Since taking office in February 2025, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made headlines — and stirred controversy. A new Pew Research Center survey shows that more Americans disapprove (43%) than approve (36%)of how he’s handling his role. Another 21% say they’re not sure, underscoring public uncertainty around his leadership.

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that should have come much sooner: slavery had been abolished. Two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, over 250,000 people were still enslaved in Texas — until that day.

Despite recent efforts to roll back federal environmental protections, most Americans continue to support stronger regulation, according to a major Pew Research Center study of over 36,000 adults across all 50 states. Nationally, 60%say stricter environmental laws are worth the cost, while 38% believe they harm the economy and cost jobs.

Food prices are a top concern for American families—especially women, working-class households, and communities of color—amid inflation, new tariffs, and deepening inequality.

May is AAPI Heritage Month — a time to honor and uplift the diverse communities that make up the Asian American and Pacific Islander population in the U.S.

Press Freedom Remains a Flashpoint as Partisan Lines Redraw

In an era of deep political polarization, Americans still rally around the idea of press freedom — but a new Pew Research Center survey shows partisan divides over media independence are widening fast.

A new survey by Pew Research Center reveals a striking concern among Americans: 42% of U.S. adults believe that increased deportations of immigrants living in the country illegally would lead to higher food prices in their area. This finding, drawn from a nationally representative survey conducted in late February and early March 2025, underscores the public's awareness of how deeply immigration policies intersect with economic realities.

A recent Pew Research Center survey highlights shifting public opinion on U.S. trade relationships with China, Canada, and Mexico amid new tariffs. Key takeaways include:

A new Pew Research Center survey finds that a majority of Americans continue to support federal funding for NPR and PBS—public media institutions known for news, educational content, and cultural programming.

The 119th Congress, which convened on January 3rd, marks significant strides for women of color in American politics. According to a recent Pew Research Center analysis, this Congress is witnessing several historic firsts.

A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that most Americans continue to support U.S. membership in the World Health Organization (WHO), though with notable partisan divisions. As of April 2024, 58% of Americans believe WHO membership benefits the country, with 25% seeing "a great deal" of benefit and 33% perceiving "a fair amount" of value.

A recent Pew Research Center survey highlights a growing partisan gap in how Americans perceive federal career employees. The study, conducted in early 2025, reveals that while 55% of Americans overall express confidence in federal civil servants, political affiliation significantly shapes these views.

A Record Number of Openly LGBTQ Lawmakers

The 119th U.S. Congress marks a historic moment for LGBTQ representation, with 13 openly LGBTQ lawmakers serving in office, according to a Pew Research Center analysis.

A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that a majority of Americans oppose expanding presidential powers, though views vary significantly by political affiliation. The study, conducted in early 2025, underscores the ongoing debate over executive authority and constitutional limits.

Nearly three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Americans remain divided on U.S. support for Ukraine, NATO membership, and European defense spending—largely along partisan lines. A new Pew Research Center survey, conducted in February 2025, highlights these divisions, showing shifts in public opinion on key aspects of U.S. foreign policy.

The U.S. Black population reached 48.3 million in 2023, a 33% increase since 2000, reflecting demographic, geographic, and social changes. This growing and diverse group offers valuable insights, particularly during Black History Month.

As conversations about gender identity continue to shape cultural and political landscapes, a recent Pew Research Center study sheds light on how U.S. teens and adults perceive and experience issues related to transgender and nonbinary identities. The findings reveal notable generational and partisan differences, offering insights into evolving social norms.

The 119th U.S. Congress stands as the most racially and ethnically diverse in history, with over a quarter (26%) of voting members identifying as non-White. This milestone continues an ongoing trend, with each successive Congress breaking previous records for diversity.

As the 119th U.S. Congress convenes, a significant generational shift is unfolding on Capitol Hill. While the median age of the House of Representatives has slightly decreased, the Senate's median age has remained relatively high. Notably, Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964) are no longer the dominant generation in the House, as Generation X (born 1965–1980) now leads the chamber. This demographic change is accompanied by an increase in Millennials (born 1981–1996) and a growing sense of diversity in both age and background among lawmakers.

As discussions around government reform and efficiency intensify, recent data from Pew Research offers valuable insights into the federal workforce—its size, scope, and the public's perception of it. Here are the key takeaways: