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President Trump Signs Executive Order on Department of Education:

President Trump signed an executive, March 20, 2025, to phase out the U.S. Department of Education, shifting its responsibilities to state governments. Supporters argue that this move will give states greater control over education policies, while opponents contend that it could reduce federal oversight and impact funding for certain programs. While the executive order sets the process in motion, full implementation would require congressional approval, including a 60-vote majority in the Senate. 

Source 1:  Fox News, Source 2:  Reuters

Federal Judge Blocks Executive Order on Transgender Military Service:

A federal judge has temporarily blocked an executive order that would restrict transgender individuals from serving in the military. The ruling states that the policy may violate constitutional protections, and the judge has given the administration three days to appeal. The decision is part of ongoing legal challenges regarding military service policies.

Source 1: NPR, Source 2:  Fox News

Use of Alien Enemies Act for Deportations Faces Legal Challenge:

The administration has invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations of individuals allegedly linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order to halt the deportations, including a directive for any planes in transit to return to the U.S. However, the administration proceeded with the deportations, stating that the verbal directive was not legally binding. The situation has raised legal and constitutional questions regarding executive authority, judicial oversight, and immigration enforcement.

Source: 1: News Nation,  Source 2: NBC News

(Glossary)

HB: Used in State Legislatures: Refers to bills introduced in the House of Representatives or State Assembly at the state level.

HR: Used in the U.S. Congress: Refers to bills introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives at the federal level.

PN: Presidential Nomination.

Democrat Raul Grijalva passed away last Thursday, March 13th. Grijalva, a former head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, represented Arizona’s 7th congressional district, which encompasses the southern border of the state and stretches from Yuma to Tucson, for over 20 years. Governor Katie Hobbs has scheduled a special election to take place on September 23rd, with the primary elections occurring on July 15th.

On Tuesday, March 25th, there were a set of special elections in Mississippi and Pennsylvania. Click on the links below to view the results:

Mississippi State House Districts 23 and 82 General Election

Pennsylvania State House District 35 and State Senate District 36 General Election

(Glossary)



Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC): is a group of Democratic members of the U.S. Congress who are of Hispanic descent or who work to advance issues important to Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States.

Special Election: is an election scheduled outside the regular electoral calendar to address specific issues or fill vacancies in public offices. These elections are typically held when an incumbent official resigns, passes away, or is otherwise unable to continue in office. Special elections can also be called to vote on urgent matters, such as referendums or specific legislative proposals.

🎉 This Week’s Quiz Spotlight!

A big congratulations to this week’s standout participants who got all quiz questions correct! We also appreciate those who shared why staying informed matters.

📍 Thomas Nacey Jr. from Pennsylvania – "Intelligent voters mean intelligent voting."

📍 Roger Riekena from Colorado – "You can't make an informed discussion if you're not informed."

📍 Ruth Ann from New York – "Civics knowledge is so important!"



Thank you to everyone who participated! Keep learning, stay engaged, and check back next week for another chance to be featured!