The University of Akron Libraries have several research databases that specialize in coverage of "hot topics" and current events. These tools provide both introductory and comprehensive looks into a variety issues. They are especially useful as a tool to learn about different viewpoints surrounding your topic
A primary resource covering current social issues that helps students discover, analyze, and organize a broad variety of data for conducting research, writing assignments, debates, and presentations. By providing both pro and con perspectives on many topics, this is an excellent starting point for building an argumentative essay.
Concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects.
Provides cover-to-cover full-text access to many U.S. and international newspapers.
A simple Google search can yield an enormous number of results worthy of consideration for background information. Many will provide basic overviews of a topic or discuss popular opinion on a current issue. Look for these types of sources in your results list:
ProCon.org is nonprofit nonpartisan public charity, provides professionally-researched pro, con, and related information on more than 50 controversial issues from gun control and death penalty to illegal immigration and alternative energy.