Current Issues (Hot Topics): Web Resources

Promoting critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship by presenting controversial issues in a straightforward, nonpartisan, primarily pro-con format.

A nonpartisan "fact tank" that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It does so by conducting public opinion polling and social science research; by analyzing news coverage; and by holding forums and briefings. It does not take positions on policy issues.

In Room for Debate, The [New York] Times invites knowledgeable outside contributors to discuss news events and other timely issues.

Provides citizens with nonpartisan critical facts, options, and public opinion related to challenges facing the US.

Information on a wide range of issues representative of the breadth of today's civil rights movement.

The World Factbook provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities. Our Reference tab includes: maps of the major world regions, as well as Flags of the World, a Physical Map of the World, a Political Map of the World, a World Oceans map, and a Standard Time Zones of the World map.