stating the case is closed.

The Restful Resistance series is launching with a virtual kickoff event titled "We Are Not Machines – We Are the Movement" on Monday, August 18 at 6:30 PM PT via Zoom. This inaugural session will focus on "The State of Us: Where Black Women Stand Politically in CA," exploring Black women's political engagement, barriers they face, and pathways from civic fatigue to civic power with an eye toward 2026. The series aims to create a space for healing, grounding, and political empowerment while recognizing that rest itself can be a form of resistance against systems demanding overextension.

The Detroit City Council race in District 6 pits State Rep. Tyrone Carter, a former law enforcement official with decades of legislative experience, against incumbent Gabriela Santiago-Romero, a Democratic Socialist and the council's only Hispanic member. The contest highlights Democratic Party divisions, with Carter drawing support from older, moderate Black residents while Santiago-Romero appeals to Hispanic voters and is backed by grassroots and labor groups. Their most significant policy difference involves campaign financing, with Santiago-Romero refusing corporate PAC money while Carter has accepted funds from corporations like DTE Energy and Marathon Petroleum. Southwest Detroit's District 6 has a majority Latino population (57.2%), followed by African Americans (23.6%) and whites (16.9%).

GODRadio1.com has won the 2025 Stellar Award for Internet Radio Station of the Year for the second consecutive time at gospel music's premier awards ceremony. The Stellar Awards, referred to as the "Grammys of Gospel," recognize excellence in gospel music and media, with GODRadio1.com's repeat victory highlighting its dedication to faith-based programming and supporting gospel artists globally. This achievement coincides with the 30th anniversary of its parent company, M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records Inc., which has focused on promoting independent artists, producing events, and sharing messages of faith and hope throughout its history.

According to a recent Economist/YouGov poll, only 31 percent of Americans view Donald Trump as "honest and trustworthy," the lowest rating since his second term began, with 53 percent considering him dishonest. The poll reveals widespread suspicion about Trump's knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, with 71 percent of Americans believing he knew "a lot" or "some" before they became public, and Trump's handling of Epstein investigations receiving a negative approval rating of -39. Trump's overall job approval stands at 42 percent with 54 percent disapproving, slightly better than at the equivalent point in his first term but still negative. The poll also highlights Trump's continued challenges with Black voters, with just 12 percent of Black Americans approving his performance in a July survey, although he showed some improvement in the 2024 election compared to 2020.

Dr. Danielle Spencer-David, best known for her role as Dee Thomas in the 1970s sitcom "What's Happening!!", passed away in Richmond on Tuesday after battling breast cancer for a year. After her successful acting career, Spencer-David transitioned to veterinary medicine, graduating from Tuskegee University Veterinary School in 1996 and eventually settling in Richmond, Virginia in 2014. She received notable recognition as the only former child actor honored with a permanent exhibition at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Family members, colleagues, and public officials have expressed their grief, recognizing her contributions not only as a television icon but also as a veterinarian, author, and community activist.

This opinion piece by Craig J. DeLuz praises President Trump's decision to assert federal control over Washington D.C.'s police force through the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. The author argues this intervention is necessary due to D.C.'s rising crime rates, including 200 homicides in 2023, doubled car thefts, and tripled carjackings over five years. DeLuz claims local officials have downplayed these issues while the D.C. Police Union supports federal intervention, and he suggests Trump's "tough-on-crime" approach based on the "Broken Windows Theory" will effectively reduce crime. The author dismisses criticism that these measures are racially motivated, arguing instead that people of color are disproportionately affected by violent crime in D.C.

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) is pressing for the passage of their 16-bill Road to Repair 2025 Priority Bill Package as the legislative session nears its end. Based on recommendations from the California Reparations Task Force's report, the package aims to address historical injustices affecting Black Californians through measures like creating a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery and reserving 10% of the state's Home Purchase Assistance Program for descendants of enslaved people. Many of these bills are currently in the Appropriations process where their fiscal impacts are being evaluated, with several placed in the "suspense file" for bills with significant costs. With only two weeks remaining for legislative action, these bills face a critical period that will determine whether they become law.

Maryland Democratic leaders are strongly opposing President Trump's takeover of Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department, introducing legislation to restore local authority. Senator Angela Alsobrooks criticized the action as executive overreach and an attack on democracy, while Senator Chris Van Hollen plans to introduce a joint resolution to return control of MPD to local authorities when Congress reconvenes. Representative Jamie Raskin has already introduced a House resolution alongside other Democrats to end the federalization of D.C. police. Despite Trump's claims about addressing crime, Democratic officials note that D.C. was experiencing its lowest violent crime rates in 30 years before the takeover and argue this action has negatively impacted local businesses and restricted D.C.'s access to its own funds.

