We've lost a champion  —  It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of legendary civil rights activist Julian Bond, SPLC's first president.  He was 75 years old and died last evening, August 15, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  —  From his days as the co-founder and communications director …

Donald Trump: Undocumented Immigrants ‘Have to Go’  —  Donald Trump would reverse President Obama's executive orders on immigration and deport all undocumented immigrants from the U.S. as president, he said in an exclusive interview with NBC's Chuck Todd.  —  “We're going to keep …

Donald Trump: It Would Be A ‘Miracle’ If Hillary Continues Run  —  Donald Trump said it would be a “miracle” if Hillary Clinton is able to continue her run for president in the wake of the controversy surrounding her use of a private email server to conduct official business as Secretary of State — but if she does, he'll beat her.

Brewers minor-leaguer makes baseball history by coming out publicly as gay  —  David Denson tips his hat to the crowd during the Pioneer League all-star game in August.  Denson hit a home run and was named MVP of the game against the Northwest League all-stars.  —  David Denson says it was a relief to tell Helena teammates

Sharpton calls for black churches to lobby on Iran deal  —  Rev. Al Sharpton will push America's black churches to lobby in favor of the Iran nuclear deal, a new report says.  —  Sharpton is launching his push backing President Obama's pact with Tehran this weekend, according to The Huffington Post.

Joe Biden strategy for White House run taking shape  —  'I think he's getting closer to saying yes,' one Biden ally says.  —  CHICAGO — With his blessing, confidants to Vice President Joe Biden have begun strategizing about travel to early primary states and identified potential donors …

Donald Trump is the perfect “moderate”  —  At the New York Times, Josh Barro argues that Donald Trump is a moderate Republican.  —  Here's the argument: Trump's affect is much more confrontational than his (occasionally self-contradictory) policy pronouncements.

Donald Trump bad-mouths his rivals  —  The billionaire real estate mogul attacks Bush, and Paul, and Walker, and Graham, and Fiorina.  —  HAMPTON, N.H. — Donald Trump, doing a giddy victory lap after surviving another seemingly campaign-sinking controversy, went on a tear on Friday night, delivering take-downs of many of his rivals.

Pentagon leaders honor troops killed in Chattanooga  —  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Pentagon leaders on Saturday honored the lives of the four Marines and sailor who were killed last month in a domestic terrorist attack at a memorial service in Chattanooga.  —  “As we gather today …