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On the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Senator Alex Padilla introduced two bills to expand voting access: the Sustaining Our Democracy Act and the Expanding the VOTE Act. The Sustaining Our Democracy Act aims to fund improvements in election administration, secure voting systems, recruit poll workers, and increase voter access for underserved communities. Meanwhile, the Expanding the VOTE Act, co-led by Representative Nikema Williams, would ensure translated voting materials for the nearly 68 million U.S. residents who speak languages other than English. Both lawmakers emphasized these bills as necessary responses to what they describe as an "alarming surge of attacks on voting rights" across the country.

"Deceived," a psychological thriller based on the classic film "Gaslight," has premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego with a modernized script by co-adapters Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson. Set in 1901 London, the play follows newlywed Bella, whose husband Jack manipulates her into doubting her sanity through gaslighting tactics like suggesting she misplaces objects and experiences delusions. Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg has created an intimate in-the-round staging with a talented diverse cast, featuring standout performances by Brittany Bellizeare as Bella and Travis Van Winkle as Jack, with comic relief provided by the housemaids portrayed by Maggie Carney and Kennedy Tolson. The production, running through September 7, features a contemporary feminist perspective on the classic story, transforming the protagonist from passive victim to empowered survivor.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Trump administration has deployed federal troops to Washington D.C. and attempted to take control of the city's police department, citing crime reduction as justification, despite crime rates being at historic lows. After facing legal challenges, the administration backed down from installing its own emergency police commissioner when a federal judge indicated she would rule against the move. However, while agreeing to leave the police chief in charge, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed D.C. police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement regardless of city laws. This federal intervention, which includes 800 National Guard troops patrolling the National Mall and neighborhoods, represents one of the most sweeping uses of federal authority over a local government in modern times. # Who is affected - District of Columbia residents - D.C. homeless population - D.C. police department and its chief - Local neighborhoods where troops are patrolling - Visitors to areas like the National Mall, Union Station, and Nationals Park # What action is being taken - Federal troops are patrolling the National Mall and Washington neighborhoods - 800 National Guard troops are being activated with Humvees positioned throughout the city - The federal government is directing D.C. police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement - City workers are clearing homeless encampments - The District of Columbia is legally challenging aspects of federal control through court action # Why it matters - This represents one of the most sweeping uses of federal authority over a local government in modern times - It tests the boundaries of presidential legal authority to implement crime policies - D.C.'s unique status as a federal district creates a precedent that could potentially be applied to other cities - The action has racial implications, as some residents see parallels to historical cases where predominantly Black cities were targeted with racist narratives - It highlights tensions between federal and local control over law enforcement priorities # What's next - The federal authority is in place for 30 days, after which Trump would need congressional approval to extend it - The situation remains uncertain regarding whether the federal government will use this experience as a blueprint for dealing with other cities

The Trump administration is preparing to implement severe cuts to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), targeting America's poorest seniors, children, and disabled adults. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, nearly 400,000 people could lose critical income, with 275,000 facing cuts of approximately $300 monthly and over 100,000 potentially losing benefits entirely. The changes would particularly affect SSI recipients living with relatives who receive SNAP benefits by reversing Biden-era protections that shielded these families from harsh penalties. The cuts come amid warnings that Social Security's trust funds face insolvency by 2034, while Democratic lawmakers and unions are mobilizing to fight these changes through legislation and advocacy efforts.

Black mayors across the U.S. are pushing back against President Trump's characterization of their cities as crime-ridden, citing significant drops in violent crime statistics since the pandemic peak. Members of the African American Mayors Association are highlighting successful crime reduction strategies including youth engagement, gun buyback programs, and community partnerships that have led to measurable improvements. Following the deployment of 800 National Guard members to Washington D.C., Trump has indicated plans to intervene in other Black-led cities including Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Oakland, despite data contradicting his claims about rising crime. These mayors view the federal intervention as politically motivated rather than evidence-based and are using this moment to amplify their successful crime reduction approaches and accomplishments.

Governor Gavin Newsom and California Democratic leaders have unveiled the Election Rigging Response Act, a plan to authorize special congressional redistricting in response to President Trump's partisan gerrymandering efforts in other states. The proposal would allow the Legislature to temporarily bypass California's independent Citizens Redistricting Commission and draw new congressional maps for the 2026-2030 elections if approved by voters on November 4. The package includes three bills that would call for a special election, establish new district maps, and reimburse counties for election costs, with lawmakers setting an expedited schedule to pass the legislation by August 21. Black lawmakers, including Representatives Maxine Waters and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, have framed the effort as protecting communities of color from voter suppression, while California Republicans have criticized the plan as a Democratic power grab that undermines the voter-approved independent commission.

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber will host a commemorative event on August 25 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, featuring panel discussions and a special exhibit from the California State Archives. The California Black Health Network will present a legislative briefing on Black maternal health disparities on August 27, highlighting that Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women. Additionally, the NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference has partnered with Roots Java coffee company for a fundraising initiative, while Governor Newsom's office disputes a state auditor's report claiming potential $225 million annual savings through remote work. California legislators also recently participated in the 2nd Annual Black August Commemoration honoring Black workers' contributions and advocating for labor rights.

