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Missouri Supreme Court Reinstates Abortion Ban: On May 28, 2025, the Missouri Supreme Court reinstated the state's near-total abortion ban, overturning prior lower-court rulings that had temporarily allowed abortions to resume. This decision effectively halts abortion services in the state, despite a 2024 voter-approved constitutional amendment affirming the right to reproductive freedom up to fetal viability. Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri have suspended abortion services following the ruling, and legal challenges are expected to continue.
Source 1: AP News, Source 2: Breitbart
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House Passes Comprehensive Immigration Enforcement Bill: On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a comprehensive tax and spending bill aimed at enhancing immigration enforcement. The legislation allocates approximately $150 billion for immigration-related initiatives, including funding for 10,000 new officers and $46.5 billion for U.S.-Mexico border infrastructure. The bill also introduces new fees for asylum seekers and families attempting to take custody of migrant children. While proponents argue that the funding is essential for national security and deterring unlawful immigration, critics express concerns about potential impacts on legal immigration pathways and due process rights. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Source 1: Newsmax, Source 2: Reuters
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Federal Court Invalidates Trump's Tariffs: On May 28, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade unanimously ruled that President Donald Trump's tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, were unconstitutional. The court determined that tariff authority resides with Congress, not the executive branch, and mandated the removal of these tariffs within 10 days. This decision affects a broad range of imports and has significant implications for international trade and domestic economic policy.
Source 1: CNN, Source 2: Fox News
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| Subscribe to our weekly civic education email, "Civic Currents" | | | | | Congress | Congress – House Passed HR 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act | Congress – Senate Joint Resolution Passed H J Res 88 – Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Advanced Clean Cars II; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision" | Congress – House Joint Resolution Passed S J Res 13 – A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the Department of the Treasury relating to the review of applications under the Bank Merger Act | | State | Iowa (IA) – Governor Signed SF 513 – Prohibits Courts from Ordering Parties Involved in a Dissolution of a Marriage to Pay a Post-Secondary Education Subsidy for Dependents | Connecticut (CT) – Senate Passed SB 1371 – Requires "Just Cause" When Firing Teachers | Alabama (AL) – Governor Signed SB 53 – Increases the Crime of Human Smuggling to a Class C Felony | | | Democrat Ed Gainey, the incumbent mayor of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, lost renomination last week in the city’s Democratic primary. The one-term mayor lost to Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor, who is the son of former mayor Bob O’Connor, who served as mayor for one year in 2006. O’Connor will now run against Republican Tony Moreno in November to succeed Gainey. | | Republican Cynthia Schreiber-Beck, a Republican state representative in North Dakota, passed away last week on May 18th. The North Dakota Republican Party will appoint a replacement for Schreiber-Beck, who represented the 25th house district in the state. The district includes Richland and Point Sargent in the southeastern corner of North Dakota. | | |
Next week, there are special elections in South Carolina and Louisiana. Click on the link below to view the results:
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(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.
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🎉 This Week’s Quiz Spotlight!
📍 Eugene Gorrin – New Jersey
📍 Marie – Texas
📍 John Hummel – Virginia
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