PRINCIPLE

Explore civics

Learn how democracy works through real news stories. Every topic connects today's headlines to the civic tools beneath them.

Browse by Category

Government

303
View all →
Border Patrol launches "Charlotte''s Web" raids as 400 National Guard troops leave Chicago and Portland

Nov 16, 2025

Border Patrol launches "Charlotte''s Web" raids as 400 National Guard troops leave Chicago and Portland

Update: Border Patrol arrests 81 as 'Charlotte's Web' operation starts
81 arrests made in ‘record’ first day of Border Patrol operation in Charlotte, official says
Charlotte Observer coverage of Border Patrol activity (local reporting page)
Granddaughter of 'Charlotte's Web' author upset with use of its title in immigration crackdown
Border Patrol rounds up 81 'illegal aliens' in Charlotte raids - UPI.com
+8
Trump cuts ties with Marjorie Taylor Greene, calls her "wacky" and "traitor" over Epstein vote

Nov 15, 2025

Trump cuts ties with Marjorie Taylor Greene, calls her "wacky" and "traitor" over Epstein vote

Trump says he's withdrawing support for Marjorie Taylor Greene, may back primary opponent - CBS News
Trump Calls Marjorie Taylor Greene a 'Traitor' and Says He Doesn't Think 'Anybody Cares About Her' amid Threats to Her Life
Marjorie Taylor Greene says she's had 'warnings for my safety' after posts by Trump
How every House member voted to release the Epstein files
U.S. House votes overwhelmingly to release Epstein files
+7
🗽

Nov 13, 2025

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayoral race, putting spotlight on progressive ideology

Verifying sources
📉

Nov 13, 2025

Trump approval drops to 68% among Republicans, down from 81% in March

Verifying sources
🗳️

Nov 13, 2025

Progressive Katie Wilson defeats centrist Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell in upset victory

Verifying sources
🍎

Nov 13, 2025

SNAP restoration creates chaos as some states get full benefits while others get nothing

Verifying sources
💵

Nov 13, 2025

1.4 million federal workers await backpay after missing two full paychecks during shutdown

Verifying sources
✈️

Nov 13, 2025

Air travel disruptions persist after shutdown as FAA orders continued 6% flight cancellations

Verifying sources
Trump administration deploys Border Patrol to Charlotte and New Orleans for immigration enforcement

Nov 14, 2025

Trump administration deploys Border Patrol to Charlotte and New Orleans for immigration enforcement

Border Patrol plans to expand Trump's immigration crackdown to Charlotte and New Orleans, with armored vehicles and special agents
Trump administration targets Charlotte for next immigration crackdown, local sheriff says
Immigration enforcement surge begins in Charlotte, North Carolina, officials confirm
ACLU files challenge to federal immigration sweep
Federal attorneys weigh legal exposure of Border Patrol city operations
+7
⚖️

Nov 14, 2025

Trump orders AG Bondi to investigate Epstein's ties to "political figures and financial institutions"

Verifying sources

Constitutional Law

259
View all →
📁

Nov 15, 2025

Trump withdraws support for Greene after she demands release of Epstein files

Verifying sources
Speaker delays swearing-in of Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva amid shutdown; Arizona sues

Oct 22, 2025

Speaker delays swearing-in of Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva amid shutdown; Arizona sues

Arizona AG sues over Speaker Mike Johnson refusing to seat new House member
Arizona sues US House over delay in swearing in Democrat Grijalva
Arizona sues Mike Johnson to force swearing-in of Democrat who could sway Epstein vote
Lawsuit seeks to force swearing in of US Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva of Arizona
Grijalva, Arizona AG file lawsuit vs. U.S. House on swearing-in delay
+2
🪖

