Lame-Duck Push

Congressional Democrats have a long to-do list for the lame-duck session.

Donald Trump Announces Bid for 2024

Former President Trump announced his long-anticipated bid to retake the White House in 2024.

A Strike on Poland

Russian missiles landed in Poland, sparking a frenzy of concern over an escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Dems Hold Senate, House Still Unclear

Check in on key updates following the 2022 midterm elections.

Reviewing 2022 Ballot Measures

Take a look at some of the most notable ballot initiatives from the 2022 midterm elections.

Midterm Election Analysis 2022

Examine what happened in the 2022 midterm elections.

Midterm Election Preview

A comprehensive guide to the midterm elections

Senator Graham to Testify in Georgia Election Probe

The Supreme Court has ended a months-long legal battle over Senator Lindsey Graham’s testimony in a Georgia election probe.

Attack on Paul Pelosi

Two weeks before the midterm elections, an intruder broke into Speaker Pelosi’s home and attacker her husband.

Elon Musk Takes Over at Twitter

Elon Musk has finalized his purchase of Twitter, formally taking over the social media platform.

Pennsylvania Showdown: Oz-Fetterman Debate

The first and only debate in Pennsylvania’s Senate race has drawn more attention to the tight contest.

Britain’s Revolving Door

Rishi Sunak is Britain’s newest Prime Minister, the third person to hold the role in seven weeks.

Prison Slavery on the Ballot in Five States

This November, five states are considering ballot measures to end the controversial practice of forced prison labor.

Biden Embraces Title 42

President Biden is expanding a controversial Trump-era immigration policy to deport more migrants.

K-Pop Group BTS to Start Military Service

The K-pop group BTS is headed back to South Korea to begin their mandatory military service.

Kanye West Controversy

Kanye West has been embroiled in controversy as his recent behavior has ignited debates over race and antisemitism.

Analyzing the 2022 Midterm Elections

Check out a high-level overview of the upcoming midterms.

North Korea Launches Missile Test

A recent missile test by North Korea has sparked renewed fears over nuclear proliferation in the region.

Biden’s Executive Action on Marijuana

President Biden took executive action on marijuana, a move advocates have called for throughout his term.

Upcoming Supreme Court Cases

In its upcoming term, the Supreme Court is considering potential landmark cases on a wide range of topics.

Dolphins’ QB Injury Sparks Criticism of NFL

A pair of injuries to the Dolphins’ quarterback has reignited debate over the NFL’s concussion protocols.

Hurricane Ian Slams United States

Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc across the Caribbean and the Southeast U.S., causing tens of billions of dollars in damage.

Suspected Sabotage in Nord Stream Pipelines Leak

European officials have revealed leaks in the Nord Stream pipelines between Russia and Europe, with many authorities suspecting sabotage.

The Right Sweeps Italy’s Elections

In the latest Italian elections, a right-wing coalition swept into power, drastically changing dynamics on the European continent.

Iran Protests Sparked by Death over Dress Code Violations

Widespread protests have rocked Iran over the past week after a young woman died in the custody of the country’s “morality police.”

New York AG Files Lawsuit Against Trump and his Children

New York Attorney General filed a civil lawsuit against former President Trump, alleging wide-ranging financial fraud.

Andrew Tate Removals

Various social media companies have banned controversial influence Andrew Tate from their sites over alleged hateful behavior.

DeSantis’ Vineyard

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ sent roughly 50 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, the latest in a string of similar moves by Republican Governors.

Graham’s Abortion Bill

Senator Graham’s decision to unveil a 15-week abortion ban created much controversy, reigniting debate over a fraught issue.

Guaranteed Income Programs

Guaranteed income programs have gained traction in recent years, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Official Removed Over Jan. 6

A federal judge removed a New Mexico County Commissioner from office over his participation in the January 6 Capitol riot.

Death of Queen Elizabeth II

On September 8, Queen Elizabeth II — Britain's longest-reigning monarch — died after over 70 years on the throne.

Judge Grants Special Master

A federal judge approved former President Trump’s request to appoint a special master to review materials seized from Mar-a-Lago.

Dueling Speeches

President Biden and former President Trump gave speeches in Pennsylvania outlining starkly different visions for the country.

Jackson Water Crisis

A failed treatment plant has left most of Jackson, Mississippi’s residents without access to clean, reliable water.

Ukrainian Nuclear Plant Investigation

U.N. inspectors are headed to a nuclear plant in Russian-occupied Ukraine to avoid disaster.

Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough

Scientists at a California lab have revealed a breakthrough in their quest to harness the energy from nuclear fusion.

Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan

After a months-long pressure campaign, President Biden announced sweeping student loan forgiveness.

Escalating U.S.-China Tensions Over Taiwan

Deteriorating relations between the United States and China have left the island of Taiwan in the crossfire.

Dobbs v. Jackson Fallout

Two months after Dobbs, American abortion laws are dramatically different.

Inflation Reduction Act

On August 16, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes a notable portion of his legislative agenda.

FBI Searches Mar-a-Lago

Explaining what happened and the political firestorm it created

Welcome Back!

Civil’s breaking news coverage is returning to your inbox three times a week and more exciting updates!

Civil March Update

This is the first installment of monthly company updates from me, Max Tendero, CEO & Founder of Civil.

Civil’s Summer Vacation

Civil is hard at work improving our site this summer!

Senate Candidate’s Controversial Ad

Eric Greitens, a Republican Senate candidate in Missouri, aired an ad encouraging “RINO hunting,” prompting a political firestorm.

January 6 Hearings

The committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riots began holding its first televised hearings into the attack.

Fed Hikes Interest Rates — Again

In response to surging inflation, the Federal Reserve has hiked its federal funds rate, with economists warning it risks a recession.

Ohio Governor Approves New Gun Legislation

In response to a wave of mass shootings, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) signed a law allowing for armed teachers.

Senators Work on Bipartisan Gun Bill

Following several recent mass shootings, a bipartisan group of senators has announced a tentative gun reform proposal.

Progressive Setback in San Fran

During California’s primaries on June 7, San Francisco voters recalled progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin.

Threats to Kavanaugh

Citing a leaked Supreme Court abortion decision, a man plotted to kill Justice Brett Kavanaugh, sparking an intense partisan blame game.

New York’s New Gun Laws

In response to a series of mass shootings, New York passed 10 gun control bills to combat gun violence in the state.

Biden’s Gun Speech

In the aftermath of the Uvalde shooting, President Biden delivered a national address urging Congress to enact stricter gun laws.

SCOTUS Blocks Texas ‘Deplatforming’ Law

The Supreme Court blocked a Texas law prohibiting large social media companies from censoring users based on their political views.

Trudeau Announces Bill to Ban Handguns Sales

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced a swath of gun reforms, including a ban on handgun sales, imports, and transfers.

Memorial Day — A History

While most Americans recognize Memorial Day, few remember its long history. Discover how the holiday came to be and how we celebrate.

Uvalde School Shooting: Perspectives

Several arguments have emerged following the tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Uvalde School Shooting

On May 24, a gunman entered an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 students and two teachers.

Biden Initiates Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

During his first trip to Asia as President, Biden unveiled the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.

Congress Responds to Baby Formula Crisis

While Congress has passed one bill to address the formula crisis, partisan gridlock has prevented them from passing more.

A Busy Primary Day

Five states held primaries for the upcoming midterm elections, with significant implications for both parties and the balance of power.

Baby Formula Shortage: Questions and Answers

An Abbott recall and factory closure have combined with pandemic-era supply chain issues to create a baby formula shortage.

Buffalo Shooting: History & Perspectives

Historical context and various perspectives emerging from the mass shooting in Buffalo, New York.

Buffalo Shooting

A racially motivated mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, reignited bitter debates around gun violence and race in America.

Senate Roe Vote Fails

Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) joined Senate Republicans to block an abortion bill introduced after the leaked SCOTUS draft opinion.

California Gun Ban Unconstitutional

A 9th Circuit Court panel overturned a California ban on selling semiautomatic weapons to adults under 21.

Biden Internet Announcement

President Biden and 20 internet service provides agreed on a plan to essentially offer low-income communities free internet access.

Roe Leak Fallout | Grab Bag Series 4

States are dealing with the fallout from the leaked SCOTUS draft showing the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Primary Season Begins

On Tuesday, May 3, Ohio and Indiana held their primaries for the upcoming midterm elections.

A Basketball Star Stuck in Russia

Russian authorities arrested WNBA star Brittney Griner at a Moscow airport, prompting controversy around her detention.

The House’s Unicorn: An Anti-Abortion Democrat

The leaked Supreme Court draft showing a seemingly immenent threat to Roe v. Wade has thrown a wrench into a contentious Democratic primary.

Supreme Court to Overturn Roe v. Wade

A leaked draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito indicates the Supreme Court is prepared to overturn its landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade.

Abortion in the U.S. History & Perspectives

This article covers the historical context and various perspectives of the modern abortion debate.

