Nonpartisan American think tank on social issues, public opinion, and demographic trends
President Trump is pushing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act amid concerns over non-citizen voting and election security. Meanwhile, he has approved Operation Epic Fury, a war name reflecting his anger-driven style. Recent arrests highlight ongoing issues with non-citizen voter registration, especially in Pennsylvania.
Protests in Los Angeles reflect deep divisions within the Iranian-American community over the US and Israel's military strikes on Iran. Some support regime change, while others oppose the war, fearing regional chaos and suffering for Iranians. The diaspora's reactions reveal complex political and emotional ties to Iran's future.
Recent polls indicate President Trump’s approval ratings have fallen sharply due to his handling of the Iran conflict, high gas prices, and economic concerns. Voters disapprove of his foreign policy and economic management, with support dropping below 40%. The political landscape suggests mounting challenges for Trump and Republicans in 2026.
Following a U.S.-Iran ceasefire, global oil markets have stabilized, leading to a potential decline in fuel prices within days. However, high prices persist in California and other regions due to supply disruptions and refinery constraints. Experts warn prices will remain elevated for months despite the ceasefire.
Over 53 million taxpayers have claimed new deductions introduced by President Trump’s tax law, resulting in an average refund increase of 11.1%. Many workers report receiving thousands of dollars more, but confusion and delays have caused some to miss filing deadlines and increased scam risks. The IRS is also facing staffing challenges.
Recent surveys show that about a quarter of U.S. adults have used AI for health advice, often due to healthcare access issues. Meanwhile, AI adoption in workplaces is increasing, with some workers fearing job replacement, though many report productivity gains. Experts warn about potential skill decline from overreliance.
The SAVE America Act has become a central GOP priority as midterms approach. POLITICO polling shows core provisions have some support, notably voter-ID requirements, but overall enthusiasm for the sweeping elections bill remains limited and partisan divides are sharpening ahead of voting.
Meta is expanding teen content safety measures while facing multiple lawsuits over addictive design features. The company is appealing Vermont’s court ruling that lets a state AG’s suit proceed and is under scrutiny from California, New Mexico and others over concerns about teen mental health and body image linked to Instagram and related platforms.
As voters in the UK and US grow disillusioned with traditional leadership, both Prime Minister and President face internal and external pressures. The AI revolution is cited as a new fulcrum for politics, with potential consequences for governance and policy in coming months.
The Supreme Court is considering whether federal law requires ballots to be received by Election Day or merely mailed by it, affecting California’s seven-day postmark window and other state rules. Late counts are reshaping runoff prospects in Los Angeles and ongoing tally delays are prompting concern about timely results.
Pew and AP-NORC surveys show Americans are pessimistic about governance and the economy yet remain hopeful about the future. Younger adults express the strongest doubts about democracy, identity, and the American Dream, even as optimism about 2050 persists.
The expansion of AI data centers is meeting increasing resistance from communities, with regulators considering moratoriums and bans while tech giants defend efficiency gains and transparency. New disclosures show progress toward water-use goals, but concerns about environmental impact persist.
Rural voters have shown growing discontent as Reuters/Ipsos data reveals a drop inDonald Trump’s approval among rural Americans to 50%, with 48% disapproving. Analysts link the shift to higher fuel and living costs and ongoing global tensions, while independents without a college degree show sharp declines in support. The NBC poll echoes a broader sense of pessimism about the American Dream and public trust in national institutions.
Congress-created America250 faces a clash with President Trump’s Freedom 250 as competing plans for the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations unfold. States are withdrawing, performers are dropping out, and questions over taxpayer funding intensify as organizers race to define a nonpartisan national moment.
New research finds remote-capable jobs have grown since 2019 and 2024, with 84% of remote workers alone during work hours and a rise in distress and antidepressant use linked to isolation. The study calls for more face-to-face time while not discarding remote work entirely.
A Pew Research Center analysis shows that 52% of U.S. families with minor children now have two full-time working parents, a rise from 46% in 2015 and 31% in 1975. The shift is strongest among college-educated mothers, with implications for family finances and child well-being.