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

Backers fear old weaknesses stalk Clinton campaign  —  It was supposed to be different this time.  After the wounds of 2008, many of them self-inflicted, Hillary Rodham Clinton rebooted for 2016 with a new message, new advisers and new energy.  —  But two dynamics have crystallized this month …

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 …

Pro-Bush super PAC spending $10M-plus on initial TV campaign  —  1 photo  —  DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The powerfully funded super PAC backing Republican Jeb Bush will spend at least $10 million on television time in the earliest voting presidential primary states, the first salvo …

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.