DHS Disinformation Board

In a congressional hearing, DHS Secretary Mayorkas announced the creation of the Disinformation Governance Board.

SCOTUS Tackles Prayer In Schools

A recent Supreme Court case about an assistant football coach praying after games could bring a sea change in school prayer litigation.

Trump Held in Contempt

A judge found former President Trump in contempt for allegedly refusing to comply with a subpoena in a New York civil investigation.

Disney v. DeSantis

Republicans revoked Disney’s special status that allowed the Walt Disney World to self-govern after it opposed a recent education law.

Netflix Stock Drop

In its first-quarter report, Netflix announced a 200,000 subscriber loss, sending shockwaves through the streaming industry.

Mask Mandate Lifted

A U.S. District Court judge has overruled the Biden administration’s federal mask mandate for public transportation.

Elon Musk’s Twitter Bid

Elon Musk made a $43 billion bid to buy Twitter and make it a private-owned company.

NYC Subway Violence

Authorities have arrested a suspect in the NYC subway shooting. The incident has sparked a debate over gun control and identity politics.

Biden’s Rule on Ghost Guns

The Department of Justice is finalizing a rule that would make it illegal to manufacture ghost guns without a serial number.

Student Loan Moratorium

Last Wednesday, President Biden announced an extension of the payment pause on federal student loans.

Oklahoma Abortion Ban

On April 5, the Republican-controlled Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a bill that makes performing an abortion a felony.

Justice Jackson Confirmed

On April 7, the Senate voted 53-47 to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

New Findings from the IPCC

On Monday, the International Panel on Climate Change released the final installment of its Sixth Assessment Report.

House Marijuana Bill

On Friday, the House passed the MORE Act, which would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level if it became law.

Biden Taps Strategic Petroleum Reserve

President Biden announced the release of one million barrels of oil daily for the next six months from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

January 6 Committee v. John Eastman

A federal judge ruled against Trump-allied lawyer John Eastman on Monday and drew a lot of attention with his findings.

Ukraine Update | March 9 to March 28

An update of some of the most significant events in the conflict in Ukraine from March 9-28.

U.S. Labels Myanmar Repression Genocide

On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken officially declared Myanmar’s repression of its Rohingya minority genocide.

Two Republican Vetoes

This past week, the Republican Governors of Indiana and Utah vetoed transgender sports bans from their respective state legislatures.

Potential Border Surge

The Biden administration is considering allowing the Trump-era Remain in Mexico policy to expire.

SCOTUS Confirmation Hearings

The Senate Judiciary Committee has begun its hearings for Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court.

Trans Swimmer Lia Thomas Wins National Championship

On Thursday, Lia Thomas became the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship.

Facebook’s Russian Rule Change

Internal Meta emails sparked controversy after the company secretly moved to loosen its hate speech policy surrounding the Russian invasion.

Permanent Daylight Saving Time?

The Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent in the United States.

Wednesday Grab Bag: Shooting Suspect, Covid in China, Bird Flu, and Elon Musk

A killer arrested, surging Covid-19 in China, bird flu outbreaks, and Elon Musk’s challenge

$1.5T spending bill clears the Senate

Last Thursday night, the Senate passed a $1.5 trillion omnibus funding bill in a 68-31 vote.

Taiwan Relations Act

After the U.S. severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan, Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act to maintain a robust unofficial relationship with the island.

Three Communiqués and Six Assurances

The Three Communiqués and Six Assurances have served as the primary basis for U.S. policy towards Taiwan for over 50 years.

Birth of Taiwan

The roots of the China-Taiwan dispute lie in the island’s lengthy history, from the Chinese Civil War to the modern day.

Early 20th Century Immigration Restrictions

In the early 20th century, a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States led Congress to impose several restrictive immigration laws.

Adpocalypse

When YouTube updates its terms of service from political backlash, what are the downstream effects?

Social Media Platforms

This history section will dive into the major social media platforms that have emerged throughout history and their significance to the political debate.

Political Impact of Inflation

Gas prices and Covid-19-based inflation have driven many political talking points. Rampant inflation in the economy has historically led to political upheaval.

Monetary Inflation

Inflation drove the decisions of the founders and U.S. policy moments throughout history. See how that history impacts modern discourse.

Pipeline Regulation

North America has an extensive interstate and transnational pipeline network that transports raw materials, such as natural gas and oil.

United States v. Lopez

Congress has often used the Commerce Clause of the Constitution to justify regulating the activities of states and their citizens.

Gideon v. Wainwright

If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you. Paramount to that case was Gideon v. Wainwright, establishing the right to counsel.

Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission

Distortion refers to powerful voices having more sway in public discourse than average citizens. However, one man’s “distortion” is another man's reality.

Roe v. Wade

In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment implicitly grants a right to an abortion.

McDonald v. Chicago

In one of the most significant Second Amendment cases in decades, the Supreme Court took up McDonald v. Chicago to determine if the Amendment applied to states.

Shaw v. Reno

In its landmark 1993 decision in Shaw v. Reno, the Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of racial gerrymandering.

2019 Government Shutdown

In December 2018, amid a stalemate about border wall funding, Congress failed to enact a new budget, leading to the longest government shutdown in history.

ATF Gun-Running Scandal

Between 2009 and 2011, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) ran a series of controversial sting operations over the southern border.

Enhanced Border Entry and Visa Entry Reform Act

In 2002, President Bush signed the Enhanced Border Entry and Visa Entry Reform Act, increasing the United States’ ability to enforce immigration laws.

Flores Settlement Agreement

President Clinton signed the Flores Settlement Agreement in 1997 to reform legal procedures surrounding immigrant minors.

Operation Wetback

Concerns around immigration and a lack of job opportunities prompted Operation Wetback, which saw up to one million Mexican immigrants deported.

Bracero Program

The Bracero Program matched seasonal agricultural workers from Mexico with approved American employers to fill labor shortages.

Trump-Clinton Presidential Election

The polls’ relative inaccuracy in predicting the winner of the 2016 presidential election has fueled significant skepticism regarding political polling.

FDR-Landon Presidential Election

The 1936 election between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Alf Landon presented the first instance of polling used to predict the election outcome.

Statistical Random Sampling

Statistical Random Sampling is a method pollsters often use to evaluate the public’s perception of an issue or candidate.

Vieth v. Jubelirer

In recent years, beginning with Vieth v. Jubelirer, the Supreme Court has ruled that it cannot address partisan gerrymandering.

Elbridge Gerry

The term “gerrymandering” emerged in 1812 after Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry approved a redistricting plan heavily favoring his party.

Ratification & the Founder’s Vision for the Second Amendment

The Founding Fathers ratified the Second Amendment in 1791, ensuring citizens could protect themselves against a potentially tyrannical government.

Dominion Voting

Following the 2020 elections, Dominion Voting, a company helping run elections in 28 states, was the target of some fraud allegations, prompting legal actions.

2020 Election Turnout

The 2020 presidential election saw one of the highest voter turnouts in modern American history, with roughly 2/3 of eligible voters casting a ballot.

National Voter Registration Act

In 1993, President Clinton signed the National Voter Registration Act, making voter registration more accessible and widespread.

Kennedy-Nixon Presidential Election

Since the presidential election of 1960, numerous allegations of widespread voter fraud in Illinois and Texas have emerged about the contest.

Sutherland Springs Church Shooting

In 2017, a gunman killed 26 people near a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, sparking a debate around guns and the efficacy of existing gun laws.

Sandy Hook Elementary School

In 2012, a gunman killed 26 people, including 20 children, at Sandy Hook Elementary School, further fueling the national debate around gun control.

Columbine High School

In 1999, two students killed 13 people and injured 20 others at Columbine High School. At that time, it was the deadliest school shooting in history.

Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act

In 1994, President Clinton signed the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act, also known as the Assault Weapons Ban.

District of Columbia v. Heller

In 2008, the Supreme Court significantly expanded its understanding of the Second Amendment in District of Columbia v. Heller.

National Rifle Association

The National Rifle Association (NRA) is one of the most well-known lobbying groups in politics, contributing millions each year to influence gun policy.

Kenosha Unrest

Following the shooting of Jacob Blake, Kenosha erupted into unrest, with daylight peaceful protests turning violent at night.

Shooting of Jacob Blake

In August 2020, a police officer shot Jacob Blake while responding to a reported domestic abuse incident, sparking unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

In 1993, President Clinton singed the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, the most significant federal gun law reform in decades.

Gun Control Act

Following several high-profile assassinations, Congress enacted the Gun Control Act of 1968. However, it later rolled back some of these restrictions in 1986.

Federal Firearms Act

The Federal Firearms Act (FFA) created a federal licensing system for the manufacture, import, and sale of firearms.

National Firearms Act

In response to rampant gun violence throughout the Prohibition era, Congress passed the National Firearms Act, imposing stricter gun regulations.

Foundations of ICE

In 2003, the Department of Homeland Security expanded to include Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a powerful federal agency.