Ronnie Rondell Jr., the renowned Hollywood stuntman who was famously photographed on fire for Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" album cover, died on August 12 at age 88 in Missouri. His extensive career spanned from the 1950s through 2003, including work on notable productions like "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and numerous TV series such as "Charlie's Angels" and "Baywatch." As one of the founders of Stunts Unlimited in 1970, Rondell earned respect throughout the industry for his dangerous stunts, particularly fire-related ones, eventually receiving a lifetime achievement honor at the 2004 Taurus World Stunt Awards. Rondell came from a family of performers, with both his father and sons also working in the entertainment industry.

The article describes an initiative called "UnSelling" in which Indigenous and houseless peoples created a document to decommodify land, challenging the capitalist system that treats Earth as a commodity. On August 10th, participants symbolically "UnSold" a portion of land in Oakland (referred to as occupied Ohlone/Lisjan village of Huchiun) as part of the Homefulness project. The "Liberation Easement and Peoples Agreement of Homefulness" document asserts that participants are stewards rather than owners of the land. The initiative critiques how settler colonialism, capitalism, and corporate interests have normalized the buying, selling, and commodification of land, contributing to homelessness and displacement.

Lisa Tealer, a San Francisco native with deep Bay Area roots, serves as the executive director of Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BACHAC), a nonprofit focused on improving health in the African American community in San Mateo County. After a 30-year career in biotech, Tealer's leadership at BACHAC aligns with her lifelong commitment to community service, which she attributes to her upbringing by educator parents who were active community members. Her journey to BACHAC began when she attended one of their Breast Cancer Awareness Programs at Mills Peninsula Medical Center, which immediately resonated with her values and community focus. Tealer's dedication to community work stems from family traditions of volunteering and service that she describes as being "in her DNA."

Cydney Nunn, a former CBS news producer who now serves as managing director of the Ruth Williams Opera House, has built a career blending communications expertise with a passion for the arts. After graduating from Syracuse University and spending a decade as a news producer in Pittsburgh, Nunn transitioned to public relations at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center before relocating to Los Angeles. Her journey led her to her current role at the Ruth Williams Opera House, where she draws on her diverse skill set and upbringing by parents involved in acting and fine arts nonprofits. Though she never planned on philanthropic work, Nunn finds fulfillment in creating a platform for emerging artists and serving as an anchor in the Bayview community.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and her bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie face fraud and corruption charges for allegedly misusing public funds during their personal relationship. Prosecutors claim the pair falsified duty records to spend time together from October 2021 until Vappie's retirement in June 2024, including during 14 trips that cost approximately $70,000. They allegedly used WhatsApp's auto-delete function to conceal thousands of messages, treated a city-owned apartment as their personal residence, and intimidated subordinates while Vappie claimed to be working. If convicted, both could face multi-year prison sentences and fines up to $250,000 per charge.

Rapper Sean Kingston has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison after being convicted in a million-dollar fraud scheme alongside his mother, Janice Turner. The pair used Kingston's celebrity status to obtain luxury items including watches, a giant TV, a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, and furniture from victims, sending fake wire receipts when payment was due. Kingston apologized to the court before sentencing, claiming to have learned from his actions, while his mother received a five-year prison sentence in July. Evidence presented at trial included incriminating text messages between Kingston and his mother discussing fake payment receipts, with Kingston's attorney arguing that fame at a young age left him unprepared to manage his finances properly.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented facial recognition technology for security screening at 15 major U.S. airports through its PreCheck Touchless ID system. This technology allows enrolled TSA PreCheck travelers with valid passports to verify their identity with a facial scan rather than physical identification documents. Simultaneously, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has expanded its biometric processing with Enhanced Passenger Processing at Nashville International Airport. While officials claim these systems enhance efficiency and security, privacy concerns have emerged, prompting bipartisan lawmakers to propose the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025, which would require consent for biometric data collection and establish stricter protections.

The Trump administration is actively reshaping the Smithsonian Institution through an executive order that places Vice President J.D. Vance in charge of purging "divisive" content from exhibits, particularly those addressing race and slavery. Recent changes include removing references to Trump's two impeachments from the National Museum of American History and returning loaned civil rights artifacts from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The administration demands "content corrections" across eight major museums to replace what it considers "ideologically driven" narratives with those celebrating "American exceptionalism." Despite Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch pledging to remain committed to telling multi-faceted American stories, the White House has established unprecedented control over the institution's content, funding, and governance.

State Representative Ron Reynolds reflects on the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, connecting historical civil rights struggles to contemporary voting rights challenges. He defends his decision to break quorum in the Texas House as a necessary stand against what he describes as modern voter suppression tactics including gerrymandered maps, polling station closures, voter roll purges, and attacks on mail-in voting. Reynolds frames his actions as continuing the legacy of civil rights leaders like John Lewis, Fannie Lou Hamer, and others who fought for voting rights. He emphasizes his commitment to continue fighting for full ballot access for all Texans, viewing the current moment as a critical juncture for defending democracy.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed an Emergency Rigging Response Act that would allow state lawmakers to redraw congressional districts before the 2026 midterms through a special election in November. This move is explicitly designed to counter a similar redistricting effort in Texas backed by Donald Trump that could give Republicans five additional House seats. Newsom frames this as "meeting fire with fire" in the ongoing gerrymandering battle between Democrats and Republicans that could determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposal includes a provision that would cancel California's redistricting if Texas abandons its plans, while critics note that Californians generally support keeping their independent redistricting commission.