The annual Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) summer conference in Ocean City brought together politicians, business executives, civic leaders, and celebrities to discuss challenges and opportunities across Maryland. Governor Wes Moore warned about potential federal government actions affecting healthcare and local governments, emphasizing Maryland's commitment to supporting its people. The conference featured discussions on economic issues, student opportunities, and immigration concerns, with a notable panel including Baltimore ICE field director Nikita Baker that drew criticism regarding enforcement practices. Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy hosted a reception highlighting an AI literacy initiative called Lumi, which featured activist and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick as a partner in the educational program.

Texas police are searching for 36-year-old Tory Dugas who was mistakenly released from Harris County jail despite being sentenced to seven years in prison for assaulting a family member and evading arrest. Dugas, who had been in jail since Thursday on other charges that were dismissed, was erroneously released early Sunday morning because jail staff allegedly failed to properly document his state prison sentence. The Harris County Sheriff's Office discovered Dugas was missing on Monday morning during a routine check of inmates scheduled for transfer to state custody and has launched a thorough investigation into the incident, which is not the first mistaken release from this facility.

The article explores the experiences of Black Americans who have shown solidarity with Palestinians, highlighting their mistreatment by Israeli authorities. It details how Zoharah Simmons, a former SNCC organizer, faced extensive interrogation at Tel Aviv airport in 1994 due to her race and name, requiring intervention from an Israeli legislator to be released. The piece then connects this historical incident to recent events involving Christian Smalls, co-founder of the Amazon Labor Union, who was singled out and physically assaulted when Israeli forces intercepted an aid ship bound for Gaza. Through these accounts, the article illustrates a pattern of harsh treatment toward Black solidarity activists supporting Palestinians against what they perceive as settler colonialism.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's two-day visit to Delhi marks a significant warming in India-China relations following their 2020 border clashes. During meetings with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Yi emphasized that both nations should view each other as "partners" rather than "adversaries," stating that border stability has been restored. The diplomatic engagements included discussions on bilateral issues such as trade, pilgrimages, and border disputes, potentially laying groundwork for Prime Minister Modi's attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China later this month. This rapprochement occurs amid India's deteriorating relations with the US, which recently imposed additional tariffs on Indian imports for purchasing Russian oil and weapons.

Seafarers, particularly from India, are facing alarming cases of abandonment on commercial vessels worldwide, with 899 Indian nationals among 3,133 abandoned sailors in 2024. The article highlights several cases, including Manas Kumar and his crew stranded on a cargo ship in Ukrainian waters since April, and Captain Amitabh Chaudhary's crew abandoned near Saudi Arabia after their vessel was damaged. These abandonments often occur when shipowners sever ties with crews, refusing to pay salaries or provide for repatriation, with the "flags of convenience" system allowing ships to register in countries with weak regulations, obscuring ownership and enabling exploitation of seafarers.

Jasveen Sangha, nicknamed the "Ketamine Queen," has agreed to plead guilty to five charges related to selling ketamine that led to Friends actor Matthew Perry's death in October 2023. Sangha is one of five individuals, including two doctors and Perry's assistant, who have all agreed to plead guilty for their roles in supplying Perry with ketamine that ultimately caused his fatal overdose. Federal authorities discovered dozens of ketamine vials during a raid of Sangha's Los Angeles home, which prosecutors described as a "drug-selling emporium" where she allegedly supplied ketamine to celebrities and high-end clients since at least 2019. Sangha faces up to 65 years in federal prison and is expected to formally enter her plea in federal court in the coming weeks.

Multiple Black mayors across the United States are pushing back against President Trump's characterization of their cities as crime-ridden, pointing to significant decreases in violent crime in their jurisdictions. Following Trump's deployment of 800 National Guard members to Washington D.C. and threats to intervene in other Black-led cities like Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Oakland, the African American Mayors Association is highlighting their successful crime reduction strategies. These mayors attribute their safety improvements to community partnerships, youth engagement programs, and public health approaches to violence prevention, directly contradicting Trump's narrative about urban crime. Washington D.C.'s Mayor Bowser and officials have filed a lawsuit to block the federal takeover, while other targeted mayors remain vigilant about potential federal interventions in their cities.