Nov 3, 2025

U.S. readies mission in Mexico against cartels

Sheinbaum says she rejected Trump's offer to send troops to Mexico
Mexico's president says she rejected Trump's plan to send US troops across the border
Sheinbaum says she rejected Trump’s offer to send US troops to Mexico
Sheinbaum denies reports US will send troops to Mexico: 'It's not going to happen'
Pancho Villa Expedition / Punitive Expedition — historical overview
+12
Senate leader says GOP lacks votes to end filibuster as Trump presses for change

Nov 3, 2025

Senate leader says GOP lacks votes to end filibuster as Trump presses for change

The Senate Filibuster: History, Reform Proposals, and Potential Consequences
Cloture and the Filibuster
What Ending the Filibuster Would Mean for the Shutdown and GOP Power
Inside the GOP's split over the filibuster
Trump calls for end of filibuster as longest-ever shutdown drags on
+6
🗺️

Nov 4, 2025

Trump attacks California Proposition 50 while pushing Texas Republicans to redraw districts

Verifying sources
States invoke the Tenth Amendment to challenge federal directives

Jan 31, 2024

States invoke the Tenth Amendment to challenge federal directives

Wickard v. Filburn, 317 U.S. 111 (1942)
The Commerce Clause and the Limits of Congressional Authority
South Dakota v. Dole Case Summary
Arizona v. United States, 567 U.S. 387 (2012)
Title I, Part A Program Funding and Guidance
+17
Supreme Court hears Trump challenge to independent agency protections

Oct 6, 2025

Supreme Court hears Trump challenge to independent agency protections

D.C. Circuit Order in Slaughter v. Trump
SCOTUSblog: Supreme Court allows Trump to fire FTC commissioner
US Supreme Court ruling lets Trump fire top official on FTC
Supreme Court's Potential Restructuring of FTC
Trump firings at agencies and boards
+14
Supreme Court will decide if Trump tariffs exceed congressional authority under IEEPA

Oct 6, 2025

Supreme Court will decide if Trump tariffs exceed congressional authority under IEEPA

IEEPA Tariffs in Legal Limbo: How Importers Can Preserve Refund Rights
What should guide Supreme Court decision
CNN: Appeals court strikes down Trump tariffs
Miller Chevalier: Ongoing Legal Challenges to Trump Tariffs
After the Federal Circuit IEEPA tariff ruling, what comes next?
+10
Supreme Court opens October 2025 term with executive power docket

Oct 6, 2025

Supreme Court opens October 2025 term with executive power docket

SCOTUSblog: The Trump docket by Erwin Chemerinsky
Supreme Court term will tackle executive power
New Supreme Court term will reshape Trump powers
Supreme Court 2025-26 term executive power
People's Guide to U.S. Supreme Court 2025-2026
+5
Trump threatens Portland federal aid over anti-ICE protests

Oct 3, 2025

Trump threatens Portland federal aid over anti-ICE protests

OPB: Portland's weekend of ICE protests
CNN: Trump authorizes National Guard in Chicago as judge blocks his plan in Portland
Factually.co: Posse Comitatus Act Fact Check
Brennan Center: Posse Comitatus Act Explained
Justia: South Dakota v. Dole, 483 U.S. 203 (1987)
+30

Civil Rights

214
View all →
21 arrested, 4 officers injured as faith leaders clash with police outside Broadview ICE facility

Nov 14, 2025

21 arrested, 4 officers injured as faith leaders clash with police outside Broadview ICE facility

Judge orders release of over 300 'Operation Midway Blitz' detainees
Nearly two dozen arrested as faith leaders protest outside Chicago-area ICE facility
21 arrested, 4 officers injured as protesters, police clash outside Broadview ICE facility during faith vigil Friday - CBS Chicago
Cops, protesters injured, 21 arrested after scuffles erupt during Broadview ICE facility protest - Chicago Sun-Times
Protesters Arrested, Officers Injured in Clash Outside Broadview ICE Facility
+5
⚖️

Nov 15, 2025

Judge blocks Trump from fining UCLA $1.2 billion over antisemitism claims without due process

Verifying sources
Senate Democrats seek to "get to bottom" of Moreno's car data collection on senators

