Schiff Urges Investigation into Use of Non-Governmental Apps
U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) yesterday expressed dismay on new reports on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s use of non-governmental applications and devices for communications about sensitive U.S. military operations, and called on the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to open an investigation into the Trump administration’s use of these commercial applications and take action to preserve all communications on these non-government applications as required by law.
In a letter to NARA, Schiff raised significant national security concerns that these communications, which involve individuals from across the Cabinet and Intelligence Community, as well as reportedly Secretary Hegseth’s wife, brothers and others with no need to know sensitive information about military operations, may be erased or no longer be recoverable.
The letter notes that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the acting Archivist, which presents a significant conflict of interest as Secretary Rubio was part of at least one of the Signal chats used for sensitive national security communications. Schiff requests that Secretary Rubio recuse himself from the investigation, appoint a senior career official at NARA, and consider requesting assistance from an inspector general.
“It is imperative that NARA contact each federal agency with personnel involved in the Signal conversations to ensure that all records have been preserved. NARA must exercise its authority to investigate whether each of the individuals included in the groups forwarded the entirety of the Signal exchange to their official government accounts and preserved the records prior to their auto-deletion, as is required by law for recordkeeping purposes,” Schiff wrote.
Gomez demands DHS reinstate citizenship grant program
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Eagle Rock, Boyle Heights, Downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown) is leading 54 House Democrats in demanding the Trump administration reinstate the Citizenship and Assimilation (C&A) Grant Program after it was fully terminated last month—just weeks after a surprise funding freeze.
This move abruptly cut off support for local organizations helping lawful permanent residents become U.S. citizens, despite these grants being fully funded by Congress and legally awarded.
“We write to express our outrage regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to terminate all work under the Citizenship and Assimilation (C&A) Grant Program,” wrote Gomez and the lawmakers. “We demand immediate action to restore funding for the C&A Program and a prompt response to our questions regarding the rationale and legal basis for its termination.”
“This action marks a significant escalation since an abrupt funding freeze was announced just weeks ago on February 4, 2025,” continued the lawmakers. “The sudden and unilateral decision to terminate legally awarded grants funded by Congressional appropriation, without prior notice to Congress or affected grantees, raises serious concerns about due process, legal authority, and the Department’s commitment to advancing naturalization services for aspiring citizens.”
Kwan becomes Arcadia’s first Asian female mayor
Sharon Kwan of the Arcadia City Council was sworn in as the Mayor on April 15, making her the first female Asian American to hold the role in the municipality’s history.
Kwan succeeds Mayor Michael Cao, who has most recently served as Arcadia’s Mayor since July 2024. Council Member Eileen Wang will now serve as Mayor Pro Tem.
“It has been a joy to call this incredible place home for over 20 years,” said Mayor Kwan. “Now, as Mayor of Arcadia, I am humbled to serve as both a leader and a voice for our city. I want every family to find not just shelter in Arcadia, but a community that honors their story, respects their hard work and helps build the future their children deserve.”
Fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, Mayor Kwan is committed to bridging cultures and fostering unity. With deep roots in the community and a profound appreciation for its diversity, she is uniquely positioned to build connections across all walks of life, from longtime residents to high school students eager to get involved and make a difference. As a woman of color and successful small business owner, Mayor Kwan has long been an advocate for women in leadership.
