Saturday, June 14, 2025
All civic learning topics for this day
Today's Topics
How Palantir Builds Surveillance Profiles on Every American
Palantir's Gotham and Foundry platforms integrate government databases, social media monitoring, financial records, and location tracking to create comprehensive surveillance profiles. Harvard's Shoshana Zuboff warns this represents "the fusion scenario"—merger of surveillance capitalism with state power.
Leavitt Accused of Rudeness in Response to White House Reporter
Video of Leavitt's sharp response to a reporter's question went viral, drawing criticism about press treatment.
Trump Quietly Reverses Immigration Crackdown After Industry Lobbying
President Trump ordered ICE to pause raids on farms, hotels, and restaurants on June 14, 2025, after Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins lobbied against Stephen Miller's demand for 3,000 daily arrests that was depleting critical workforce sectors.
Trump Targets 36 More Countries for Travel Restrictions
The Trump administration sent a leaked State Department memo giving 36 countries a 60-day ultimatum to meet new vetting requirements or face travel restrictions, potentially affecting millions of visa applicants.
Rising Gas Prices Fund Putin's War Against Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned June 14, 2025, that oil prices surging 7% after Israeli strikes on Iran directly strengthen Russia's war effort by increasing the oil revenues that comprise 30% of Moscow's federal budget.
Elon Musk Bypasses Iranian Government Censorship with Starlink
Elon Musk activated Starlink satellite internet service in Iran on June 14, 2025, circumventing government-imposed internet restrictions following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Protest Tactics & Effectiveness: Lessons from 2020 and Hong Kong
Learn evidence-based strategies for effective civic action from recent protest movements.
Trump Condemns Irans Cancellation of Nuclear Talks
President Trump called Iran’s move “ignoring chance after chance” and warned of consequences for abandoning negotiations.
NoKings Protests Against Trumps Military Parade Sweep U.S.
Organized by the 50501 Movement, around 2,000 protests across 50 states opposed Trump’s military parade. Several Minnesota events were canceled following the shootings.
Minnesota State Lawmakers Shot in Politically Motivated Attacks
A gunman disguised as a police officer fatally shot Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband in Brooklyn Park, while Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in Champlin. Investigators found a manifesto, “No Kings” flyers, and the suspect—57‑year‑old Vance Luther Boelter—was identified as a Trump supporter by his roommate.
Trumps 250thAnniversary Military Parade on His 79th Birthday
The Washington, D.C. parade featured 6,600 troops, tanks, aircraft and heavy equipment to celebrate Flag Day, the Army’s 250th anniversary, and Trump’s 79th birthday.
Iran Cancels U.S. Nuclear Talks Amid Israeli Strikes
Iran’s Foreign Minister confirmed the cancellation of planned nuclear negotiations in Oman following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian sites.