Nov 14, 2025

Senate Democrats seek to "get to bottom" of Moreno's car data collection on senators

Ohio Senator Looks Up Democratic Colleagues' VINs, Fellow Senator Blasts Actions as 'Creepy'
MAGA Senator Busted Creeping on Dems' Cars
License Plate Readers Are Leaking Real-Time Video Feeds and Vehicle Data
Senate hearing erupts as Rosen accuses Moreno of stalking her car
How license plate readers are changing privacy debates
+9
⚖️

Nov 13, 2025

Federal judge orders 615 people arrested in Illinois immigration crackdown granted bond by Nov. 21

Verifying sources
Adelita Grijalva sworn in after 7-week delay, delivers 218th signature to force Epstein files vote

Nov 12, 2025

Adelita Grijalva sworn in after 7-week delay, delivers 218th signature to force Epstein files vote

Rep. Adelita Grijalva sworn in, setting up vote on release of Epstein files
Grijalva sworn in, becoming 218th signature to force Epstein files vote
After months of delay, Grijalva is sworn in and gives the House the votes to push an Epstein documents vote
Adelita Grijalva sworn in, gives discharge petition the 218th signature
New member sworn in after weekslong delay, enabling Epstein records discharge petition to hit threshold
+8
Senate riders create $500,000 phone-record shield for members swept up in Jan. 6 subpoenas

Nov 12, 2025

Senate riders create $500,000 phone-record shield for members swept up in Jan. 6 subpoenas

Deal to end US shutdown would also allow some Republican senators to seek $500,000
Lawmakers outraged by provision allowing senators to sue over Jan. 6 records
House to overturn Senate's $500k perk for seized phone records
Ted Cruz could seek taxpayer-funded windfall over subpoenaed phone records under new law
Bipartisan agreement: Maryland lawmakers say Senate overstepped on phone subpoena provision – CNS Maryland
Supreme Court rejects Kim Davis bid to overturn Obergefell, leaves same-sex marriage rights intact

Nov 10, 2025

Supreme Court rejects Kim Davis bid to overturn Obergefell, leaves same-sex marriage rights intact

Supreme Court Declines to Hear Case by Former Clerk Kim Davis
Supreme Court Rejects Kim Davis' Request to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage Decision
Davis v. Ermold - SCOTUSblog case file
H.R.8404 — Respect for Marriage Act
Love is (Still) Love: Supreme Court Declines to Hear Davis v. Ermold
+13
DHS rushes rule restricting protests near federal buildings, citing anti-ICE demonstrations

Nov 5, 2025

DHS rushes rule restricting protests near federal buildings, citing anti-ICE demonstrations

Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 212 (Wednesday, November 5, 2025)
American Civil Liberties Union
Protection of Federal Property; Changed Effective Date, 49247-49248 [2025-19793]
DHS Final Rule on Protection of Federal Property
Department of Homeland Security
+10
🎤

Oct 21, 2025

Merkley blocks Senate with 22-hour speech

Sen. Jeff Merkley delivers marathon 22-hour Senate speech to protest Trump - CBS News
Cory Booker''s marathon speech broke record, but it wasn''t a filibuster | Snopes
Democratic Sen. Merkley of Oregon speaks for more than 22 hours to protest Trump amid shutdown - AP
Democratic US Senator Merkley gives marathon speech opposing Trump agenda - Reuters
Democratic senator''s anti-Trump floor speech ends after nearly 23 hours - The Guardian
+5
⛺

Sep 4, 2025

DHS funnels $10 billion through Navy for detention centers

Zadvydas v. Davis, 533 U.S. 678 (2001) — Supreme Court opinion
Posse Comitatus Act (18 U.S.C. § 1385) — Cornell LII

Economy

171
View all →
☕

Nov 14, 2025

Trump rolls back tariffs on coffee, bananas, and beef after Democrats win elections citing grocery prices

