We don’t take donations from corporations or political parties—just people like you who believe every voter deserves the truth. Even $5 helps power our research. | | |
President Trump's Middle East Tour Sparks Diplomatic and Ethical Discussions: President Donald Trump embarked on a Middle East tour, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.During the trip, he announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria and engaged in discussions on Iran's nuclear program and regional stability. The tour also included the signing of a strategic economic partnership with Saudi Arabia. However, the trip drew ethical scrutiny over reports that Trump intended to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Source 1: CNN, Source 2: Newsmax
| | |
David Hogg's DNC Vice Chair Election Faces Nullification Over Procedural Issues: Gun control activist and Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg's recent election as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is under review due to procedural violations during the voting process. The DNC's Credentials Committee recommended nullifying the election results, citing concerns unrelated to Hogg's advocacy. Nonetheless, the move has sparked discussions within the party about internal opposition to reformist voices and the broader direction of Democratic leadership.
Source 1: The Hill, Source 2: Fox News
| | |
Supreme Court Reviews Nationwide Injunctions in Birthright Citizenship Case: On May 15, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments concerning President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at limiting birthright citizenship. The order, signed on January 20, 2025, directs federal agencies to deny automatic U.S. citizenship to children born in the country unless at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Several federal judges issued nationwide injunctions against the order, citing potential violations of the 14th Amendment. The Supreme Court's deliberations are focusing on whether such broad injunctions are appropriate, rather than the constitutionality of the executive order itself. The outcome could significantly impact the interpretation of the 14th Amendment and the scope of judicial authority in issuing nationwide legal blocks.
Source 1: Associated Press, Source 2: The New York Post
| |
| Subscribe to our weekly civic education email, "Civic Currents" | | | | | Congress | Congress – House Passed HR 276 – Gult of America Act | Congress – Senate Passed Joint Resolution S J Res 7 – A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program" | Congress – Senate Passed Joint Resolution H J Res 60 – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Park Service relating to "Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Motor Vehicles" | | State | Colorado (CO) – House Concurrence Passed HB 25-1312 – Establishes Penalties for "Dead-Naming" or "Misgendering" as Discriminatory Actions and Requires Courts to Include Such Claims in Custody Cases | North Carolina (NC) – Senate Passed SB 442 – Amends Child Abuse and Neglect Statutes to Exempt Conduct Described as Raising a Child "Consistent with the Juvenile's Biological Sex" and Prohibits Adoptive Parents from Being Screened Based on Whether They Would Deny Their Child Gender-Affirming Care | Alabama (AL) – House Passed SB 63 – Requires Law Enforcement Agencies to Collect and Submit Fingerprints and DNA from Undocumented Immigrants in Custody | | | Democrat John Ewing Jr. won an election Tuesday to be the next mayor of Omaha, Nebraska. Ewing, the Treasurer of Douglas County, defeated three-term incumbent Republican Jean Stothert to become the first African-American mayor of Nebraska’s largest city and the first Democrat to hold the post since 2013. He will take office on June 9th, 2025. | | Republican Bryan Logan won a special election on Tuesday to represent Oklahoma’s 8th State Senate District. Logan, a contractor for a construction company, won the seat vacated by Roger Thompson last November. Logan joins the Republican supermajority in the State Senate, bringing their total to 40 seats compared to the Democrat’s 8. | Republican Jason Smith is the Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. This committee, which is tasked primarily with writing and amending the tax code in the United States. This week, Smith’s committee passed out of committee a tax plan proposed by the Trump Administration that focuses on cutting taxes for some income groups and tax hikes on some higher education institutions. The bill is likely to come up to a full House vote by the end of the month. You can view the full Ways and Means committee roster here. | | |
On Tuesday, there will be a series of special legislative elections. Click on the links below to view the results:
| | |
(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!
📍 Kim F – Minnesota
📍 David – Texas
📍 Jill Stefansen – Wisconsin
| | |