Homeland Security Act

Following the 9/11 attacks, with a heightened focus on protecting Americans from terrorism, President Bush signed the Homeland Security Act in 2002.

Kate’s Law and No Sanctuary for Criminals Act

In June 2017, the Republican-controlled House passed two immigration laws with President Trump’s support: Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act.

Executive Order 13769

As one of his first acts in office, President Trump signed Executive Order 13769, barring entry and visas from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

In 1965, President Johnson signed the Immigration and Nationality Act, overhauling decades of restrictive immigration laws.

Richard Florida

Over the past several decades, the New Urbanism movement — dedicated to reducing urban sprawl — has grown in popularity.

Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Company

Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Company (1926) was a landmark Supreme Court case that greatly expanded localities’ powers regarding zoning.

Post-WWII Growth

After WWII, the United States entered a “Golden Age,” as the economy grew substantially and Americans experienced unprecedented prosperity.

Cap-and-Trade

Many lawmakers and climate activists have urged governments to enact cap-and-trade policies, limiting industries’ greenhouse gas emissions.

American Clean Energy and Securities Act

In 2009, the House passed an ambitious Obama-backed bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but the bill ultimately failed to gain traction in the Senate.

Origins of the Phrase “Green New Deal”

In a 2007 opinion piece calling on the United States to enact sweeping climate legislation, Thomas Friedman was the first to call for a “Green New Deal.”

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

In 2012, President Obama enacted DACA to prevent law enforcement from deporting undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States as minors.

Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA)

In 1986, President Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act, a bipartisan agreement to address illegal immigration.

The Naturalization Act

As one of its earliest acts, Congress enacted the Naturalization Act of 1790, determining who could receive U.S. citizenship.

Priority Enforcement Program

In 2014, President Obama enacted the Priority Enforcement Program to focus ICE’s efforts on undocumented immigrants that posed a threat to public safety.

Secure Communities Program (S-COMM)

The Secure Communities Program expanded Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s ability to detain suspected undocumented immigrants.

The Firearm Owners Protection Act

In 1986, President Reagan signed the Firearm Owners Protection Act, loosening federal gun regulations.

Patreon

Patreon, founded in 2013, allows content creators to establish and manage paid subscriptions. The platform has become controversial among some on the Right.

YouTube

YouTube, launched in 2005, has grown to become one of the largest social media platforms in the world.

Section 230

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act is the key provision governing the liability of online service providers in the United States.

2021 IPCC Report

In 2021, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a comprehensive report on climate change, calling it a “code red for humanity.”

Paris Climate Accords

The Paris Accords, sometimes called the Paris Agreement, is an international treaty on climate change.

Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency

This 2007 case laid the groundwork for future lawsuits forcing the EPA to enact stronger regulations.

Federal Clean Air Act

In 1970, President Nixon signed the Clean Air Act, significantly expanding the federal government’s role in combating air pollution.

Amtrak

Amtrak is a government subsidized passenger railroad service and one of the largest public transportation systems in the United States.

Natural Gas Policy Act (NGPA)

The Natural Gas Policy Act broadened federal oversight of natural gas production, attempting to ensure a stable market.

Agriculture Improvement Act

In 2018, President Trump signed the bipartisan Agriculture Improvement Act, generating praise and backlash from both sides of the aisle.

Farm Subsidies

Farm subsidies are payments and other forms of support extended by the U.S. federal government to certain farmers and agribusinesses.

Estate Tax

In the modern political debate, perhaps no tax provision has generated as much controversy as the estate tax.

Nuclear Option and 2017 Filibuster Change

In recent years, the Senate has carved out exceptions to its filibuster rule, including for presidential appointments requiring Senate confirmation.

Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee

Brnovich v. DNC is one of the Supreme Court’s most significant — and divisive — voting rights cases in recent years.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act. This legislation sought to protect millions of minority Americans from discrimination.

The Filibuster

In the modern political debate, the Senate filibuster rule has come under intense national scrutiny. But how did it gain so much prominence?

Baker v. Carr

Baker v. Carr is one of the most significant Supreme Court cases on redistricting, leading to a new era of legal challenges to legislative maps.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Students wore black armbands to demonstrate their support for the peaceful resolution in Vietnam. Can speech be curbed for the health of a school community?

Marbury v. Madison

It wasn’t until the landmark case, Marbury v. Madison, that the Supreme Court gained the authority to judge the constitutionality of laws.

Foundation of the Right to Vote

Check out a brief summary of early voting rights in the United States and the amendments to our founding documents.

Social Media Consolidation

Learn how social media platforms bought out one another and consolidated into our modern social media landscape.