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Federal Funding Freeze Impacts Harvard University: On April 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education froze $2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard University. The move followed Harvard’s refusal to fully implement White House demands to strengthen its response to campus anti-Semitism. Harvard cited concerns over academic freedom and First Amendment rights. The decision has sparked debate over federal control of higher education institutions. Supporters say strict measures are needed to combat discrimination, while critics warn of political overreach.

Source 1:  Fox News, Source 2: CNN

U.S. and El Salvador Discuss Prison Transfer Proposal: U.S. and Salvadoran officials met on April 14 to discuss a proposal allowing Americans convicted of certain crimes to serve prison sentences in El Salvador. The Trump administration argues the plan would cut incarceration costs and deter crime. Critics cite concerns about human rights violations in Salvadoran prisons and constitutional issues, particularly regarding cruel and unusual punishment. Legal challenges are expected if the policy advances. The proposal remains under review.

Source 1: CBS News, Source 2:  Fox News

Visa Revocations Affect International Students: As part of new immigration enforcement measures, the U.S. government has revoked visas for international students and recent graduates at multiple universities. The move affects students on F-1 and OPT status, disrupting education and employment plans. Legal groups have filed lawsuits citing violations of due process and educational harm. Universities have expressed concern over academic and reputational fallout. The policy has reignited debate over U.S. immigration enforcement in higher education.

Source 1: Newsmax, Source 2: NBC News

Republican Lane Taylor was elected to represent Mississippi’s 18th State Senate District. Taylor, the owner and founder of an auction company, will represent the seat vacated by Jennifer Branning, who won a seat on the Mississippi Supreme Court last November. Taylor’s win restores the supermajority that Republicans hold in the chamber, 36 to the Democrat’s 16 seats.

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland traveled to El Salvador this week to seek answers as to why the government has not ordered the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a sheet metal worker living in Maryland who was wrongfully deported by the Trump Administration. President Trump, in a meeting with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, rejected court orders to bring Abrego Garcia back to the United States despite acknowledging that it was an administrative error in the first place.

On Tuesday, April 15th, a few states held special legislative elections. Click on the links below to view the results:

• Massachusetts Special State House Primary Election, 6th Essex District
• Minnesota Special State Senate Primary Election, 6th District
• Mississippi Special State Senate General Election, 15th District

(Glossary)

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!

📍 Wendy W. from Arizona – "I'd like to see less divisive news coverage by local papers and stations. I subscribe to multiple non-partisan news groups and share their coverage as often as I can."

📍 Janice from Michigan – "More acceptance of all religious freedom of expression."

📍 Lisa Wright from New York – "I would like for my community's civic engagement through voting to significantly increase. We don’t have a registration problem in my area, we have a voting problem. As long as we fail to hold elected officials accountable, they will fail to adequately represent us. As a member of a local branch of the NAACP, I work on voter education projects year round. Through my church, I promote the 'Get Your Souls to the Polls' campaign. On a personal level, I use social media to educate viewers about how government works, the issues that affect them personally and how to address them by voting."