Verifying sources
💸

Nov 14, 2025

Trump delays promised $2,000 tariff dividend checks to "next year sometime"

Verifying sources
🛒

Nov 13, 2025

Trump shifts to economic messaging with South American grocery deals after months denying tariff impacts

Verifying sources
📊

Nov 14, 2025

Trump's top economist says October jobs report won't include unemployment rate due to shutdown

Verifying sources
💰

Nov 14, 2025

Switzerland cuts deal with Trump to lower tariffs to 15% from 39% baseline

Verifying sources
🏛️

Nov 13, 2025

43-day shutdown ends as Trump signs funding bill after historic standoff

Verifying sources
🏠

Nov 13, 2025

Trump floats 50-year mortgage plan as economic messaging shifts amid voter frustration

Verifying sources
Massie and Steube vote no on shutdown bill, citing spending concerns and rider backlash

Nov 12, 2025

Massie and Steube vote no on shutdown bill, citing spending concerns and rider backlash

How every House member voted on the bill to reopen the government
Congressional Record: House Proceedings for November 12, 2025
Massie denounces bill’s spending, casts lone GOP no
Rep. Greg Steube opposes funding bill over riders he says were rushed through
Freedom Caucus embraces compromise to end shutdown
+2
Six battleground Democrats break ranks to vote for shutdown-ending bill despite party opposition

Nov 12, 2025

Six battleground Democrats break ranks to vote for shutdown-ending bill despite party opposition

Roll Call 1234 — Final Vote on the Motion to Concur with Amendment — November 12, 2025
Six Democrats break ranks to end shutdown
House votes to end the longest ever government shutdown
House passes bill to end U.S. government shutdown
Government shutdown ends as Trump signs funding bill, capping longest lapse ever
+8
House Freedom Caucus declares "complete win" after securing policy riders in shutdown deal

Nov 12, 2025

House Freedom Caucus declares "complete win" after securing policy riders in shutdown deal

Federal Government Bans Hemp THC: Everything You Need to Know
Hemp Ban 2025: Congress Kills CBD, THCA & Delta-8
‘We can’t really pivot’: North Carolina hemp stores, farms prepare to fight federal ban
Government Shutdown Vote: House Eyes Wednesday Passage as SCOTUS Extends SNAP Pause to Thursday
US Government shutdown nears end? Inside the Senate-GOP deal and what comes next
+13

Public Policy

166
View all →
🍎

Nov 13, 2025

SNAP restoration creates chaos as some states get full benefits while others get nothing

Verifying sources
📉

Nov 13, 2025

Trump approval drops to 68% among Republicans, down from 81% in March

Verifying sources
🚨

Nov 14, 2025

Shots fired at ICE agents in Chicago amid chaotic immigration enforcement operations

Verifying sources
Supreme Court extends pause on $4B SNAP payments, affecting 42 million Americans as Jackson dissents

Nov 11, 2025

Supreme Court extends pause on $4B SNAP payments, affecting 42 million Americans as Jackson dissents

Trump administration withdraws request for Supreme Court to pause district court ruling on SNAP payments (updated on Nov. 13)
Federal judge orders Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits in November
Supreme Court extends brief stay on SNAP payments as shutdown deal nears
Supreme Court extends pause on order requiring full SNAP payments
Supreme Court extends its order blocking full SNAP payments, with shutdown potentially near an end
+13
Trump bars civil rights and immigration nonprofits from student loan forgiveness program

Nov 5, 2025

Trump bars civil rights and immigration nonprofits from student loan forgiveness program

Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 209 (Friday, October 31, 2025)
Trump ties student loan relief to immigration agenda in new rule
New Trump administration rule bars student loan relief for public workers tied to 'illegal' activity
Education Department sued over controversial loan forgiveness rule
Education Dept. PSLF Rule Prompting Lawsuits, Advocates Say
+5
Judge orders Trump to pay $4 billion in food stamps, rules administration acted "arbitrarily and capriciously"

