The Supreme Court protects mail-in voting, Harris eyes 2028, the Kennedy Center's future, and how music may guard our minds.
Sybil Wilkes is back with What We Need To Know, covering stories that hit close to home for our communities, from voting rights to a groundbreaking study that could change how we protect our elders. Here’s what you need to stay informed and empowered heading into the fall.
Supreme Court Protects Mail-In Voting
In a major win for voter access, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s emergency request to restrict mail-in voting. The high court declined to hear the appeal, which sought to overturn a lower court ruling that found proposed Postal Service regulations likely unlawful. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, but the decision effectively blocks new ballot restrictions for now. With the November midterm elections approaching, this ruling helps keep the door open for many voters who rely on mail-in ballots to make their voices heard.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he will not launch a 2028 presidential campaign if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to run. Speaking in a televised interview, Newsom cited political reality, saying he has no desire to compete against the former vice president. Though he spent more than a year building the foundation for a national bid, his decision could give Harris a strong early advantage in what promises to be a crowded Democratic primary field. For many, the prospect of Harris returning to the national stage is one to watch closely.
The iconic Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington is in serious financial trouble and could close as early as today, board officials warn. The venue faces potential bankruptcy and safety concerns following a recent ceiling collapse. Members are now weighing whether adding President Trump’s name to the building’s facade could help secure the funding needed to stay open. As a longtime home for artists and cultural celebration, the center’s future carries weight for communities that value the arts.
Researchers at Rice University in Houston are launching a $4 million federal study, funded by the National Institute on Aging, to find out if music can delay cognitive decline. The five-year trial will follow 210 seniors with early memory loss, comparing songwriting classes against listening to music at home. The goal is to measure whether music offers real protection against Alzheimer’s and dementia. Given how deeply music runs through our culture and history, this research could open new paths to keeping our loved ones sharp and connected for years to come.
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