Recent polls indicate that Maryland Governor Wes Moore is experiencing a decline in public support, creating a potential political opportunity. In response to this development, former Republican Governor Larry Hogan has suggested he might consider running in the 2028 gubernatorial election. Hogan's hint at a possible return to Maryland politics comes as Moore faces challenges in maintaining his popularity among voters. The situation highlights a potential shift in Maryland's political landscape with the prospect of Hogan attempting to reclaim his former position.

Newsmax has agreed to pay Dominion $67 million to settle a defamation lawsuit stemming from false claims broadcast about the 2020 US presidential election. The lawsuit, filed in 2021, accused Newsmax of spreading lies about Dominion rigging the election against Donald Trump, causing significant economic harm to the voting machine company. While Newsmax has settled the case, the network maintains its coverage was fair and balanced, claiming it chose to settle because it believed court proceedings were unfair after Judge Eric Davis had already ruled that Newsmax defamed Dominion. The payment will be made in three installments, with the first $27 million already paid on Friday.

Texas Democratic lawmakers have returned to the state capital after a weeks-long absence that prevented Republicans from establishing a quorum to vote on redistricting plans. The Democrats claim victory in delaying the Republican-led effort to redraw electoral maps, which they argue would strengthen the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives following the 2026 election. Governor Greg Abbott has already called another legislative session to approve the redistricting plans, while Democratic-led states are preparing their own redistricting efforts to potentially offset Republican gains. The Democrats now plan to fight the Texas redistricting plans legally, claiming they violate the 1965 Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution by engaging in racial gerrymandering.

Free DC is a grassroots movement founded by Keya Chatterjee, Kelsye Adams, Nee Nee Taylor, and Alex Dodds to resist federal interventions in Washington D.C. during President Trump's second administration. The organization mobilizes residents around three key principles: showing solidarity, taking up space, and prioritizing joy, with the ultimate goal of achieving statehood for the District of Columbia. Free DC builds on previous campaigns like Hands Off DC, broadening the movement for D.C.'s autonomy by centering voices of marginalized communities through a highly organized structure of advisory councils, working groups, and ward-based teams. The movement has recently gained significant traction, with its Instagram following growing to 38,000 as it responds to what organizers describe as Trump's "militarized takeover of policing" in the nation's capital.

The U.S. State Department has revoked over 6,000 international student visas for violations including assault, DUI, burglary, and alleged "support for terrorism," as part of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Approximately 4,000 visas were revoked for breaking laws, while 200-300 were revoked under terrorism-related code that broadly defines terrorist activity. The administration has implemented enhanced screening measures, including requiring social media account access during visa applications, and scrutinizing for hostility toward U.S. principles or antisemitic behavior. Democrats have criticized these actions as an attack on due process, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that more visa revocations may be forthcoming.

President Volodymyr Zelensky's White House visit has renewed scrutiny of US financial support for Ukraine compared to European contributions. According to the Kiel Institute, the US has committed $130.6 billion to Ukraine between January 2022 and June 2025, while Europe collectively has pledged $165.7 billion during the same period. Former President Trump's previous claim that the US spent $300 billion while Europe only contributed $100 billion is not supported by the data. While the US remains the single largest donor country, aid packages from both the US and Europe include a combination of grants and loans, with US support leaning more toward grants and European assistance containing more loans.

The 11th Annual Chuck Brown Day was celebrated on August 16 at Fort Dupont Park in Southeast D.C., honoring the legacy of Chuck Brown, the pioneer of go-go music. The event featured performances from prominent go-go bands including Black Alley, Trouble Funk, Be'la Dona, and The Chuck Brown Band, while also providing free school supplies through The Chuck Brown Foundation. Amid tensions following the Trump administration's deployment of the National Guard to D.C., the celebration served as a unifying community event showcasing District culture. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chuck Brown's son Wiley Brown emphasized the significance of the event and go-go music's enduring impact on the city, which was officially designated as D.C.'s sound through the Go-Go Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act of 2019.

The Trump administration's proposed plan would cut Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits by removing SNAP from the list of protections that shield recipients from having their benefits reduced by one-third when living with relatives. This change would affect approximately 1,400 D.C. residents and nearly 400,000 people nationwide, with particularly severe impacts on Black communities, disabled individuals, and poor seniors. The typical multi-person SNAP household with an SSI recipient survives on just $17,000 annually, and these cuts could reduce benefits by hundreds of dollars monthly, forcing impossible choices between necessities like food, housing, and medicine. Democrats are preparing legislation to block the plan while advocates warn the cuts could increase homelessness and institutional care while burdening the already underfunded Social Security Administration with additional paperwork requirements.