Nov 6, 2025

Judge orders Trump to pay $4 billion in food stamps, rules administration acted "arbitrarily and capriciously"

Rhode Island State Council of Churches v. Rollins - TRO/Enforcement Order
US federal judge orders Trump administration to fully fund food stamps despite shutdown - JURIST
USDA memo says it will not use emergency funds for November food benefits
Supreme Court keeps full SNAP payments on hold with short term order - CNN
Supreme Court issues emergency order to block full SNAP food aid payments
+7
Trump threatens to withhold food stamps in defiance of court order, White House reverses hours later

Nov 5, 2025

Trump threatens to withhold food stamps in defiance of court order, White House reverses hours later

Trump admin will partially fund November SNAP benefits
Federal judge orders USDA to use contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits
Court hears emergency arguments over SNAP payments amid shutdown
Trump threatens to withhold food aid as cities, nonprofits ask judge to intervene
Federal judge orders Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits in November
+6
Pentagon strikes 15 alleged drug boats, killing 64 people in Caribbean and Pacific

Oct 24, 2025

Pentagon strikes 15 alleged drug boats, killing 64 people in Caribbean and Pacific

Hegseth says U.S. carried out another strike on alleged drug boat in Pacific Ocean, killing 4 people
US carries out new strike in Caribbean, killing 3 alleged drug smugglers
US military strikes another alleged drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean, killing 3
Hegseth says U.S. strike on alleged drug boat off Venezuela kills 4 'narco-terrorists'
+5
USDA moves to partially fund November SNAP using contingency funds after court orders; agency resists tapping child nutrition money

Nov 3, 2025

USDA moves to partially fund November SNAP using contingency funds after court orders; agency resists tapping child nutrition money

Federal judge orders Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits in November
USDA says it will use contingency fund to partially pay November SNAP benefits
Court filings in Commonwealth of Massachusetts, et al. v. USDA
Trump administration says it is paying out half of November's SNAP benefits
Trump admin will partially fund November SNAP benefits
+6
Judges force USDA to tap SNAP reserves during shutdown

Oct 31, 2025

Judges force USDA to tap SNAP reserves during shutdown

Federal judge orders USDA to fully fund SNAP benefits in November
Federal Judges Say USDA Must Tap Reserves to Pay Food Stamps
Judges order USDA to consider contingency funds after SNAP suspension
USDA statement on court orders regarding SNAP funding
Judges order USDA to find funding for SNAP benefits amid shutdown

Explore States

View all →
Alabama landscape
🌿

Alabama AL

Capital
Montgomery
Pop.
5.1M
Turnout
58.8%
Civics Req.
Missouri landscape
🏮

Missouri MO

Capital
Jefferson City
Pop.
6.2M
Turnout
64.3%
Civics Req.
Illinois landscape
🌃

Illinois IL

Capital
Springfield
Pop.
12.6M
Turnout
62.6%
Civics Req.
Vermont landscape
🍁

Vermont VT

Capital
Montpelier
Pop.
643K
Turnout
70.9%
No Civics Req.
🏛️

District of Columbia DC

Capital
Washington
Pop.
679K
Turnout
63.6%
No Civics Req.
South Carolina landscape
🌙

South Carolina SC

Capital
Columbia
Pop.
5.2M
Turnout
62.1%
Civics Req.
Tennessee landscape
🎸

Tennessee TN

Capital
Nashville
Pop.
7.1M
Turnout
57.6%
Civics Req.
Iowa landscape
🌽

Iowa IA

Capital
Des Moines
Pop.
3.2M
Turnout
70.8%
Civics Req.
New Jersey landscape
🇺🇸

New Jersey NJ

Capital
Trenton
Pop.
9.3M
Turnout
67.0%
No Civics Req.
🌴

Puerto Rico PR

Capital
San Juan
Pop.
3.2M
No Civics Req.

Ready to start learning?

Join thousands of learners building civic knowledge through real news stories.

Get StartedLearn More